Paul McCartney, Metallica, Sam Smith, & More to Perform at Lollapalooza 2015
The infamous Lollapalooza returns to Chicago’s Grant Park for 2015, running from July 31-August 2. This year’s lineup is, unsurprisingly, jam-packed with some of the biggest names in music, including Paul McCartney, Metallica, Florence + The Machine, Sam Smith, and plenty more. Keep reading for an in-depth look at who’s performing this year, and leave us a comment below letting us know which acts you’re most excited to see at Lollapalooza 2015. Looking to buy festival passes? They may be sold out on Lollapalooza’s site, but there are plenty for sale here on TickPick, and we won’t charge you fees like all those other marketplaces.
UPDATE – Official aftershows have been announced! Check out our list of 2015 Lollapalooza Aftershows for details on who’s performing, ticket links, and more.
2015 Lineup
Paul McCartney
Not much needs to be said about Paul McCartney. He’s one of the biggest names in music – not only at the moment, but in all of popular music history. The former Beatle has had an incredibly successful solo career throughout the past few decades, and he has consistently put out hit albums over the last 40 years. His latest full-length album, “New,” arrived in 2013. His latest effort is a track he collaborated on with fellow megastars Kanye West and Rihanna called “FourFiveSeconds.” The single came out in January of this year and will be a part of Rihanna’s upcoming studio album. McCartney will be headlining the first day of Lollapalooza (Friday, July 31).
Metallica
Metallica is regarded as one of the biggest and most influential heavy metal bands in the world. With record-breaking album sales, astounding critical praise, multiple Grammy Awards, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it’s clear that Metallica has already left a lasting impression on the music industry. The legendary rockers are still going strong, and are likely to release their tenth studio album later this year. Metallica is set to take the main stage as Lollapalooza’s Saturday headliner on August 1.
Florence + The Machine
Florence + The Machine, led by vocal powerhouse Florence Welch, rose to popularity with the release of their debut studio album “Lungs” in 2009. “Lungs” quickly became one of the best-selling albums of that year, and their singles were used in a number of movies and television shows, garnering more exposure for the band. Their rising mainstream success paved the way for several awards and recognitions, including a nomination for a 2011 Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Their second full-length album, “Ceremonials,” also earned them two Grammy nominations in 2013, and they are ready to release a third, titled “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful,” in May. Florence + The Machine will be closing out this year’s festivities as they headline the main stage on Sunday, August 2.
Sam Smith
Sam Smith is undoubtedly one of the greatest music success stories of the last few years. The soulful English singer initially gained attention when he lent his vocals to Disclosure’s 2012 hit single “Latch.” The next year, he was featured on Naughty Boy’s “La La La,” earning his first number one and international recognition. In 2014, Smith released his debut full-length, “In the Lonely Hour,” which got him nominated for six Grammy Awards, of which he won four.
Bassnectar
Lorin Ashton, better known by his stage name Bassnectar, is an American DJ and record producer. He is known for his live performances and stunning light shows, and sells out huge venues all over the country. Not only has he proven himself as an influential EDM artist, but he has also stood out over the years as a social activist and philanthropist. In 2011, he donated one dollar per ticket sold on his tour to charity for what was known as the “Dollar Per Basshead” campaign, for which he raised $250,000 and let his fans vote for which charities it would benefit.
The Weeknd
The Weeknd is the stage name of Canadian alternative R&B musician Abel Tesfaye. He surfaced in 2011 with his nine-track mixtape “House of Balloons,” and he was soon championed by superstar rapper Drake, which increased his popularity tremendously. His series of mixtapes were received favorably by critics and his debut album “Kiss Land” arrived in 2013. In the few years that he’s been in the spotlight, The Weeknd has collaborated with such big-name artists as Drake, Ariana Grande, and Wiz Khalifa.
alt-J
English indie rock band alt-J, named for the Mac keyboard shortcut for the delta symbol, have one of the most unique sounds of any band to emerge in the last few years. Their experimental style combines elements of folk, electronica, and traditional alternative rock among other things. Their debut album exemplified just how well-rounded the band is, with a collection of very sonically different songs spanning multiple genres. alt-J’s sophomore album, “This Is All Yours,” came out in 2014 and was met favorably by fans and critics alike, earning the band their first Grammy nomination.
Alabama Shakes
Roots rock band Alabama Shakes formed in Athens, Alabama in 2009, when lead vocalist and guitarist Brittany Howard met bassist Zac Cockrell in a high school psychology class and the two started making music together. Other members of the band include guitarist Heath Fogg, keyboardist Ben Tanner, and drummer Steve Johnson. They released their debut album “Boys & Girls” in 2012, and have since received several Grammy nominations, including one for Best New Artist and another for Best Rock Performance for their single “Hold On.”
Of Monsters and Men
The indie folk five-piece Of Monsters and Men hails all the way from Iceland. Formed in 2010, the band centers around the talents of vocalists/guitarists Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdottir and Ragnar Thorhallsson, guitarist Brynjar Leifsson, bassist Kristjan Pall Kristjansson, and drummer Arnar Rosenkranz Hilmarsson. Of Monsters and Men first came into the spotlight in 2011 with their hit single “Little Talks,” which was getting international airplay and propelled them to fame. The next year, they released their debut album, “My Head Is An Animal,” which climbed the charts and sold over 2 million copies worldwide. Recently the band has been busy recording new material and is now anticipating a summer release for their sophomore record “Beneath the Skin.”
Kaskade
Kaskade is the stage name of DJ and record producer Ryan Raddon, one is one of the busiest artists in the San Francisco house music scene. In addition to his career as a DJ, Raddon also juggles the role of A&R director for OM Records. As Kaskade, he’s seen enormous success, including four Grammy nominations within the last three years.
