Category: Features
10 Artists Not to Miss At Imagine
In its second year of calling the Atlanta Motor Speedway home, Imagine returns for the fourth edition of the immersive aquatic fairytale. Imagine creates an all-encompassing, 360-degree sensory experience that blends music, circus troupes, performers, dancers, art, workshops, classes and more.
As the region’s largest independent EDM camping festival, Imagine attracts some of today’s biggest talent and host fans from across the country. Featuring over six stages, each with its own distinct musical focus and vibe, there will be no shortage of variety with headliners such as Tiesto, deadmau5, Above & Beyond, Datsik, Flux Pavilion, Pretty Lights, and more.
We’re taking a look at some of Imagine’s artists we can’t wait to see take the stage.
ABOVE & BEYOND – Sunday performance
During this summer at Electric Forest Weekend 1 we had our first taste of Above & Beyond, and it was legendary to say the least. Before heading to Imagine, Above & Beyond has realized their highly anticipated new single “Tightrope” and the guys will be taking over The Gorge September 16-17 for their first ever Group Therapy weekend. Be sure to stick around Sunday at Imagine for a euphoric, pulsating, and absolutely mesmerizing set from this duo.
ANDY BRUH – Friday performance
Georgia’s own Andy Bruh captures the soul of Atlanta while pushing into unknown sonic territory with full control. Bass without boundaries. Dub, glitch-hop, DnB, and hip-hop breaks are just a few of the sounds you’ll hear at his set Friday.
BUKU – Friday performance
It seems that Buku has shotgunned into the scene by quickly gaining support and full rotation by Diplo and being championed by a variety of curators, including Bassnectar, Pete Tong & Zane Lowe. After his initial success with the fan favorite “Front to Back,” Buku received the honor of Bassnectar remixing the track. Last month the Pittsburg native released his latest “Align” with its grinding bassline and complimentary synth-heavy vocals, the new track embodies Buku’s signature style – high-energy, dancefloor-smashing tracks with a unique flair.
THE FLOOZIES – Saturday performance
The Floozies are producer/guitarist Matt Hill and drummer Mark Hill. These two brothers are bringing their fresh approach to electronic music and their live performance. Their lasers also pretty damn dope too. The Floozies kick off their Funk Jesus tour later this month and will be joined by The Funk Hunters later on the tour.
THE FUNK HUNTERS – Friday performance
Borrowing inspiration from classic funk and hip hop, The Funk Hunters are putting the soul back into electronic dance music.The Funk Hunters’ reverence for the roots of dance has also lead them into unique live collaborations, sometimes drawing on a cast of supporting musicians to add dimension to their signature sound. Most recently they toured North America with iconic rapper Chali 2na of Jurassic 5.
ILLENIUM – Sunday performance
The Denver-based producer known as Illenium has been turning heads in the dance music community over the past year and for good reason. Illenium has distinguished himself from the myriad of others through an unrivaled ability to create an immersive emotional experience of highs and lows that pulls on the heart strings and leaves the listener awestruck, accomplishing in the span of just a few short minutes what takes many a full set.
LIQUID STRANGER – Saturday performance
In an ever-evolving universe, the art of maintaining complete and total fluidity is the most
necessary key for survival. Renowned for his metamorphic capabilities and expertly crafted
sonic adventures, music alchemist Liquid Stranger has mastered his ability to slip in and out of genres all while honing his own personal style. Last month Liquid Stranger released “Don’t Stop”/”Won’t Stop” with Space Jesus and is getting ready to hit the road later this month for the The Hypercolor Tour with Manic Focus.
OTT – Saturday performance
Ott is a legend in his own right. The British record producer began his career an the end of the 1980s and since he has worked with the like of Sinéad O’Connor, Embrace, The Orb, and Brian Eno. He is best known for his own sonic experiments and ingenious collaborative projects – “Umberloid” with friend and multi-instrumentalist Chris Barker, and “Gargoyles” with Simon Posford [Hallucinogen, Shpongle].
Rob Garza – Sunday performance
Founding member of international music group Thievery Corporation, Rob Garza’s career includes decades-worth of accolades as a pioneer of a flourishing electronic music movement.His infusion of electronic music with the international flavors of dub, trip hop, reggae, and bossa nova gave birth to a new era of sound that has attracted a cult following across the decades.
