Kentucky’s very own Forecastle Festival is making its return to Louisville Waterfront park Memorial Day weekend, May 27th through 29th. This year’s lineup is stacked with a sonically diverse collection of household names including Tyler the Creator, Tame Impala, Phoebe Bridgers and Porter Robinson. Oh, there’s also this small artist from Louisville named Jack Harlow, he’ll be taking the stage and closing things down on Friday night. With all this being said, let us not forget about the impressive undercard of 40+ artists that will be making themselves known at the waterfront park. Here are five artists that may be flying under the radar, but deserve your full attention.
#1: Dayglow
Similar Artists: Boy Pablo, Still Woozy, Peach Pit
Listen: “Close To You”, “Listerine”
First up, we have Texas-born indie pop rising star Sloan Struble — better known as Dayglow. Struble is an inspiring, feel-good story of an artist making their own music by themselves in their bedroom. Out of this format came Struble’s breakthrough hit, “Can I Call You Tonight” in 2018. He made his album debut in 2019 with his release, Fuzzy Brain, and followed it up with another successful full length release, Harmony House. Coming off of a big fall tour of North America, Struble has come into his own.
#2: beabadoobee
Similar Artists: Clairo, Soccer Mommy, Beach Bunny
Listen: “If You Want To”, “Talk”
Beatrice Laus, known by her artist name beabadoobee, brings everything you want in an indie artist. The Filipino-born, London-raised star is paving her own way and not looking back. Laus takes inspiration from 90s nostalgia and infuses it with her own unique style that she’s been developing since age 17. Her debut original song, “Coffee” became a surprise viral hit in 2017. Since then she’s gone on to release her debut studio album Fake it Flowers in 2020. Her latest project Beatopia is set to release this July. Beabadoobee is going nowhere but up.
#3: Coin
Similar Artists: Bad Suns, Hippo Campus, Walk the Moon
Listen: “Run”, “Cutie”
Nashville alternative pop trio Coin is no stranger to the festival scene and will take the stage loaded with hits old and new. Coin has stood the test of time in comparison to similar acts since their debut in 2015. You’ll find yourself singing along to certified alternative hits like “Talk Too Much”, “Crash My Car”, “Simple Romance” and hopefully, their debut lead single “Run.” Just when you thought they may have lost steam, Coin has come back with yet another collection of hits on their latest LP, Uncanny Valley. These guys never fail to bring infectious energy to the stage and will have you moving at Louisville Waterfront Park.
#4: Tai Verdes
Similar Artists: Surfaces, 24KGoldn, Powfu
Listen: “A-O-K”, “Stuck In The Middle”
Think you’ve never heard of Tai Verdes — yes you have. He’s turned out a few ear worms that became tiktok’s most classic sounds. Known to hop, skip and jump from one side of the stage to the other, Verdes’ upbeat attitude and permanent smile will make you feel “A-O-K.” With his debut album, TV, releasing in May of last year, you may want to jump on early to his rise to stardom.
#5: JPEGMAFIA
Similar Artists: Brock Hampton, Denzel Curry, Death Grips
Listen: “Baby I’m Bleeding”, “Thug Tears”
One of the beautiful parts of a music festival is listening to artists that you wouldn’t typically buy a ticket to go see. As a music fan that leans more toward pop and rock, that person is JPEGMAFIA. Known as an avante-garde rapper, the critically-acclaimed New York artist combines his full-out lyric delivery with glitchy beats to create a memorable listening experience.
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