Hopscotch 2022

Hopscotch 2022: Lineup Playlist & Artist Spotlight

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

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.

best of Raleigh

Emerging Now: Best of Raleigh

As Raleigh, NC steadily grows, so does the Raleigh music scene. We’ve zoomed in on local upcoming music artists to create an Emerging Now: Best of Raleigh guide and playlist. Local residents of Raleigh can easily catch these artists playing events while exploring the Triangle. Check out our song picks and playlists below featuring Christian James, Paige King Johnson, Heather Sarona, Stray Local, and more!

*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.

// SPOTIFY PLAYLIST // APPLE MUSIC PLAYLIST //

best of Raleigh

Best of Raleigh Top Songs

// “Lately” by Christian James ft. Laith, and Chico //-Alternative/Hip-hop

Christian James, local Hip-hop/Rap artist, released a more Alternative style single “Lately” this May. “Lately” is an infectious earworm that takes us back to the days of streaming “Waves” by Mr. Probz while enjoying a summer cocktail. The single incorporates clever lyrics, “Baby, baby grab the phone seven digits, seven minutes till I land, Amy Winehouse records spinning like a ceiling fan.” The verses hit with just the right amount of diction and flow leading to an undeniably catchy pre-hook and chorus. “Lately” is one of those songs you listen to once and can easily sing along by the last chorus. Follow Christian James for more new music coming next week!

// “Window to Break” by Heather Sarona //-Americana Singer-songwriter

Holly Springs native Singer-songwriter, Heather Sarona, debuted her first album Head Above Water this past January. “Window to Break” is a standout coda to the Alternative-folk style LP. Haunting lyrics like “My treasure and my pride, there for you to take, my window’s yours to break,” showcase the vulnerability of being unguarded in a relationship. Her folky vocals and southern charm will win you over in this soothing single. You can catch Heather in the Triangle over the next few months with her next appearance on September 17th at Mason Jar in Fuquay.

// “Maybe We’re All” by John Sierra //-Singer-songwriter

“Maybe We’re All” is a pensive, thought-provoking track by Raleigh Singer-songwriter John Sierra. The beautifully written, coffeehouse playlist type song, embodies longing and commonality. Sierra recounts several stories of lonely passersby and links a common ground by singing “Maybe we’re all looking for love, maybe we’re all looking for home.” Check out John Sierra live around Durham and Raleigh from now until December!

// “Holding Hope” by Jon Ward Beyle //-Folk-rock

Jon Ward Beyle has an Avett Brothers-esque style of vocals and storytelling on single “Holding Hope,” from debut album Worth Stopping For (2021). “Holding Hope” is reflective and wistful, a perfect Folk-rock ballad that starts soft and amps to close. The track is a true homage to songwriting in the sense of being able to connect with listeners and send a powerful message through music. Jon Ward Beyle frequents one of our favorite venues in Carrboro, Cat’s Cradle, and is set to play at The Evening Muse in Charlotte this Friday with Courtney Lynn & Quinn.

// “American Beauty” by Paige King Johnson //-Country singer-songwriter

If you’re looking for an America’s sweetheart country singer in the Triangle, Paige King Johnson is your girl. Her single “American Beauty” off of her debut album Honky Tonk Heart (released June 2022), could easily land her a few gigs opening for some of your favorite country artists. In fact, Paige has already been an opening act for the likes of Kane Brown, Scotty McCreery, Joe Nichols, and Gabby Barrett! “American Beauty” is a ‘tale as old as time’ classic country song with mature flawless vocals. The story of “American Beauty” is a reminder to young women, as well as a personal anthem to the artist, that you can chase your dreams, and everything will work out. Paige has several upcoming tour dates in the area. She’ll be playing with local The Voice star, Britton Buchanan, in Sanford this Thursday!

// “Shiver” by Stray Local //-Indie-pop

Stray Local is an upbeat Indie-pop band that you may stumble upon while out in the Raleigh area. The husband-and-wife duo, Hannah and Jamie Rowen, have several catchy singles including “Shiver,” an easy listening pop track. Stray Local are also avid runners, and “Shiver” is a great soundtrack for a scenic jog in the triangle. Catch them live as they hop from breweries to coffeeshops in the area.

// “Worthless” by Tiger Beach //-Indie-rock

Raleigh’s own Tiger Beach is on a roll of releasing new music. “Worthless” is our favorite track of their recent releases over the past year. Reminiscent of Wallows Tell Me That It’s Over vocally and The Cure’s Disintegration sonically, “Worthless” defines Tiger Beach’s Indie-rock sound. The key change on the bridge draws you in closer to the melancholic chorus, “Tell me that it’s always just so worthless, tell that I’m wasting all of my time, tell me that I’m never gonna make it.” The defining repetitive bassline continues through the end in a culmination of power surging sounds. Follow Tiger Beach for updates on upcoming shows!


Check out all of these songs and more on our Emerging Now playlists below

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