We know that festivals are becoming more and more popular, and continuing to add must-see acts to their lineups. In midst of the festivals happening lately, we caught up with our Music Designers to talk about their “can’t-miss, must-see” acts on this year’s music festival circuit.
For David Sheyda, it’s Slayer. An American thrash metal band from California, the group was formed in 1981 by Jeff Hanneman, Dave Lombardo and Kerry King. They found fame with the 1986 release of Reign in Blood – soon after, they were considered one of the “Big Four” thrash metal bands. With their unique sound and style, they sold over 3 million albums between 1991 and 2004, and recently announced their upcoming album, Repentless.
Alabama Shakes tops Bill Spencer’s list. Formed in 2009 in Athens, Georgia, they toured the Southeast for two years before recording their album Boys & Girls in Nashville while still unsigned. ATO Records signed them soon after and the album, along with the single “Hold On” rose to fame quickly – the single was even nominated for three Grammy awards.
Linda Kennedy is a fan of Kendrick Lamar, citing him as a must-see. At age eight, Kendrick watched Tupac and Dr. Dre film the music video for “California Love” and knew his calling. He released his first full-length project under the name K-Dot at the age of 16 and signed with a local record label in Carson, California in 2003. Eight short years later, he was dubbed the “New King of the West Coast” by Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Game and has gone on to work with rappers such as B.o.B and BIG K.R.I.T. In May of this year, he received the California State Senate’s “Generational Icon Award” – and proved that he earned it when he was featured in the official remix of Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood,” a song that reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in a matter of days.
Ryn Weaver comes highly recommended by Janica Chang. Known for “OctaHate,” this indie pop signer/songwriter began to be noticed when she posted the single on Soundcloud and quickly garnered attention from artists such as Charlie XCX and Jessie Ware. Four days later on June 25, it was number one on Billboard’s Emerging Artists Chart. She signed with Mad Love/Interscope Records and released her debut album, The Fool, June 16.
For a change in latitude, check out Juan Pablo Restrepo’s must-see act: Bomba Estéreo. From Colombia, members Simón Mejía, Liliana Saumet and Julián Salazar came together in Bogotá to create an “electro tropical” vibe in their music. The band is a staple on the festival circuit, having performed at places such as SXSW, Bumbershoot, Bonnaroo, Coachella, Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza Chile.
– Compiled by Kylie Moore, Marketing