Category: Festival Coverage

Previews, reviews and coverage from music festivals like Hopscotch and Moogfest

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Festival Coverage

When you want to Hopscotch efficiently

  1. First order of business: pick up your goddamn wristband from Wristband City.

  2. Have some semblance of a plan! Figure out where the venues are in relation to each other and which bands, old and new, you want to catch. Luckily for you, there’s Hopscotch app where you can select the artists you’re dying to see, and the calendar feature organizes your selections in order by date and time. Additionally, you can read artist bios and listen to a few of their tracks, and – SCORE – you can sync it to your Google Calendar! Personally, I’m a fan of printing the schedule and circling my “must see” artists in red ink. Your less efficient third option is just wingin’ it.

  3. Don’t waste your own time!  Whether it’s the music or the crowd or the venue that you’re not vibing with, remember that you can leave. Don’t expect the next song to be better. If you don’t like a set after two songs, do yourself a favor and dip. Test your luck at the next closest venue, because the weekend is too short and there are too many artists for you to not enjoy yourself every minute.

  4. Wear comfortable shoes! Minimize the time you spend walking (briskly) between venues and maximize your Hopscotch utility by wearing sneakers. Imagine this: It’s Friday, September 9th. You’re old-school moshing to “American Girls and French Kisses” at the CAM. It’s 10:50 PM, and Young Thug is taking the stage at Memorial Auditorium at 11. Unless you have a time-turner you are not going to be able to see both sets in their entirety. I’m not telling you how to live your life – but if you bust out a light jog down S Martin Street you’ll miss less of Beach Slang and see more of Young Thug, so consider the opportunity costs. Are you making this trek in flip flops? No, you’re wearing close-toed kicks like a responsible adult. If looking cute is a priority… good luck with that, I guess. And yes, this is your mother speaking.

  1. Catch some Pokemon. Obligatory. DON’T run into people on the street, ignore your friends, or strain your neck. DO set up a lure if you’re at the Pour House staking out prime real estate for Rainbow Kitten Surprise. You will hatch so many eggs and see so much of wild and wonderful Raleighwood.

More info on Wristband City

Hopscotch Schedule (.pdf)

–Case Sensitive

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Festival Coverage

Most Anticipated Acts of Hopscotch (Underrepresented Genders Edition)

Hopscotch is next week, and since I’m a rookie, I just printed out a schedule to start planning. Actually, maybe that’s the opposite of a rookie move. Either way, Hopscotch has a great, diverse lineup, and you’re sure to find many artists you enjoy over the three days. Here are some must-see acts whose frontpeople belong to underrepresented genders.

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Sylvan Esso, who every local should want to see, if only to feel proud to be from the home state of such a well-known indie act. Also, I’m excited for the possibility that they’ll play their catchiest song, “Coffee,” and to hear the new songs the duo has announced, when they headline on Saturday.

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Pie Face Girls have become pretty well-known locally for their powerful sound and lyrics, and for their unconstrained stage presence. They play fun-sounding punk that brings out typically unspoken parts of the female experience.

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Erykah Badu is kind of a legend, and I feel bad only having heard about her this year. Her latest release, a mixtape, is really intriguing; it’s like a scavenger hunt to find the sources of portions of the songs. WKNC released an artist profile about Badu if you’d like to learn more. She’s headlining Red Hat Amphitheater on Friday, so it’s sure to be an awesome show.

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Diet Cig has so much energy, and you’ll likely be tired just watching Alex Luciano’s animated dancing and high kicks (and that’s not even getting to the music.) Diet Cig played at King’s in March, and it was gravity-defying and rockin’. To get a sneak peek of their Hopscotch performance, check out their WKNC Lounge set.

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Dai Burger’s music is outside of my usual comfort zone, but somehow I still like it. Maybe it’s something about her goofy website, her clever and catchy rap verses, or the fact that she’s named herself “Burger,” but she seems to balance sharing her talent with getting listeners to have fun.