STS9 – Sunday performance
To reach a 20th anniversary is a major accomplishment for any band–and this year, STS9 officially hits that milestone. To mark the occasion, the acclaimed and adventurous electronic rock band has announced their celebrations will kick off will celebrate with a three-night run at Red Rocks this coming weekend.
LOCKN’ Gets It All Right
After a few years of logistical hiccups and growing pains, LOCKN’ number five seems to have gotten it right. This was the LOCKN’ we have been waiting for.
Last Thursday the festival kicked off four days of music at the newly named Infinity Downs Farms located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Arrington, Virginia. In comparison to past years, entry into the grounds was organized and direction to camping was prompt and easy. The entire landscape of the venue (entry, camping, stages, vendors, etc.) had been modified making the festival feel more intimate and easier to navigate.
This year both the single main stage and the Relix Stage/Blue Ridge Bowl (formerly the Shakedown Stage) were both housed within the actual festival. The main stage featured a rotating stage that allowed for, mostly, continuous music throughout the entire day. This stage was also positioned closer to the bowl amphitheatre allowing for a quick walk to and from afternoon and late night sets.
LOCKN’s lineups have always been built upon a sense of nostalgia. Last weekend was no exception as attendees were gifted with a once-in-a-lifetime headlining set from Phil Lesh with Special Guests Bob Weir, Nicki Bluhm & The Terrapin Family Band performing The Grateful Dead’s classic 1977 album, Terrapin Station, in its entirety. Additionally, Ann Wilson of Heart joined Gov’t Mule on stage to cover everything from Led Zeppelin to Janis Joplin (Garnet Mimms original) to Memphis Slim. The shining moment was the synergetic take on “Magic Man,” from Heart’s debut Dreamboat Annie (1976). Other magical music moments came from The Avett Brothers, in their long awaited LOCKN’ debut, with Bob Weir, Moonalice joined by Jorma Kaukonen, and Lesh sitting in with moe.
Prior to LOCKN’ it was unfortunately announced that moe. bassist Rob Derhak had been diagnosed with cancer and would not be joining his bandmates in Virginia. With Lesh stepping in, Phil.moe. was born. The Sunday set was a mixture of both moe., Grateful Dead hits, and one incredibly memorable cover of The Band’s “Ophelia.” Additional guests appearances were made from Bob Weir, members from The Revivalists, and Nicki Bluhm. This set also marked the last show moe. would play before taking a hiatus.
LOCKN’ was graced with the stand out and highly anticipated performance from singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, who had to cancel her appearance last year due to illness. As the sun was setting, attendees listened as Carlile made a heartfelt dedication to all of the mothers in the crowd, followed by an emotional performance of “The Mother.” Her set was also speckled with covers of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California,” and John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” which she invited My Morning Jacket’s Jim James to join her on stage.
Additional notable sets from the weekend came from Widespread Panic with a very fitting rendition of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth”, the always rockin’ John Butler Trio, and fan favorites The Revivalists.
Musically and logistically speaking LOCKN’ got it absolutely right this year. But beyond just the festival happenings, LOCKN’ also got something else right. While the world around us turns in turmoil and unrest, the LOCKN’ community came together to form a family built on acceptance, kindness, smiles, and pure love – proving that both Virginia and LOCKN’ are not just for lovers, but they are for everyone.
LOCKN 2017 Playlist
LOCKN’s fifth anniversary kicks off this weekend and features one of the most exciting line-ups in the festival’s history. Highlights include a once-in-a-lifetime headline set from Phil Lesh with Special Guest Bob Weir & The Terrapin Family Band performing The Grateful Dead’s classic 1977 album, Terrapin Station, in its entirety. What’s more, a series of unparalleled collaborations are also slated, with The Avett Brothers – in their long awaited LOCKN’ debut – joined by Special Guest Bob Weir, Gov’t Mule joined by Special Guest Ann Wilson of Heart, Moonalice joined by Special Guest Jorma Kaukonen, and Phil Lesh & Bob Weir joined by Nicki Bluhm for their Terrapin Station headline set. These unique pairings join an already stacked lineup.
While you keep truckin’ on to LOCKN, turn up our playlist and let the tunes from this year’s artists be the soundtrack for your travels.
