CHERRY GLAZERR
Firefly, Eaux Claires, Electric Forest, Pitchfork, Sloss, Made in America
Songwriter/producer Francis Farewell Starlite is seemingly 95% limbs, making the pop icon fascinating to watch onstage. He’s also recruited names including Chance the Rapper and Bon Iver to dance alongside him in his music videos, so expect at least one of them to join Starlite on a stage before the summer is over.
MURA MASA Schedule:
FYF, Capitol Hill Block Party, Panorama, WayHome, Lollapalooza, Life Is Beautiful
Of all the DJs filling out summer music festival lineups this summer, Mura Masa’s wildly enjoyable dance music is worth venturing into the EDM tent — or showing up to an early set time — to see.
KAMAIYAH
Pitchfork, The Meadows, Outside Lands, FYF
The only female rapper to earn a spot among XXL’s Freshman Class this month, the Bay Area MC has a busy season ahead. See her before she blows up.
MUNA
Firefly, NXNE, Mamby On the Beach, Summerfest, Osheaga, Outside Lands, Austin City Limits
MUNA is three women who handle all their own production and openly address their sexual identities and progressive views in their music. With its busy summer schedule bookended by tours with Bleachers and Harry Styles, the synth-pop trio is worth celebrating.
ANDREW MCMAHON IN THE WILDERNESS
Summerfest, Panorama, Lollapalooza, The End Summer Camp, High and Low Festival, Austin City Limits
Fans of Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin have plenty to love in frontman Andrew McMahon’s new project. If you can’t make it to one of his many festival dates this summer, he’s also opening a string of shows for Billy Joel.
Pitchfork, FYF, Capitol Hill Block Party, Panorama, Osheaga, Hopscotch
The L.A. punk band’s name may be in the small print on festival posters, but their irresistible garage rock makes a strong case for better placement.
CAR SEAT HEADREST Schedule:
Summerfest, Rock the Garden, WayHome, Lollapalooza, Osheaga, Austin City Limits
After his breakout 2016 album Teens of Denial earned him a place among America’s best new rock bands, Will Toledo, the singer-songwriter behind Car Seat Headrest, went from playing daytime slots at last year’s summer music festivals to earning his band one of 11 headlining slots at the 2017 Summerfest.