A special invitation
Sheena Dham texted me on Thursday to attend her album release party for Familiarity Heuristic. I replied, “Can I bring my camera?”
The venue
Nestled between houses on a side street is Spire the Church—a house of worship converted into a music hall. I found parking in a tight spot on the same block. The East Bay was cooling off on an early Friday evening in June. In front of the venue, a congregation of hipsters were talking, drinking, and smoking before the show started. Walking up the stairs, I saw a desk with a sign that said "$12 cover." With no cash on me, I told the door lady I was Sheena’s photographer, and she waived me in. The floor had clusters of black bean bags with groups of people reclined and chatting. Near stage left, I found the few people I knew—shipwreck detective, r beny, and his partner.
The opening acts
The show opened with Rita Sahai, a classical Indian vocalist on harmonium, setting the mood. From the balcony, Fetz controlled video projections, bringing color and ambiance to each set that evening. Between sets, I went upstairs to say hi to him. Then r beny took to the stage, his synths already set up. He performed his signature ambient melodies while playing a mandolin through loopers and delays.
A shipwreck detective
Up next was shipwreck detective with his pedal board, Gibson guitar, and synthesizers. His harmonies filled the room as he swayed with the chords. As the audience applauded, he yelled, “Give it up for Fetz!” and we all clapped and cheered more.
Sheena Dham’s performance
Our headliner, Sheena Dham, took the stage as the crowd grew louder with anticipation. She strummed chords on a neon yellow electric guitar and belted out “I Can’t.” Her voice filled each spectator with soulful ballads of heartbreak yet lovingly. At the end of her set, the crowd screamed, “Encore!” Sheena thanked everyone for their support. As people moved about, I caught Sheena for a minute to congratulate her on a wonderful performance.
Familiarity Heuristic
Recently a resident at Women's Audio Mission, Sheena Dham released her second EP, Familiarity Heuristic.
Listen and buy the digital album, Familiarity Heuristic on Bancamp.
Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 31, 2023
