Seattle – Though the Pacific Northwest skies are darkening earlier, the forecast predicts a sunny, temperate Labor Day weekend – perfect for the thousands of music lovers flocking to Seattle Center to attend the annual Bumbershoot music and arts festival.
Now in its 45th year, Bumbershoot has become a Seattle cultural touchstone, presenting diverse acts across live music, comedy, theatre, film, visual arts, dance, and more beneath the iconic Space Needle.
This year, festivalgoers are treated to music heavyweights such as indie rock giants Built to Spill, California alt-rockers Cake, reggae legend Lee “Scratch” Perry, and Northwest punk/metal experimenters The Melvins, alongside more recent favorites like Hozier, Ellie Goulding, and The Weeknd.
Bumbershoot also features noteworthy up-and-coming acts and local underdogs. Here, we list five new bands to see at Bumbershoot – but don’t let it limit you in catching the many other worthwhile performances this weekend. (Photo by Christopher Nelson)
BØRNS
Hailing from the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, BØRNS now makes a tree house in Los Angeles his home. His single, “Electric Love,” took the airwaves and music blogosphere by storm, and he’s currently wrapping up production on his highly anticipated debut album Dopamine. BØRNS delivers dreamy, gem-like electro-pop, and his live show will be sure to have folk- and glam-rock elements. He performs at the Never Tamed Stage on Monday at 3pm.
Elle King
You might have heard a little song called “Ex’s & Oh’s” on the radio for months now. Or maybe you’ve caught her touring with Of Monsters & Men, Train, or Ed Sheeran. Perhaps it’s been her appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman that makes Elle King so familiar to you. Regardless, this genre-bending singer/instrumentalist has been burning up this year, delivering favorite performances at other national music festivals, and is sure to be a hit at Bumbershoot. See her at the Starbucks Stage on Saturday at 2:45pm. (Photo by Sarah Hess for BestNewBands.com)
Nikki Lane
If you want to see an artist who “kills it” live, look no further than Nikki Lane. The country singer-songwriter, hailing from South Carolina, has been touring the country, performing tracks off her latest effort, All or Nothin’ in a set Best New Bands’ Jess Sneed describes simply as “a great one,” with her fun energy, beautiful vocals, and comfortable stage presence. “My songs always paint a pretty clear picture of what’s been going on in my life, so this is one moody record,” says Lane. Catch her at the Never Tamed Stage on Sunday at 4:30pm. (Photo by Jess Sneed for BestNewBands.com)
Israel Nash
If you’re in the mood for some good ole-fashioned roots rock, catch this outfit out of Dripping Springs, TX, a town that serves as the backdrop for Israel Nash’s latest record, Rain Plains. The album received international acclaim, with NPR calling it “widescreen Americana at its finest” and the Boston Globe describing it as “Urgent, loud folk.” Best New Bands most recently saw the group play in L.A. back in February, in what Matt Matasci called “an impressive performance.” Israel Nash plays the Never Tamed Stage on Sunday at 2:15pm. (Photo by Matt Matasci for BestNewBands.com)
For more information on Bumbershoot Arts Festival, and a full schedule, visit http://bumbershoot.org/.
Caitlin Peterkin
With degrees in journalism and music, Caitlin’s written for Paste Magazine, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and MajoringinMusic.com. She loves cheese, laughing at GIFs of corgis, road trip sing-alongs, and connecting with people over good beer and good music.
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