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Wume brings live rhythmic experimentation to Hopscotch. It’s tough to find contemporary instrumental acts that aren’t purely electronic, and Wume does a great job making complex but approachable music.

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Bad Friends’ sound is a lot heavier than I usually listen to, but what are music festivals for if not exploration? Their demo songs are good, and they’re local, which makes me like them already.

You can find all Hopscotch set times and locations here. 

-The Fuzz

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Festival Coverage

Venue Breakdown

The Contemporary Art Museum (CAM):
The CAM is a unique Hopscotch experience—one that should not be missed. Centrally located in the warehouse district of downtown Raleigh, this beacon of art and culture seldom offers full-scale musical performances. The gallery offers plenty of room to exhibit musicians and artwork alike, allowing you to vibe with artists such as JunglePussy, Kelela, Mr. Carmack, and more.

Kings Raleigh:
Built by local musicians in 1999, King’s (as it is affectionally known), immediately brought fresh acts to the Oak City music scene. Having established itself as a must-see local musical venue, Kings offers a peculiar, intimate space for artists—and patrons—to have an unforgettable concert experience. For our 21+ crowd, the bar is stocked with artfully crafted cocktails.

Lincoln Theatre:
Having established itself as a right of passage for local musicians whilst earning an affable reputation with successful touring musicians, Lincoln Theatre is among the “must see” venues offered during Hopscotch. This impressive venue is cozy enough to fill the room with a palpable energy—yet big enough to get your dance on. DJ Spinn The Era Footwork Crew, Big Freedia, and All Dogs are some of the artists that will be providing the vibes throughout the weekend. Don’t play yourself.

Memorial Auditorium:
Opened in 1932 Memorial Auditorium is the “local crown jewel” of Raleigh’s performing arts, hosting legends such as Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Prince to name a few. This is a rare opportunity to experience artists such as Young Thug, Andrew Bird, and Television in such a place. The venue is elegant, filled with chandeliers and smells of rich mahogany, (Ron Burgundy would love this place). However, you can’t drink inside and it’s stadium seating so not a lot of room to get your dance on. But, it will provide you a concert experience you’ll never forget.

Away Msg at Hopscotch 2015

Neptune’s:
Straight up, if you like to dance this is the place for you. Small, hot, and in the basement of King’s it’s reminiscent of the most lit dance party you’ve ever been to and probably ever attend. Walking down into Neptune’s is almost surreal, once halfway down you hear the bass knocking and definitely feel the energy. It’s something special you have to see four yourself. Artists such as Blursome, SwizzyMack, Body Kit, and others will be there performing and I highly recommend to not miss it. Also, for the 21+ check out their exceptional cocktails.

Slim’s:
This dive bar is synonymous with the underground music scene of Raleigh. Notoriously known as the city’s oldest rock bar and hangout for the diverse characters around town, Slim’s is definitely a spot worth checking out. They have great and inexpensive drinks and a cool ambiance. For the 21+ highly recommending the Cheerwine shot to drink something, a real southerner would know. This venue gives fans an intimate setting to experience artists such as A Giant Dog, Pink Flag, and others during Hopscotch.

Red Hat Amphitheater:
One of the newest additions to Raleigh’s music venues, the Red Hat Amphitheater provides a beautiful outdoor space. Artists and patrons alike are overshadowed by the colorful reflections of the Cree shimmer wall giving this venue a special touch unique to Raleigh. It is one of the most spacious venues downtown featuring a well-groomed lawn and lots of amenities. Erykah Badu and Gary Clark Jr’s show will be a performance for the ages. You’re not going to want to miss it.

Oneohtrix Point Never at The Pour House Music Hall

The Pour House Music Hall:
An intimate venue where you feel the artist’s and crowds vibes that create an energy that you won’t forget. Outfitted with a balcony and bar stacked with the best local beer if you’re thirsty. The Snails, Occultist, Sneaks, and others will be performing throughout Hopscotch weekend so I’ll see you there.

