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Over the next couple months, I’m going to highlight different artists from the two festivals I’m attending in the spring, Coachella and Bottlerock. I’ll highlight one I’ve seen, and one I haven’t.

Bottlerock

Have seen!

Janelle Monae

I’m surprised that’s she playing, to be honest. That’s not a knock; she’s toured quite a bit the last few years. She was one of my favorite live acts in 2018, so Napa is in for a treat.

What to expect: If her stage show is similar to past festival appearances, the crowd should be ready for costume changes, dancers, and a presence that conjures up memories of Prince (who was a fan).

What to listen to: Give her last album, Dirty Computer, a listen. Her set will probably focus on it quite a bit. Here are some links:

Speaking of Prince, “Make Me Feel” is a tribute that sounds like it could have come out during Prince’s “Parade” era.

 

Haven’t seen!

The Band CAMINO

Who They Remind Me Of: They have an indie/pop sound. Spotify says that fans also like flor, COIN, and Grizfolk. The 1975 is also mentioned. I think that’s all pretty accurate.

What to listen to: Here are a couple of the more popular tracks

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Coachella

Have seen!

Bishop Briggs

What to expect: I first saw her open for Coldplay back in 2016, and have loved her voice since. She brings a powerful voice to the stage, with an enormous amount of energy. She balances it out with her very humble and endearing personality. I expect her to play an afternoon set, possibly on one of the main stages.

What to listen to: There are her big singles (“River,” “White Flag”), and then there’s her latest album, Champion, which she’ll probably be playing a lot of songs from.

 

Haven’t seen!

Black Pumas

Who they remind me of: Influenced by classic soul/R&B, I immediately think of other contemporary acts like Curtis Harding, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, and Durand Jones & The Indications. I’ve been wanting to catch them live for a while now, so I’m expecting a great set.

What to listen to:

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Current Music Spinning…

Music To Be Murdered By – Eminem // The latest album from Em dropped late last night, surprisingly.

Circles – Mac Miller // The new album from the late Mac Miller, I have this currently playing as I type this. Very laid back feel. More later.

This is SebastiAn – SebastiAn // Doing my Coachella homework. Came across SebastiAn when peeps on Reddit said his set was something NOT to miss.

Black Pumas – Black Pumas // Again, doing my homework for Coachella.

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Other Music Stuff…

• The festival lineups are starting to pour out, and they’re looking good; in my opinion, an improvement over last year. Here are a few:

  • New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – New Orleans, LA

    • This fest falls near my birthday, near the end of the semester, making it a challenge to attend.
    • It also takes place over 8 days, spanning two weekends. This gives the impression that it’s a really stacked lineup.
    • Looks like Stevie Nicks is making the festival rounds this year.
    • There is so much goodness here, even as you make your way down the roster. 

  • BeachLife Festival – Redondo Beach, CA

    • This relatively newer (in its second year) festival is also near my birthday, but is in the South Bay, making for an easy drive.
    • I’m intrigued by the variety of bands here, especially since I don’t see these artists on other festival rosters this year.
    • That Bob Marley celebration by two of his sons (Ziggy and Stephen, both festival gets in their own right) sounds like a can’t miss.
    • Who would I catch? All three headliners, UB40, Ben Harper, Fitz and the Tantrums, Edward Sharpe (still haven’t seen them), WAR…pretty much most of this roster.
    • What’s the hangup? I’m waiting to see if Goldenvoice decides to have their Just Like Heaven fest again, here in Long Beach. Because that’s an even closer drive. 

  • Governors Ball – New York City, NY

    • While Tame Impala and Vampire Weekend were both predicted ahead of time, Missy Elliott is the surprise get for Governors Ball. Saw her in 2017, and would gladly watch her again. Curious if she’ll be playing any other festivals.
    • Stevie Nicks makes another festival appearance (I count three now), as does Miley Cyrus. Both are also at Bottlerock.
    • This is a great undercard, with a number of acts at both Bottlerock and Coachella.
    • I see you near the bottom, Poolside. That was one of the more crowded sets at Outside Lands in 2018. 

 

• Last week, I featured the band Ward as one of the bands to follow in 2020. On the heels of the disatrous fires in Australia, they’ve compiled this compilation of artists and songs to raise money for the cause. Among the artists are other highlighted performers Talker and Velvet Starlings. Other artists are local badass band Fellow Robot, the Bay Area’s indie/folk Clementine Darling, and KOLARS. The album is available for $10 or more (click on link below). And then be sure to give these artists a listen!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7MPX5SAEov/

• I managed to get tix to the Coldplay show at the Hollywood Palladium (Tuesday January 21), so looking forward to reporting on that next week! Tix sold out quickly (as expected), and we’re selling for over $300 on Stubhub ($100 original ticket price). They’ve dropped since, so if you’re trying to get tickets, I’d wait until Monday or even Tuesday. By then, it’ll be a buyer’s market.

 

• LA artist Mae Deline is playing a show next Thursday night. Check out her page (below) for details. One of these days, I’ll finally get to see her, but you can in the meantime.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7bXZb9H0mI/

• Lastly, Mandy Moore is doing a series of four shows at the Bootleg Theater, starting this Saturday night (1/18). Yes, you read that right. THE Mandy Moore is doing a series of shows (with friends) at a relatively small venue. Tix can only be bought at the door, before the show starts. Get there early. Info below.

Here’s an ongoing playlist of what I’m listening to throughout the year.