Bands and Artists I Want to See on the 2019 Festival Circuit

As you’ve probably gathered, I’m one of those people who can’t shut up about how amazing music festivals are. I’ve been to the Firefly Music Festival twice and can’t wait to go again. The biggest pull, as always, is the line-up. But what will next year’s line-up be? Well, no one knows yet. So I’ve come up with a few of my own suggestions for bands and artists I’d like to see make the festival circuit in 2019. And I don’t think you’ll want to miss my line-up.

 

1. King Princess: Smooth jazz? More like smooth gay. Okay, so maybe that doesn’t make sense, but this alternative pop has some of the smoothest production I’ve ever heard. Also, King Princess is hella gay. Whether a slow jam like “1950” or an upbeat masterpiece like “Holy,” King Princess’ sound was made to ring in the summer.
2. I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME: This band is a brand new discovery (as in, I just found out about them yesterday), but I already consider them a favorite. Sonically, they sound like ghosts of the ’80s. Gimmick-ly, they are ghosts of the ’80s. Founded by Dallon Weekes (former member of Panic! at the Disco) and Ryan Seaman and colloquially known as IDKHOW, this duo has already conquered the world with only three songs (“Do It All the Time,” “Choke,” and “Modern Day Cain”). So fantastic.
3. grandson: My friend Ciara described this artist to me as “twenty one pilots meets EDM” and, boy, is that assessment on point. However, grandson often has a political spin. Sometimes he takes on social issues, like in “6:00,” a frank look at #BlackLivesMatter (with direct reference to Eric Garner. Garner was murdered (via strangulation) by police for selling loose cigarettes, despite surrendering immediately. The entire incident was caught on film, and yet no charges were ever filed.) Sometimes grandson is just getting deep, like in “Blood // Water” and “Overdose.” All his songs are bangers, so don’t be a square and miss out on his rise to prominence.
4. Meg Myers: When I talk about dark alternative, know that I’m thinking first and foremost about Meg Myers. Her sound is so dismal, yet still romantic. She can be dreamy (“Take Me to the Disco”), aggressive (“Tear Me to Pieces”), or earnest (“Death of Me”). She knows just how to make a song build (“Jealous Sea”) or remain mellow (“Constant”). I bet she puts on a hell of a show.
5. Yoshi Flower: If grandson is top meets EDM, then Yoshi Flower is grandson meets top. Essentially, he’s 75% top and 25% his own thing, but in the best of ways. First of all, he’s got great song titles. I mean, “Just Because We’re Paranoid Doesn’t Mean They’re Not Onto Us”? Fall Out Boy who? Another song that stands out (for personal reasons) is “Brown Paper Bag,” a frank look at anxiety. He’s got a great sound I can’t help but jam to.
6. The Neighbourhood: Have these guys ever done the festival circuit before? I don’t know, but they need to. What can I say about The Neighborhood that hasn’t already been said? Probably nothing. So I’ll just say… have you heard “Daddy Issues”? “Sweater Weather”? “Scary Love”? Let them sing about their feelings in an open field. They (and I) deserve it.
7. Two Feet: Though this dude is great lyrically, where he really excels is the music. His sound is white guy with a guitar at a party meets EDM. Yes, you read that right. And it’s like an orgasm in your ears. My favorites are “Go Fuck Yourself” and “I Feel Like I’m Drowning.” Such a unique artist.
8. Lorde: Much like with The Neighbourhood, I have no idea if Lorde has done the festival circuit before or not. However, in 2017 she was a rumored performer at Firefly. Sadly, she didn’t make the final line-up. So, since she’s missed the past couple years, I think 2019 is about time she hit the festivals. And really, I don’t even need reasons as to why. Everyone loves Lorde and she would kill it.
9. The Front Bottoms: This band is so underrated and I have no idea why. Their lyricism is unparalleled. Vocally, Brian Sella is somehow both apathetic and highly emotive. Anyway, this band is everything and I need to see them live.
10. Fleetwood Mac: At Firefly 2018, Flint Eastwood performed (fantastically). However, I once accidentally referred to her as Fleetwood Mac (What? The names are similar enough!). And ever since then I’ve been obsessed with the idea of them coming to Firefly. Are they even still touring? I have no idea! I just really, really want them to do this. Please.

 

What do you think of my line-up? Who would you add? Tell me about them in the comments!