What better way to honor a musical visionary like Bob Moog than to have a music festival dedicated to his memory, and the mark his musical inventions have made on music. Moogfest, taking place in Moog’s last place of residence in downtown Asheville, N.C. on October 26 and 27, does just that. It’s a somewhat small festival in relation to the ones everyone always talks about and has to plan a year in advance for, but that’s because the kind of artists that Bob Moog would be proud of are exactly a dime a dozen. From the festival’s own mission statement:
“Artists performing will certainly not be limited to those who create their work on Moog instruments. Instead, artists will be chosen for their role in creating unique and groundbreaking musical experiences that embody the essence of Bob Moog’s visionary and creative spirit.”
It’s also hosted by Moog Music, and directly benefits the Bob Moog Foundation. Featured at the fest are quality acts ranging from The Magnetic Fields to Nas, and we’ve also hand-selected five other artists who definitely live up to groundbreaking musical standards.
We’ve already praised about their live show, and their first album together as Divine Fits. Natch, we would recommend catching their set in a festival environment. Is a bigger setting better? Check it out and you can tell us.
Ok, so we totally understand that Death Grips may not be music to everyone ears, but don’t try to tell us this is not some powerful avant garde hip hop noise jams being made. You might find their music empowering and inspiring, or you might feel like you’re having a heart attack. Most likely, both.
One could imagine that making your rapping debut on an Outkast record, as Killer Mike did back in 2000, would be a sure path to mass success far beyond Westside Atlanta. Instead, Killer Mike has made no such compromise, and although you may not hear his unflinchingly resolute raps on the radio, they don’t call him Killer Mike for nothing in the underground.
UK-based brother duo Disclosure’s intelligent sampling has resulted in sold-out shows worldwide. Better catch them at any opportunity you can.
Asheville prog math experimental locals Ahleuchatistas (AH – LOO –CHA- TIS – TAS) have an unmistakably googleable name, and may also be the best embodiment of Bob Moog’s visionary essence on the lineup.
First (lowest) price tier for the weekend festival pass is already sold out, but it looks like a limited quantity of the second tier is still available. Single day tickets are available as well. Follow the festival on Facebook and Twitter, and preview all the bands with this convenient festival-curated Spotify Playlist.