Kid Kudi
Kid Cudi burst onto the hip hop scene with his 2008 hit single “Day ‘n’ Nite.” Born Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, he grew up in Cleveland, Ohio before moving to Brooklyn to pursue his rapping career. There, he hooked up with A-Trak and Nick Catchdubs’ label Fool’s Gold and released his debut EP, which contained his breakout single and launched him to fame. Cudi dropped his latest album in early 2014, and his next record is expected out sometime this year.
Alesso
Alessandro Lindblad, aka Alesso, is a Swedish DJ and EDM artist. Early in his career, he gained recognition for his remixes of artists like Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia, and Avicii. His success led to the opportunity to perform at several major music festivals, as well as a spot accompanying Madonna for select European dates of her MDNA World Tour. In the summer of 2014, Alesso signed with Def Jam Recordings, releasing a new single and embarking on his own headlining tour. His debut studio album, “Forever,” is due out in May.
Tame Impala
Australian psychedelic rock band Tame Impala began as a bedroom recording project in 1999 when vocalist/guitarist Kevin Parker and bassist Dominic Simper were only 13. The duo was joined in 2007 by drummer Jay Watson, after which the band signed with Modular Records. The ’60s-inspired, fuzzy, psychedelic sound of their 2010 debut album “Innerspeaker” attracted international critical praise, and their follow-up effort, 2012’s “Lonerism,” was even more successful. Tame Impala is expected to release their highly anticipated third album “Currents” later this year.
A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky is the stage name of rapper Rakim Mayers. He released his debut mixtape called “Live. Love. A$AP.” in 2011, which was met with favorable reviews from critics. In 2013, he released his debut studio album, “Long. Live. A$AP.” The record debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and features a plethora of big-name guests, including Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Santigold, Skrillex, and Florence Welch.
Brand New
Brand New is one of those bands that you may have listened to if you went through a punk/emo phase in high school. Formed in Long Island in 2000, the band consists of vocalist/guitarist Jesse Lacey, guitarist Vin Accardi, bassist Garrett Tierney, and drummer Brian Lane. Although they haven’t released an album in six years, Brand New has been keeping fans happy by touring here and there since 2011. They are rumored to be working on new material, but the band has not yet made any official announcements nor provided any sort of timeline for release.
TV On The Radio
TV On the Radio emerged onto the New York City indie rock scene in 2001, at a time and place which saw the formation of several successful bands. They have shared their post-punk sound on four critically acclaimed albums, which have had contributions from artists like David Bowie, Trent Reznor, and Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The band has carried on through the unfortunate passing of bassist Gerard Smith in 2011, and released their most recent album, “Seeds” in 2014.
NERO
Nero is the British electronic music trio of Dan Stephens, Joe Ray, and Alana Watson. Formed in London in 2004, the group started off making strictly drum & bass music, but over time expanded their sound to include elements of house and dubstep as well. Their much-anticipated sophomore album is expected later this year.
Dillon Francis
Los Angeles-based DJ Dillon Francis first came to attention in 2010 after earning the notice of Diplo and joined up with the producer’s Mad Decent label. Francis just released his debut album in the fall of 2014. The album is titled “Money Sucks, Friends Rule” and features appearances by the likes of Martin Garrix, DJ Snake, Brendon Urie, and Major Lazer.
Kygo
Kygo is a Norwegian DJ and record producer. He initialy built up his popularity through the internet by accumulating over 80 million views on his Soundcloud and YouTube pages. His internet fame attracted the attention of big artists like Avicii and Coldplay’s Chris Martin. When Avicii had to back out of his main stage performance at the 2014 TomorrowWorld festival due to health reasons, Kygo was selected as his replacement, which garnered him even more fame and exposure.
Carnage
DJ Carnage is a producer and remixer based in Los Angeles. Born Diamonte Blackmon, he grew up in Guatemala and Nicaragua before moving to the United States, so he has an international perspective that influences his music career. In addition to his music, he is known for his charity and giving back to the impoverished communities he was surrounded by in his youth. He gives back to his fans too. Several months ago, he blasted $10,000 into the crowd through a confetti cannon during a show in Chicago. With antics like that, there’s no telling what Carnage will get into during his set at Lollapalooza, but it’s sure to be a good one.
Twenty One Pilots
High school friends Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun formed Twenty One Pilots in 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. They put out two self-released albums before their grassroots efforts paid off and they signed with alternative rock label Fueled By Ramen. They released their first label-issued album called “Vessel” in 2013, and have since taken their rap-infused pop sound on tour internationally.
G-Eazy
Gerald Gillum, better known as G-Eazy, is a rapper and producer from California. He has made a name for himself as “the James Dean of rap,” often sporting a leather jacket and a pompadour. His mixtapes have produced viral singles, including “Runaround Sue”, an R&B remake of the rock & roll classic. After hitting the road with Hoodie Allen, G-Eazy came out with his first full length album, “These Things Happen,” in 2014.
Gary Clark Jr.
Grammy-winning musician Gary Clark, Jr. has been compared to guitar greats like Jimi Hendrix. His sound is an innovative mix of blues, soul, and hip hop, incorporating both modern and classic elements of blues style and accompanied by smooth vocals. The Texas native recently collaborated with the Foo Fighters on their track “What Did I Do? / God As My Witness” from their latest album “Sonic Highways” and in September he released a live album of his own.
Nicky Romero
Nicky Romero is the stage name of Dutch progressive house DJ Nick Rotteveel. His early recordings earned him a lot of publicity, and eventually he gained the attention of famed producer David Guetta, who commissioned Rotteveel to remix a track for him. Through Guetta’s tutelage, Nicky Romero became a mainstream success, earning him spots at major music festivals and opportunities to collaborate with big-name artists like Avicii.
Flying Lotus
Flying Lotus is the stage name of Steven Ellison, an experimental music producer, rapper, and electronic musician from Los Angeles. He has proven himself as one of the most innovative and groundbreaking producers in music today, and has developed a unique electronic sound that is all his own. In addition to his own music, Ellison founded his own successful label called Brainfeeder in 2008. Most recently, he is planning to release a new album sometime this year under his rapper alias Captain Murphy.
