My favorite post to write every year, and this year is no different. Many may be complaining that this year’s Grant Park lineup doesn’t compare to other major music festivals around the world, but those people aren’t looking hard enough. Last year I suggested catching Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, as they were destined for stardom (and boy has it hit hard, with a sold-out world tour approaching and 3 tracks in the Billboard Top 100), and Givers, who were up there for my favorite performance of 2012. So same drill… you will not find The Killers, Mumford & Sons, Phoenix, or even Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper on this list. While I still highly recommend checking out all of those acts, here are the lesser known artists you can’t miss.
393 – DAMN -days in between Chance the Rapper’s 10Day mixtape and this year’s masterpiece Acid Rap. All that happened in between were sold out Metro shows, studio sessions with the RZA and Skrillex, profiles from Pitchfork, Vibe, Complex, a XXL Freshman nomination, a spot at Lolla 2013, and more. The Chathum, Illinois native celebrated his rise to the top of the Chicago rap, and music, scene this weekend with two sold out shows at the Metro. Continue reading →
The best weekend of the summer is rapidly approaching, and we’re here to help make it that much of a better experience. Last year we recommended Local Natives, Black Lips, Kids These Days, The Vaccines, and the Naked and Famous to name a few, and they all delivered. So here we go again; the Lolla Must Sees, outside of the headliners that you already have on your schedule. Think of this as your what to do before 8 PM.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday must sees after the jump!
The Soundset 2012 Wrap Up in 3 parts: Those who came (a general overview of the festival and the performers), those who saw (the people, the fans, the ones that nearly every artist said made the festival), and those who conquered (the very best of the best).
One of the only, and best, hip hop festivals in the country is only 16 days away. Sunday May 27th, at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN., up and comers like Danny Brown, Kendrick Lamar, and Action Bronson hit Minnesota with legends like Atmosphere, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon among others. Gates open at 11:00AM, with DJs hitting the stage right away. Hip hop all day hosted by Brother Ali, then be sure to hit up the Afterparty at First Avenue beginning at 10pm (18+). Grab some friends and make the drive down, start your summer off the right way.
Welcome to the best weekend of the summer… Well, at least a preview of it. In a little less than 48 hours, some of music’s most popular acts (such as Eminem, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, My Morning Jacket) will grace the Grant Park stages and treat more than 100,000 fans a day to nights they will never forget. Obviously you’ll be there. There’s a lot of time before 8 pm though, and a lot of talent. Check these bands out!
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday suggestions after the jump ———->
This past Sunday I got to catch one of my favorite groups perform at Wicker Park Fest. The Chicago band that can be classified as anything from indie to rock, Filligar, graced the Center Stage of the festival. Singer Johnny Mathias, doing his best Tyler The Creator impression by performing with a broken foot, wowed the crowd with energizing vocals while brothers Pete (drums) and Teddy (bass), and longtime friend Casey Gibson accompanied with dizzying melodies that made you feel weird if you didn’t find yourself humming along or tapping your foot. I’ve followed this band for quite some time now, really noticing the progression they have made musically…now playing a more traditional kind of rock, which has led to sell outs all across the nation.
Check out my pictures from the bands performance and listen to all of their CD after the jump. Continue reading →
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