Deep South:
This venue is legendary in the local music scene, not a day goes by without live music erupting from Deep South. Providing diverse genres it is a hub for music lovers around. Winning lots of awards annually and a stones throw away from the Red Hat Amphitheater it is a place deserving of attention. Artists such as Diet Cig, Al Riggs, and others will be gracing the stage there.

Nash Hall:
This is a new venue for Hopscotch and Raleigh. On the corner of E Morgan St. and S Blount St. it was known formally as Nash Motors and now acts as a stunning new venue. Described as a more intimate CAM, this will be a new experience and something definitely worth checking out. Tom Carter, 75 Dollar Bill and Julien Baker are a few artists performing during Hopscotch.

–Cruise One

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Festival Coverage

21-? A Guide to Hopscotch for the Underage

While we can all agree music should be for all ages to enjoy, some venues for Hopscotch are 21+ unfortunately. Historically Slim’s and Neptune’s were 21+, but I’ve got some great news to share with you!

If you look at the Hopsctoch website, it still says that Neptune’s is a 21+ venue, however if you go to Neptune’s event page, they are ALL AGES for Hopscotch!!!! Kudos to Neptune’s for opening up their venue to all ages to enjoy. 

Please be mindful that Slim’s unfortunately is still 21+ and are very strict about this policy. I attempted last year to get in to see Bully, and even explaining I was covering Hopscotch for WKNC did nothing for me. You don’t want to be a sad kid like me listening to Bully from right outside Slim’s, so I would suggest avoiding the venue. If you feel really strongly about a band though, always give it a try. I know many people have gotten in by some not-so-legal means, but I don’t in any way condone that!

There may be some venues where the bouncers just haven’t been informed of the age policy. Be adamant that you should be allowed into the venue if you’re the appropriate age. I experienced a bouncer at Tir Na Nog last year that thought the venue was 21+ even though it was 18+, and had to argue with him for quite a while before he finally let me in. Just don’t give up! They might be older and intimidating, but if you know you’re right, stand your ground.

Along with being young at Hopscotch, no matter who you are or what age, be mindful of safety in downtown Raleigh at night. Please don’t travel alone, in dark areas, or with people who don’t seem safe. Last year I thought I could go off on my own, and wound up being followed by some not so savory characters. Just be aware. I don’t condone underage drinking at Hopscotch either, but if it happens, be safe about that too. Don’t overdo yourself, make sure someone is your designated driver, and never go off alone. If you’re belligerent, you will get stopped by the Police! Just remember that your safety is important, but so is the safety of other people enjoying Hopscotch.

Have a happy time Hopscotching!

-Double Duchess

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Festival Coverage

Hopscotch Local Artist Newcomers

Your guide to local artists who will be featured at Hopscotch for the first time!

Tuskha: Chill and catchy R&B influenced pop solo project by Phil Moore of Bower Birds

Listen here:  https://tuskha.bandcamp.com/

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 5:50pm @ City Plaza

Konvoi: Asheville, NC post-punk

Listen here: https://konvoinc.bandcamp.com/

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 11:30pm @ Slim’s

Pie Face Girls: Raleigh activist punk band that will make you move

Listen here: https://piefacegirlsband.bandcamp.com/releases

For fans of: Bikini Kill, Babes in Toyland

Where at Hopscotch: Thursday, 11:00pm @ Kings

Sarah Shook and the Disarmers: Fierce Country out of Pittsboro

Listen: http://sarahshookthedisarmers.bandcamp.com

For fans of: Mount Moriah

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 10:30pm @ Slim’s

S.E. Ward: Emotion packed, indie folk solo project

Listen here: http://seward.bandcamp.com

For fans of: Sharon van Etten

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 9:00pm @ Nash Hall

Al Riggs: Chapel Hill folk rock

Listen here: http://alriggs.bandcamp.com

For fans of: Kurt Vile

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 9:00pm @ Deep South Bar

No One Mind: Dark Psych rock featuring members of Birds of Avalon, Lilac Shadows, Grogh, and more. 

