Five bands to catch at San Francisco’s Noise Pop fest

The Noise Pop Music and Arts Festival celebrates concerts as they should be presented, instead of cramming them into a weekend and forcing attendees to spend more time rushing to the next stage than watching musical performances.

Unlike most festivals, this one spreads acts over the course of six days and showcases music at venues throughout the Bay Area. Happy hours, art shows and concerts are all scattered throughout small clubs like Rickshaw Stop and The Independent, as well as iconic venues like The Fillmore in San Francisco and Oakland's Fox Theater.

In keeping with tradition, the 27th annual festival features known names like Beirut, Petit Biscuit and Teenage Fanclub, while also including unique acts like Miserable, the shoegaze-pop project of King Woman's Kristina Esfandiari. And with more than 100 different acts on the bill, San Francisco and the East Bay turn into a musical stomping ground full of touring and local acts alike.

Focusing on mostly emerging artists, the festival has a long track record of booking acts before they play stadiums and tickets to see them become unaffordable. The White Stripes, Modest Mouse, The Flaming Lips, Death Cab for Cutie and The Shins are all among past performers.

Usually, Noise Pop badges are the best deal and can be used for unlimited concert entries during the festival. If you get them before they sell out, the early bird badges are the best bargain, but they're only offered before the festival releases the full line-up announcement and have since gone up $50 to $200.

But with Noise Pop's track record for booking artists, before they gain mainstream attraction, it's safe to say its still worth the price for those who plan to venue hop all six days.

Even though the majority of the concerts fall during the work week, most shows kick off around 7 p.m. and make it possible for the working class to attend a week-long festival without needing to request time off.

You don't need to buy a badge now at $200 to attend a Noise pop show. Single-night tickets are available and range from $12 and up too.

Below are five shows badge holders shouldn't miss, and won't break the bank for those considering picking up a single day ticket.

Caroline Rose

Using satire to deliver powerful messages with a little pop-rock twist, Caroline Rose draws listeners in with witty lyrics and creative visuals, like fitting a whole carton of cigarettes in her mouth on the “Loner” album cover.

Song to check out: “Bikini” addresses misogyny with a tongue-in-cheek attitude and has a cool self-directed music video to go along with the song, too.

Recommended if you like: Julien Baker, Jay Som, Japanese Breakfast

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Trebuchet

After three amazing records, a collaboration with the Santa Rosa Young People's Chamber Orchestra and a new Christmas album, the North Bay's own Trebuchet has no shortage of great songs to play.

Song to check out: “Fast Asleep,” off the band's debut record, is a classic.

Recommended if you like: The Head and the Heart, Iron & Wine, Fleet Foxes

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Princess Nokia

Crafting bold outspoken hip-hop songs, this self-proclaimed “tomboy,” constantly redefines femininity, gender roles and stereotypes.

Song to check out: Whoever doubted if Princess Nokia could pull off an emo album should listen to “For the Night.” Two words: She can.

Recommended if you like: Leikeli47, Mykki Blanco, CupcakKe

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The Marías

If jazz, funk and psychedelic rock had a Puerto Rican lovechild, the infant's first words would probably sound like The Marías.

Song to check out: “I Don't Know You” is a bass-driven good time you need to know. Listen to it.

Recommended if you like: Yellow Days, No Vacation, SALES

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Spiritual Cramp

Proving tambourines still pack a punch, Spiritual Cramp is a Bay Area punk-rock powerhouse of local talent with a little '80s twist.

Song to check out: No one asks for an “Upset Stomach,” unless you listen to this song because it leaves you chanting the words like you're asking for one.

Recommended if you like: Creative Adult, Oh Sees, Talking Heads

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Make sure to check out the Noise Pop website for a full list of show times and performances.