Hot Chip
London-based electronic music outfit Hot Chip formed in 2000. Since 2004, the band has released five studio albums which have produced several successful singles. They were nominated for Britain’s prestigious Mercury Prize in 2006 and in 2009 received a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording for their song “Ready for the Floor.” Now, Hot Chip is back and ready to release their sixth studio album, titled “Why Make Sense?”
The War on Drugs
In 2005, musicians Adam Granduciel and Kurt Vile met in Philadelphia and formed the indie rock band The War on Drugs. Three years later they released their debut LP “Wagonwheel Blues” and embarked on a European tour. Following the album release and tour, Vile left the band to focus on his own music, and is now a successful solo artist. However, Granduciel stayed with The War on Drugs and despite a major lineup change the band continued to make music. They released their latest studio album, “Lost in the Dream,” in 2014.
Father John Misty
Singer/songwriter Joshua Tillman, also known as J. Tillman, currently performs under the name Father John Misty. Formerly a member of indie band Fleet Foxes, he left the band in 2011 but continues to make soft, folk-inspired music. In 2012 he released his debut album “Fear Fun” through Sub Pop Records. His sophomore effort, titled “I Love You, Honeybear,” came out in February of this year.
Walk The Moon
Upbeat indie rock band Walk the Moon formed in Cincinnati in 2008. The group features vocalist Nicholas Petricca, bassist Kevin Ray, guitarist Eli Maiman, and drummer Sean Waugaman. They independently released their debut album, “I Want! I Want!,” in 2010, and their single “Anna Sun” became a big hit and officially put the band on the radar. They released their self-titled major label debut two years later, which earned them huge commercial success. In September 2014, they released the catchy top 40 single “Shut Up and Dance” before coming out with their third full-length, “Talking Is Hard,” a month later.
Marina and The Diamonds
Though it sounds like a band, Marina and the Diamonds is really just Marina Diamandis. She came onto the scene in 2009 with her debut single “Obsessions,” which earned her popularity in the U.K. As a rising talent, Diamandis was quick to dismiss comparisons between herself and other emerging British female artists at the time, wanting to be recognized as an individual rather than being grouped together with other singers she felt she had nothing in common with musically. The last few years have seen her release three successful albums, the latest of which just dropped last month.
Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator first gained recognition as the leader and co-founder of the alternative hip hop group Odd Future. He has recently branched out to embark on a solo career, and has been met with nothing but success. While he could get by on his music alone, his live shows are really something to see. He’s known for making jokes and bantering with the audience, often saying some pretty controversial things and stirring up the crowd. Nonetheless, his performances are always high-energy and thrilling for anyone in attendance. His latest album, “Wolf,” arrived in 2013 and features the likes of Pharrell Williams and fellow Odd Future member Earl Sweatshirt among other collaborators.
FKA Twigs
FKA Twigs is the stage name of English artist Tahliah Barnett. She originally performed as just Twigs, a nickname she received for her ability to crack her joints loudly, but eventually added the FKA (which stands for “Formerly Known As”) after another artist called Twigs asked her to change it. Barnett began writing songs as a teenager, and at age 17 moved to London to pursue a career as a dancer, where she earned the opportunity to dance in music videos for artists like Jessie J, Ed Sheeran, and Kylie Minogue. As she began to shift her focus towards music and releasing her own songs, people began to take notice of her ethereal R&B style, and she was soon hurled into the international spotlight.
The Tallest Man On Earth
The Tallest Man On Earth is the stage name of Swedish singer/songwriter Kristian Matsson. He released his self-titled debut EP in 2006, followed by a proper full-length called “Shallow Grave” in 2008. His music incorporates Dylan-esque vocals with acoustic guitar accompaniments reminiscent of the late Nick Drake. Matsson is expected to release the fourth Tallest Man On Earth record, “Dark Bird Is Home,” on May 12.
Cold War Kids
Cold War Kids formed in 2004 in Southern California. Two years later, they released their major label debut, “Robbers & Cowards,” which included their bluesy, bass-heavy hit single “Hang Me Up to Dry.” Now almost a decade later, the band is still making great music and selling out tours, and just released their fifth studio album titled “Hold My Home” in October.
Lord Huron
LA-based indie band Lord Huron has just released their sophomore album, “Strange Trails,” earlier this month. Lord Huron initially came about as the solo effort of Michigan native Ben Schneider, who eventually developed the project into a full-fledged band. The group currently features Schneider on vocals and guitar along with guitarist Tom Renaud, bassist Miguel Briseno, and percussionist Mark Barry.
DJ Snake
DJ Snake is the stage name of Grammy-nominated French DJ and producer William Grigahcine. His popularity exploded with the 2013 release of his smash hit single “Turn Down For What,” which featured rapper Lil Jon. He has made several other notable contributions to music in recent years, including a production credit for Lady Gaga’s album “Born This Way,” earning him a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year in 2012. A second Grammy nomination came his way this year for Best Music Video for “Turn Down For What.”
Stromae
Stromae is the stage name of Belgian singer, songwriter, and producer Paul Van Haver. He has established himself as a successful artist in both the hip hop and electronic music genres and is known for his clean-cut style and signature bow tie. Though already hugely popular in Europe, Stromae’s international fame was jumpstarted in 2010 when he collaborated with rap icon Kanye West on a remix of his original track “Alors on Dance.”
Gogol Bordello
New York City’s Gogol Bordello uniquely blends gypsy music with punk and other genres. Their music explores a vast array of cultural styles as diverse as the city they come from, and they are known for their lavish live sets and fantastic costumes. Formed in 2009, they initially built up a loyal following in NYC, and over the years gained more and more fans from all over to become as internationally popular as they are now.
