We’re heading to DC this weekend for this year’s edition of Sweetlife Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion. The festival was started by restaurant Sweetgreen, who recently made a collaborative salad with Kendrick Lamar called “Beets Don’t Kale My Vibe”. Along with the great food the festival has to offer, here are some of our most anticipated sets:
Headed Towards Indie Pop Stardom: Wet
After the Brooklyn trio released their self titled EP, they recently announced their debut full length entitled Don’t You, out this fall on Columbia. The lead single, Deadwater, is a calm and confident step forward.
While supporting acts like CHRVCHES, SOHN, and many more, Wet has won over hundreds of fans. Their live show is simple, yet effective. Kelly Zutrau’s voice confidently commands the gorgeous arrangements accompanied by high-hats, hard snares, and subtle guitar lines.
Most Promising Career: Vic Mensa
Vic Mensa really isn’t the new kid on the block. Since fronting Kids These Days, which featured Donnie Trumpet and good friend Chance The rapper, Vic has quickly found his own lane. He recently inked a deal with Roc Nation and has released a slew of tracks that show off his rapping and singing. There’s a stark difference between tracks like “U Mad” (feat the almightly Yeezus), and left-field collaboration “Wimme Nah” with rising Canadian producer, Kaytranada.
Oh, and don’t forget he’s featured on Wolves, the rumoured opening track on SWISH, Kanye West’s upcoming album. With Jay-Z and Kanye’s support, his diverse flows, and collaborations with top notch producers, Vic has a long career ahead of him.
Young Artist That Hopefully Isn’t Dropped by Major Label: Raury
It didn’t take long for the eighteen year old Atlanta artist who only has only release one mixtape to ink a deal with a major label. Columbia Records swooped in extremely quickly with good reasons. Pitchfork described Raury as “another teenage shuffling disparate interests- rap, folk EDM - into something logical”. Based on videos of his live performances, you won’t want to miss his set.
Straight to the Point Pop: Charli XCX
There’s some solid pop music out right now. Ariana Grande, you know, the heavy hitters. Anyways, after PC label head AG Cook dropped a recent remix of “Doing It”, I was sold on Charli XCX. Based on live footage from Sophie, fellow PC Music guru and the producer behind the infectious Lemonade, it looks like they may have some off-center pop hits on their hands. Hopefully, they get released sometime soon. Or she plays them during her set this weekend.
