AAs one-half of the NO DUDES PWR HR, I just couldn’t not tell y’all about the acts led by people of underrepresented genders that I’m most excited for at this year’s Hopscotch Music Festival. Here they are in alphabetical order:
Cayetana: Slim’s, Thursday at midnight (technically it’s Friday)
Is it just me, or are all musicians from Philly these days? Jk. But, as my friend once told me, there’s truth behind every “jk,” and clearly the scene there is producing some great artists. One of these is Cayetana, who you should listen to if you just can’t get enough straight up indie rock. Pay special attention to their lyrics and the bass line in Grumpy’s, and be sure to catch them at Slim’s. Cayetana press photo from Bandcamp.
Madame Gandhi: Nash Hall, Friday at 11:30 p.m.
If you’re going to Hopscotch to be inspired, definitely check out Madame Gandhi’s set. She’s a percussionist, electronic musician, vocalist and activist who seriously cares about people. If you see her set, she’s sure to create some great beats and leave you thinking afterwards. To give you an idea, check out the song The Future is Female. Madame Gandhi “Voices” album cover
Mary Timony Plays Helium: Red Hat Amphitheatre, Sunday at 4:15 p.m.
If you’re like me, you know Mary Timony mostly from the bands Ex Hex and Wild Flag, but her set at Hopscotch will be special. Timony went on tour this summer, recreating the songs of Helium, the band that she fronted in the 1990s. She’s bringing these songs to Hopscotch, and who knows when else you’ll be able to hear them live? My personal faves are Hole in the Ground and Superball. Ex Hex at South By Southwest 2014 photo by Bri Aab, WKNC.
MOURN: CAM, Friday at 11 a.m.
I thought I’d never get to see this band in my life. The self-proclaimed “very young quartet” is from Spain, and they make awesome post-punk music that I can’t wait to hear live. They’re also releasing a new EP, Over the Wall, on the same day that they play. Check out their new single here, though I’m partial to Misery Factory and Gertrudis, Get Through This! MOURN press photo from Bandcamp.
Solange: Red Hat Amphitheater, Saturday at 9 p.m.
Of course. Of course. Just be there! Until then, I highly recommend taking a peek at Solange’s music videos because they’re really visually engaging. Try Don’t Touch My Hair or Losing You. Solange Knowles’ “A Seat at the Table’ album cover
ZenSoFly: Red Hat Amphitheater, Saturday at 2:15
If you saw her at this year’s Double Barrel Benefit, you know she’s the best. If you didn’t, now you can find out. It’s great to see so much great hip-hop at Hopscotch, including local artist ZenSoFly. I personally will never get over CookOut, and her EP Little Miss Perfect is great. ZenSoFly at Double Barrel Benefit 14 photo by Katelyn Auger, WKNC.
Want to hear these artists and more on WKNC? Listen at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 8 for a special NO DUDES PWR HR show broadcast from Wristband City!
For the full Hopscotch schedule, click here. Catch you out there!
<3, The Fuzz