Raleigh’s own Hopscotch Music Festival is back for year ten September 5th-7th. Rolling Stone denoted Hopscotch as having, “an extraordinarily cool roster of bands with a Mardi Gras-like atmosphere.” With most recent years featuring acts like Gary Clark Jr., Young Thug, Vince Staples, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Solange, Lizzo, The Revolution, Nile Rodgers & Chic, and Miguel, it’s time to pay attention to Hopscotch 2019.
This year’s lineup has some clear stand-out acts at first glance. Hopscotch continues to build their brand in becoming a must-watch scene for up-and-coming artists. Let’s take a look at some artists to watch from Hopscotch 2019.
Snail Mail: Thursday 9/5
Lindsey Jordan, or better known as the alternative one-woman act Snail Mail, is headed for the City Plaza stage. Her songs have a very chill yet punk sound. She is similar to the likes of Soccer Mommy with her raspy voice and ’90s grunge music style. Her songs “Pristine” and “The 2nd Most Beautiful Girl in the World” will take you back to ’90s teen angst movie soundtracks and artists like Liz Phair or Fiona Apple.
Kurt Vile & The Violators: Thursday 9/5
You may be familiar with Kurt Vile as the former lead guitarist from The War on Drugs. Indie-rock singer-songwriter Kurt and his band, The Violators, are back to play their second Hopscotch set. Songs like “Wakin On a Pretty Day” and “I’m an Outlaw” are tailor-made for folk, indie, rock, or country music fans alike.
James Blake: Friday 9/6
Music fans are excited to see James Blake is headlining Hopscotch 2019. “Retrograde” is a stand-out song that builds so much, it slaps you in the face with its power. We have a soft spot for “Limit To Your Love” which is a more piano-based track as opposed to his usual electro style. Overall, there is a lot to say about this artist and his innovative style, he is one you will not want to miss!
Raphael Saadiq: Saturday 9/6
Raphael Saadiq will be playing at City Plaza on Saturday. His most recent release, “Something Keeps Calling,” ft. Rob Bacon is a song with emotional vocals that cut through to your heart on first listen. Vocalist and bass guitarist for the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, Saadiq has also produced songs for iconic artists including Whitney Houston and John Legend.
Phantogram: Saturday 9/7
Can we now agree that this lineup is stacked? And, we haven’t even discussed the undercard yet. Phantogram is a dream pop duo that you have likely heard before. Their hit “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore” is their most well-known festival-style track. Check out the music video that they released yesterday for “Into Happiness” for a taste of what you can expect at Hopscotch.
CHVRCHES: Saturday 9/7
Ultimate. Festival. Band. Headlining. Hopscotch. CHVRCHES is coming in hot from their pump-up Coachella set this past spring. Their songs are irresistibly catchy with lyrics that get embedded in your brain. Some crowd favorites are “The Mother We Share,” “Miracle,” “Leave a Trace,” and “Get Out.” You can catch them lighting up the main stage at Red Hat on Saturday night.
Here is a shortlist of other MUST-KNOW artists on the Hopscotch 2019 lineup:
Thursday 9/5: Joey Purp (Hip hop), Yowler (Alt/Indie), David Nance Group (Alt/Indie), Lucy Dacus (Indie rock), Tomberlin (Folk)
Friday 9/6: Tyler Ramsey (former lead guitarist from Band of Horses), Deerhunter (Indie rock), Channel Tres (Dance/Electronic), The Waston Twins (Alt country), Ryley Walker (Indie folk/Blues), Orville Peck (Country)
Saturday 9/7: Cate Le Bon (Folk/Pop), Daughter of Swords (Folk), Boogarins (Psychedelic rock), Matt Martians (Southern Hip hop), Kelsey Waldon (Country)