Day two of Bumbershoot begins! There’s so many amazing acts happening this Saturday, so even though I will be sitting at work, crying that I’m missing out on all the fun, here’s all my recommendations as to who you should be seeing.
Madeline Kenney, Fisher Green Stage, 3:20 – 3:50 PM
I often hear artists saying that they could never see themselves in any other profession and that they’ve always wanted to be an artist. Surprisingly for Madeline Kenney, this wasn’t the case. She originally earned a degree in neuroscience, moved from Seattle to the Bay Area to become a professional baker, and became a nanny to pursue her passions of painting and modern dance. As crazy a journey as that sounds, I’m so glad that she took it, because now we get to listen to her beautiful music. Kenney’s dreamy voice sings over tracks with looping voices and delicate guitar melodies. Her soft pop sound could almost be described as angelic, and will be an amazing start to the second day of Bumbershoot.
Cataldo, KEXP Stage, 5:30 – 6:10 PM
To be quite honest, I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know about Cataldo sooner. Their 80’s inspired summer pop sound (complete with saxophone solos!) is so fun, fresh, and bright, you can’t help but start tapping your toes. With five records under their belt, Cataldo is as Seattle as they come. Eric Anderson, the man behind the band, is even a manager at a local Seattle favorite, Molly Moon’s! The ice cream shop isn’t just Anderson’s day job either; Cataldo is actually signed to the Molly Moon’s record label, Mooncrew Records. So if you’re ready to hear some amazing truly Seattle music, make sure to stop by KEXP and check Cataldo out!
Kaleo, Main Stage, 6:20 – 7:06 PM
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like if Bon Iver and the Black Keys had an Icelandic musical baby (first off, what a weird thing to wonder, what’s wrong with you?), then look no further than Kaleo! After having five #1 singles on the Icelandic charts, the band decided to try their hand at the American market and relocated to Austin, Texas, to draw influence from the city’s blues history. With a blues-folk sound that is really unlike anything else playing at Bumbershoot this year, I’d really recommend stopping by to see their set on the Main Stage.
Sofi Tukker, Mural Amphitheater, 8:25 – 9:25 PM
You may already know Sofi Tukker, even if you think you don’t. Their smash hit debut single “Drinkee” topped the Spotify viral charts in South America and Europe, was played on radio stations all over the world, was featured on an ad for the Apple Watch (which is where you’ve probably heard it), and got them nominated for a Grammy all while they finished up their senior year at Brown University. The duo has been shaking up the dance/electronic scene ever since, taking inspiration from Brazilian music and combining it with upbeat synths to create a sound that is just ahead of the current pop trends. Think of them as the predecessor to “Despascito’s” current mainstream success.
Lorde, Main Stage, 9:35 – 10:50 PM
Does Lorde really need an introduction? After her triumphant return to the pop scene with Melodrama, Seattle better get ready for one hell of a show. However, Lorde was actually so ill last week at the MTV Video Music Awards that she needed an IV before hitting the red carpet!
https://twitter.com/lorde/status/901951101842235392
What followed was definitely the most interesting performance of the VMAs. Instead of lip-syncing like I’m sure many other artists have done, Lorde decided to perform an original dance routine to a remix of her song Homemade Dynamite. While it was so much fun to watch, and I’m sure a blast to preform, I don’t know how I’d feel about watching over an hour of Lorde running around and jumping up and down, so let’s all have our fingers crossed that she’s feeling much better by Saturday.
https://youtu.be/M4hUmKZvBBE
View the full Bumbershoot lineup and schedule here. Get passes here.
CIARA LOUGHNANE | The Actress Staring in Your Bad Dreams | KXSU Digital Media Director