New 7″ “Born Again” b/w “Baron Gain” here: http://www.noonemind.com/blog/2016/7/18

For fans of: Birds of Avalon, Black Mountain

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 11:00pm @ Deep South Bar

Rainbow Kitten surprise: Soulful and groovy Indy-pop out of Boone

Listen here: https://rainbowkittensurprise.bandcamp.com/

For fans of: Twin Shadow

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 11:30pm @ The Pour House

Crete: Raleigh punk

For fans of: No Love

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 9:30pm @ Slim’s

Lacy Jags: Chapel Hill garage rock/ psych rock

Listen here: https://lacyjagsnc.bandcamp.com/releases

For fans of: Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Where at Hopscotch: Thursday, 10:00pm @ Kings

Oak City Slums: Raleigh Hip-hop influenced electronic

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/oakcityslums

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 9:30pm @ CAM

Hotline: Raleigh 80’s influenced Indy-pop

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/hotline4you

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 9:30pm @ The Pour House

The Wyrms: Garage punk from Carrboro

Listen here: https://thewyrms.bandcamp.com/releases

For fans of: together PANGEA

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 9:30pm @ CAM

Weird Pennies (of Raleigh): Raleigh-based (hence the band name) indie pop

Listen here: https://weirdpenniesofraleigh.bandcamp.com/

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 9:00pm @ Deep South Bar

Zensofly: Hip hop out of Raleigh

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/zensofly

Where at Hopscotch: Thursday, 9:30pm @ Kings

Jodi: Rap out of Raleigh

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/youthfulrecords/freestyle-yungxanhoe-remix-jodi

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 9:00pm @ Kings

Necrocosm: Death metal from Raleigh

Listen here: http://necrocosm666.bandcamp.com/

For fans of: Morbid Angel

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 10:00pm @ Kings

The Charming Youngsters: Raleigh/Durham shoegaze/ indy noise-pop

Listen here: http://thecharmingyoungsters.com/

For fans of: Eternal Summers

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 9:30 @ Slim’s Downtown

Treee City: Durham electronic

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/treee-city

Where at Hopscotch: Thursday, 10:30pm @ Neptunes

Bad Friends: Durham heavy queer punk

Listen here: https://badfriendsnc.bandcamp.com/

For fans of: Circle Takes the Square

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 8:30pm @ Lincoln Theater

Other Local acts: Sylvan Esso, Wye Oak, The Dead Tongues, Kooley High, Grogh, Blursome, Dynamite Brothers. Not new to the festival but definitely worth checking out. 

–DJ Whatsherface

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Festival Coverage

How to get Tickets for Hopscotch 2016

With the the end of each summer, Hopscotch always creeps up on us. If you haven’t secured your ticket yet be sure to act fast as they are selling out quick this year. Here is some pricing info:

General Admission: $165

  1. 1 Red Hat Amphitheater show – Sept. 9
  2. 3 Outdoor City Plaza Shows – Sept. 8-10 (Fayetteville Street downtown)
  3. All Club Shows – Sept. 8-10

VIP: $225

  1. 1 Red Hat Amphitheater show – Sept. 9
  2. 3 Outdoor City Plaza Shows – Sept. 8-10 (Fayetteville Street downtown)
  3. All Club Shows – Sept. 8-10
  4. Opening Night VIP party – Sept. 8
  5. Priority Access to Club Shows

Thursday Day Pass: $85

  1. Thursday club shows 
  2. Thursday City Plaza show 

Friday Day Pass: $95

  1. Friday club shows 
  2. Friday City Plaza show 
  3. Friday Red Hat Amphitheater show

Saturday Day Pass: $85

  1. Saturday club shows 
  2. Saturday City Plaza show 

You can purchase tickets at: http://hopscotchmusicfest.com/tickets/

There is also a chance to win a 3-day pass! Steep In will be doing a giveaway which ends next Tuesday the 23rd. All you have to do is follow the Twitter page and retweet the giveaway tweet: https://twitter.com/steep_in

