This weekend (August 22 and 23) at New York’s Jones Beach, Billboard is taking over with the first #Hot100Fest. With three stages, over 30 different artists and all kinds of genres, this is a weekend you do not want to miss. Besides, don’t you want to be able to tell your grandkids that you were at the inaugural #Hot100Fest back in 2015? Of course you do.
However, if you’re like me and are easily overwhelmed by big numbers (I’m an English major, okay!?), staring at a list of 30+ musicians can be daunting. And, again, if you’re like me, you like to plan ahead before heading out to music festivals.
Fret not, dear reader! I have combed through the expansive #Hot100Fest artist lineup to present you with five artists that you must see when you’re at the festival this weekend!
I mean, these obviously shouldn’t be the only artists you see this weekend (Nicki Minaj is going this weekend, but I don’t think I need to tell you to see her). There are three, reiterating for emphasis, three stages of musical glory. These musicians aren’t at this festival for no reason. Broaden your musical horizons and sample everything.
It probably means you’ll be running around a lot this weekend, but it’s so worth it. You can skip the gym this week. In no particular order, here are the artists.
1. CRUISR
The sheer excitement I felt in my body upon seeing CRUISR’s name on this list was not human and never will be. These guys put on a fantastic show at the Highline Ballroom and I know they’re going to be flat out spectacular this weekend.
CRUISR formed in 2012 as the solo project of singer/songwriter, Andy States. While States worked on home recordings, he began corresponding with Jeremy Park of Youth Lagoon, asking for recording advice and shared demos. The two came together to form the duo, States and Park, and released an EP of the same name. States began to put together a live version of CRUISR, bringing in drummer Jon Van Dine, bassist Kyle Cook and guitarist, Bruno Catramone. In 2014, CRUISR’s sophomore EP, All Over was released.
Playing feel-good, tasty indie pop, CRUISR is a band with high energy, featuring surf rock-esque guitar riffs. With a SoCal, “whatever,” vocal tone, CRUISR is the band you’ll want to listen to as you ride out the last bits of your summer.
Essential Tracks: “All Over” and “Throw Shade”
2. Betty Who
I have an extreme girl crush on Betty Who.
The Australian pop singer was born in Sydney, moving to America with her parents as a teenager. She attended the Berklee College of Music, training as a cellist, wanted to focus on becoming a singer and songwriter. She released her first EP, The Movement, in April 2013, following up with the EP, Slow Dancing a year later, and releasing her debut album, Take Me When You Go, in October 2014.
Producing not only infectious dance hits and incredibly pop music, Betty Who not only can lift your spirits on the worst of days, but she can break your heart in three minutes or less. Reminiscent of pop stars such as Katy Perry and Robyn, there’s nothing not to love about Betty Who. Grab your best gal pals and dance around your room with no pants on. Invite the entirety of your floor to a massive dance party. Betty Who unites people like no other musician.
Essential Tracks: “Somebody Loves You” and “Heartbreak Dream”
3. Cold War Kids
Hailing from Long Beach, California, Cold War Kids formed in 2004, recording demos in Los Angeles. After signing to Monarchy Music, Cold War Kids released their debut EP, Mulberry Street in 2005. Garnering attention for their unique sound and eye-catching album art, the band released their debut album, Robbers & Cowards in the fall of 2006.
Sometimes, you need to slow it down a bit. Sometimes, you need a little bit of that classic rock and roll. Sometimes, you need a splash of folk inspiration. Sometimes, you need an exposed, natural voice. Cold War Kids are here to help. Unique back in 2005, this band is certainly wields the most unique sound on the #Hot100Fest lineup.
Essential Tracks: “We Used to Vacation” and “Hang Me Up To Dry”
4. Santigold
You know Santigold, you’ve heard her plenty throughout your life. Whether that be commercial, radio, etc., you know of her. However, you suck because you didn’t give this talented lady the attention she so rightfully deserves.
Blending electronica, indie rock and funk, Santigold, with Santi White’s unique voice, creates pop music that stands far beyond anyone else on the lineup. Santigold is perfect for the individual who is seeking to bridge the gap between the indie and mainstream world. They’re not that different, anyway.
What I’m saying is: listen to her.
Essential Tracks: “Disparate Youth” and “L.E.S. Artistes”
5. Holy Ghost!
Although I don’t look it, I’m in love with all things 80s. New Wave? Check. Excessive synthesizer? Check. The glitz and glam? Of course. It’s not outlandish for me to profess my love for Holy Ghost! because they exhibit all of these great things.
Growing up on the Upper West Side of New York City, Holy Ghost!’s Nick Millhiser and Alex Frankel first came together under the name, Automato, a hip hop group. They released one album under this name, but fell apart shortly after its release. The duo decided to take a poppier approach to music and began to release music under the name Holy Ghost! in 2007.
Featuring heavy synthesizer, a groovy bass line, a drumbeat that commands you to dance, Holy Ghost! is a group that flashes the listener back to the best parts of the 80s while creating a sound that is simultaneously their own.
Essential Tracks: “Wait And See” and “Hold On”
Listen to a playlist of the essential tracks below via Spotify.
[spotify id=”spotify:user:122980118:playlist:12N1PINdLZCTvkaELB5KfZ” width=”300″ height=”380″ /]
[Lead image via]