Banks
Banks (born Jillian Banks) began writing songs when she was a teenager growing up in California. After a few years of making music just for herself, she uploaded her song “Before I Ever Met You” on SoundCloud in 2013. Soon she found herself with a record deal, and quickly went from an unknown LA songstress to an international music star. Banks released her full-length debut album, the dark and moody “Goddess,” last September.
Sylvan Esso
Sylvan Esso is the electro folk-pop duo consisting of singer Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn. The group formed in 2013 and soon signed with Partisan Records. The next year, they released their eponymous debut album, which includes their hit singles “Coffee” and “Hey Mami” among others.
MS MR
NYC-based indie duo MS MR features vocalist Lizzy Plapinger (co-founder of prominent indie label Neon Gold) and producer Max Hershenow. They came to attention in 2012 with their popular single “Hurricane,” and released their debut full-length, “Secondhand Rapture,” a year later.
Chet Faker
Australian electronic artist Nick Murphy opted to take on an alias in order to avoid confusion between himself and another Australian artist of the same name. He decided to make music under the name Chet Faker, an obvious homage to the late Chet Baker, whose music he listened to growing up. He launched his career with a downtempo cover of the ’90s hit “No Diggity,” which was used in a 2013 Super Bowl commercial for Beck’s Sapphire. In 2014 he released his debut album, “Built on Glass,” which debuted at #1 on Australia’s ARIA charts.
Sturgill Simpson
Country singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson, former leader of the roots rock band Sunday Valley, released his solo debut “High Top Mountain” in 2013. The album became a word-of-mouth hit, opening doors for him as an artist. The Kentucky native expresses his deep southern roots through his music, but wanted to experiment more with pushin the boundaries of the genre for his second album. Simpson released his sophomore effort, “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music,” in 2014.
ODESZA
ODEZSA is an electronic music duo from Seattle consisting of Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight. Mills and Knight formed the group in 2012 while they were still in college and released their music via the internet, when their songs rose to the top of Hype Machine’s popular chart. Their success earned them a spot touring with Pretty Lights, and a year later they released their most recent album, “The Return.”
Tove Lo
Sweden’s Tove Lo gained attention in 2013 when her breakthrough electropop single “Habits” reached number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song became even more popular and saw more international exposure when it was remixed by American production duo Hippie Sabotage. Her rapid success later earned her a spot opening for Katy Perry on her Prismatic World Tour. In September 2014 she released her debut album “Queen of the Clouds,” which is her first full-length record.
The Chainsmokers
The Chainsmokers is a production duo based in New York City consisting of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall. They came to attention last year with their EDM hit single and ode to the modern day club scene “#Selfie.” The Chainsmokers have not yet released a full-length album, but they have issued a number of singles, including their most recent release, “Let You Go,” which came out earlier this month.
Toro Y Moi
Chaz Bundick began making recordings under the name Toro y Moi in 2001 in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. Eight years later, he signed with Carpark Records and released his first few albums within a couple of years, earning praise from media publications like The New York Times, Pitchfork, and Filter Magazine. Toro y Moi recently announced a new album entitled “What For?” to be released later this year, as well as an upcoming tour to support it.
Charli XCX
Charlotte Aitchison, aka Charli XCX, first gained attention in 2012 when she was featured on Icona Pop’s breakthrough single “I Love It,” which she also co-wrote. Two years later, she emerged as an outright pop superstar after being featured on Iggy Azalea’s #1 hit song “Fancy.” Her album “Sucker” arrived at the end of that year, and was designated the best pop album of 2014 by Rolling Stone. Charli XCX just ended a touring run with Katy Perry as the opening act for the European leg of her Prismatic World Tour.
LOGIC
Logic is Maryland-based rapper Sir Robert Bryson Hall II (that’s actually his given name – the “Sir” and everything). The young artist came onto the scene in 2010, releasing several mixtapes and increasing his fame through internet buzz and press exposure. In 2012, he toured Europe without even being signed to a label, but nonetheless found a home two years later with Def Jam, which released his 2014 album “Under Pressure.”
Boys Noize
Boys Noize is the stage name of German electronic music producer Alexander Ridha. In addition to his work as a DJ, Ridha owns his own label called Boysnoize Records, on which he has released his five studio albums. He has also made himself known with several popular remixes for artists like Bloc Party, Depeche Mode, Feist, and Snoop Dogg.
St. Paul & the Broken Bones
Birmingham, Alabama’s St. Paul and the Broken Bones formed in 2011. They quickly built up a following with their dynamic live shows and impressive stage presence. The band consists of vocalist Paul Janeway, guitarist Browan Lollar, percussionist Andrew Lee, bassist Jesse Phillips, trumpeter Allen Branstetter, and trombone/tuba player Ben Griner. They released their debut album, “Half the City,” in 2014.
Death From Above 1979
Canadian rock duo Death From Above 1979 is comprised of drummer/vocalist Sebastien Grainger and bassist/synth player Jesse F. Keeler. They released their debut album, “You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine,” in 2004 and from there went on to tour with popular acts like Nine Inch Nails and Queens of the Stone Age. Despite their growing success, the duo disbanded in 2006, with Keeler moving on to become one half of MSTRKRFT and Grainger embarking on a solo career. The separation didn’t last too long though, as they reunited in 2011 and played their first comeback show later that year on the main stage at Coachella. Now, Death From Above 1979 has just released “The Physical World,” their first album in 10 years, and thankfully they haven’t lost their bass-heavy rock edge.
RL Grime
DJ/producer Henry Steinway, aka RL Grime, makes music in the “trap” genre, combining electronic and hip hop to make bass-heavy beats. RL Grime first emerged in 2011 with a series of tracks uploaded to the internet that were released a year later on the WeDidIt label. He kept building up his following with more original music as well as several bootleg remixes. His most recent album, “Void,” came out in 2014 and features appearances from Big Sean, Boys Noize, and How To Dress Well.