Top 10 Artists Not to Miss at LOCKN 2017
In its 5th year, LOCKN’ Festival will take place this weekend (August 24-27) at the newly named Infinity Downs Farms at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Arrington, Virginia. The festival will begin Thursday afternoon with the annual Welcoming Ceremony, followed by 4 days of legendary performances from some of the most recognizable names in jam and rock. Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Widespread Panic, The Avett Brothers, The String Cheese Incident, Jim James, moe., Umphrey’s McGee, and The Revivalists will all be taking LOCKN’s single rotating stage this year, just to name a few.
From top to bottom this year’s lineup is stacked with incredible talent. We’re taking a look at 10 artists you should absolutely be adding to your personal LOCKN’ schedules.
THE RECORD COMPANY, Sunday Performance
Love it big, and lay it out there. That’s The Record Company’s motto. From their Grammy Nominated music to their captivating live shows, it’s easy to hear and see that this power trio (Chris Vos, Alex Stiff, & Marc Cazorla) love what they do…big. The Record Company is one hard hitting Americana band you do not want to miss.
MARGO PRICE, Sunday Performance
You may recognize Margo Price from that time you raised up your whiskey bottle up and sang along to her hit “Hurtin’ (On the Bottle)” from her first solo album, Midwest Farmer’s Daughter in 2016. This year she caps an incredible summer of touring with the release of Weakness, a surprise new four-song EP (Third Man Records).
PHIL LESH, BOB WEIR & THE TERRAPIN FAMILY BAND, Saturday Performance
Performing 40th Anniversary of Terrapin Station
Performing 40th Anniversary of Terrapin Station
Phil Lesh with special guest Bob Weir & The Terrapin Family Band will perform the 1977 classic Terrapin Station in its entirety. This will be the first time Lesh and Weir have played together since 2015’s Fare Thee Well concerts, other than a surprise set at Terrapin Crossroads in May 2016.
JIM JAMES, Saturday Performance
Jim James is a mesmerizing showman. With every word he sings and every move he makes across the stage he captivates and draws the audience into his world. He is fresh off of a summer tour with My Morning Jacket.
THE REVIVALISTS, Sunday Performance
It seems that The Revivalists have exploded in popularity ever since the release of their single “Wish I Knew You,” originally from their 2015 release Men Amongst Mountain. It was this album that had ultimately turned both fans and critics into believers as Men Amongst Mountains debuted at #2 on the Billboard Alternative Albums Chart and Top 10 on the iTunes Alternative Albums Chart. While the band we will see Sunday at LOCKN is (slightly) different today than the New Orleans roots-driven rock seven-piece we were first introduced to in 2007, at their core The Revivalists are still just as passionate and will awaken feelings you didn’t even know you had.
THE SUFFERS, Saturday Performance
A fresh approach to what they have coined ‘Gulf Coast Soul,’ the 8-piece Houston ensemble take their sound on soaring new heights. The Suffers are set to tour alongside Turkuaz this fall in the US, kicking off in November.
PIGEONS PLAYING PING PONG, Saturday Performance
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong brings end-of-the-world enthusiasm to their high-energy psychedelic funk. Their infectious electro-funk grooves, undeniable live energy and contagious smiles have their rabid fanbase “the Flock” growing exponentially. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will be hitting the road this fall in support of their upcoming studio album Pizazz.
ROCKN’ TO LOCKN’
Now in its fourth year, Rockn’ To LOCKN’ gives local Virginia bands an opportunity to compete for coveted performance slots at the LOCKN’ Festival held August 24-27 in Arrington, Virginia. Check out this year’s three finalists:
Kendall Street Company, Thursday Performance
Kendall Street Company’s music is influenced by a variety of musicians and styles, the group has been described as “psychedelic,” “alternative,” “jammy,” “rock,” “indie,” and “ska.” It is not uncommon for guest performers to join the group on stage for extended jams.
Sun-dried Opossum, Friday Performance
SDO has been a staple on the local and regional scene since the 90s. Originally formed in 1992, the current line-up has been together since 1997. Since the beginning SDO has performed their brand of original guitar driven rock-n-roll. With three studio records and over 1000 live shows under their belt, SDO is a seasoned music machine. SDO is live, SDO is rock. Alex Arbaugh & Steve Sutton both on guitar and vocals, Torrey Patterson on drums, Eric Clinedinst on bass and Mike “Frick” Martin on percussion.
