GHOSTLY 20
2019 marks the 20th anniversary of Ghostly International’s conception. And, in proper fashion, the record label has been touring the United States in celebration of this milestone and putting together mini-festivals known as Ghostly 20.
Luckily for us, Ghostly 20 made a San Francisco stop at The Midway. When this was announced months ago, we knew we’d be there. The gods only know what we would have done if we had missed this show
Ghostly’s roster is a force to be reckoned with, so no matter what city you were able to catch Ghostly 20, it was destined to be a monumental experience. For the SF stop, they brought some of our favorite artists of all time: Shigeto, Lusine, Telefon Tel Aviv, and Gold Panda (a very rare performance) among others.
Shigeto
Shigeto at The Midway, September 28, 2019
Having just released his latest EP, Versions (a different yet pleasing foray into straight-up jazz; listen below!), Detroit-based Shigeto arrived at The Midway and performed a live set that is truly one of those “holy shit” demonstrations of instrumental mastery. Pounding away on the drums and buttons, the combination of hypnotic melodies, ambient tones, and a beats simultaneously keep your body moving and your mind wandering.
Listen to Versions here!
Lusine
Lusine at The Midway, September 28, 2019
Seattle-based Lusine was such a joy to see. His recent EP, Retrace, has been on repeat pretty consistently for the past few months. It’s a taste of who Lusine is. It’s got his signature drums, synth tones, and experiments with vocal samples that make for a perfect follow-up to his 2017 LP, Sensorimotor. Performing with a live drummer, Lusine’s Ghostly 20 performance was hard-hitting experience that made you sweat and move. If you haven’t heard Lusine before, now is your time!
Check out Lusine’s Retrace EP here!
Gold Panda
Gold Panda is an urban myth. A London-based recluse of an artist whose introverted nature and musical acumen come together to produce music that is so god-damned full of emotion and intent. It’s the kind of music that, when you listen to it, you marvel at the thought that these melodies, beats, and feelings were conceived by a human being. He’s a genius. It’s music that can make you cry. His latest single, Transactional Relationship released just before we saw him at Ghostly 20, and my lord… we have never been more ready for more Gold Panda music. Despite the technical difficulties on stage at The Midway, Derwin Dicker performed a fucking amazing live set that beckoned you to move your body and tugged at your heart strings at the same time. His music is a dream you from which you never want to wake up.
