There are a few things that every Bonnaroovian knows: pack extra toilet paper, refill your water bottles frequently and expect the unexpected. However, Bonnaroo has released a lineup that even the oldest festival veteran could not have predicted. With surprises including the return of Bassnectar, as well as a variety of artists making their first appearance on the Farm, the abundance of talent is sure to cause headaches when attempting to plan your weekend. Scheduling conflicts aside, here is a list of our most anticipated acts of 2015.
Mac Demarco
The gap-toothed goofball will be returning to the farm with more star power than 2013. Although he rocked the Sonic Stage during his previous visit, Demarco will likely perform in front of a larger crowd this summer. Demarco released his second album Salad Days last April. The album provided Demarco with incredible success as he has slowly climbed to the top of the indie scene. Known for his clean guitar, his psychedelic vibes and his over the top stage antics, Mac Demarco is a must see at Bonnaroo 2015.
My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket will grace the festival grounds this summer for their 7th Bonnaroo appearance (their first since 2011). With an album on the horizon, the set will provide an interesting combination of new songs and material dating back to their first appearance in 2003. In 2011, the band opened for Arcade Fire while promoting their most recent album Circuital. The set included impressive solos, boisterous horns, and one epic glow stick war. It will be interesting to see what they have in store for 2015.
Childish Gambino
Another familiar face is returning to Roo. Childish Gambino is featured higher on the lineup list compared to his most recent appearance in 2012. This is likely due to his successful release of an album and a mixtape since his last appearance, with more material planned to debut in 2015. Although his 2012 set featured more singing than rapping, experimental songs from Because the Internet are sure to provide a vast amount of energy and an amazing live set.
Bassnectar
The EDM lineup would be amazing without him, but Bassnectar is the icing on the cake. Bassnectar has not played Roo since 2011, and since then, EDM on the Farm has never been the same. Sure we have had the Skrillex Superjam and a Which Stage performance from Pretty Lights, but Bassnectar is the king. His original works are astonishing and his remixes are simply brilliant. And what other artist do you know that has such a fan following? With “Bassheads” following him around from city to city, Bassnectar sold 160,000 tickets to his individual shows in 2013. Half of that number will be in one place this June, which will undoubtedly make for a legendary performance.
The War on Drugs
While The War on Drugs have made an appearance at Bonnaroo before, their 2015 set will be pleasantly distinctive. The band released Lost in the Dream last March, which is arguably the most impressive album from 2014. The reverb-driven sound of Lost in the Dream begins much like their previous releases, drawing on traditional roots. However, as the album progresses, the band explodes into astounding ambience. It will be fascinating to see how the band will organize this complex album on a Bonnaroo stage.
Kendrick Lamar
Many said it wouldn’t happen, but Kendrick Lamar will make his third appearance at Bonnaroo in the last four years. In 2013, Lamar owned the main stage following an impressive set from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Although Macklemore’s set has went down in Bonnaroo history, Lamar’s performance should not be overlooked. Lamar kept the party going in the blistering heat in promotion of his critically acclaimed album Good Kid, m.A.A.d City. Although we haven’t heard a full release from Lamar since, there is a new album to be released in the near future. With Lamar higher on the lineup list than ever before, it will be interesting to see him play into the night on the Farm.
Sylvan Esso
Finally, someone new! Sylvan Esso will be bringing debut material form their self-titled album to the Farm this June. The remarkable duo provides the perfect combination of folk, electronic, and indie pop. I’ll say that again: FOLK. ELECTRONIC. INDIE POP. With producer Nick Sanborn backing Appalachian vocalist Amelia Meath, these contrasting genres will combine on stage to provide a intriguingly diverse set.
SBTRKT
SBTRKT, led by Aaron Jerome, is an experimental electronic project. Aside from their superb remixes, SBTRKT released their second album Wonder Where We Land in October. The album is packed with an impressive list of guest appearances. The most notable track “New Dorp. New York.” collaborates with Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend. While not an incredible commercial success, Wonder Where We Land was one of the more interesting releases of 2014, and should provide for a wonderful set.
Run the Jewels
At a glance, Run the Jewels appear to be an unlikely pair; but perhaps it is their unlikeness that makes them so successful. Comprised of rappers Killer Mike and El-P, Run the Jewels has shaken up the hip-hop game. Their October release Run the Jewels 2 reached number six on the US Rap charts, combining gangster styled rap with experimental beats courtesy of El-P. Many critics consider Run the Jewels 2 to be one of the best hip-hop albums in recent memory, making them a "must see" this summer at Roo.