It is that time of the year again where LA's finest music connoisseurs prepare for the city's most beloved music event, the FYF Music Festival! Although the festival has long outgrown it's humble beginnings as a music showcase for indie bands in the local Echo Park/ Silverlake scene, the festival has still managed to maintain a good balance of lesser known indie acts along with the heavy hitters.
We have compiled of a list of up-and-coming artists that you should not miss at this year's FYF Fest:
1. Angel Olsen
Angel Olsen's third LP My Woman was lauded as one of the most poignant albums of 2016 due to her delicate songwriting that perfectly encapsulates the experiences of a woman on the path of self discovery.
2. S U R V I V E
The synth/electronic band S U R V I VE is best known for composing the immensely popular soundtrack for Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things. The Austin Texas based quartet have released three albums since 2012 including last years highly compelling RR7349 LP, as well as crafting atmospheric soundtracks for a number of other projects/movies including 2014 horror film "The Guest".
3. Arca & Jesse Kanda
Experimental producer/songwriter Alejandro Ghersi, who is better known as Arca, has become a revered figure in the underground music scene thanks to his own intricate, avant-garde compositions since 2014 and his massive collaborations with a number of other prolific artists such as FKA Twigs, Bjork, and Dean Blunt. This year, Alejandro released a exquisite self-titled LP via XL Records where he utilized his own vocals for the first time, making for the artist's most vulnerable and heart-wrenching release yet.
4. Kamaiyah
The next thing out of the Bay is undoubtedly a 25 year-old female MC by the name of Kamaiyah. The Oakland native arrived on the scene with a critically acclaimed mixtape entitled A Good Night In The Ghetto out the gate. She has since signed to Interscope Records and has released nothing but bangers and notable features with the likes of YG, Drake, E-40 and more.
5. Motor City Drum Ensemble
German House DJ & Producer Motor City Drum Ensemble is going to be throwing down a 3 hour set on Saturday that should absolutely not be slept on. If you haven't had the opportunity yet, be sure to check out one of his many amazing house/disco mixes to get an idea of whats in store ( & be sure to bring your dancing shoes!)
6. Anderson Paak.
Although it would be kind of stretch to call him a "best new artist" as he's been a key fixture of the LA underground rap scene since like 2011, it wouldn't be a stretch to claim that Anderson Paak. is the most important breakout artist of 2016. From being heavily featured on Dr. Dre's comeback album COMPTON, to releasing two of the undisputed best albums of 2016 with Malibu & Yes Lawd!, Anderson Paak. is on an absolute roll with no intent of slowing down.
This is made evident in his explosive live performance with his touring band The Free Nationals, in which Paak's cool charisma and showmanship puts heads and shoulders above the competition.
7. Homeshake
Peter Sagar was once known as Mac Demarco's live guitarist, but left the gig to eventually start his own solo project under the alias Homeshake. Peter has since released 3 acclaimed albums and has become a cult-figure in the scene due to his tender experimental R&B creations.
8. Noname
A part of the newest crop of Chicago's creative wordsmiths along with Chance The Rapper, Vic Mensa, Mick Jenkins, Saba, & the like, Noname first came into the limelight due to her showstopping feature on Chance's Acid Rap mixtape. Her highly poetic, almost spoken word style of hip-hop is a captivating breath of fresh air, especially when paired with her live backing band!
If you haven't yet, be sure to listen to her incredible debut mixtape Telefone ASAP!
9. Kelly Lee Owens
Ambient producer & songwriter Kelly Lee Owens released her self-titled debut project a few months ago and has already managed to make it on many "Best Records of the Year" and artist breakout list. Her atmospheric blend of Detroit techno, dream-pop, & downtempo production in conjunction with her radiant vocals make for some of the most hypnotizing pop-songs of recent memory.
10. Princess Nokia
NYC-based MC & singer Princess Nokia has been a staple in the New York City underground scene since 2010 when she started dropping songs under her original moniker "Wavy Spicy". Best known for powerful LGBT and feminist anthems, Princess released her best project yet late last year,the 1992 EP. The EP had the 25 year old completely embracing her East Coast rap roots with the kind of finesse & intensity that could only come from a true New York City native, but with her own unique twist on the formula.
Be sure to stay peeled on EARMILK for all of your future FYF Fest coverage and interviews!
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