Three To The Dome: Bumbershoot 2015
Bumershoot 2015 Preview
September 2-6 at Seattle Center
In-keeping with Matt’s forthcoming #3ToTheDome feature in my monthly music newsletter, Rations, I’m returning the favor with my sights set on Bumbershoot 2015.
The longstanding Pacific Northwest festival returns revamped with new stages – utilizing both Memorial Stadium and Key Arena –, an emphasis on arts aside from music programming, and a general rebranding that shifts the tone of Bumbershoot to that of other major festivals.
Saturday
Elle King, 2:45 p.m. @ Starbucks Stage
Elle King is hard to pin down. She’s essentially a pop star whose music is infused with a bluesy stomp and, while she adopts both genres with ease, she does so without adhering to either. However, it’s not hard to tell that her voice can thoroughly fill the Starbucks Stage and will definitely serve as a proper greeting to this year’s fest.
Deep Creep, 4 p.m. @ #NEVERTAMED Stage
On Friday of Capitol Hill Block Party I intended to meet with a friend for Jamie xx’s set. Instead I found him stumbling around outside of Cha Cha’s after the fact. When I asked where he’d been he just stared into the middle distance like wiley prospector before turning and nearly whispering “Deep Creep.” The local band released their latest album last Friday. Get familiar before Saturday.
http://deepcreepband.bandcamp.com/album/deep-creep
Deep Creep @ Fisherman’s Village Music Festival 2015. Photo by Sunny Martini.
The Weeknd, 9:15 p.m. @ Key Arena
OneReel really put youths in a bind when they overlapped Flying Lotus, The Weeknd, and Chance The Rapper. Honestly, I don’t understand the logic behind that programming. It’s the musical equivalent of when all those fourth of July fireworks went off at once in San Diego a few years ago. Go see The Weeknd because radio pop has been his all summer. He has three major hits – “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills,” “Earned It” – that are vastly different, which is unheard of in this day and age. Just don’t cry too hard into your vintage Supreme tee.
Sunday
Brand New, 5 p.m. @ Memorial Stadium
I’ve had a soft spot for Brand New since high school. They remind me of melodrama, The O.C., and argyle polo shirts, and when I hear anything from Your Favorite Weapon, my faux hawk grows back. Brand New have been around for over 15 years and they rule. Please find me in the pit and sign my yearbook. HAGS.
Hibou, 5:45 p.m. @ Rhapsody Stage
Peter Michel, 21 year-old Seattleite behind the project, honed his ability to create musical sunbeams as the touring drummer for Craft Spells. His solo work as Hibou is in a similar vein but has a much grander sound. Hibou sounds like the final summer before college. Check him out before his album come out and he blows up.
Gallant, 7:45 p.m. @ Starbucks Stage
Gallant is sort of artist that would be the jewel of Daptone Records in the year 3000 but the world of pop will certainly welcome him with open arms. Just listen to “Talking In Your Sleep.” The last time I was addicted to a song like this it was made by two British electro-bros and a shiny, then unknown goon named Sam Smith sang over it.
Monday
The Bots, 4 p.m. @ Rhapsody Stage
The Bots are a breath of fresh air, and I mean that wholeheartedly. The world of garage rock is teeming with guitar bros who decided to start a band with their drum bros and, by mixing their vocals just low enough, they’ve scraped by for years. The Bots are the only garage rock duo that matter because they’re convincingly raw and polished.
Peaches, 7:15 p.m. @ Key Arena
The beauty of seeing Peaches live is that you don’t need to know her music intimately. She’s well-known for over-the-top theatrics during her show, which centers around her ultra-provocative lyrics, so you just need to come ready for anything.
Ellie Goulding, 8:45 p.m. @ Key Arena
This set will be fire because you’ll show up and recognize every song. Ellie Goulding has quietly been on Lil’ Wayne-style feature series that has lasted most of her career. Somewhere between “Lights” and “Anything Could Happen” and “Burn” you’ll realize Ellie has been with you all this time. When there was only one set of footprints in the sand it was because she climbed on your back and fucking belted jams like a human boombox.
