No Menu: A Collective Born from Music, Creativity, and Community
No Menu was born from the shared passion of a group of friends who wanted to create something bigger than themselves—a place where music, creativity, and friendship could thrive together. It wasn’t just about a love for music; it was about building a community, a safe space where people could express themselves and fully immerse in art. San Francisco, with its bizarre yet beautiful aesthetic, is home to countless creative and brilliant people, and No Menu seeks to give back to this unique city by bringing those people together through music and dancing.
After spending many days and nights exploring San Francisco’s vibrant art and music scene, No Menu’s founders began to develop their own craft as creatives. One night, the group’s DJ, Xilenyia, proposed what seemed like a crazy idea at the time—putting on their own events. But the idea wasn’t crazy at all. It perfectly encapsulated their shared enthusiasm for music and their desire to create a space that represents San Francisco’s musical heartbeat. With their friendship and love for the local music scene, No Menu was inspired to provide the city with new opportunities to experience music and community in a fresh way.
What is No Menu’s Sound?
No Menu's sound reflects the collective's name. "When you think of the literal meaning of 'No Menu,' it implies that there is nothing on the menu," they explain. "We apply that same philosophy to our sound—there’s no one genre or specific type of music we play. We’re lovers of all kinds of music, and our goal is to create an environment where guests can experience the many sounds we love."
The collective’s open-mindedness is what makes them stand out. They don't limit themselves to a specific sound or genre. Instead, they invite their audience into a safe space where they can experience the full spectrum of music in all its forms. No Menu’s events reflect their diverse taste, blending genres and energies to create something unexpected, vibrant, and meaningful.
The Collective Behind No Menu
No Menu’s core team is small but mighty, comprising 7 key members: Xilenyia, JAO, DSon, J'mari, Bailey, Amy, and Joy. Each member brings something unique to the table. DJs Xilenyia, JAO, and DSon set the tone at their events with a mix of beats and sounds that electrify the room. J'mari is a master behind the camera ensuring we are capturing every special moment of the night. Meanwhile, Amy, Bailey and Joy keep things running smoothly on the administrative side. Together, they form a tight-knit collective where collaboration and community reign. "We all put our heads together to plan, strategize, and execute what we envision. We like to say that we share one brain cell," they joke.
The Philosophy Behind the Name
No Menu isn’t just a name; it’s a concept that reflects the collective’s approach to music and creativity. "It’s about being open yet substantial and competent. We aim to be sound, but not formulaic," they explain. As an open-format collective, they are all about delivering unique experiences without being boxed into a specific style or format.
This fluid and adaptable approach gives No Menu the flexibility to collaborate across different art forms and genres, allowing them to share an endless variety of music and life experiences with their audience. By embracing the concept of “no menu,” the collective invites guests to come with an open mind, ready to experience something new every time they attend an event.
The Future of No Menu
Looking ahead, No Menu has big dreams for the future. They hope to contribute to the revival of San Francisco’s nightlife and underground music scene, building on their already growing network of subscribers, collaborators, and affiliates. Though they are a young collective, having just celebrated their first year, they are determined to stay consistent, throw large-scale events, and remain intentional in everything they do.
The future is exciting for No Menu, but their focus will always remain on the community. "We hope to bring the community together to discover and celebrate the endless pool of talent within the city," they say. With their passion for music and their love for San Francisco, No Menu is poised to make a lasting impact on the city’s music scene, creating spaces where creativity, connection, and celebration take center stage.