Not sure what bands out of the hundreds to check out during the Northside Festival? We asked some of our local favorites which acts they don’t want to miss. When they’re not playing their own gigs, of course.
Theophilous London
Catch him: June 16 at Music Hall of Williamsburg
We say: This rapper is considered the driving force of the urban pop movement, gaining fans for his genre-bending sound and distinct style (hello, 1980s!). All before his debut full-length, “Times are Weird These Days,” drops next month.
His picks:
Surfer Blood; Dom
Catch them: June 17 at Knitting Factory and June 18 at McCarren Park (Surfer Blood); June 17 at Brooklyn Bowl (Dom)
He says: “These are two of my favorite bands in 2011 — very progressive and amazing personalities.”
Sharon Van Etten
Catch her: June 17 at McCarren Park
We say: This singer-songwriter is one of those rare talents, armed with a captivating voice and heart-rendering lyrics that demand your attention. It’s no wonder Bon Iver covered her break-out single, “Love More.” She opens for the king of indie melancholy, Beirut.
Her picks:
Xeno and Oaklander
Catch them: June 16 at Public Assembly
She says: “I have never seen them before. I love everything that Weird Records does. I am curious how their live shows are translated from the records I know.”
Mount Eerie from Anacortes
Catch them: June 19 at St. Cecilia’s Church
She says: “I haven’t seen him in years, but he writes really beautiful songs. I started listening to him when I decided to move to New York, so it also feels like music from the soundtrack of my life.”
Jeremy Haines from Project Jenny, Project Jan
Catch him: June 19 at Spike Hill
We say: Joined by partner-in-crime Sammy Rubin, this electronic outfit makes instantly danceable, hilarious music while channeling bands like Basement Jaxx and Gorillaz. You’ll be nodding your head to their catchy beats long after they’ve packed up their laptops.
His picks:
Tiny Victories
Catch them: June 17 at 285 Kent
He says: “I am really excited for Tiny Victories. They rock.”
Guided by Voices, Surfer Blood
Catch them: June 18 at McCarren Park
He says: “I am even more excited for the McCarren Park shows (Surfer Blood and Guided By Voices, although Beirut is cool, too).”
