True/False Film Fest is thrilled to announce a historic musical event: the iconic band ESG will perform in Missouri for the first time since their formation in the South Bronx in 1978 in their final year as a band at the festival's Blue Note Dance Party. This landmark concert will be a highlight of the festival's musical programming.
ESG (Emerald, Sapphire, and Gold) is a legendary act whose minimalist, funk-driven sound laid the groundwork for post-punk, dance-punk, and hip-hop. Their influence is a thread woven through the fabric of alternative music for over four decades. Their performance at True/False is not just a concert, but a cultural moment, offering a rare opportunity to witness a piece of living music history.
Despite never achieving mainstream commercial success, ESG’s cultural impact is immeasurable. Their unique rhythm-first approach, characterized by sparse bass lines, hypnotic percussion, and deadpan vocals, created a new sonic blueprint. Tracks like the timeless anthem "UFO," "Moody," and "Erase You" became seminal records—famously sampled by icons such as The Beastie Boys, Big Daddy Kane, Tupac Shakur, and LL Cool J. Their sound provided the essential DNA for the birth of hip-hop in the Bronx and continues to inspire generations of artists across genres, from post-punk revivalists to electronic producers.
Their music embodies the same independent spirit of innovation and creative energy that defines our festival. They are true originals whose work has created ripples across music, film, and culture for 45 years. This is a can't-miss event for any fan of music history.
This exclusive performance is a testament to True/False's commitment to curating unique, magical experiences that turn a mid-sized college town into a cultural center of the world for a weekend. The festival, with its vibrant and immersive atmosphere, provides the perfect backdrop for ESG's long-awaited arrival in the Show-Me State.
with support from St. Louis-based artist Soumir and Chicago's DJ duo, Peace Lily.
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