Day one of Bumbershoot 2016 is about to commence. Friday’s lineup is nothing but good vibes, with performances by up-beat pop group St. Lucia, the hip-hop stylings of both Tyler, The Creator and Seattle’s own DoNormaal, and a number of opportunities to catch some heavy-hitting electronic sets. There’s so much to see and so little time in the day.
The hardest thing about having a lineup that is too good is choosing who to see when your favorite artists are set to hit the stage at the same time. I’m telling you guys, THE STRUGGLE IS REAL.
ISKA DHAAF @ The Main Stage (3:40 – 4:10 p.m.) vs. ATLAS GENIUS @ Fisher Green (3:40 – 4:10 p.m.)
I can never get tired of watching Iska Dhaaf. If you couldn’t tell, we are huge fans of the Seattle-gone-Brooklyn duo here at KXSU, and each time we watch them perform, it’s like they put on a brand new show. Their set at Bumbershoot is going to kick off their two month-long fall tour across the US in support of their newest album, The Wanting Creature. But, happening at the SAME EXACT TIME is the indie alt-rock duo from Australia, Atlas Genius. Their new album, Inanimate Objects, takes a darker and more intimate turn compared to their first LP from 2013, which includes their hit single “Trojans.” The one-eighty spin is sure to make for one hell of a show.
JAI WOLF @ Key Arena (6:40 – 7:20 p.m.) vs. CHASTITY BELT @ KEXP (6:40 – 7:20 p.m.)
NYC native Jai Wolf graces Seattle with his EDM presence. Just last summer, at the age of 23, this DJ and producer was named by Rolling Stone as “an artist to look out for.” If you haven’t done so, I suggest you start by peeping his set at Bumbershoot this weekend. To get an idea of what you’re in for, take a listen to his latest single, “Indian Summer,” recently featured in a Netflix original movie. Naturally, KXSU local fav-babes Chastity Belt will be starting their set at KEXP’s new home. These ladies always put on show that makes you proud to be a Seattleite, with heavy guitar riffs and honest, yet empowering, lyrics.
It’s one thing having to decide between two sets, but let’s not forget that Chevy Metal will be starting their set at 6:40 p.m. on the Fisher Green and Father John Misty begins on The Main Stage just ten minutes after all three of the aforementioned artists. The 6 o’clock hour is no joke, my friends.
ANDREW BIRD @ Fisher Green (8:00 – 9:10 p.m.) vs. HALSEY @ The Main Stage (8:20 – 9:20 p.m.)
Starting just ten minutes apart from each other, my heart, filled with love for both indie-rock and electro-pop, is torn as I have to decide between seeing multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird or 21-year-old, chart topping singer Halsey. Bird will be using Bumbershoot to start off the second leg of his North American tour for Are You Serious, which he has recently decided to expand into Europe, as well. With intricate melodies and soft-spoken lyrics on the album, it is no doubt that Bird will channel all of that into his live show. On the other side, Halsey will be playing the Main Stage at Memorial Stadium. She just joined The Chainsmokers on stage last weekend at the MTV VMA Awards to debut the first live performance of their new hit single “Closer,” which is currently #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Since her debut EP in 2014, this chick has been turning heads, and I expect this weekend to be no different, seeing as she currently has the #1 song in the world.
Despite the difficult decisions needing to be made once the time comes, there are a handful of artists I’m pumped to see on Friday that I don’t have to miss. The eclectic musical diction of Fly Moon Royalty will take place at KEXP at 4:10 p.m. LA-based duo, Coast Modern, made up of Coleman Trapp and Luke Atlas, arrive at the Starbucks Stage at 5:40 p.m. Fetty Wap is set to slay KeyArena at 7:35 p.m. And, with the time in between all of these performances (if that actually ends up even being a thing), be sure to pop into the Vera Project for some comedy, SIFF for the 1 Reel Film Fest, and The Armory for words, ideas, and theater.
Check out all of our Bumbershoot coverage here.
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PRISCILLA GAMIT | Everyday I’m strugglin’ | General Manager