Mighty Joshua, Saturday Performance
Independent Reggae Artist Mighty Joshua engages audiences by opening minds and activating bodies through song. Conscious lyrics flow freely to create distinctive refrains that pulse with pride against rhythms rooted in percussion. His soulful exploration in the evolution of sound creates an expression of reggae for the modern day. Mighty Joshua plays in a multitude of arrangements including high energy live performances with support of his back-up band the Zion #5 and as an acoustic configuration known as Roots Covenant. From mountain top festivals, to intimate club gigs, he invites listeners of all ages to experience the spirit of reggae.
Electric Forest 2017 Playlist
It has finally arrived- Happy Electric Forest.
As we all start our journey back up to the Double JJ Ranch for the first of two Electric Forest weekends this year, let Vinyl Mag’s 2017 playlist be the soundtrack for your road trip.
We’ve included the heavy hitters – The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, Big Gigantic, Dillon Francis, The Revivalists, and Lotus, who will all be playing both weekends. First weekend festival goers will also get to see ODESZA, My Morning Jacket, and Above & Beyond, where as attendees for the second weekend will be treated to Flume, DJ Snake (please don’t cancel on us), Thievery Corporation, and RL Grime.
See you in the Forest!
Electric Forest 2017: Artists Not to Miss
After six Electric Forests, 2017 marks the first year the festival will take place over two weekends. While there is much lineup crossover between the weekends, there is promise that each weekend will be unique and special in its own right. Electric Forest’s move to offer two distinct, back to back weekends (at a lower capacity) strives to nurture the evolution and growth of the EF community while honoring the much cherished Forest experience.
As far as headliners go, The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, Big Gigantic, Dillon Francis, The Revivalists, and Lotus will all be playing both weekends. First weekend festival goers will also get to see ODESZA, My Morning Jacket, and Above & Beyond, where as attendees for the second weekend will be treated to Flume, DJ Snake (please don’t cancel on us), Thievery Corporation, and RL Grime.
We’re counting the days, hours, and minutes until we’re back at the legendary Double JJ Ranch frolicking to a musical backdrop from all these artists. The headliners are impressive, but in your excitement for the big names, don’t overlook some artists who find themselves further down the lineup poster. Check out some of these artists, who you may or may not already know, that we believe deserve your attention.
BOB MOSES – 1st & 2nd Weekends
Bob Moses – comprised of Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance – grew out of the underground electronic dance scene, playing in abandoned Brooklyn warehouses and as part of the Marcy Hotel collective alongside the likes of Soul Clap (EF 2nd Weekend), Wolf + Lamb (EF 2nd Weekend) and Nicolas Jaar. You may recognize Bob Moses’ by their debut album, Days Gone By (2015), which included the Grammy Award Winning “Tearing Me Up.”
CBDB – 1st & 2nd Weekends
The hype and intrigue around CBDB is growing, and for good reason. The Alabama jam band fuses southern progressive funk rock with blended vocals. Their onstage energy is incomparable; no wonder their music is spreading from the southeast across the nation like wildfire.
EDEN – 1st Weekend
EDEN’s 2016 released i think you think too much of me found the 21-year-old Jonathon Ng channeling his passion for innovation into a guitar-heavy take on electronic pop. The hypnotic and heavy “drugs” is honestly raw; giving just a taste of EDEN’s vision and musical abilities.
FLINT EASTWOOD – 2nd Weekend
Detroit’s firery songstress Flint Eastwood is a true powerhouse that commands your attention. Her latest work, Broke Royalty (2017), has production support from fellow Detroit-native and Electric Forest veteran GRiZ, along with MUTEMATH’s Paul Meany and a track with principle BØRNS collaborator Tommy English. Her debut single “Queen” is a compelling indie-pop record is filled with urban percussion and orchestral instrumentation, while her track with GRiZ is promisingly uplifting.
THE HIP ABDUCTION – 1st & 2nd Weekends
The Hip Abduction formed over a mutual appreciation for West African and early Jamaican reggae/dub music. It all began through informal jam sessions and quickly coalesced into a sound that immerses listeners into dreamy far away lands. Their third album, Gold Under the Glow (2016), engaged an indie pop vibe alongside a highly emotive and roots driven sound.
JAI WOLF- 1st & 2nd Weekends
The young NYC-based producer erupted into the scene a few years ago after gaining recognition for his remakes of tracks from Skrillex and ODESZA. Soon there after he released his distinguished massive hit, “Indian Summer.” With drenched synths and an immersive euphoric sound that was boundless, “Indian Summer” is a track that’s hard to ignore and leaves you wanting more from this artist.
