Nashville – Once a modest, band-centric festival, Bonnaroo has morphed into a monster of a weekend where roughly two hundred bands and thousands of people descend on the tiny town of Manchester, Tennessee from June 12-15. The festival’s biggest stage, What, will be lit up by the likes of Sir Elton John, Jack White, and Kanye West. Although Bonnaroo is now able to attract (and pay) some of the biggest names in music today, it’s still a goldmine for new bands.
In 2007, I saw a phenomenal little band named The Black Keys with roughly sixty other people, as well as a sweet-voiced songstress named Feist just months before Apple usurped her song “1234.” Promising young bands are the bread and butter of Bonnaroo, and 2014’s lineup doesn’t disappoint. Here are a few of the bands we’re most excited to see:
The founding members of this band—brothers Andrew, Maxx, and Zach Shepard—might as well be kin to Jeff Tweedy and Jim James. While the brothers represent the best of 2000s rock, the banjo and pedal steel player Kiffy Meyers brings a fashionable amount of earthy twang. Their folk tinged indie rock fits seamlessly into the festival.
Diarrhea Planet is the latest buzz band to come from Nashville’s tight-knit Infinity Cat family, which is home to Turbo Fruits and JEFF the Brotherhood. Even with punk energy, yelling, and overwhelming electric guitar, DP’s songs are hooky and melodic at their core. These guys are known for bringing the party and getting too rowdy in the best way possible.
You are not alone if you feel a little duped when you Google image search Paul Janeway, lead singer of St. Paul & The Broken Bones, to discover that he isn’t James Brown. Janeway, like Brown, is known for his ability to command the stage and throw a few dance moves. Their throwback R&B music will have the whole ‘Roo crowd booty-shaking and happy.
Danny Brown stepped into the lime-light last year with the release of his acclaimed album Old and a feature on A$AP Rocky’s “1Train” along with Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, and other crossover rap royalty. Brown’s 4pm time slot isn’t exactly the prime hour for trap beats and hard drug themes, but Brown’s energetic, rock star performance should hold up against the heat and festival hubbub. Hopefully this rapper won’t diva out Kanye-style. (Speaking of, who invited that guy back?)
This R&B and gospel-singing Brit won’t release his debut album in America until after Bonnaroo 2014 has finished, but his soulful voice and earnest lyrics have already slotted him on independent radio stations across the states. Our San Francisco affiliate appropriately dubbed Smith’s album a collection of torch songs. All are apparently as honest and heart-wrenching as his first single, “Stay With Me.” The bleeding hearts of Bonnaroo have found their man with Sam Smith.
For anyone who’s ready to get weird: GOAT. The members of this “collective” claim to be from Korpilombolo in Sweden, a 500-person town that has a history with witch doctors and voodoo priests. Their live shows appear to be a visual cross between Chinese New Year celebrations, Mardi Gras, and Hindu worship, and their 2012 debut album World Music reflects their knack for hybrid creation. Trying to box their sound into a few words is useless, but one inadequate attempt could be African psych rock. Their creative, freewheeling show is perfectly in the line with the spirit of Bonnaroo. Weirdos, be welcome.
Caroline McDonald
After dabbling in many parts of the music industry—recording studios, PR, management, labels, publishing—I’m expanding into music journalism because I’m yet to find anything more rewarding that finding and sharing new music.
A longtime sucker for girls with guitars, my musical taste unabashedly follows the songwriting lineage of Dolly Parton and includes Patty Griffin, Gillian Welch, and Neko Case. But not to pigeonhole myself, my music love is big love that stretches from R.L. Burnside to Animal Collective to Lord Huron.
I’ve recently moved home to Nashville after living in Boston and Big Sur for several years. I’d forgotten how music pours onto the streets ten hours a day, seven days a week. I’m honored to share the creative explosion happening here. If your band is in the area or of the area, please reach out!
Latest posts by Caroline McDonald (see all)
- Interview – Roadkill Ghost Choir - July 11, 2014
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