Graphics by Brant Imhoff
Nestled in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina, Hopscotch is quickly becoming a top-of-mind music festival. Unlike other capital city festivals that have been popping up in recent years, Hopscotch seeks a style other than the 3-4 stage set-up. It instead features 12 venues and dozens of day-parties throughout the three-day schedule. It’s certainly one of the more eclectic festivals of the year, so much so that the schedule color-codes acts by genre. Hopscotch is carefully dispersed among popular bars and venues in downtown Raleigh, so festival goers are sure to get a nice scenic tour of the “City of Oaks” while moving between venues.
For the fifth year of the festival, they’ve reeled in big names like TV on the Radio, Tycho, and Battles — in addition to local heroes American Aquarium. This festival is about much more than the notable acts, though. This is more a festival of discovery. The day parties are sure to be awesome, with acts like Made of Oak — Nick Sanborn of Sylvan Esso’s new solo project — Dear Blanca, and The Antique Hearts. And the evening includes sets from up-and-coming bands like Bully, Oulipo (Hotline), and King Gizzard and the LIzard Wizard. Hopscotch draws such a diverse crowd that you’re sure to find yourself among people you may not see otherwise. It’s an excellent mix of artists within several genres, so you’re sure to leave having heard some new and interesting sounds.
Porches
Playing Saturday, 12:00am, Deep South
Porches is one of the indie bands of the moment. They’ve been making a big impact in the Brooklyn music scene and it will be great to see them perform in a festival setting. Lead singer Aaron Maine has such a unique voice and is backed by a pretty mesmerizing band. This is a must-see.
Mitski
Playing Friday, 11:30pm, Tír na nÓg
Mitski, is an incredibly talented indie rock performer. Her lyrics are passionate and raw and she has a knack for relating to the audience in a special way. She’s also got a sick hot pink bass. It was just announced she’s performing with The Maccabees this fall at CMJ, in addition to going on tour, so this will surely be a memorable performance.
TV on the Radio
Playing Friday, 8:45pm, City Plaza
TV on the Radio has a constant rock sound that I truly appreciate. They’ve been quiet in recent years, but 2015 has really been good to them. Their new album Seeds has taken off and they’ve played at multiple festivals nationwide. Be sure to catch their headlining set.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Playing Saturday, 12:30am, Pour House
This is one of the best psychedelic punk bands of the moment. I had the chance to catch these guys at Bonnaroo and it was one of the funnest shows I saw all weekend. This will be a crazy and awesome punk show in an intimate venue.
River Whyless
Playing Saturday, 10:00pm, Tír na nÓg
I’ve been listening to this band’s dreamy folk sounds all summer and I can’t wait to see them live. The talented folks of River Whyless are sure to tap into your emotional side.
Bully
Playing Thursday, 12:30am, Slim’s
Bully has been touring the festival scene all summer and I can’t wait to catch them live. Lead singer Alicia Bognanno is such a badass. This show will rock your socks off.
Thursday:
Noon-5:00PM: Day Party – Younger Brother Productions – Tír na nÓg
7:00PM: Ought – City Plaza
8:30PM: Some Army – Lincoln Theatre
9:00PM: Echo Courts – Deep South
10:00PM: Wild Honey – Kings Barcade
10:30PM: Silent Lunch – Slim’s
12:30AM: Bully – Slim’s
Friday:
Noon-5:00PM: Stereofly Presents: My Carolina Day Party Day 2 – Legend’s Nighclub
7:15PM: Tycho – City Plaza
8:45PM: TV on the Radio – City Plaza
10:30PM: Nots – CAM
11:30PM: Mitski – Tír na nÓg
12:00AM: Natalie Prass with Special Guests – Fletcher Opera Theater
Saturday:
Noon-5:00PM: Trekky Records, Hometapes and Middle West Present: Friend Island – Pour House
6:00PM: American Aquarium – City Plaza
7:15PM: X – City Plaza
9:30PM: Oulipo – Neptune’s
10:00PM: River Whyless – Tír na nÓg
11:30PM: Zack Mexico – Pour House
12:00AM: Porches – Deep South
12:30AM: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Pour House
