So the big weekend’s finally arrived and everyone’s jonesin’ to check out the festival’s Big Three: Eminem, Arcade Fire, and Bruno Mars.
But like just about every festival ever, there’ll be an abundance of great live acts at this year’s Squamish Valley Music Festival. It’s arguably the festival’s best top-to-bottom lineup yet, even if you’ve heard of 20 per cent of the performers on the bill.
That’s OK! Discovery is one of the great benefits of attending a festival this big. As always, we’re here to help. Here are five must-see live acts to check out this weekend.
tUnE-yArDs
If four insanely talented women singing four-part harmonies with one dude slapping the bass, dressed in hippie garb and face paint while playing some of the most rhythmic, heart-melting, and cerebral pop music being created today doesn’t sound appealing…well, that’s your loss. But let it be said that tUnE-yArDs frontwoman Merrill Garbus has the most astonishing voice you’ll hear this weekend. Period. Go forth and dance.
CHVRCHES
On first listen, the Glasgow-based trio might seem like yet another Pitchfork-endorsed electro-pop outfit. They’re actually much more than that. They harness soothing, danceable beats, airy textures and melodies that should have everyone – from fringe indie geeks toCyndi Lauper enthusiasts – smitten by the end of their set. We’ve also heard they’re pretty darn good live.
Black Joe Lewis
Basically an updated and revamped take on blues and soul àla James Brown and Howlin’ Wolf. Black Joe Lewis has it all: The triumphant horn section, the funky gee-tars, the hip-swingin’ rhythm section, and of course, the raspy voice singing about all the good times coming your way. Aside from, say, Arcade Fire, don’t expect a set much more revelatory than this.
Hollerado
Never mind the, infectious, Weezer-inspired indie rock that’s earned these guys a JUNO nomination and a coveted slot opening for the Flaming Lips and Jack White’s Dead Weather. Let’s just say that Hollerado are probably the funniest Canadian rock band on the circuit right now. If you need a laugh on Saturday, check these guys out.
A Tribe Called Red
If you catch only one dance act this act, make it this one. Blending dubstep and hip hop with First Nations chanting and drumming, Ottawa’s A Tribe Called Red has developed some of the most forward-thinking and unifying dance music in North America, for Natives and non-Natives alike. It’s smart, affecting, trippy as hell and a whole lotta fun.
