Hailing from San Francisco, and not only the first live mashup band EVER, but also the long-standing house band for Bootie SF, flagship party for the Bootie community, Smash-Up Derby is a unique take on the concept of a “cover band”. Like their fellow mashup artists and DJs, they take their multitude of influences, spanning many genres, and specialize in performing mashups – LIVE!

Originally founded by singer-turned-DJ Adrian (of A Plus D, and former lead singer of local SF band Blue Period) in 2003 initially as a one-off that turned into a non-stop mashup-making monster, naturally this band is deeply involved in the mashup scene. Creating live arrangements from their favorite  mashup tracks from DJs all over the world, or inventing new mashups of their own, and delivering them to their crowd with as much enthusiasm and skillful execution as they possibly can.

L-R; Graham, Angela, Adrian, Mimi, Matty C, Gavin

THAT is what Smash-Up Derby lives for. Journey vs Smashing Pumpkins. Lorde vs Beck. Run DMC vs Metallica. Rihanna vs Guns ‘n Roses. Prince vs Ozzy Ozbourne. Bel Biv Devo vs Alice in Chains. Nine Inch Nails vs Joan Jett. That is but a small sample.

Since their creation, Smash-Up Derby has cultivated an entire repertoire of these glorious bastard pop songs, available for parousal here. Some of their earlier creations (or “SUD classics” as they like to call them) were studio recorded and are available for free download! They are constantly updating their song list, and always have an ear out for their next potential musical mashup victims.

However, mashing up the music is only part of what makes Smash-Up Derby unique. Their stage performance makes them one of San Francisco’s more dynamic bands. Their singers bring a polished and fun sense of glam while the band holds down the raw energy of a kickass rock band. The crowd has a great opportunity to really get into it and sing along with their favorite songs, seen in a different light! It’s a culture clash that’s exciting to watch, and even more exciting to listen to.

Performing live at Bootie SF (DNA Lounge). Photo courtesy of ShutterSlut – Eric Stein Photography

 

Smash-Up Derby performs bi-monthly at Bootie SF held at the DNA Lounge as their resident mashup band. Their set is always at 11pm sharp, directly before the Midnight Mashup Show.

 

They make biannual visits to their sister party, Bootie LA held at The Echoplex in Los Angeles, and are available for and have been invited to perform for countless private events throughout the US.

 

Voted San Francisco’s “Best Cover Band” 2007, 2009. Voted San Francisco’s “Best Band” 2012. – SF Weekly, SF Bay Guardian.

Bootie 11th Anniversary Show, San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Shutterslut – Eric Stein Photography

                            List of current and previous band members, and their regular musical guests can be found HERE.