WIN AND WOO – 1st & 2nd Weekends
Chicago’s own production duo, Win and Woo, is comprised of Nick Winholt and Austin Woo. Their music is an electronic pop blend of heavy melodies & driving bass lines. Their 2016 debut debut single “Recognize” featuring Ashe received national recognition. If you’re looking for a Forest set that is upbeat, energized, and absolute complete fun, don’t miss Win and Woo.
Bonnaroo 2017: Artists Not to Miss
We’ve packed up our bearded bandanas, we’re mentally preparing to bask in that Tennessee sun, and we’re planning out when we’re going to the What Stage after the Which Stage, but only after we go to This Tent, and before we go to That Tent.
That’s right everybody, it’s Bonnaroo week; the most positive, musically filled, and sweaty weekend of the year. And we cannot wait.
Not only have we made an inclusive Bonnaroo 2017 playlist (below), but we’re also taking a look at some artists we do not want to miss at Bonnaroo this year.
AARON LEE TASJAN
East Nashville-based musician Aaron Lee Tasjan has always considered himself a songwriter first and foremost, writing his own off-kilter folk-inflected songs since he picked up his first acoustic as a teen guitar prodigy. His New West Records debut, Silver Tears, shows his artistic ambitions and solidifies him as one of the most intriguing singer/songwriters to emerge in sometime.
ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO
Three-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo will perform her interpretation of The Talking Heads’ classic 1980 album, Remain in Light this Friday. Often considered the band’s greatest work, Remain in Light pushed sonic boundaries, and dazzled fans with sampled and looped grooves, an innovative technique for the era.
BADBADNOTGOOD
Known for their appreciation of hip hop and instrumental covers of artists such as Gucci Mane and Earl Sweatshirt, Canadian quartet BadBadNotGood is an act not to miss at this year’s Roo. Stay tuned for their upcoming works, Late Night Tales (July 28, 2017), which is a selection of tracks from their own record collections.
CAR SEAT HEADREST
Car Seat Headrest began in 2010 in Will Toledo’s hometown of Leesburg, Virginia. Needing a place of solitude (and soundproofing) where he could record vocals undisturbed, a 17-year-old Toledo set up shop in the family car. Toledo’s catalogue is sharp, literary, and culturally omnivorous as it touches upon youth and death, love and depression, drunken parties and 2nd century theologians. Ever surprising, his lyrical imagery ranges from playful to sexually frank to sorrowful, often within the same song.
CHANCE THE RAPPER
Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper will hit the What Stage Saturday Night for his anticipated headlining set. Riding high on the success of his 2016, three time Grammy winning, third mixtape, Coloring Book, these days Chance is in high demand.
COLD WAR KIDS
Cold War Kids released their sixth studio album L.A. Divine, and first on Capitol Records, on April 7th. The band first previewed songs from their latest work on their North American headlining tour which started with the Okeechobee Festival in Florida. Cold War Kids will take the stage early evening this Friday.
DUA LIPA
You may recognize Dua Lipa from her release with Martin Garrix, “Scared To Be Lonely.” The 21-year old London-born songstress is you next favorite pop queen. Growing up on the sounds of Destiny’s Child, Tupac, Bowie, and Dylan, Dua Lipa pulls her inspiration from contemporary and classic pop and hip-hop to reshape her own voice and sound in the pop revolution.
ED HELMS
Ed Helms…you know, Stu from The Hangover, Andy from The Office…he’s also one helluva banjo player. This year, Helms is back again with his merry bunch of banjo strummin’, foot stompin’ bluegrass legends for another edition of The Bluegrass Situation Roots SuperJam. They’ve been gracing the Bonnaroo stage since 2013 and this year special guests include The Bryan Sutton Band, Martina McBride, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Greensky Bluegrass, Mandolin Orange, River Whyless, Gaby Moreno, Baskery, Lillie Mae, and more!
FLUME
The atmospheric downtempo vibes of Flume are mesmerizing. His second album, Skin (May 2016), is a meticulously crafted, vivid universe of big emotions woven into a densely cinematic whole. Heavy hitting songs from the album include lead track ‘Never Be Like You’, featuring Canadian singer Kai and Flume’s third single, ‘Say It’, featuring Tove Lo. Tove Lo is set to play Bonnaroo Friday evening and Flume hits the stage the following (late) night. Maybe, just maybe… Tov Lo will stick around and grace us with a second appearance this weekend.
