The RV is packed with sunscreen, wet wipes, posters and merch and we’re nearly ready to head south for another year of fun on “The Farm.” By 9 p.m. tonight, we’ll be Bonnaroo bound! But before we get on the road we wanted to drop some knowledge on our fellow ‘Roo-goers. We know that it’s impossible to be everywhere and to see every musician at a giant music festival like Bonnaroo. So before we leave, we scour the lineup lists, picking and choosing, to create our own personalized festival schedules. Everyone knows who the headliners are but a handful of Powerhouse’s finest got together to compile a list of our deep cut picks. After the jump, check out our list of small type bands that anyone spending the next week at ‘Roo can’t and shouldn’t miss.
AARON’S PICKS
City and Colour
The alt-folk band City and Colour, aka Dallas Green, is sure to turn in a rad set. Nothing captures that summer feeling like City and Colour’s recent album of understated catchy, melody-driven, pop-rock songs.
Classixx
For those looking for more of a dance party, Classixx’s set will provide just that. The disco-y, DJ duo’s set will start the dance party of lifetime down on the farm.
EMILY’S PICKS
King Khan & The Shrines
The biggest bummer of big summer fests is when your favorite band’s music just isn’t conducive to the environment, but that certainly won’t be the case when it comes to the psychedelic soul outfit that is King Khan & The Shrines. For those about to party, the wild show King Khan puts on will be the perfect place to do it. At a festival that’s all about experiences, Khan & The Shrines set is sure to be an unforgettable one.
Valerie June
Valerie June’s music is an intoxicating mix of genres, incorporating elements of soul, folk, blues and mountain-music. If you’re looking to see an artist with one of the most unique sounds at Bonnaroo, Valerie June may very well be it. She is a self-described “organic moonshine roots” musician with an incredible voice, whose performance will leave you breathless.
SEB’S PICKS
Meshuggah
Swedish. Metal. Legends. That’s all I should have to type.
BANKS
If you could bottle sex… Again, all I should have to type.
KATIE’S PICKS
The Lone Bellow
The Lone Bellow blends classic folk and country sounds with touches of urban America in a live show that will make you feel like you’re kicking back on a front porch with a group of your closest friends (if your friends were actually talented musicians).
Haerts
This Brooklyn indie pop band’s single “Wings” is already a contender for song of the summer, so listen up. The sweet, airy synth sounds of Haerts will be perfect for lounging (or getting down) in the summer sun.
PAT’S PICKS
Pusha T
Pusha T’s music combines rhymes, and composition at the Wu-Tang intelligence level, with sick beats. I love it. The music is east coast, deep and heavy, with a solid hip-hop foundation. The live show will be loud and energy filled and with Pusha T on Kanye West’s label, there’s always the possibility we might see a surprise guest Yeezus appearance on stage.
Deafheaven
Quick, metal, post-hardcore — whatever you want to call it — this music will melt your face! I’ve always loved “metal day” at the ‘Roo and bringing bands like this in will make it even better.
Don’t forget, the gang will be tweeting and Instagraming from Bonnaroo all week. Stay tuned to our Twitter @PHFDesign and to our Instagram @powerhousefactories throughout the festival for updates.