Glass Animals
Glass Animals is an English indie rock band from Oxford consisting of childhood friends Dave Bayley, Drew Macfarlane, Edmund Irwin-Singer, and Joe Seaward. They released their debut album “Zaba” in 2014, which includes their hit song “Gooey,” which reached #19 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.
Django Django
British quartet Django Django formed in London in 2008. The group consists of vocalist/guitarist Vincent Neff, drummer Dave Maclean, bassist Jimmy Dixon, and keyboardist Tommy Grace. They released their eponymous debut album in 2012, which earned them much critical praise and a Mercury Prize nomination. Now, Django Django is ready to release their second record, called “Born Under Saturn,” in early May.
First Aid Kit
Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg make folk-inspired music together as First Aid Kit. They first gained recognition in their home country of Sweden when their single “Tangerine” received a lot of airplay on Swedish radio, which opened doors for them to further their career. They released their debut EP, “Drunken Trees,” in 2008, followed by a proper full-length in 2010 called “The Big Black and the Blue.” First Aid Kit has released two more albums since then, both of which were certified platinum in Sweden and gold in the U.K.
Delta Spirit
Indie rock band Delta Spirit is comprised of vocalist Matthew Vasquez, multi-instrumentalist Kelly Winrich, guitarist William McLaren, bassist Jonathan Jameson, and drummer Brandon Young. Since their debut in 2006, Delta Spirit has released four studio albums and two EPs. Their latest effort, “Into the Wide,” came out in September of 2014.
DJ Mustard
DJ and producer Dijon McFarlane performs as DJ Mustard, a hilarious play on his given name. The Los Angeles-based producer first came to attention as the official DJ for rapper YG, as well as for producing a number of hit singles for other artists like Tyga, 2 Chainz, and Young Jeezy. DJ Mustard has released two of his own mixtapes, and just released his debut solo album, “10 Summers,” in August 2014.
Wild Belle
Wild Belle is the brother-and-sister duo of Elliot and Natalie Bergman. The siblings released their debut album, “Isles,” in 2013. The album includes their reggae-influenced single “Keep You,” which earned Wild Belle tremendous commercial success when it was featured in the popular film “Pitch Perfect.”
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is an indie garage rock band that formed in Chicago in 2009. The group consists of vocalist/guitarist Cadien Lake James, guitarist Clay Frankel, bassist Jack Dolan, and drummer Connor Brodner, who started the band when they were all still in high school. Twin Peaks released their debut album, “Sunken,” in 2013, followed by their sophomore record “Wild Onion” the next year.
James Bay
James Bay is an up-and-coming soulful folk pop singer/songwriter who hails from England. The 24-year-old musician toured with Hozier last year and recently received the Critics’ Choice award at the 2015 BRIT Awards. He has released three EPs so far, and his debut full-length, “Chaos and the Calm,” came out on March 23.
Angus & Julia Stone
Angus & Julia Stone are an Australian brother-sister duo who play folk/blues-oriented music. Growing up in Sydney, Angus and Julia Stone were educated in music by their musician parents. The siblings have released three albums together, each one earning them more and more popularity and success, particularly in their native Australia. In 2014, after taking a break for a bit to work on solo projects, the Stone siblings reunited for their third studio album, an eponymous effort produced by Rick Rubin. The album reached #1 in Australia, and charted in a number of other countries as well.
BROODS
Broods is a duo from New Zealand consisting of siblings Georgia and Caleb Nott, who started the project in 2013 in Auckland. Shortly after their formation, the Nott siblings released their single “Bridges,” which was an instant hit in New Zealand, climbing its way to the top ten on the charts. They released their eponymous debut EP in January 2014, followed by their first full-length album, “Evergreen,” in August of that year.
MisterWives
MisterWives is an indie pop band based in New York City. They have garnered a lot of buzz lately, and have opened for acts like Twenty One Pilots, Bleachers, and American Authors. They released their debut EP, “Reflections,” in 2014 through the New York indie label Photo Finish Records.
George Ezra
English singer-songwriter George Ezra recently came into the spotlight with his single “Budapest,” which became a worldwide hit when he was only 19. He cites influences like Bob Dylan and Hank Williams, as evidenced by his soulful folk sound. He has a deep, mature and resonant voice that’s surprising coming out of a babyfaced young guy like him. George Ezra’s recent popularity has led to support spots for Tom Odell and Robert Plant, and he continues to bask in the success of his debut album, “Wanted on Voyage.”
GIVERS
Indie pop band Givers formed in the late 2000s in Lafayette, Louisiana. The group is currently comprised of vocalist/percussionist Tiffany Lamson, vocalist/guitarist Taylor Guarisco, drummer/vocalist Kirby Campbell, bassist Josh LeBlanc, and keyboardist Nick Stephan. Givers released their debut album, “In Light,” in the summer of 2011, and enjoyed both commercial and critical success, particularly for their hit single “Up Up Up.”
Strand of Oaks
Strand of Oaks is the rock project of producer and songwriter Timothy Showalter. He has released several albums as Strand of Oaks since 2009. His most recent album came out in 2014 and is called “HEAL.”
Ryn Weaver
Ryn Weaver is the stage name of American singer and songwriter Erin Wuthrich. She released her debut single “OctaHate” in June 2014, which boasted collaborators like Charli XCX and Passion Pit’s Michael Angelakos. With these big-name connections, the song quickly rose to popularity and Weaver later released her debut EP, “Promises,” in August of 2014.
Moon Taxi
Moon Taxi is a progressive rock and jam band from Nashville. The band quickly gained quite a following in their hometown, which led to eventually signing a record deal with 12th South Records. Moon Taxi formed when vocalist Trevor Terndrup, guitarist Spencer Thomson, bassist Tommy Putnam, drummer Tyler Ritter, and keyboardist Wes Bailey met while attending Belmont University. The band has recently begun to see more commercial success, and in the last two years they have played on late night television shows like “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “Conan.”
