Hopscotch 2022 is knee-deep in talented artists from the emerging music scene. Headliners Courtney Barnett, Perfume Genius, and Kim Gordon take the stage at City Plaza Thursday-Saturday this weekend in downtown Raleigh. Undercard must-see artists include Tomberlin, Amythyst Kiah, Hand Habits, Nation of Language, Yaya Bey, and so many more. Today, we let you in on some of the best kept secrets of Hopscotch 2022.
Hopscotch 2022 Lineup Playlist
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Artist Spotlight
// Amythyst Kiah //
Tennessee singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah brings her unique style to Moore Square on Thursday at 7:00 pm. Kiah’s songwriting blends her inspiration of American roots music and alternative rock with critically acclaimed single, “Black Myself.” Her latest EP Pensive Pop is a collection of cover songs that shaped Kiah’s musical repertoire. Her country ballad spin on Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” lands Amythyst Kiah at the top of our watch list.
// Charley Crockett //
Country singer-songwriter and guitarist Charley Crockett will headline Moore Square on Thursday at 8:45 pm. Rooted in busking the streets of New Orleans and Dallas, TX, Crockett’s discography spans eleven albums in the past seven years. His second album of 2022, The Man From Waco, will release this Friday. Fans of blues, country, and Americana gawk over his vast resume of songwriting and collaboration. Must-hear tunes include “I’m Just a Clown,” “Jamestown Ferry,” and “Welcome to Hard Times.”
// Hand Habits //
Hand Habits is a solo indie-rock act founded by musician and guitarist Meg Duffy. Now a local L.A. artist, Hand Habits is known for their contributions on albums for Weyes Blood, The War on Drugs, and William Tyler. Among other highly recognizable achievements, Hand Habits is currently playing guitar for Perfume Genius! The style of their solo work is a lovely fuse of soft vocals and hushed instrumentals. “No reply” and “placeholder” are our top picks for easy listening. Catch Hand Habits this Friday at 6:45 pm at City Plaza.
// Late Bloomer //
Indie punk band Late Bloomer is a hidden gem out of Charlotte, NC. Late Bloomer’s top song “Heaven” is a fan favorite right from the first few seconds. Vocals bring nostalgia from ’90s bands like Better Than Ezra and Gin Blossoms. The trio recently announced new EP, Where Are The Bones, available now on Bandcamp and streaming everywhere Friday. Stream “Restless Nights” for a chill-out fall tune about changing your outlook on life. Late Bloomer plays a late-night gig at Slims on Saturday at 1:00 am.
// Nation of Language //
New York indie pop band Nation of Language adds some synth spice to this year’s Hopscotch lineup. Similar to the likes of Dry Cleaning and Ela Minus, Nation of Language combines synth-pop with a bit of melancholy. “Across That Fine Line,” is the obvious festival-type track you may hear on Saturday evening at City Plaza (6:00 pm). Our other song recommendations include “This Fractured Mind” and “September Again” for dance-inducing music yet, thought-provoking lyrics.
// Tomberlin //
Tomberlin is back for her second Hopscotch music festival appearance and this year is a big one. Solo folk singer-songwriter Sarah Beth Tomberlin released her sophomore album this April. Must-hear tracks from Tomberlin’s discography include “tap,” “Wasted,” and “Any Other Way.” Tomberlin is scheduled for double performances this weekend. Catch her at The Pour House on Friday at 10:30 pm and Moore Square on Saturday at 5:10 pm.
// Yaya Bey //
Brooklyn R&B singer-songwriter Yaya Bey is coming in hot for Hopscotch with her new album Remember Your North Star (June 2022). Bey experiments with crossing genre lines on tracks “keisha,” “reprise,” and “alright.” Pitchfork deemed Remember Your North Star as Best New Music of June 2022. Don’t miss Bey performing at City Plaza on Friday at 5:30 pm.
*POETRY DANS LA RUE strives to promote new and upcoming artists in the music scene all over the world. Our goal is to provide a platform to ‘on the rise’ artists and encourage fans to discover new music.