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Festival Coverage

Genre Spotlight: The Heavy Stuff

Another year, another Hopscotch! Each September, downtown Raleigh becomes the center of music in the state of North Carolina as over 100 plus artists convene in the city’s many music venues to perform for an ever-growing number of music fans. Hopscotch easily features one of the most diverse line-ups in the North American festival circuit as it plays host to some of the biggest indie bands, rap stars, even country, and most definitely the heavier side of music. Hopscotch has really outdone itself this year featuring some of the biggest artists in every category as Beach House will take the City Plaza stage, Young Thug will bring his unique brand of hip-hop to Raleigh Memorial Auditorium and Erykah Badu will bring her soulful voice to Red Hat. While I am more than excited for all of these acts, Hopscotch, without a doubt needs to be commended for their excellent curation of bands that play a heavier band. Following will be a brief spotlight on some of the bands that excite me most. 

Tribulation

This Swedish blackened death metal band will be taking the Kings’ stage on Saturday night as the clock strikes midnight and are for sure not a band to miss for fans of heavy music as their music strikes the perfect balance between brutally heavy, but maintaining a strong sense of melody. The band is sure to enter the stage with incense, creating a pleasant smelling environment, but don’t let this fool you as they are heavy and will be decked out in corpse paint. Their latest album, Children of the Night, was a huge success and brought many new fans to band, including myself. The album can be heard here. 

Cobalt

This band is a pretty big deal as it features only two members, Erik Wunder and the newest member, Charlie Fell (of Lord Mantis fame), who was recently added in 2016 right before the release of their monumental album Slow Forever. Cobalt very rarely plays show and has only toured the United States once in 2013, so think of this as a pretty big treat for Raleigh. Cobalt plays a brand of smorgasbord metal that features a little bit of influence from everywhere in the metal world including black metal, death metal, even a little bit of hardcore, and definitely strong doses of avant-garde tendencies. The band will be taking the Pour House stage at 11:30 on Friday night. Their most recent album, Slow Forever, can be found here.

Bad Friends

Not everything heavy has to be metal and this here local band, hailing from Durham, is definitely not metal as they lean much more towards the screamo genre associated with bands like Circle Takes the Square or another North Carolina band Weak Wrists. Expect hallowing guitars with piercing screams from this queer screamo/hardcore band as they take the Lincoln Theatre stage at 8:30 Saturday night, opening for the larger than life metal band, Baroness. Their most recent release can be found here.

Converge

There’s really not a whole lot new I can say about this band. They’re arguably the biggest heavy band to be gracing this festival’s lineup as they have been kicking it since 1990 and boy, are they heavy. When I first heard Jane Doe back as a young teenage, my mind was blown at how heavy this band was. Their sound is pummeling, it’s abrasive, and most importantly it’s destructive. Lincoln Theatre should be nothing short of a warzone when they take the stage Thursday night at 12:30. This is a not miss set for anybody who considers their self a fan of heavy music as they are definite pioneers of the genre in recent years. Some of their music can be found here. 

-English Soccer

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Festival Coverage

Hopscotch 2016 Artist Map

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It’s that time of year again.  I would say WKNC is getting stoked for Hopscotch Music Festival’s seventh year, but honestly, we’ve been excited about Hopscotch 7 since the last acts of Hopscotch 6 left the stage.  But now that the event is less than a month away, the anticipation is almost tangible.

Each year, Hopscotch brings a wide variety of artists to Raleigh from all over the state, country, and world. As has become a bit of a tradition for me, I’ve created a map of where the artists are from.  Check out which artists are representing our incredible local scene, as well as where each of the national touring acts call home.  And don’t forget to zoom out and scope for the artists from across the ocean!

– dJ/dx

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Festival Coverage

Parking at Hopscotch! A daunting task.

If finding a decent place to park in downtown Raleigh scares you, the stress increases exponentially during large events such as Hopscotch. This guide is meant to help you find parking before setting out to explore the music festival.

Free Parking!!!!!!!!

Free parking is extremely hard to come by now that the City of Raleigh has eliminated free parking after 7pm and on weekends. However, these are a few spots that seem to still offer that deal.

