Article Contributed by Jamie Huenefeld
Published on 2026-03-02
Sound Tribe Sector 9 returned to Irving Plaza for the first time in twenty one years on February 21, 2026, having last played at this New York City venue on February 19, 2005. This was also their first show in Manhattan since 2018. Their performance did not disappoint as they delved into a number of new tunes from their recent release Human Dream, as well as many vintage favorites. Thought Process provided opening support.
Opening the night was Thought Process, a Denver-based electronic artist known for creating an immersive blend of downtempo beats, glitchy textures, and atmospheric sound design. The set provided a patient and cerebral lead-in to the evening. Drawing from styles that bridged ambient electronica and hip-hop–influenced production, this DJ created a steady sonic build that gradually pulled the early crowd into the groove. He even sampled “Woke Up This Morning” by Alabama 3, which is better known as the Sopranos’ theme song. The textured approach and careful pacing made for an effective opening statement, setting the stage for STS9’s rhythm-driven exploration that was yet to come.
STS9 began their show with “Menacer,” from their new album, Human Dream. This melodic dance tune was the perfect start to their set. Keyboardist David Phipps elevated this tune with ominous synth tracks in conjunction with a video-game feel. A smooth transition followed into “When the Dust Settles Reprise,” from their 2011 release When the Dust Settles. Guitarist Hunter Brown delivered soaring chords during this organic EDM tune that heated up this venue located near Union Square and NYU.
“Worry No More,” from The Universe Inside, followed as bassist Alana Rocklin drove this tune with her supersonic bass thumps. The band leaned into Ableton Live heavily with the unique vocals that were laid on top of this dance-friendly tune. Phipps kept the song grounded by pivoting to the piano effect on a synth. “Portal to the Starry Path,” from Human Dream, brought a mellow funk that warmed up to a simmer with drummer Zach Velmer’s dynamic drumming. A well-executed segue transported the music into the newer tune and perfect companion for “Starry Path”, “G-Funk.” The simmer increased to a boil as the band deepened their intricate layers, which emphasized laid-back hip-hop rhythms and synth bass.
A short but sweet “Presence of Light” continued the strong Human Dream trend. This delicate song’s major chords brought an upbeat vibe and ended with vigor. The intensity ratcheted up for “Evasive Maneuvers,” from their first album Interplanetary Escape Vehicle. Percussionist Jeffree Lerner added great textures as Rocklin was dialed into the raging bassline. Phipps was at his best on the synth, as Velmer skillfully pushed the tension and release on the drums. The band mindfully flowed into another vintage tune that is also their most played song according to soundtribe.us, “Kamuy.” Brown crushed the well-known melody, as the fans danced into a delightful bliss during this eleven-minute version.
This Santa Cruz, CA-based quintet really started to gel as they moved into a dark “20-12.” The EDM feels were strong as the band created a tapestry of sound via Ableton Live, along with their instruments. Brown continued to slay the guitar, and merged nicely with the synths. The music softened slightly at one point and switched to a jungle beat that highlighted Lerner’s conga skills. The set ended on this heater, with Velmer making his usual address to the crowd.
The band returned to the stage for the second set fired up, and launched into the aggressively high-energy, self-titled track “STS9.” This mix of prog rock and deep house brought plenty of peaks and valleys, fueled by a groove-driven synchrony between the musicians. The music descended into “Strange Games,” another Human Dream gem, which brought more hip hop and funk fusion. Phipps excelled on his Sequential Prophet-6 which paired well with Velmer’s righteous drumming.
“ABCees” delved into breakbeat-style rhythms and hip-hop phrasing, led by Rocklin’s filthy bass line. This tune clocked in as the longest of the night at fourteen minutes and twenty-five seconds. “Like I Do” followed bringing warm synth pulses with groove-driven textures where Phipps continued to shine. A fiery transition ensued into the hip-hop and deep-house fusion old-school tune “Arigato.” Velmer took the band to new heights, as Rocklin laid down dirty bass chords. The tune built into a raging dance party that triggered a deep emotional release.
“Somesing Level Up Remix” flowed next. This Artifact tune was remixed to accentuate hip-hop and electronica with Ableton Live in full swing. They blended breakbeat rhythms with layered textures emphasizing a forward-driving, club-influenced groove. The beats remained strong during “Shaky Ground” as Phipps was a force to be reckoned with. This tune highlighted the band’s rhythmic precision and ensemble cohesion. A sick solo by Velmer led into the set ending “MOD”, one of their heavier, groove-based pieces, which was driven by a thick bassline and assertive electronic beats. The refrain also had a bit of a Star Wars meets dance-oriented feel.
The band returned to the stage for an encore, and shared a few words of excitement about playing in New York City. The encore kicked off with “Surreality,” which included strong drum beats coupled with the classic STS9 vibe. Brown held strong as Phipps complemented him with piano effects, before switching to a soaring synth. The segue into “EB” contained a steady rhythmic drive with an uplifting tone that really exemplified Velmer’s incredible talent and ended the show on a vivacious note.
STS9 finished their memorable winter tour and will return for two quick East coast shows in April, starting with the Gather Outdoors Festival in Stratton, VT on April 11. On April 12, they are back in Philadelphia, PA to perform a make-up show for the recent Philly show that was cancelled because of the Northeast blizzard. At the end of April, they will return to Jazz Fest in New Orleans, LA for a two night stand on April 23-24. They will then play two shows in Austin, TX, at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on April 25 and 3TEN on April 26. On May 8-9, they will grace The Refinery in Charleston, SC for two back-to-back performances. They are also scheduled to make festival appearances at the Golden Road Gathering, Summer Camp, and the 4848 Festival. They haven’t announced their summer dates yet, so please stay tuned to their tour page for future show announcements.
Check out more photos from the show!
Date: February, 21, 2026
Venue: Irving Plaza
Location: New York, NY
Band: Sound Tribe Sector 9
Set One: Menacer > When the Dust Settles Reprise, Worry No More, Portal to the Starry Path > G-Funk, Presence of Light, Evasive Maneuvers > Kamuy, 20-12
Set Two: STS9, Strange Games, ABCees, Like I Do > Arigato, Somesing Level Up Remix, Shaky Ground, MOD
Encore: Surreality > Eb
