Bonnaroo Round Up: Our 2018 Top Picks
Since 2002, Bonnaroo has been bringing some of the biggest international acts and the best upcoming acts to Manchester, TN for four days of music, comedy, festivities and more. This year, thousands of music fans will return to the farm this Thursday, June 7th for another memorable 'Roo. Stay tuned for our daily coverage during the festival, but for now check out our eight must-see acts of Bonnaroo 2018 below!
POND
Last year, POND released their seventh studio album, The Weather, which is full of energetic, psychedelic tunes that will instantly sweep everyone off their feet. Their records have this incredible quality that completely engulfs listeners, creating a mystical world with entrancing synths and hypnotizing melodies, but their live show adds even more depth to their layered, multifaceted songs. Frontman Nick Allbrook hooks in audience members with his captivating stage presence, so don't miss POND on Saturday, June 9th at 2:45PM on the This Stage.
For Fans Of: Tame Impala, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Mild High Club
Start With: "Sweep Me Off My Feet," "Paint Me Silver," "30000 Megatons"
Post Animal
After steadily gaining traction in the Chicago music scene over the past couple of years, Post Animal began touring extensively, working their way up to a national act. The group is currently on tour promoting their debut album When I Think Of You in a Castle, which was released April 20th via Polyvinyl Records. Their live shows always pack in non-stop energy with intense guitar riffs and expansive arrangements, creating a completely different atmosphere from the studio recordings. This year has already seen Post Animal at SXSW and Shaky Knees Festival, but make sure you catch them at Bonnaroo so you can say you saw them at one of their first festival performances way back when. Catch them Saturday, June 9th at 9:45PM on the Who Stage.
For Fans Of: Twin Peaks, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Thee Oh Sees
Start With: "When I Get Home," "Special Moment," "Gelatin Mode"
Alex Lahey
Aussie singer songwriter Alex Lahey will instantly win you over with her lighthearted melodies and relatable lyrics. Lahey's debut EP B Grade University and debut album I Love You Like a Brother are both full of honest narratives that will have you singing along, and her authentic laid-back attitude pairs perfectly with a Summer festival. Catch her at Roo on Friday, June 8th at 2:15PM on the What Stage.
For Fans Of: Courtney Barnett, Middle Kids, Waxahatchee
Start With: "Wes Anderson," "You Don't Think You Like People Like Me," "Lotto In Reverse"
Sir Sly
Fronted by Landon Jacobs, LA based trio Sir Sly recently made an incredible comeback with their 2017 sophomore album Don't You Worry, Honey. The long awaited album came three years after their promising debut and reflects upon Jacobs' struggles of losing his mother to cancer and the end of his marriage. The new songs possess a raw vulnerability in the lyrics and see a growth in Sir Sly's production skill, and the group always delivers a vibrant live performance, with Jacobs being known to climb things mid-show. Make sure you catch them Sunday, June 10th at 4PM at the This Tent to witness all of their stage antics.
For Fans Of: Foster The People, Hippo Campus, K.Flay
Start With: "High," "&Run," "Altar"
Jade Bird
British singer songwriter Jade Bird first made waves when she dropped her debut EP Something American last year, which shows off her fiery spirit, sweeping vocal range, and twangy folk riffs. Since then, she's been hard at work on the road, playing SXSW and touring with the likes of Anderson East and First Aid Kit. This fall, Jade Bird will head out on her first headlining tour, but before then don't miss her at Bonnaroo; she's playing Thursday, June 7th at 11PM on the Who Stage.
For Fans Of: Maggie Rogers, Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers
Start With: "Lottery," "Furious," "Something American"
Ron Gallo
Nashville's Ron Gallo has been steadily touring since the release of his debut album Heavy Meta, hitting the festival circuit especially hard in 2017, with appearances at the likes of Governor's Ball and Lollapalooza. Whether he's playing on a festival stage or a club show, Gallo always brings along his quirky antics; from playing a trumpet mid-song to passing off his guitar to an audience member, there's no shortage of entertainment. Gallo managed to release an 8-song EP earlier this year in the midst of all his touring, so his recent shows have been refreshed to include new material. If you're looking to hear some great music and have a laugh, Catch Ron at the That Tent on Thursday, June 7th at 5:00 PM.
For Fans Of: White Reaper, Diane Coffee, Naked Giants
Start With: "Put The Kids To Bed," "Really Nice Guys," "Young Lady, You're Scaring Me"
Jungle
Fronted by Tom McFarland and Josh Lloyd-Watson, London collective Jungle will be sure to get you dancing with their smooth mix of soul and funk grooves. It's been a while since the group released their debut, self-titled album, but they've teased their follow up with two singles this year that both contain their signature effortlessly cool touch. Get ready to move and check out their set on Sunday, June 10th on the Which Stage at 5:15PM.
For Fans Of: SBTRKT, Metronomy, TV On The Radio
Start With: "Time," "Happy Man," "The Heat"
Rag'n'Bone Man
Speaking of soul, British singer songwriter Rory Graham (better known by his moniker Rag'n'Bone Man) has garnered international attention with his booming, powerful and soulful vocals. Rag'n'Bone Man's debut record Human features a diverse mix of layered narratives that highlight Graham's flexible range; from a bluesy growl to a rich baritone and even a hip hop flow, the album truly showcases Graham's dynamic talent as a singer and writer. Live, Graham brings that all to life with a large band that distinguishes the show from the album with fleshed out arrangements. Catch Rag'n'Bone Man on Saturday, June 9th at 6:45PM at the This Tent.
For Fans Of: Bastille, Jacob Banks, Jack Garratt
Start With: "Your Way or the Rope," "Human," "Wolves"