Travi$ Scott
Travis Scott is the stage name of Jacques Webster, a Houston-based rapper and producer. He first gained recognition when he signed with Kanye West’s Very G.O.O.D. Beats and appeared on the label’s debut compilation “Cruel Summer” in 2012. He later signed with T.I.’s Grand Hustle label and issued his first full-length album, “Own Pharoah,” in 2013. Now, the rapper is ready to release his third album, titled “Rodeo,” in early May.
Shakey Graves
Actor-turned-musician Alejandro Rose-Garcia performs under the alias Shakey Graves as a one-man alt-folk/Americana band. The Texas native released his debut album “Roll the Bones” in 2011, which was a critical success with its ragged blend of country, folk and blues. He followed that up with the release of 2014’s “And The War Came,” which was generally received as favorably as his first album.
Caked Up
Caked Up is the collaboration of Las Vegas natives Oscar Wylde and Vegas Banger. Despite having stirred up a lot of controversy lately, between a public fight with producer Crizzly and accusations of stolen tracks, Caked Up has still made a name for themselves in the world of EDM. In February, the duo released their latest single, “Rave Police.”
What So Not
What So Not is the collaboration of Australian DJ/producers Flume and Emoh Instead. The duo garnered plenty of attention when they formed in 2013 since Flume was already popular in the electronic music scene, with their first upload on Soundcloud, “Jaguar,” amassing over 15,000 plays within hours of its release. For those who feel like Flume’s music is a bit too chill for their taste, What So Not has a more upbeat and club-friendly vibe.
Hermitude
Hermitude is an electronic instrumental hip hop duo hailing from Australia. The group consists of producers and multi-instrumentalists Luke “Luke Dubs” Dubber and Angus “El Gusto” Stuart. They created Hermitude in 2000 and have since released four studio albums and three EPs.
SZA
SZA is the stage name of alternative R&B artist Solana Rowe. In 2012, she self-released an EP titled “See.SZA.Run,” which she followed with the release of her second EP “S.” Since then, she has signed with the indie label Top Dawg Entertainment and released her third EP “Z” in 2014. Her most recent album includes collaborations with Chance the Rapper, Isaiah Rashad, and Kendrick Lamar.
Galantis
Swedish electronic music duo Galantis features Christian Karlsson and Linus Eklow. Both producers have pretty impressive credits on their own: Karlsson is a member of Miike Snow as well as one half of the Grammy-winning production duo Bloodshy & Avant, while Eklow has made a name for himself as DJ/producer Style of Eye and famously co-wrote and produced Icona Pop’s smash hit “I Love It.” Together, the duo has released three EPs as Galantis.
Jamestown Revival
The folk rock duo Jamestown Revival centers around the talents of childhood friends Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance. Growing up in Texas, Clay and Chance got into artists like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Willie Nelson early on, and that influence can be heard clearly in their music. They recorded their debut album, “Utah,” in a log cabin in the mountains of the state it’s named after, and released it in 2014.
Wet
Brooklyn-based indie trio Wet consists of singer Kelly Zutrau, guitarist Marty Sulkow, and drummer Joe Valle. Having met while all three were attending college in New York City, they officially formed Wet in 2012. They released their four-song debut EP a year later on Neon Gold Records, after which they performed at CMJ and went on to tour with CHVRCHES.
Philip Selway
Best known as the drummer for celebrated English rock band Radiohead, Philip Selway has been releasing music as a solo artist since 2010. The sound of his debut album, “Familial,” is somewhat of a departure from that of Radiohead, taking on more of a folksy style. However, Selway followed that up in 2014 with his sophomore effort, “Weatherhouse,” which stylistically sounds a lot more like his main band.
HOLYCHILD
Holychild is an experimental pop duo from Los Angeles. The group is composed of Liz Nistico and Louie Diller, who met in 2010 and began making music together. Holychild was a buzzworthy act in last year, ending up on both Billboard and LA Weekly’s lists of bands to watch in 2014. They signed with Glassnote Records and released their EP, “Mindspeak,” last March. They are expected to release their debut full-length album later this year.
Night Terrors of 1927
Night Terrors of 1927 is a group formed by former Rilo Kiley guitarist Blake Sennett and former The Honorary Title frontman Jarrod Gorbel. Together they make electronic-oriented pop rock tunes. They released their debut full-length album, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” earlier this year.
Young Thug
Young Thug is rapper Jeffrey Williams. The Atlanta-based artist has gained recognition for collaborations with artists like T.I. and A$AP Ferg. His latest album, titled “Carter 6,” is due out April 17.
Alison Wonderland
Alison Wonderland (real name Alex Scholler) is an Australian DJ and producer. The emerging artist has built up quite a following in the Australian electronic scene, selling out shows across the country. This year, she is releasing her debut album “Run,” which includes her new single “U Don’t Know,” featuring Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne.
Circa Waves
British indie rock group Circa Waves formed in Liverpool in 2013. The band is comprised of vocalist/guitarist Kieran Shudall, guitarist Joe Falconer, bassist Sam Rourke, and drummer Colin Jones. Circa Waves just dropped their debut album, “Young Chasers,” in March of this year.
Coasts
Coasts is an English rock band formed in Bristol in 2011. The group consists of vocalist Chris Caines, guitarist Liam Willford, bassist James Gamage, keyboardist David Goulbourn, and drummer Ben Street. Their single “Oceans” was an international success, garnering over 4 million plays on the band’s Soundcloud page and earning them a deal with Capitol Records. Their single “A Rush of Blood” was named as Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record in October 2014.
DMA’s
Sydney, Australia’s DMA’s is a band on the rise, both in their home country and overseas. The trio formed in 2012 and developed a sound that evokes the early-90s style of iconic Britpop bands like Oasis, Blur, and The Stone Roses. They gained a lot of recognition with the release of their successful debut single “Delete,” which has earned them critical praise and an ever-growing fan base.
Destructo
Destructo is the alias of DJ/producer Gary Richards. He began performing under the name in the ’90s, deciding to go by Destructo to reflect his goal of playing hard and aggressive techno music. He released his debut EP in 2012 and since then dropped two more on Boysnoize Records.
