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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wumebrings 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.
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.
Hopscotch Music Festival’s seventh year is only a week and a half away, and everyone’s busy scouring the schedule charting out potential itineraries. On the roster is one of Maryn Jones’ many various musical projects, All Dogs out of Columbus, OH. My first encounter with Jones’ work was my senior year of high school when a friend suggested I check out Saintseneca, the folk punk five-piece in which Jones sang and played dulcimer and strumstick. I took an interest in Jones and her role as the only woman in a group of men. I checked out her other musical project at the time, a lo-fi folk project under her own name, most of which was just her and an acoustic guitar, the type of music that has very high potential to inspire young non-men to make music in their bedrooms (i.e. me). Following her online presence gives one an abbreviated peek into the life of a genuine human being, which was my first true run-in with the realization that the people who make the music that I loved were people just like me.
After a year or so of admiring her work as a folk artist, her versatility managed to shock me again with All Dogs. This time, Jones had set the same stream of beautifully relatable lyrics and soft winding vocals to a crunchy full band consisting of Amanda Bartley on bass, Jesse Withers on drums, and second guitarist Nick Harris. Jones and Bartley began playing as All Dogs in 2012 and the band’s first release was a split tape with fellow Columbus band Slouch in September the following year. The band took off immediately, recognized for Jones’ unbridled honesty, but held off on releasing a full length, releasing a 7"a few months later. The band continued gaining national recognition, opening for Waxahatchee (the frequently WKNC-spun and similarly emotive project of Katie Crutchfield) on a tour of the east coast early the following year. The attention the band was getting had caught the eye of Salinas Records in Detroit, who also play host to a few other WKNC indie favorites including Radiator Hospital and Swearin’.
During the interim of All Dogs releases, Maryn began to channel energy into yet another solo project Yowler. Equally as expressive but with added reverb and synth tones, Yowler was another incredible addition to Jones’ repertoire, but she didn’t waste any time after the release of The Offer in February 2015. All Dogs finally released a much anticipated debut full-length in August later that year (celebrating its first birthday yesterday, August 28th) with Salinas Records. The album, titled Kicking Every Day, was previewed by NPR Music, awarded Album of the Week by Stereogum, and reviewed by countless big-wig indie blogs. Its ten tracks are just as captivatingly devastating as any of Jones’ work, with power chords and pop undertones that are as cheery as anything else you might hear on the radio. The juxtaposition creates an album that is impossible to stop spinning. If you’ve caught my DJ shift over the past year, I’ve probably played All Dogs tracks at least five or six times. Bottom line(s): Maryn Jones is incredible, and you can catch me at Lincoln Theater at 9:30pm on September 10th, night three of Hopscotch Music Festival, for All Dogs’ set.
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.
