Music festivals throughout the country are wide-spread and well known. Chicago has Lollapalooza, California has Coachella, Tennessee has Bonnaroo, Washington has Sasquatch, and even Champaign jumps in with Pygmalion Music Festival. This September 21-25 various music artists will be headed to Champaign-Urbana to play at venues across the city. The artists coming are mainly a part of the indie/alternative music genre, although there are some variances in that with certain DJ acts. Although the festival passes have already sold out, there is still time to buy tickets to individual shows! I’ve created a playlist of some of the artists whom I consider to be the can’t-miss shows of the festival.
1. “Where I’m Going” by Cut Copy
Cut Copy is a band that will have everyone in the crowd dancing along. Their music fits both the house music/whomping fad that has been sweeping the campus and the alternative/indie music lovers.
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2. “Talamak” by Toro y Moi
Toro y Moi create music (this song as a prime example) full of different beats and sounds paired with a sweet singing voice that will leave you swaying and wanting more.
3. “Your Hand In Mine” by Explosions in the Sky
Explosions in the Sky are a band popular for their instrumental beats that make the perfect study music, but that’s not to say that their show would be uneventful in any way because of their impressive instrumental abilities.
4. “Feel It All Around” by Washed Out
With amazing electronic background beats, and now a full band to back up front man Ernest Greene at his set Friday night, this show is going to be a chillwave music dream.
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5. “Young Adult Friction” by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are an indie band with a pop feel to their music. They mix male and female vocals that go together in beautiful harmony.
6. “Walking” by The Dodos
The Dodos are another indie band, but as opposed to The Pains pop sound, they carry more of a rock edge, while incorporating eclectic instruments into their songs.
7. “House Jam” by Gang Gang Dance
It’s all in the name with Gang Gang Dance, emphasis on the “Dance”.
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8. “Two Weeks of Hip Hop” by The Hood Internet
The Hood Internet is made up of two Chicago natives that mix two different songs together, mostly one alternative song mixed with a hip-hop classic. This song is a mash-up of “Two Weeks” by Grizzly Bear and “It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop” by Dead Prez.
9. “Isabella of Castile” by STRFKR
Despite their outspoken name, STRFKR’s music is quite subdued, but with a variance of instruments and beats that all add up to create their awesome sound.
10. “Sink/Let it Sway” by Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin is another indie band that will be hitting the stages at Pygmalion. The group plays music that just makes people smile, music that even made The OC happy enough to feature their song “Oregon Girl” in an episode back in 2006.
Now that you know the cream of the Pygmalion crop, buy your tickets now and don’t miss out on five amazing days filled with great music!