jetblue

Seven Bands To See At Boston Calling: #5, Halsey

It’s almost time! It’s less than one week away until we’re back at Boston Calling once more. So, to keep with tradition, here is our list of who you need to be keeping an eye out for!

On our list so far: #7. Sharon Van Etten / Krill / The Ballroom Thieves, #6. Run The Jewels

Today we talk about our #5 pick, Halsey.

I didn’t get my first
listen of Halsey until early this
year, but from then on, there was no turning back. Her music is purely
addictive, and her huge “Ghost” is anything you could hope for from a pop song
– smooth, soft, sharp and seductive.

One of the serious contenders for Breakout Artist of
late-2014/2015, her early time slot is going to be a serious treat for those
who get there early. But, if she makes her way back for another round sometime
down the road, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see her performing much later.

For fans of: Ellie Goulding, Lorde, Sia
For a taste, check out: “Hurricane,” “Ghost,” “Empty Gold”
Catch them: Sunday, 1:35, JetBlue Stage

Seven Bands To See At Boston Calling: #6, Run The Jewels

It’s almost time! It’s less than one week away until we’re back at Boston Calling once more. So, to keep with tradition, here is our list of who you need to be keeping an eye out for!

On our list so far: #7. Sharon Van Etten / Krill / The Ballroom Thieves

Today we talk about our #6 pick, Run The Jewels.

In comparison to the
last time around, this lineup features a much smaller amount of hip-hop.
September had Childish Gambino and Nas (and twenty one pilots, if we’re being
fair), while September 2013 brought us Major Lazer and Kendrick Lamar. The May
editions seem to favor the indie/pop/rock side of things, so Run the Jewels’ chunk of time is sure
to be a contrast from the majority of the rest of the weekend, in a good way.

Plus, even though El-P has assured the public that Run the Jewels 3 will definitely not be
coming out until 2016, that doesn’t definitely
mean we won’t be getting the first taste of new music, right? We’ll seeeeeee.

For fans of: Childish Gambino, Lupe Fiasco, Major Lazer
For a taste, check out: “Close Your Eyes,” “All Due Respect,” “Oh My Darling
Don’t Cry”
Catch them: Saturday, 2:55, JetBlue Stage

Seven Bands To See At Boston Calling: #1, twenty | one | pilots

Hellooooo again! We’re back for our third run with Boston Calling and we’re as excited as ever, so we’ve decided to bring back our “Seven Bands To See” feature! The lineup this time around is as great as it has ever been, and the weekend is shaping up to be the biggest one yet. So, here’s who to keep an eye out for!

On our list so far: #7. Sonicbids Winner/Gentlemen Hall, #6. The National, #5. The 1975, #4. Bleachers, #3. Lorde, #2. Childish Gambino

—

Today we talk about our #1 pick, twenty | one | pilots.

Finding the words to accurately describe twenty|one|pilots is no easy task.

Their music is nearly unclassifiable, bouncing back and forth between a handful of genres with a frequency that keeps you hooked without pulling you in too many directions. Mixing pop/punk choruses and rap verses with EDM drops, ukulele, piano, and drums, the group is a rarity. With 2013’s Vessel, the duo (Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun) released one of the year’s most daring, interesting, and all-around impressive albums. And while their sound is diverse, their presence never changes. Supported by a following that it more of a family than a fanbase, the group has a dedicated gathering behind it. Though I’ve never experienced their live show in-person, each example I’ve seen, no matter how brief or extensive, has shown something special. I’ve been waiting a long while for a chance to watch this performance, and it’s one you couldn’t pay me to miss.

For fans of: Chronic Future, Panic! at the Disco, New Politics
For a taste, check out: “Car Radio,” “House of Gold,” “Guns for Hands”
When you can see them: Sunday, 5:00pm, Jetblue Stage

Seven Bands To See At Boston Calling: #2, Childish Gambino

On our list so far: #7. Sonicbids Winner/Gentlemen Hall, #6. The National, #5. The 1975, #4. Bleachers, #3. Lorde
—

Today we talk about our #2 pick, Childish Gambino.

Donald Glover makes it difficult to focus on one aspect of his talent, because it seems like wherever you turn, he’s not only there, but he’s owning it. Actor, comedian, musician, and much more, Glover will be closing out Saturday night’s show in front of what is sure to be a packed crowd. Whether it’s 2011’s Camp or … Because the Internet, which was 2013’s last great release, Glover delivered a noticeably different style and tone on each, while still managing to impress. Sometimes tender and caring, other times merciless and vicious, Childish Gambino is a two-headed monster, capable of delivering a soft, smooth love ballad followed immediately by a rapidfire assault. His performance is bound to be fierce and intense.

For fans of: Lupe Fiasco, Tyler the Creator, Kid Cudi
For a taste, check out: “Crawl,” “Heartbeat,” “That Power”
When you can see them: Saturday, 9:30pm, Jetblue Stage

Seven Bands To See At Boston Calling: #6, The National

On our list so far:#7. Sonicbids Winner/Gentlemen Hall

–

Today we talk about our #6 pick, The National.

Though they hail from Cincinnati, The National have a longstanding relationship with Boston Calling. Not only did the band headline the first festival back in May 2013, but vocalist Aaron Dessner has helped curate the festival’s lineups. Now, they’re back for their second term as headliner, closing out Friday’s show. Their performance will be great regardless, that’s a given. But be sure to watch, or else Dessner might not build us a lineup for May!

For fans of: Interpol, the Airborne Toxic Event, The Strokes
For a taste, check out: “Don’t Swallow the Cap,” “Sea of Love,” “Fake Empire”
When you can see them: Friday, 9:30pm, Jetblue Stage