V11 x Rotown presents: fish narc + Toner

From the underground rap scene to raucous indie rock: American musician and producer fish narc has had a truly unique musical career. As a member of GothBoiClique, he helped pioneer emo rap and collaborated with artists like Lil Peep and Lil Tracy. Now, Ben Funkhouser—as he’s actually known—has largely traded in hip-hop beats for guitar-driven music. On his latest album, Uncle, produced by Alex Farrar (MJ Lenderman, Wednesday, Hotline TNT), he draws inspiration from the alternative rock of the ’80s and ’90s. The result is a catchy mix of indie rock, power pop, and a touch of grunge, full of jangly guitars, strong melodies, and a nice raw edge.

Opening the evening is Toner, the lo-fi slacker rock band from Oakland led by drummer Samuelito Cruz, who also plays with Tony Molina, Happy Diving, and Never Young. With their wonderfully jangly mix of indie rock, shoegaze, and power pop, Toner harks back to the alternative guitar music of the ’90s. Think of the gritty guitars of Dinosaur Jr., the catchy melodies of Teenage Fanclub, and a healthy dose of DIY charm.

Name: fish narc

Tags: indie rock • power pop • slacker rock • alternative rock

Song recommendation: Much Less Me

For fans of: The Lemonheads • MJ Lenderman • Alex G • The Replacements • Tigers Jaw

Country: United States

Additional info: Started playing at age 12 on his mother’s old classical guitar • Used to play in the post-punk band Hausu • Big fan of anime, including Samurai Champloo and Neon Genesis Evangelion • Has a fondness for mushrooms, plants, and nature

Name: Toner

Tags: slacker rock • lo-fi • shoegaze • indie rock

Song tip: Dark Ecstasy

For fans of: Teenage Fanclub • Dinosaur Jr. • Guided By Voices • Superchunk

Country: United States

Additional info: Samuelito Cruz founded his own record label, Smoking Room, in 2016 • The label has also released music by Justus Proffit and Pardoner • Toner has been part of the Oakland underground scene since the early 2010s • The album White Buffalo Roam was largely recorded by Cruz and singer Ellie James