Social Studies craft intricate songs that combine angular indie rock and classic twee-pop. What distinguishes the San Francisco-based group is their eclectic, complex song writing: unusual structures and mathy beats are tempered by soft edges and danceable casio hooks. Moody, defiant and hopeful, the lyrics celebrate duality through themes of discontent, violence, innocence, renewal, nostalgia, regret and joy. All these elements take shape in unpredictable, catchy songs that burrow into your consciousness and demand repeat listening and a critical reading between the lines. Combine this imaginative songwriting with a consistently high energy live show, and it is no surprise that Social Studies has generated a loyal fanbase and strong buzz in the SF Bay Area and beyond.
At the core of Social Studies are Natalia Rogovin on keyboards and vocals, and Michael Jirkovsky on drums. Natalia spent her youth on a commune in rural Oregon and trained to be a classical pianist, while Michael grew up in Chicago and cut his teeth on the Chicago punk scene. The two met in college in Santa Cruz and assembled Social Studies upon graduating and moving to the SF Bay Area a couple of years later.
Social Studies has built their local following while serving as an incubator for talented San Francisco musicians; members of bands like Maus Haus, Tempo No Tempo, and the Lovely Public have passed through their ranks. In mid-2009, the band recruited Jesse Hudson (formerly of Dealership and the product of a musical family whose father played with the likes of Joan Baez and Jorma Kaukonen) on bass. He was quickly followed by a former bandmate of Michael’s, Tom Smith, (of noted Chicago bands Office and Mazes) on guitar, finalizing their permanent lineup.
