Starting your summer music festival prep? Give your ears some exercise by studying up on the lineup!
Festivals are the best spot to take in beautiful weather and vibes, listen to your favourite tunes performed live and add new finds to your music library. There’s also no better indication of the year’s hottest artists than who’s headlining the most fests. This year, that includes Childish Gambino, Kacey Musgraves, Tame Impala and Ariana Grande.
For this month’s playlist, kick off your festival SZN with an assortment of tracks from this year’s many festival artists – 6 hours’ worth in fact, to cover your road trip/flights/etc. Keep scrolling to check out 5 undercard artists that are not to be missed this summer.
Wallows
Must listens: “These Days,” “Are You Bored Yet?” (feat. Clairo)
Catch them at: MO POP in Detroit (July 27), Outside Lands in San Francisco (August 9-11)
LA-based three-piece Wallows has roots in the festival circuit, playing shows with Warped Tour as early as 2011. But 2018 was the guys’ real breakout year as members Dylan Minnette (of 13 Reasons Why fame), Braeden Lemasters and Cole Preston hit the road on their first headlining tour and released their first major label single with Atlantic Records. For their latest win, Wallows dropped their debut disc ‘Nothing Happens’ – press play and you’ll understand the hype.
Lizzo
Must listen: “Juice”
Catch her at: Summerfest in Milwaukee (June 27), MO POP in Detroit (July 27)
Lizzo, whose smash single “Juice” continues to impact airwaves, is worth every taste. The Houston-born artist was a must see at Coachella, making headlines for her breakout star power and flute solo in spite of unfortunate sound issues. Currently touring in support of her debut album ‘Cuz I Love You,’ Lizzo has become a coveted ticket – for good reason. If you can’t catch her at Summerfest or MO POP, check out her full list of summer and fall show dates.
ROSALÍA
Must listens: “Con Altura,” “MALAMENTE – Cap.1: Augurio”
Catch her at: Something in the Water in Virginia (April 27), Osheaga in Montreal (August 2), Lollapalooza in Chicago (August 4)
Spanish songstress ROSALÍA is a force to be reckoned with, and it’s easy to see why. Her impeccable range and energy has garnered the attention of fans, critics and star collaborators J Balvin and Pharrell Williams, plus earned her a spot on the new Game of Thrones record. After wrapping up her current sell-out headlining tour this Thursday in Toronto, she will jet off to Europe and return to North America for a short festival run in August. This is surely just the first we will see of ROSALÍA as she continues to break into new markets.
Lennon Stella
Must listen: “La Di Da”
Catch her at: Ottawa Bluesfest in Ottawa (July 9), Lollapalooza in Chicago (August 1), Osheaga in Montreal (August 3)
Rising artist Lennon Stella boasts an edgy yet bubbly pop sound, the perfect soundtrack for a sunny summer afternoon. The former Nashville star has been on a seemingly non-stop promo and touring run since the release of her 2018 EP ‘Love, me’ and follow-up 2019 single “B!TCH (takes one to know one),” both part of the lead-up to her debut album due out later this year. Don’t miss your chance to get up close with this soon-to-be household name.
Sofi Tukker
Must listens: “Batshit,” “Energia,” “Best Friend” (feat. NERVO, The Knocks & Alisa Ueno), “Mi Rumba” (with ZHU)
Catch them at: Hangout in Alabama (May 17), Elements in Lakewood, PA (May 24), Osheaga in Montreal (August 3)
If you know anything about Sofi Tukker, you know that their high-energy sound and live set is an experience more than anything else. They were one of the most buzzed-about acts following their performances at Coachella, with security even called in due to the overflow of their stage area. With that, I can offer two pieces of advice: show up, and show up early.
Share your favourite festival tunes with me in the comments below or via Twitter @angelamcleanx!
Happy listening & festival-ing xx
(Header image: Press photos of Lizzo, Sofi Tukker and Lennon Stella; graphic made by Angela McLean)