Catfish and the Bottlemen
British four piece band Catfish and the Bottlemen formed in Llandudno, Wales, and consists of singer/guitarist Van McCann, guitarist Johnny Bond, bassist Benji Blakeway, and drummer Bob Hall. They started off playing Beatles covers to small local audiences, but soon tired of playing songs that were not their own and set out to produce original music in a D.I.Y. studio. Their hard work eventually paid off, as they later signed to Mumford and Sons’ Ben Lovett’s Communion Records before moving to Universal in 2014.
Zella Day
Arizona native Zella Day was raised in a small mountain town outside of Phoenix where her parents ran a local coffee shop. It was there that she nurtured her love for music by spending time near local musicians and artists, who inspired her to begin playing guitar when she was just nine years old. She began writing songs and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue her music career, where she first garnered attention with an acoustic cover of the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.” Her sound has been described as that of a happier Lana Del Rey.
Sheppard
Australian indie pop outfit Sheppard has been making waves worldwide with their hit single “Geronimo.” Issued in 2014, the track hit #1 in Australia and has since been certified 5x platinum there. The single appears on the band’s debut studio album, “Bombs Away,” which they released in the summer of 2014.
Mako
Mako is an electronic duo from Los Angeles comprised of DJ Logan Light and Juilliard-trained composer Alex Seaver. Before coming together in 2011, Light was already a successful DJ, opening for big names like Tiesto and Avicii, while Seaver was successfully scoring for film and television. As Mako, the two artists have released a number of popular singles over the last three years.
BORNS
BORNS is the solo project of musician Garrett Borns. Originally hailing from Michigan, he eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he signed with Interscope and released his debut EP “Candy.” The EP came out in 2014 and contains four songs that blend dreamy pop with electronic synths, folk, and glam rock.
Skylar Spence
Skylar Spence is the new stage name of electronic music producer Ryan DeRobertis, formerly known as Saint Pepsi. DeRobertis was forced to ditch the Saint Pepsi name as a result of legal troubles, and so he began going by Skylar Spence as of 2015. He earned attention when he received acclaim from music blogs like Stereogum, Pitchfork, and The Fader. His most recent release is the infectiously catchy single “Fiona Coyne.”
BADBADNOTGOOD
Toronto-based trio BadBadNotGood consists of keyboardist Matthew Tavares, bassist Chester Hansen, and drummer Alexander Sowinski. They gained recognition with their jazz-oriented reinterpretations of hip hop songs that led to them working with musicians like Tyler, The Creator, Frank Ocean, and Ghostface Killah. They have released four studio albums to date, with their latest, “Sour Soul,” dropping earlier this year.
Mt. Eden
Mt. Eden is a dubstep duo from New Zealand comprised of producers Jesse Cooper and Harley Rayner. They released their debut EP in 2010, followed by another in 2013.
The Wombats
British indie rockers The Wombats came to attention in 2007 with their debut album “A Guide to Love, Loss, and Desperation,” which is full of danceable tracks like the ironically upbeat “Let’s Dance to Joy Division.” The album gained them tremendous popularity in the U.K., while their second album, 2011’s “This Modern Glitch,” earned them more international fame, with their song “Jump Into the Fog” peaking at #15 on the U.S. alternative charts. The energetic English trio has just come back with the release of their third album, titled “Glitterbug.”
Halsey
Halsey is the stage name of New York’s Ashley Frangipane. In true hipster fashion, the New Jersey native took the name of a stop on the L train to use as her musical alias. She self-released her first single, “Ghost,” and based on the strength and popularity of that song she signed a deal with Capitol Records-owned electronic/dance label Astralwerks in 2014. She released her debut EP later that year.
Mighty Oaks
Indie folk trio Mighty Oaks formed in Berlin in 2010. The band features three vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, all of whom hail from different countries (Ian Hooper is American, Claudio Donzelli is Italian, and Craig Saunders is British). Their acoustic sound and vocal harmonies have garnered comparisons to bands like The Lumineers and Fleet Foxes. Mighty Oaks’ debut album, “Howl,” came out in 2014.
Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas
Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas is a Detroit-based band whose sound combines genres like R&B, rockabilly, jazz, and reggae. In 2014, the band released their much-anticipated debut album “Secret Evil.”
Bear’s Den
British alt-folk band Bear’s Den formed in London in 2012. They released their debut album, “Islands,” in October 2014. The album came out on Communion Records, which was co-founded by Bear’s Den vocalist and drummer Kevin Jones along with Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett and producer Ian Grimble.
SNBRN
SNBRN is the stage name of Kevin Chapman, a tropical house DJ and producer from Los Angeles. His latest single, “Raindrops,” features Estonian pop singer Kerli and is his first release for Ultra Records. The track has become a huge internet hit, with over 7 million plays on Spotify and over 1 million on Soundcloud.
Elle King
Singer and songwriter Elle King’s musical style encompasses several genres, including country, soul, folk, rock, and blues. She was inspired to become a musician early on, influenced by female-fronted bands like Blondie, The Runaways, and The Donnas. After releasing her self-titled EP, King garnered favorable attention from a multitude of publications, including Entertainment Weekly, Esquire, and Vanity Fair. She released her full-length debut, titled “Love Stuff,” earlier this year.
Lion Babe
Lion Babe is an experimental soul duo based out of New York City’s Lower East Side. The group is comprised of producer and instrumentalist Lucas Goodman and singer Jillian Hervey (the daughter of actress Vanessa Williams). They came onto the scene in 2012 with their single “Treat Me Like Fire,” and recently released a collaborative single with Childish Gambino called “Jump Hi.” They are at work on a full-length album, which will include production from the likes of Pharrell Williams among others.
