Five Acts Worth An Early Arrival at Hangout Fest

At most music festivals, the headliners are typically the acts that draw you in, getting you to invest your time and money into watching two or more days of live music in some of the most random locations around the world. However, festivals are also all about discovering new music, and yes, that means getting there early. Take a peek at our short list of bands playing earlier in the day at Hangout Fest that you absolutely cannot miss...then come find us at the festival and dance with us during these sets. 

Rainbow Kitten Surprise

As the old saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover. You also shouldn't judge a band by its name...at least in this case. Hailing from Boone, North Carolina, Rainbow Kitten Surprise blend unique vocal tones with infectious, melodic riffs for a sound completely different than what you'd expect based on their band name. And man, do they know how to put on a live show. Catch them playing Fitz's Stage at Hangout Fest on Saturday at 2:30PM.

Photo Credit: Emily Quirk

For Fans Of: Lewis Del Mar, Alt-J, Modest Mouse, Sir-Sly

Start With: "Cocaine Jesus" and "Devil Like Me"

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A R I Z O N A

Having only been around for about a year, this trio of producers from Jersey are blowing everyone's expectations out of the water. With catchy choruses and their clean production style, the band has earned their huge streaming audience (they have over 9 million monthly listeners on Spotify).  A R I Z O N A's debut album actually comes out the first day of Hangout Fest, so they're sure to pack even more energy into their set than usual. Get to know more about this new band by checking out our interview, then go see them at Hangout on Saturday at 1:30PM on the BMI Stage. 

Photo Credit: Jimmy Fontaine

For Fans Of: Kevin Garrett, FRENSHIP, LANY, Jack Garratt

Start With: "I Was Wrong" and "Oceans Away"

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Strand of Oaks

The multi-talented, singer-songwriter and producer Timothy Showalter, (AKA Strand of Oaks) leaves his stamp on his diverse and dynamic songs with his distinct voice. With some songs that lean more towards the folk realm, and others like "Everything," with its amped up guitar layers, Showalter's set will be sure to have a little something for everyone. Make sure you get down to the Mermaid Stage at 2:45PM on Sunday to catch him! Get ready for the show by listening to the newest album, Hard Love. 

Photo Credit: Maclay Heriot 

For Fans Of: The Lumineers, Big Thief, Band of Horses, Bright Eyes

Start With: "Radio Kids" and "Shut In"

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Foreign Air

The somewhat mysterious duo Foreign Air craft hypnotizing tunes with infectious melodies that will be sure to have you moving. With a debut EP, called For The Light, and a new single under their belt, there's no telling what will be in store for Foreign Air once they release their debut album. Head down to the BMI Stage on Friday at 4PM to dance on the beach to the sweet sounds of Foreign Air. 

For Fans Of: Glass Animals, Foals, Local Natives, Sylvan Esso

Start With: "In The Shadows" and "Call Off The Dogs"

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White Reaper

Louisville, Kentucky based rockers are taking 2017 by a storm with their new album The World's Best American Band. Live, the band exert incredible energy, putting everything they've got into delivering an unforgettable rowdy and electrifying performance. If you want to blow off some steam with some good ol' fashioned Rock'N'Roll, go see them at The Mermaid Stage at 2:30PM on Friday.

Photo Credit: Jesse DeFlorio

For Fans Of: Twin Peaks, Ty Segall, The Orwells, Fidlar

Start With: "Judy French" and "The Stack"

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Check out the full Hangout Fest line up here, and make sure you follow us on all our social media to get real-time updates next weekend!

WayHome Festival Line Up Additions

In case you missed the initial line up announcement, WayHome came back today with a few line up additions, including Cage The Elephant and Foster The People. The full line up includes some of favorites, like Frank Ocean, The Shins, Honne, Rag'N'Bone Man, Blossoms, and many more incredible artists from a mix of genres. Check out the full line up below, and grab your festival passes here. 3 Day Passes start at $229.99, and 1 day passes start at $89.99.

MGMT, Local Natives, Misterwives, Walk The Moon and Flying Lotus to Play Mamby on the Beach

Returning for a third year, Chicago's very own Mamby on the Beach is back with a stellar line up for 2017! In case you missed it, the festival officially announced yesterday that headlining acts include MGMT and Walk The Moon. The two-day festival also features countless other acts, like Miike Snow, Marian Hill, Phoebe Ryan, Thundercat, and Misterwives. We're personally most excited for Raury, Local Natives, and MUNA, but you can check out the entire line up below.

Tickets range from $62.50-$99.50 for single day and $112-$169.99, with General Admission and VIP options available. 

P.S. Last year, Chance the Rapper showed up at Mamby, so you never know what surprises might happen this year. Get your tickets now, before it's too late!

Daytrotter Downs Day 2 Highlights

Day 2 at Daytrotter Downs was even bigger and badder than Day 1, with music kicking off at 10AM at a local record store.  Once again, a mutual love and respect for music existed between the crowd and the bands. I also discovered new music and enjoyed every set that I managed to catch (you can check our Instagram for all of them), but here are the top highlights from Day 2....