GLASS ANIMALS
It was love at first listen when Glass Animals’ released their debut Zaba (2014). The album was a cerebral euphoric experience with dark tribal beats and tropical vibes. Their new LP, ‘How To Be A Human Being,’ is about people. It’s a multi-layered, nuanced album that uniquely splices together 40 years of sonic history in a way that’s emphatically forward-sounding. In the characters and themes explored, the record creates a bigger, bolder, and more ambitious world for fans to inhabit.
LEMON TWIGS
With their debut release of Do Hollywood last October, Lemon Twigs is finding themselves in the same musical realm of artists that bring such originality that they change the very nature of their art. Lemon Twigs fuses tightly constructed pop, sophisticated orchestration, and British invasion melodies into a ten-song masterpiece.
LUCY DACUS
Sharp lyrical observations, playful turns of musical phrase, hooks that’ll embed themselves in your frontal lobe for days is what you’ll experience at Lucy Dacus’ set this Saturday afternoon. She has a keen sense of self and that shines clearly on her debut No Burden.
MICHAEL KIWANUKA
Soulful and raw, Londoner Michael Kiwanuka’s critically-acclaimed debut album Home Again (April 2012) staked his claim on the list of great British singer-songwriters. This album was a genre-defying nod to the heritage names of soul, and reinforced the real strength of young British music talent. His eagerly anticipated second album packs a powerful punch. If his last album was about returning home again, this is about leaving it behind and stepping out – and finding himself outside his comfort zone. Love & Hate is an outward-looking, drenched with emotional density and rich, soulful production at the helm.
PORTUGAL. THE MAN
Next week, Portugal. The Man’s eight studio full-length Woodstock will be released. BUT, if you’re at Roo this weekend, fear not! There will be no need to wait those seven days to hear the new and anticipated music. This Friday at 3:15PM at The Gring in Pod 7, Portugal. The Man will be hanging out for a Woodstock album listening party, in addition to hitting the stage late night Friday.
RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE
We’re here to tell you that Rainbow Kitten Surprise (RKS) could possibly be the next big thing. Not only are they dominating the festival scene this summer, but their growth and popularity seems to have bloomed organically. With chilling harmonies, dynamic instrumentation, and introspective lyrics, their distinct sound takes influence from artists like Modest Mouse and Kings of Leon. Don’t miss RKS belt out “Cocain Jesus” this Saturday.
WELLES
Jehsea has no problem giving it to you straight. It’s in his nature to pull no punches. Ask him about the current state of rock music and the rock singer, multi-talented musician and creative mastermind behind Welles will tell you how few things in life make him so equally prideful and angry as people bemoaning its death. He’ll readily tell you that despite others constantly talking up his once-in-a-generation, jarringly emotive voice, one that recalls Kurt Cobain by way of John Lennon, to him it often sounds like nothing short of “burnt toast.”
WHITE REAPER
White Reaper makes good ol’ fashioned in-your-face rock ’n’ roll. Boasting textured melodies, layered guitars and more seasoned lyrics, White Reaper’s latest The World’s Best American Band finds the quartet busting out of the basement sound established on their previous full length (2015’s White Reaper Does It Again) and setting their sights on the arena.
BONNAROO 2017 VINYL MAG PLAYLIST
Great Peacock Tour Diary: Shaky Knees 2017
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We caught up with Frank Keith IV of Nashville’s Great Peacock at Shaky Knees Music Festival and asked him to document their weekend on a disposable camera. We learned that they are in love with Ryan Adams and free swag, and they have a helluva lot of friends.
Check out the gallery below, and be sure to head out to see them on their tour with The High Divers, kicking off tomorrow in Athens, GA.
5/31 – Athens, GA, Georgia Theater Rooftop
6/1 – Chattanooga, TN, Revelry Room
6/2 – Charlotte, NC, Visulite Theater
6/3 – Asheville, NC, New Mountain
6/4 – Birmingham, AL, Syndicate Lounge
6/6 – Tupelo, MS, Blue Canoe
6/7 – New Orleans, LA, Gasa Gasa
6/8 – San Antonio, TX, Sams Burger Joint
6/9 – Austin, TX, Swan Dive
6/10 – Dallas, TX, Gas Monkey(Matinee)
6/10 – Fort Worth, Main @ Southside
6/11 – Houston, TX, House of Blues*
6/16 – High Watt, Nashville, TN*
*w/Little Hurricane
“Shaky Balloon” one of the many landmarks that made it EASY AF to find your friends.
