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Five Discoveries Of Bonnaroo 2011

When I made my schedule of artists to see at Bonnaroo this year, there were a select few that I without a doubt could not miss: Arcade Fire. Florence + The Machine. Mumford & Sons. Chiddy Bang. You know, all of those indie artists that have some way or another gone mainstream? But one of the perks of going to a music festival that features over 125 different musicians is that you’re bound to discover a handful of new bands to add to your iTunes library as soon as you get home. Here are 5 pleasant surprises I made while frolicking through Centeroo last weekend that you should definitely check out. 

 

Photo Courtesy of Tom-Spray.com

5. Twin Shadow

The first night of the festival, I made my way over to This Tent in order to get a good spot for Childish Gambino. Before he came onstage, though, I got the opportunity to watch this Dominican-bred musician perform his set. Pop? Rock? Electronic? It’s nearly impossible to place Twin Shadow in a specific genre. But if you find yourself jamming to the likes of Toro y Moi, Cults, or Tune-yards, he’s definitely right up your alley. His light and easy-going tunes are pleasant to listen to, and hey, he keeps good company—Twin Shadow will be touring with Florence + The Machine throughout the summer.  

Song That You Should Download: “At My Heels” from Forget

 

Photo Courtesy of Patrick Ryan

4. Anthony B

My friends and I were trying to kill some time as we waited for Matt and Kim to get onstage, so we decided to wander over to Anthony B at the What Stage. I’m very glad I did, because I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody so ecstatic and joyful to be performing—it was infectious, to say the least. This Jamaican native and member of the Rastafari movement has been making music and performing across North America for over 15 years now. He primarily creates politically-charged reggae tunes, and has collaborated with the likes of Snoop Dogg and Wyclef Jean in the past. You don’t have to be a ganja fanatic to appreciate his witty lyrics and energetic, island sound. 

Song That You Should Download: “World A Reggae Music” from Black Star

 

Photo Courtesy of ThenJunderground.com

3. Galactic

Oh, Sunday afternoons at Bonnaroo. After three days of nonstop concert-going, saying I was exhausted would be an understatement. There was no better way to recharge, though, than laying on the grass listening to Galactic jam away at the What Stage. Hailing from New Orleans, La., they’re described as a jazz and funk band that also delves into some hip-hop, blues, and electronic sounds. Instead of popping in the usual Dave Matthews Band album, switch it up with some Galactic—they’re the quintessential soundtrack for a hot summer day with an ice-cold beer in hand.  

Song That You Should Download: “Heart Of Steel” from Ya-Ka-May

 

Photo Courtesy of En.Wikipedia.org

2. Hanggai 

When I heard the words “Mongolian folk/rock band” used together in a sentence, I knew there was no way I could pass this group up. These Beijing natives have made waves in the Chinese music industry, and are now spreading their traditional tunes to other regions of the world. It’s difficult not to be captivated by their unique sound—which is at times soothing and meditative, and others spirited and upbeat. I feel that Hanggai definitely transports you to a very different state of mind, and would be ideal music to listen to while making artwork or falling asleep. Don’t take my word for it, though—they’re one of those bands that just needs to be heard in order to be fully grasped. 

Song That You Should Download: “Xiger Xiger” from He Who Travels Far

 

Photo Courtesy of ToneDeath.Wordpress.com

1. Pretty Lights

Yes, I’m sure if you’re a college student that’s into dubstep you’ve heard of Pretty Lights. I did before Bonnaroo—I just always mixed him in with the Bassnectar and Skrillex set, so I never gave his music a fair chance. In short, he’s a former University of Colorado at Boulder student that now samples hip-hop beats and funky soul songs to create electronic music. He began playing the festival circuit in 2009, appearing at venues such as Coachella, Rothbury, and Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Fla. Pretty Lights is perfect dance music while at a rave or party, but is also fantastic to listen to while just having a chill night at home. 

Song That You Should Download: “Out Of Time” from Glowing In The Darkest Night

 

Main Photo Courtesy of WestLacNct.com

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