What We're Looking Forward To in 2015
We've wrapped up our review of 2014 and are now looking ahead to 2015. With so much in store for the year ahead, we pick out what we're looking forward to the most.
David Cooper - New Kendrick Lamar
Absolutely cannot wait for new Kendrick Lamar to drop. good kid, M.A.A.D. city is such a classic and is still on repeat on my Spotify. Lamar is an extremely talented lyricist and storyteller. His most recent single, “i”, is very cool. Lamar continues to expand the boundaries of hip-hop by infusing it with a multitude of various influences to create something very original. Check out his most recent performance on the Colbert Report, where he debuted a brand-new song. What other rappers make room for saxophone solos in their music?? Lamar is an honest musician who should clean up in 2015.
Gabi Schwartz - Theophilus London Show at The Shelter, Detroit 2/21
I saw Theophilus London open for Santigold in 2012 at a relatively small venue in Baltimore (Rams Head Live). It wasn’t a packed show, and most of the crowd was there for Santigold. If people weren’t there for Santigold it was likely they were just down to see a concert; they didn’t know who Santigold was, let alone Theophilus London. I certainly had no clue who he was. Despite not having an audience there to support him, he was one of the most engaging performers I’ve ever seen—I instantly became a fan.
Theophilus London is a rapper/singer from London UK. His use of synths and percussion gives a lot of his music an 80’s feel, in a really good way. He recently released his sophomore album Vibes in 2014. With tracks featuring Kanye West and Leon Ware, it’s clear that he’s gained more recognition since 2012.
Theophilus is playing a few shows around the U.S. in 2015, and one of his stops is The Shelter in Detroit on February 21st. I would love to go see him live. He’s an artist who deserves all the success he’s gaining, and if he performs anything like he did 3 years ago it will be a great show and incredibly fun time.
Ben Schechter - New Blind Pilot
A lot of artists are releasing albums in this upcoming year who haven’t released anything in recent years. For example, Modest Mouse will be releasing Strangers to Ourselves on March 3rd, their first album in eight years. Then Giorgio Moroder, a pioneering electronic and disco artist will be releasing his first studio album in seventeen years. Those two I am excited about, I’m also excited to see what the Portland, OR based indie folk band, Blind Pilot will produce. Four days ago, the band took to their social media sites and announced that they will be heading into the studio again in the New Year to start working on their third full-length album. When I heard the news, I immediately dropped everything and put “One Red Thread” on repeat. When finishing up middle school, their first studio album titled 3 Rounds and a Sound came out. Back then, it was definitely a top album on my radar and continues to be. In 2011, their second album titled We Are The Tide was released which includes great tracks such as “Half Moon”. The sextet will most likely support the new album with a tour so keep your eyes peeled, as they are great live performers.
Ben Lowden - Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 2015
This time of year summer can seem so far away, and with that so do music festivals. But man am I already dreaming of Bonnaroo 2015. I attended the music festival in 2013 and have wanted to go back to the farm since I left it. The music and the people create an amazing feeling for the entire time you are at Bonnaroo. Whether it’s singing along with 80,000 people during the headliner slot, getting back to your tent as the sun rises, or simply sharing some food with your neighbors, emotions run at a constant high and its fantastic. For this summer Glass Animals, Death Cab For Cutie, Moon Taxi, and The War on Drugs are already rumored to be playing. Full lineup announcement will come in February and you know we’ll be covering it. For now check out these two spine tingling recaps!