Beat Connection
Beat Connection, who take their moniker from the LCD Soundsystem song of the same name, make tunes that blend surf-oriented indie pop with electronic music. The group began as the project of Reed Juenger and Jordan Koplowitz, who met as students at the University of Washington. They self-released their debut EP, “Surf Noir,” in 2010, and followed that with their first full-length album, “The Palace Garden,” in 2012.
Mick Jenkins
Rapper Mick Jenkins came onto the scene in 2012 when he released his debut mixtape, “The Micktape.” His latest mixtape, “The Water[s],” came out in 2014 and received favorable reviews from critics.
Peking Duk
Australian electronic music duo Peking Duk consists of DJ/producers Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles. First coming onto the scene with a popular remix of Passion Pit’s “Take a Walk,” Peking Duk has since catapulted to fame, with their most recent singles reaching the top 10 on the Australian charts and achieving platinum certification.
Black Pistol Fire
Black Pistol Fire is the Canadian rock duo featuring vocalist/guitarist Kevin McKeown and drummer Eric Owen. The two have known each other since kindergarten and have been making music together since they were in high school, playing in several bands over the years until officially forming Black Pistol Fire in 2009. Splitting their time between Toronto and Austin, the band has released three albums since their formation, receiving a positive response from critics. Their music has also been featured in several films and television shows, and they have toured in support of bands like Weezer, Wolfmother, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
Raury
Raury is a 17-year-old singer/songwriter from Atlanta. Mature beyond his years, Raury began writing songs as early as age three, taught himself to play guitar when he was 11, and started work on a self-produced album when he was 15. The young, up-and-coming artist released his debut, “Indigo Child,” in the summer of 2014, earning accolades from tastemaking sites like Stereogum and Pitchfork. He was recently featured on SBTRKT’s latest album on the track “Higher.”
Jack Novak
DJ/producer Jack Novak was inspired to pursue a music career after moving to Los Angeles. She released her “Albatross” EP in 2014, and is currently working on a debut album to be released this spring.
Black Tiger Sex Machine
The members of Black Tiger Sex Machine describe their shows as “part DJ set, part live,” and they all perform wearing their trademark tiger helmets. The trio features Canadian DJs Foxed Up, Marx Menace, and Wolfcall.
Pell
New Orleans-bred rapper Pell just released his debut album, “Floating While Dreaming,” in 2014. The up-and-coming young talent doesn’t exactly have a sound that most would associate with New Orleans. His style has rather been described as “dream rap,” with layered melodies and stunning production.
Verite
New York-based musician Kelsey Byrne makes music under the moniker Verite. She recently saw a nearly instantaneous rise to the number one spot on the Hype Machine with her breakthrough internet hit “Strange Enough.” Having been performing since her early middle school days, Byrne was long overdue for her big break. She has released several more successful singles this year, and her music has garnered comparisons to popular singers like Lana Del Ray and Ellie Goulding.
Additional Lineup
Spookyland
jackLNDN
Zebra Katz
The Lonely Biscuits
White Sea
Hippo Campus
COIN
Gabriel Garzon-Montano
SirenXX
In the Whale
Atarah Valentine
Kyle Thornton & the Company
The New Pacific
Daye Jack
Janelle Kroll
The Pop Ups
Danny Weinkauf
Motown Pete
Q Brothers
School of Rock AllStars
The Jimmies
Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
The Helmets
Lineup By Day
Friday, July 31
Paul McCartney
The Weeknd
alt-J
Alabama Shakes
Kaskade
Dillon Francis
Gary Clark, Jr.
Flying Lotus
Hot Chip
The War On Drugs
Father John Misty
Cold War Kids
DJ Snake
Sylvan Esso
MS MR
Tove Lo
St. Paul and the Broken Bones
Glass Animals
First Aid Kit
DJ Mustard
James Bay
BROODS
MisterWives
What So Not
SZA
Jamestown Revival
Philip Selway
Young Thug
Coasts
Destructo
BORNS
BADBADNOTGOOD
Mighty Oaks
Bear’s Den
Peking Duk
Black Pistol Fire
Spookyland
Gabriel Garzon-Montano
Kyle Thornton & the Company
The New Pacific
Daye Jack
The Pop Ups
Q Brothers
School of Rock AllStars
The Jimmies
Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Saturday, August 1
Metallica
Sam Smith
Alesso
Kid Cudi
Tame Impala
Brand New
Carnage
G-Eazy
Walk the Moon
Tyler, The Creator
The Tallest Man On Earth
Banks
Chet Faker
Sturgill Simpson
Toro y Moi
Charli XCX
Boys Noize
Death From Above 1979
RL Grime
Django Django
Delta Spirit
Givers
Ryn Weaver
Travi$ Scott
Caked Up
Hermitude
Wet
HOLYCHILD
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Zella Day
Mt. Eden
Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas
SNBRN
Elle King
Beat Connection
Mick Jenkins
Raury
Jack Novak
Pell
White Sea
Hippo Campus
COIN
Janelle Kroll
Danny Weinkauf
School of Rock AllStars
The Jimmies
Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
The Helmets
Sunday, August 2
Florence + The Machine
Bassnectar
Of Monsters and Men
A$AP Rocky
TV on the Radio
NERO
Kygo
Twenty One Pilots
Nicky Romero
Marina and the Diamonds
FKA Twigs
Lord Huron
Stromae
Gogol Bordello
ODESZA
The Chainsmokers
LOGIC
Wild Belle
Twin Peaks
Angus & Julia Stone
George Ezra
Strand of Oaks
Moon Taxi
Shakey Graves
Galantis
Night Terrors of 1927
Alison Wonderland
Circa Waves
DMA’s
Sheppard
Mako
Skylar Spence
The Wombats
Halsey
Lion Babe
Black Tiger Sex Machine
Verite
jackLNDN
Zebra Katz
The Lonely Biscuits
SirenXX
In the Whale
Atarah Valentine
The Pop Ups
Danny Weinkauf
Motown Pete
Q Brothers
School of Rock AllStars
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