Countdown to Candler Park Music + Food Festival
It’s only Tuesday and we’re already looking forward to the weekend. Maybe it’s because we have the after Memorial Day Weekend blues. Or maybe, just maybe it’s because Atlanta’s annual Candler Park Music + Food Festival returns this weekend and we couldn’t be more excited.
This year’s festival lineup is impressive, to say the least. Over the course of two days, one main stage will host the likes of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Railroad Earth, Matisyahu, The Motet, The Marcus King Band, Lake Street Dive, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Ripe, and others.
“We’re taking it up a notch this year. Our goal is to deliver a bigger and better festival that still fits comfortably within the community-centered landscape of Candler Park,” says Festival Producer and Rival Entertainment Partner Josh Antenucci.
While attendees enjoy in the delights of this weekend’s music, they will also be able to feast upon twenty local restaurant vendors and food trucks. Just to name a few, The Pup Truck, Swet Auburn BBQ, and King of Pops will all be there. Check out the rest of the food lineup here!
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday, June 2 | Day Performance Schedule
5:00 p.m. Chelsea Shag
6:00 p.m. Ripe
7:00 p.m. Matisyahu
9:15 p.m. Railroad Earth
Saturday, June 3 | Day Performance Schedule
12:45 p.m. Webster
2:15 p.m. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
3:45 p.m. The Marcus King Band
5:15 p.m. Lake Street Dive
7:00 p.m. The Motet
8:45 p.m. Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
Hangout 2017: Good Vibes, Good Times
Each year, Gulf Shores, AL, turns into the ultimate beach party. This year was no exception.
Hangout Music Festival 2017 was no doubt a success when it comes to good vibes and good times. Then again, how could not have a good time at the beach?
This year’s line-up included heavy hitters Mumford and Sons, Twenty One Pilots, Chance The Rapper, and Phoenix (replacement for Frank Ocean, who cancelled another festival appearance for this coming week at Primavera Sound in Barcelona, Spain). Other notable Hangout sets came from Young the Giant, Weezer, and our personal favorite Lawrence.
Phoenix took to the main stage Friday night. We had hopes that their set-up would resemble that of what we saw at Shaky Knees the week prior – a slanted mirror suspended to reflect the stage below, with the floor projecting visual effects. While the mirrored backdrop was lacking, their energy and finesse were not.
It was a race against time and the encroaching weather for Twenty One Pilots as they hit the stage Saturday night. A set highlight was when MUTEMATH joined TOP for “Tear in My Heart” and “Lane Boy.” TOP managed to get one and a half more songs in before the sound was cut by the festival during “Car Radio” due to the inclement weather and all attendees were told to get to shelter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvXmDrI1IJ0
One of the best, if not the best, set of the weekend went to Mumford and Sons. A mix of old fan favorites from their earlier works (2009’s Sigh No More and 2012’s Babel) were nestled in the setlist along with some sing-a-long anthems from Mumford and Sons’ last album Wilder Mind. Their new (projected) single “Blind Leading the Blind” (first played last October) was fresh and enticing; a sneak peak to what is yet to come. With their thunderous emotional lyrical roars coinciding with melodies of spiritual awakenings, the audience was in awe. As attendees caught their breath from stomping in the sand and jumping around like children, the Alabama night sky lit up with fireworks to mark the end of the weekend.
While there were some gem sets, the remaining performances ranged from lackluster to downright atrocious. One of the worst sets of the weekend was from the peculiar nautical themed rapper Lil Yachty. On stage antics, the absurd amount of “Lil Boat” shoutouts concurring with that awful DJ airhorn sound, and the flat regurgitation of songs made for a quick disbursement of the young crowd.
In comparison to years past, the lineup of Hangout 2017 left much to be desired. Each year it seems we meet more and more attendees who freely claim they aren’t there for the music; they’re just there for the beach party and a vacation. And that’s OK, in a sense…to each their own, right? Whether it’s for the music or not, Hangout keeps doing it right year after year, and that’s apparent with a constant sell-out crowd.