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The Sires Guitarist Kept Losing His Hat Opening up Day 2

If you look really closely in the photo below, you can see the hat of one of Sires' guitarists on the stage. The entire band was so into the music and grooving along so hard that the hat just wouldn't stay on.  As with the opening slot of most festivals, the 2PM crowd for Sires was scarce, but they still gave their all and you could tell they love what they do when they get on stage.  The band is from Iowa, so if you're local make sure to check them out if you haven't already!

In Tall Buildings Played Songs From The Upcoming Album

Frontman Erik Hall and his bandmates played a beautiful set in the afternoon yesterday, which featured some new songs.  In our interview (coming soon) Erik revealed that was only the second time playing the new songs; the first being during Tomorrow Never Knows in Chicago in January. The new songs sounded incredible, so keep your eyes and ears out for new In Tall Buildings music this year. 

Bobby Hussy Lit His Guitar On Fire

In our Daytrotter Downs spotlight, I mentioned that I'd heard all about Bobby Hussy's love for pyrotechnics and his stage presence, but I didn't know how well lighting his guitar on fire would go over in the setting of Daytrotter Downs. However, at 5PM, Bobby Hussy of The Hussy lit his guitar on fire on the floor of the Redstone Room.  It just doesn't get more badass and more Rock'n'Roll than that. Check out the video on our Instagram, and make sure you go see The Hussy if you ever get the chance. 

Sarah Potenza Gave A Shout Out to Humboldt Park

During her early evening set, Sarah Potenza wooed the crowd with her powerful, soulful vocals. She also provided the laughs with some of her stories, one of which included a part about the 10 years she lived in Chicago in a Humboldt Park apartment. After her set, she also did an impromptu interview with me, so stay tuned for that. She'll be in Chicago with Gaelynn Lea tomorrow, so check them out if you can!

All Eyes Were on Gaelynn Lea

For the first time during the entire festival, I didn't have much personal space to stand during Gaelynn Lea's performance. Because everyone was watching her set. She delivered an absolutely stunning and mesmerizing hour-long set to a packed house with her haunting vocals and incredible violin playing. Gaelynn also promoted taking risks and doing what you love during her set. Before playing a new song of hers, Gaelynn mentioned she was nervous to play it, but she was doing it anyway because "it's good to do things that make you nervous."  Seriously, if you're reading this and you're based in Chicago, go see her at Schubas tomorrow night.

Adam Torres Captivated The Crowd with his Cutting Vocals

Without a doubt, Adam Torres was towards the top of my list to see during this festival, but his set exceeded my expectations. He put the entire crowd in a trance with his unique and haunting vocals, often backed by the beautiful violin playing of his bandmate Elizabeth Warren (he also made the "no not the senator" joke that most of you are probably thinking right now). He also gave the backstory to most of his songs before he played, which I always find fascinating when watching songs come to life. 

Post Animal Just Being Post Animal

Hands down, the Post Animal set topped my list of favorite performances this weekend.  As usual, they gave their performance their all and had the crowd reciprocating their massive energy levels. I mean, just check out the hair flip from Dalton in the photo below....

The house was completely packed and everyone in the front was moving the whole time. A few people even crowd surfed, making their set the rowdiest of the evening.  The guys will be out at SXSW later this month, and they're also touring nationally throughout the Spring, so go see them when they roll through your town.  

Daytrotter Downs Spotlight

In just about two weeks, we'll be heading out to the second ever Daytrotter Downs in Davenport, IA for a two-day celebration with some of our favorite bands. Check out this killer line up and jam packed schedule...

There's honestly not a bad band on this line up, but we've put the spotlight on seven of the bands that we can't wait to see. Get to know our most anticipated Daytrotter Downs acts...

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Post Animal

What's not to love about this six piece from Chicago?  The band have been gaining traction the past 6 months or so, opening for fellow Chicagoans Twin Peaks and The Orwells, and even headlined a sold out show at The Empty Bottle. To date they've self-produced and released two projects; Post Animal Perform The Most Curious Water Activities and The Garden Series, and there's a new full-length already recorded and set to be released soon. They've got a knack for mixing really unique tones and layers with catchy guitar riffs, and their live show is always packed with energy.  For everything else you need to know about this band, check out our interview with them.

Photo by Kristina Pedersen

Start With: "When I get Home" and "Hoverin All Night"

For Fans Of: Tame Impala, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Pond

See Them: Saturday, March 4th at Daytrotter HQ, 11 PM. 

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NE-HI

Another Chicago rock band that has been turning heads the past few months, NE-HI are on the brink of their new album Offers, out February 24th.  The four piece recently rocked the legendary JBTV stage in Chicago, and they're about to embark on a massive US tour, with dates through May already announced.  If you're a fan of a vintage, fuzzy rock sound with feel-good melodies, make sure you check them out. 