Green Square Parking Deck, 120 W Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27603, (919) 807-2408

Rates are $2 per hour, but after 5pm rates aren’t charged. The gates to this deck raise from the hours of 6:30pm-5am and are free to park in, no charge.

On-Street Metered Parking

If you’re lucky enough to get a parking spot right on the street, after 5pm it’s completely free. These spots are a little harder to get a hold of, however if you’re willing to walk a few blocks, try parking along Salisbury Street near the Raleigh Police Station. Even during events that area seems to have quite a few on street parking spots available. If you want to get a spot closer to all the action, consider coming in around 4:30pm and paying a mere $0.50 to park a little earlier. With your extra free time go grab a bite to eat!

Cheap Parking

Maybe you don’t get to the free parking in time, maybe you don’t mind spending a few $$$ just to avoid the stress of trying to find the nearly mythical free parking in downtown Raleigh. Here are some of the cheapest options we could find.

Salisbury Lot, 400 S Salisbury St

$3 per space; evening rate

City Market Parking Lot, 228 E Martin St, Raleigh , NC 27601

$5 Nightly and weekend rate, beginning at 5pm on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends.

Wild Cards

These are locations that I’ve personally used in the past without being charged. Keep in mind I used these after 7pm, and I’m unsure if they still offer free parking after 7pm or on weekends. Rates may also vary since this is a large event; the owners of the garages might decide to capitalize on the parking demand during Hopscotch. However, if they’re on your way into downtown, might as well check them out.

Red Hat Parking Garage

I’m not sure the name of this garage, but it’s attached to the Red Hat Tower. The entrance is right off of South Blount Street, just a little bit past East Davie Street. Historically I’ve parked here and never had to pay, but keep in mind the parking company that oversees it might charge a special event rate.

Moore Square Parking Deck

Conveniently located by Beasley’s, Chuck’s, Slim’s, and the bus station, this parking deck isn’t too far of a walk from the City Plaza stage either. I haven’t visited this deck since Raleigh got rid of free parking after hours. Last year I parked here the Thursday night of Hopscotch and didn’t get charged. 

If you can’t find these deals, most places charge $7 event parking. If you’re being asked to pay more than $7, head somewhere else! There’s plenty of places that don’t charge $10-$15. Good Luck and Happy Hopscotching!

-DJ Duchess

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Festival Coverage

Bonnaroo: Best performances of 2016

Bonnaroo has come and passed this year, but for those of you who didn’t go, or even those of you that did, I’ve compiled my two cents on the best of the best out of each genre of artist that performed this year.

Let’s start with electronic, my expectations were set pretty high with RL Grime, and he definitely delivered. His show was unreal, playing old stuff, new stuff, hard stuff, some intermediary softer stuff, all with a perfectly programmed light show which was mindblowingly perfect. Although I may be biased because I absolutely love some festival trap. Griz was also amazing, despite his mid-day set. 

As for the more alternative-tinged pop shows, my personal favorite had to be Halsey, who is just a great performer with catchy and well written songs. She had a huge crowd, and involved them often, interacting with them frequently, and giving it her all during the performance.  A close second was Two Door Cinema club, who also killed their performance.

As for rap, you probably won’t expect my pick, but it was Chance the Rapper. This guy wasn’t even billed on the lineup, but he showed up to multiple shows as well as doing his own thing on Sunday at the Silent Disco. If I wasn’t kinda cheating by picking him, I would definitely go with J Cole, because his set was constant fire the entire time, I had to leave close to the end of it, but I could hear him as well as the crowd from anywhere in the campgrounds.

Also here’s a quick list of honorable mentions, who weren’t the best of the best, but were still certainly great performances:

BORNS

Cashmere Cat

CHVRCHES

Ellie Goulding

Third Eye Blind

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Snoop Dog 

Keep an eye out for posts by my co-host Will, who was also covering the festival, I think he’ll be posting some awesome pictures we took at the festival soon!