Music is the creator of culture. It is the fingerprint of past generations and the force that drives those to come. It has the ability to generate a sense of togetherness that could not be achieved with words alone.
What better place is there to gather in celebration of contemporary music other than right here in Philadelphia? American moguls Jay Z and collaborator Steve Stoute founded the Budweiser Made in America Festival in 2012, knowing that our beautiful city would be the ideal backdrop to merge music, culture, and community.
In its’ fourth year, the 2015 Made in America Festival will feature 61 acts over 5 different stages set up along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway this Labor Day weekend, September 5th and 6th.
Headlining acts include: Beyonce, The Weeknd, J. Cole, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Meek Mill, Big Sean, and Nick Jonas. Out of the acts performing, only a handful of them are considered “mainstream” artists, while a few others, like De La Soul, are now deemed “retro.” This leaves the rest of the slots to up and coming or lesser known artists. The sold out ticket sales prove that Philly is the perfect breeding ground for new talent and underdogs alike.
Here are just a few of the many acts worth studying before the largest concert event of the summer:
Axwell & Ingrosso
Hailing from Sweden, Axwell & Ingrosso are a modernized duo with an electro-progressive feel.
Recommended listening: https://youtu.be/opxhEVjNvdk (On My Way)
Banks
Currently touring with the Weeknd, Banks is known for creating haunting melodies with an ethereal sound.
Recommended listening: https://youtu.be/HzGHgQBPyV0 (Drowning)
Bas
Coming in with the new wave of contemporary rap, Bas continues to collaborate with big names while making a name for himself.
Recommended listening: https://youtu.be/4BQTjITb5EA (Figi Water in My Iron)
Bassnectar
Best known for his elaborate light shows and heart stopping beats, DJ Bassnectar gets the blood flowing and your body moving.
Recommended listening: https://youtu.be/mqOHvg-GTNY (You & Me)
Bully
Bully is one of the newest kick-ass indie rock bands with a sound reminiscent of the moody 90’s.
Recommended listening: https://youtu.be/3TP0iJSzLxU (Milkman)
Hippo Campus
Named after the part of the brain best known for emotion and memory, Hippo Campus is the epitome of the quirky indie scene.
Recommended listening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV3bIvRGX8w (Little Grace)
LolaWolf
Lead by ever stylish Zoe Kravitz, Brooklyn based band LolaWolf has one of the most unpredictable and original R&B albums of the year.
Recommended listening: https://youtu.be/ubUrFOfYFzs (Calm Down)
Mayaeni
Known for upbeat hooks, Mayaeni personifies indie pop with raspy flare.
Recommended listening: https://youtu.be/j0hlN8CxQ2w (Black Jeans)
Santigold
Philadelphia native, Santigold, is a unique artist with an eclectic musical esthetic.
Recommended listening: https://youtu.be/cxdQ_uD5IWk (Big Mouth)
The Struts
The Struts are a perfect mixture of classic Brit punk rock with a modern twist.
Recommended listening: https://youtu.be/ARhk9K_mviE (Could Have Been Me)
*Additional Acts: Future, Halsey, Action Bronson, Earl Sweatshirt, Vic Mensa, DJ Mustard, Duke Dumont, A-Trak, Metric, G-Eazy, GTA, Cedric Gervais, Claude Vonstroke, Fabolous, Ryan Hemsworth, Burns, Botnek, Aeroplane, Jacob Plant, Saint Motel, Young Rising Sons, Grits & Biscuits, Flatbush Zombies, Creepoid, Superheaven, Hop Along, Waxahatchee, Strand of Oaks, Remy Banks, Mick Jenkins, Marian, Hill, Post Malone, Cozz, Ome, Li Li K, Bass Drum of Death, Tan Lines , Mike Floss, Sarah Jaffe, Twin Peaks, Bizzy Crook, and Ground Up.
These artists are in the process of creating the soundtrack of our generation. As of late, we have been fortunate enough to witness some of the most prolific societal changes in history. Years from now we will reminisce on these melodies which will ignite memories within us that could never fade.
So as you sweat off your makeup and spill your beer in the crowd this Labor Day weekend, remember, you may have 99 problems… but this festival ain’t one.
Make sure to tag #PPRG in your photos and let us know your favorite acts while at the show! For directions and more line-up info, click here!
I definitely recommend Santigold as well – her music is upbeat, catchy and she has a great energy. She was on my Philly10K playlist!
Awesome! Thanks for the recommendation, Jillie. What tracks did you add to your playlist?