Milwaukee’s annual Summerfest hosts hundreds of artists and more than 800,000 people over 11 days each year, making it the world’s largest music festival (no seriously – they hold the Guinness World Record). The festival takes place from June 26 to July 7 this year, and we’re here to help you figure out which artists to see and how to have a great time.
Some of the headliners I’m looking forward to are Bon Iver, The Killers, and Billie Eilish, but here are some artists to check out that you may not be familiar with:
CHELSEA CUTLER
WHEN: Wednesday, June 26
SOUNDS: EDM, Pop
At the age of 22, Chelsea Cutler has already had a crazy successful career. She started making music in high school, and she hit the Billboard viral charts when she released You Make Me in 2017. Since then, she has been out on a number of tours and done collabs with EDM superstars including Louis The Child, Kidwaste, and Kasbo. She puts on a super fun live show, and isn’t to be missed.
Listen to The Reason:
WEATHERS
WHEN: Wednesday, June 26
SOUNDS: Rock, Alternative
For such a young band, Weathers is already so accomplished. They’ve toured with the likes of Saint Motel, Dreamers, and they just finished a run with Magic Giant this past winter. Their music is upbeat and super danceable, while their lyrics often touch on serious topics like mental health. The band released a catchy single in February called Dirty Money, and I can’t wait to hear what else they have in store.
Listen to Happy Pills:
SHAED
WHEN: Friday, June 28
SOUNDS: Electro-pop
Shaed (pronounced ‘shade’) is one of the best up and coming acts of 2019. Their electro-pop beats accompanied by singer Chelsea Lee’s luscious and powerful vocals make for a dreamy mix. The group is on many of this year’s biggest festival lineups, with good reason. Tracks like You Got Me Like and Trampoline are addictive, and their latest EP, Melt, is sure to make your heavy rotation.
Listen to You Got Me Like:
THE BETHS
WHEN: Friday, June 28
SOUNDS: Indie rock
This four-piece group from New Zealand brings a new energy to indie rock, with explosive guitar riffs, pop harmonies, and a healthy sense of humor. Many of the songs on The Beths’ debut album, Future Me Hates Me, are about singer Elizabeth Stokes’ reluctancy and anxiety toward romance, and make for perfect head-banger breakup songs. They’re definitely on my must-see list.
Listen to Uptown Girl:
FRENSHIP
WHEN: Tuesday, July 2
SOUNDS: Electro-pop
FRENSHIP makes spacious, feel-good electro-pop that is perfect for summer or just putting you in a good mood. Their 2016 track with Emily Warren, Capsize, found major success, and is at nearly 500 million streams on Spotify. Since then, they’ve continued to roll out straight bops, and their debut album is expected May 17th. I love listening to their music when I’m driving, and I can’t wait to hear what they have coming.
Listen to 1000 Nights:
YUNGBLUD
WHEN: Wednesday, July 3
SOUNDS: Rock with hip-hop influences
If you aren’t familiar with YUNGBLUD, you’ve really been missing out. YUNGBLUD is one of the most energetic and passionate performers out there right now. Even when he broke his foot last October, he continued his tour and performed with a wheelchair and crutches, still sparing no ounce of energy. His music is bold, emotional, and fun all at the same time. I never miss an opportunity catch him live.
Listen to Medication:
Follow Summerfest on Instagram to stay up to date on announcements, and visit their site for the full lineup and to buy tickets.
Follow the artists on Instagram:
Chelsea Cutler
Weathers
Shaed
The Beths
Ra Ra Riot
Frenship
