Fest will capture the beats of L.A.
The Low End Theory, a weekly beat music club that’s helped propel the careers of Flying Lotus, the Gaslamp Killer, Daddy Kev, Nosaj Thing and a few dozen others, has announced the lineup for its second annual festival, to take place at Shrine Expo Hall on Aug. 8. The roster, heavily focused on Los Angeles artists, confirms the creative magic at the center of the Low End Theory sound, as well as its evolution.
For its sophomore installment, the festival will include beat producer Flying Lotus, dexterous rapper Earl Sweatshirt, jazz-funk bassist Thundercat, abstract producer Daedelus and the quartet of residents who move the crowd on Wednesdays at the Airliner in Lincoln Heights (Nocando, Daddy Kev, the Gaslamp Killer and D-Styles).
It’s been a remarkable year for the above artists. In addition to their own stellar work, Thundercat and Flying Lotus helped ferry Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterf ly” to the top. Thundercat teamed with jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington and dozens of others for Washington’s defining three-volume work “The Epic,” released through Lotus’ Brainfeeder imprint. Sweatshirt released his grim new album, “I Don’t Like ... I Don’t Go Outside,” and the Gaslamp Killer stunned Coachella with his new orchestra.
This will be the first time Low End Theory has partnered with Goldenvoice, the Southern California promoter responsible for such festivals as Coachella and Stagecoach. In recent years, Goldenvoice has helped enable midsize events such as the FYF Fest and Supersonico take it to the next level. Given the Low End Theory’s quest for perfect sound — and heavy-duty bass — expect planners to take full advantage of the opportunity.
In addition to the headliners, the bill includes Teebs, Diabiase, Nosaj Thing, Jonwayne, Ras G, Daedelus, Astronautica and Sister Crayon.
Tickets for the Low End Theory Festival go on sale Tuesday. For more information, hit the Low End Theory’s site, www.lowendtheoryclub.com/.