From LCD Soundsystem's anticipated return to the stage to Tame Impala’s sure-to-be-epic late-night set, check out the 10 performances you need to swing by this weekend.
LCD Soundsytem
After a five year (supposedly indefinite) hiatus, LCD Soundsystem is finally back and on the festival circuit this season. You’ll be able to dance along to classics like “Dance Yrself Clean” and “All My Friends”, but there might also be a sneak peak of what’s still to come - the band has promised a new album out by the end of the year. You won’t want to miss the excitement of this set.
Father John Misty
Formerly the drummer of the Fleet Foxes, Joshua Tillman abandoned his drum kit in 2012 and became Father John Misty - and we thank him every day for this decision. His 2015 album “I Love You, Honeybear” perfectly balanced witty, often sarcastic lyrics with lush and grooving acoustics. Full of dry humor and erotic dance moves, FJM is a natural entertainer who will surely keep his Bonnaroo crowd on their toes.
Vince Staples
You’ve heard him collaborate with Odd Future, Flume, Jhene Aiko, and Ghostface Killah, but Vince Staples can definitely hold his own. That’s exactly what he will be doing Friday, so make sure to stop by his set and listen to songs from Summertime ’06 and his previous mixtapes. Don’t be surprised if there’s a guest appearance or two during the hour, as a few of his collaborators are also performing this weekend.
Twin Peaks
If you’re a fan of The Orwells or Mac DeMarco, make it a priority to see Chicago-based rockers Twin Peaks this weekend. The band, who’s garage-punk sound is given a 60s flair through the vocalists' surprisingly soulful baritones. For an hour of rock n’ roll and maybe a mosh pit or two, make sure to catch this high-energy set.
The Internet
The little sister of Odd Future member “Taco” Bennet, Syd Tha Kid has proved she is much more than someone’s kid sister as one half of the mastermind behind The Internet. With Matt Martian, she has created a genre of low key “trip hop” that deviates from the mainstream in an ultimately successful way. What started as a duo has grown into a fully-fledged six-person band, and this new and improved group is sure to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
Tame Impala
There isn’t a more perfect way to wrap up a long day of jamming out to your favorite bands than by listening to a psychedelic set from aussie rockers Tame Impala long after the sun has set. Their 2015 release, Currents, is a dreamy journey through a transformative breakup that can be listened to over and over again. Songs like “Let It Happen” and “Yes I’m Changing” were made to be listened to after midnight, so do yourself a favor and make it a priority to check out this late-night set.
Bryson Tiller
This up and coming singer/songwriter/rapper from Kentucky released his first album T R A P S O U L last year, and is still riding the wave of its success almost a year later. Originally gaining popularity through soundcloud, his slow style of R&B is interwoven with trap and hip hop characteristics. All of this works perfectly together to create a finished product that has racked up hundred of millions of Spotify listens, despite the relatively short timeline of his career. Grab your significant other and prepare yourself for an intoxicating hour-long set.
Chainsmokers
This New York-based DJ duo has come a long way from their #SELFIE days. In the past year it has become virtually impossible to go to the club without hearing “Roses” or “Don’t Let Me Down” once or twice. And you probably aren’t complaining when they come on, either. The Chainsmokers have definitely found their niche, and their set at Bonnaroo will no doubt be one of the most popular events of the weekend.
Lany
With a frontman eerily resembling Harry Styles and a musical style that sounds like a cross of the 1975 and the Neighbourhood, LANY will undoubtedly break millions of teenage girls’ hearts in the next year or two. Don’t let that discount the quality of their music, though. Songs like “ILYSB” and “WHERE ARE ALL MY FRIENDS” are so catchy you will definitely want to check out this show before it costs $200 to see their concert.
If you’ve been to this festival before, you know that the annual Superjam is one of the most anticipated traditions of the weekend. For all of you newbies, the Superjam selects a handful of artists to put their heads together and create a set of covers and endless jamming. The end product is magical. Past collaborators have included Hall & Oates, John Mayer, and Brittany Howard from Alabama Shakes to honor the Rolling Stones, and a Grateful Dead tribute so memorable that it will close out the weekend with an hours-long set separate from the Superjam itself. This year’s collaborators include Kamasi Washington, Miguel, The Internet, Griz, and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, and with a lineup like that, this set will be almost too good to be true.
In addition to these musical highlights be sure to check out the Silent Disco, Food Truck Oasis, Roo Run, and comedy stage to give your ears a break every now and then!
Words: Brighton Lindberg