Charlie Yin, a.k.a. Giraffage, is a San Francisco-based producer, whose dreamy synth-pop productions have anointed him as one of electronic music’s most refreshing and innovative creators who is taking a sonic leap forward with his forthcoming record Too Real, which was released this October on Counter Records.
Yin grew up in San Jose, California, and always had a love of music. A self-described “music nerd since day one,” his initial interest grew into something larger after his parents bought him a drum set in eighth grade. “I was always the one passing music suggestions to my friends”, he says, “and the more time I spent working on music the more I knew that’s all I really wanted to do.” His wide range of musical knowledge acted as a launching pad for his own productions. From there he began posting songs online and started gaining traction among online music communities. He introduced Giraffage midway through his final year in college at UC Berkeley with his self-released, synth-pop debut mixtape Comfort. By the time he graduated in 2012, he was regularly playing shows across the globe.
Yin takes pride in his choice to defy the status quo and do what he loves: making music. He says, “It’s more socially acceptable to be weird and to be yourself these days now more than ever and I love that.” It wasn’t until his world tour supporting Porter Robinson—an experience he considers one of the most pivotal points in his career—that he was able to see the panorama of his rapidly growing fan base. He continued touring with big names like Phantogram, Flume, and XXYYXX. He dropped his No Reason EP with Fool’s Gold in 2014 which was his first release that featured all sample-free productions.
Images courtesy of Giraffage’s Instagram
For the last year and a half, Giraffage has continued to tour and play major international festivals while writing his most recent record Too Real.
Opening for Giraffage is Antonio Cuna, aka Sweater Beats, who has created a unique sound by blending contemporary R&B with dance music. Additionally, there will a performance by WINGTIP, who plays soulful and organic-leaning sound that incorporates pop, indie, electro, and disco.
Image courtesy of Shameless Promo
Giraffage is performing at the Showbox Theater on November 16th at 8:00 PM. Doors open at 7:00 pm. This event is ages 18+. You can find ticket information here.
Connect with Giraffage on his Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or on his Official Website.
BRIDGET BENEVIDES | be weird and be yourself | KXSU Music Reporter