Photo Credit: Bryan Allen Lamb

Start With: "Stay Young" and "Since I've Been Thinking"

For Fans Of: The Walters, Twin Peaks, Whitney

See Them: Friday, March 3rd at Daytrotter HQ, 10 PM. 

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In Tall Buildings

Another Chicago artist topping our list...we're totally not biased....Anyways, In Tall Buildings is the name of Erik Hall's solo project as a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer.  Just let that all sink in and try not to feel bad about yourself. Hall's sophomore album and latest release as In Tall Buildings, Driver, contains a dynamic mix of sounds, with some songs leaning more towards rock and pop structures, while others remain more electronically driven. Hall's sound lies somewhat center in the mix of genres found on the lineup, so if you're at the fest with a group of varied musical tastes, be sure to check him out as a good middle ground set.

Photo Credit: Caleb Condit

Start With: "Unmistakable" and "Flare Gun"

For Fans Of:  Mutual Benefit, Kevin Morby, Francis and the Lights

See Him: Saturday, March 4th at Daytrotter HQ, 5PM

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The Hussy

Just plain ol' feel good punk rock music...The Hussy will no doubt deliver a performance bursting with energy. Hailing from Madison, WI, this trio's latest release in 2015, Galore, is packed with up tempo, catchy bops that make for an epic live show. We have yet to see The Hussy perform live, but we've heard there's quite a bit of theatrics and showmanship from frontman Bobby Hussy, so if you like pyrotechnics, their set is a must see. 

Photo Credit:  Adam Degross Subculture Photography

Start With: "Keep My Heart" and "Blame"

For Fans Of: The Orwells, Ty Segall, FIDLAR

See Them: Saturday, March 4th at Redstone Room, 4:45 PM. 

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Seasaw

This harmony-licious duo from Madison, WI (via Freeport, IL) blend folk and pop elements to create lighthearted melodies. They released their last full length this past July, appropriately called Too Much of a Good Thing, since it's full of mood-boosting tunes. Also relevant to its release date, the record makes the perfect soundtrack for a summer day, so their set will definitely heat up this Midwestern festival. 

Photo Credit: Scotify

Start With: "Absent Wolves" and "Ex-Girlfriend"

For Fans Of: Lucius, Bat For Lashes, St. Vincent

See Them: Friday, March 3rd at Daytrotter HQ, 6:45 PM. 

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Kississippi

Like In Tall Buildings, Kississippi started as a one (wo)man band, but turned into a duo, thanks to Tinder. The moniker masks musician Zoë Reynolds, who hails from Philadelphia, PA, and her counterpart Colin James Kupson. So far the duo have released a 6-song EP, We Have No Future, We're All Doomed, which is full of haunting melodies and folk-inspired vocals. Reynolds is currently working on a full length, so keep your eyes (and ears) out for that. If you're looking to escape from the madness of Daytrotter Downs, make sure you catch Kississippi's sure-to-be mesmerizing set. 

Photo Credit: Sara Joan

Start With: "Greyhound" and "Indigo'

For Fans Of: Cat Power, PJ Harvey, Big Thief

See Them: Friday, March 3rd at Daytrotter HQ, 9 PM. 

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Belle Game

The Vancouver, CA based group Belle Game blends atmospheric tones, pop structures, and lead singer Andrea Lo's ethereal vocals to create their distinct sound. While their songs remain recognizable with Lo's voice, their 2013 full length album Ritual Tradition Habit remains sonically diverse. Their latest single "Yuh" leans a bit more towards electro-pop so we're excited to see if they play any other new tracks during their Daytrotter Downs set. If you're looking to dance, definitely catch Belle Game's show. 

Photo Credit: Belle Game

Start With: "Wait Up For You" and "Yuh" 

For Fans Of: Tennis, Best Coast, Jenny Lewis

See Them: Saturday, March 4th at Daytrotter HQ, 6:30 PM. 

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While most of these bands play at the Daytrotter HQ location, there are plenty of other great shows hosted at Redstone Room in Davenport during Daytrotter Downs. You can find all things tickets, schedule and more on Daytrotter's site. Tickets start at $55 for two-day passes, which is a steal for the amount of bands playing. 

Panorama Festival Line Up : Frank Ocean, Solange, Tame Impala, Alt-J, Nine Inch Nails, A Tribe Called Quest

Another week, another string of festival line ups. Our favorite of recently announced line ups has got to be Panorama because... Frank. Ocean.  Enough said.  It's been over two years since Frank has performed live, but it looks like this summer will bring several festival performances from Frank. 

In addition to Frank,  the other headliner names include Solange, Tame Impala, Alt-J, Nine Inch Nails, A Tribe Called Quest.  We're also stoked to see S U R V I V E (AKA the band who did the score for Stranger Things), Pinegrove, Honne, Mura Masa, and Kiiara on the line up- just to name a few.  

Panorama takes place in NYC from July 28-30th.  Check out the entire line up below, and head to www.panorama.nyc/passes for details on ticket options and pricing. 

www.panorama.nyc