Osheaga Archives - Angela McLean

August Playlist: Songs of Summer 2019

August 31, 2019 No Comments

I could go on and on about the power of music, but I’m always amazed how certain songs bring us back to different memories, times and places. I can re-listen to songs from my childhood and be instantly reminded of old friends, family trips and various celebrations.

This long weekend, as another wild summer comes to an end, I’ve been riding the wave of nostalgia with all my fave songs of the summer on repeat. Keep scrolling to check out my final ode to Summer 2k19 and some of the new memories tied to the tracks from this month’s playlist!

“Only Human” – Jonas Brothers

Happiness this summer truly began August 23, when the Jonas Brothers blessed Toronto with their long-awaited Happiness Begins Tour (my first of five shows that I’m currently set to see on this tour – don’t judge!). If I’m being real, the JoBros are one of my OG favourite music acts, along with Hilary Duff and Taylor Swift, so this comeback was truly a BIG deal!

This groovy, ’80s-inspired tune is one of my favourite songs from the new album and it’s even better live. In terms of the big picture, “Only Human” is one of my top picks for official song of the summer, tied with “Old Town Road,” “Señorita” and “bad guy” (mentioned below). Let me know in the comments below what you would pick as your song of the summer!

Playlists

Playlist: Festival SZN

April 27, 2019 No Comments

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.

Events, Travel

5 Tips to Survive Your Summer Music Festival

April 21, 2019 No Comments

Very few things in life match the excitement of summer festival season! There are so many music festivals all over the world, each catering to a specific genre or musical aesthetic. They truly provide the best value to see some of your favourite artists and discover so many new ones. Plus, from the multiple stages, to the bold fashion, to the delicious food, you’re busy from the moment you step onto the festival grounds.

I, like everyone else, have been living vicariously through every influencer’s Instagram posts from Coachella and, honestly, the FOMO is real. I’m doing everything in my power to make it out to Osheaga in Montreal this August (RIP WayHome).

As a seasoned live music attendee, I wanted to pass along some tips to make your first (or second, or third, or fourth!) music festival experience the best it can be!

1. STAY HYDRATED!

This tip above everything else – drink tons of water. Spending hours in the sun takes a toll on your body without you realizing it. Most festivals let you bring in an empty water bottle that you can re-fill once you’re inside. You can also purchase a hydration pack for under $20 to insert into your backpack – this lets you maintain style and cut down on treks to the water stations.