sonicbids

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

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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
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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: #3, Lorde

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

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Today we talk about our #3 pick, Lorde.

Like I mentioned a bit earlier, there were a handful of artists who dominated 2013. Earning four Grammy nominations (and two wins) at 17, Lorde had a pretty decent year. The success of “Royals” placed her in the spotlight, but it’s the undeniable charm and ambiance throughout the rest of her Pure Heroine that makes her special. Later this year, she will be curating the soundtrack to The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, as well as releasing a new single for the movie and working on her follow-up album. When she takes the stage in Boston for the second time this year (after a sold-out show at The Orpheum in May), there’s no doubt she’ll captivate.

For fans of: Grimes, Tegan & Sara, Lana Del Rey
For a taste, check out: “Ribs,” “A World Alone,” “Team”
When you can see them: Saturday, 8:15pm, Capital One Red Stage

Seven Bands To See At Boston Calling: #4, Bleachers

On our list so far: #7. Sonicbids Winner/Gentlemen Hall, #6. The National, #5. The 1975
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Today we talk about our #4 pick, Bleachers.

Like the National, this won’t be Jack Antonoff’s first time around Boston Calling. Back in 2013, Antonoff and fun. closed out the festival’s inaugural run. This time around, Antonoff will be showcasing his 80’s-esque pop outfit Bleachers. Bursting with enough synth to make Molly Ringwald pogo, his debut Strange Desire is a contender for one of 2014’s best. Whether you’re going to come out and dance around or gaze at your shoes, remember one thing: “it’s not a fucking side project.”

For fans of: JamisonParker, the Smiths, MisterWives
For a taste, check out: “I Wanna Get Better,” “Take Me Away,” “Shadow”
When you can see them: Saturday, 3:55pm, Capital One Red Stage

Seven Bands To See At Boston Calling: #5, The 1975

On our list so far: #7. Sonicbids Winner/Gentlemen Hall, #6. The National
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Today we talk about our #5 pick, The 1975.

Not many acts had the breakout year last year that the 1975 did (maybe one or two, but we’ll get there later). After a huge year featuring a breakout debut album that took people by storm, the buzz surrounding this band has been on the rise for months and continues to grow. Their live show is one that shows they’re more than a good album, and it shouldn’t be skipped.

For fans of: Bastille, The Neighbourhood, The Kooks
For a taste, check out: “The City,” “Fallingforyou,” “Chocolate”
When you can see them: Sunday, 6:05pm, Capital One Red Stage

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

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

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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

Seven Bands To See At Boston Calling: #7, Sonicbids Winner / Gentlemen Hall

Like we’ve done for the past two festivals, we kick off our preview with the weekend’s two openers. However, this time around, they seem to be keeping the winner of their annual SonicBids contest under wraps. Or, at least that’s the case at the moment.

But, if history has anything to say about it, then I’m not going to let their anonymity prevent me from saying that they’re going to be a band to check out.

With past winners including The Box Tiger back in May and Royal Teeth last September, the festival has a pretty great track record with choosing someone that the crowd will love. So, when they do eventually get revealed, which I can assume will be sometime very soon, we’ll be watching.

As for the opener that we do know about, the tradition of a Boston-based band starting one of the days continues for another year. On Sunday morning, locals Gentlemen Hall will take the stage in front of a hometown crowd who have already had a day and a half of festival under their belts. And by this point, they’ll be wanting more.

For fans of: Neon Trees, Hunter Hunted, Bad Suns
For a taste, check out: “All Our Love,” “Sail Into the Sun”
When you can see them: Saturday / Sunday, 1:05pm, Capital One Red Stage