Bumbershoot 2018 highlights
The sun was shining all weekend and there was no need for an umbrella at this year’s Bumbershoot festival. We don’t get to say that much in our town so Seattleites were especially thrilled to enjoy one of their last weekend’s before fall kicked in. The lineup was filled with much talent spanning many genres for the audience to pick a stage and enjoy the sound. Seattle Center filled with people and noise proving again just how much our city supports the music scene and why it matters to support it.
The Space Needle served as one of the most gorgeous backdrops of a festival as people gathered around each stage to get some fresh tunes in and discover the next big thing. Our favorites included, RL Grime, Griffin, The Chainsmokers, Ludacris, T-Pain, Illenium, DVSN, The Revolution, Chromeo, J.Cole, and Tinashe but below are our top highlights from the weekend.
Black Pistol Fire
If we could vote the best live set of 2018 right now the title would go to BPF hands down. The rock and roll duo from Toronto made of drummer Eric Owen and singer/guitarist Kevin McKeown tore down the Mural Stage. It’s incredible how much noise and chaos can be created by just two people but that’s what happened. They waste no timegetting you into what they are bringing and you absolutely love every second of it. McKeown went in the crowd during his set connecting with fans and ending the performance crowdsurfing on top of them. It doesn’t get more rock than this.
Cherry Glazerr
There is nothing we could say about Cherry Glazerr that could actually do them justice in words. You really need to go to one of their shows as it’s the best way to get into them. Front woman Clementine Creevy brings up a storm as she struts back and forth on stage playing her guitar. Her unique vocals paired with the versatile music haze leaves you wanting more and more. They will be back in Seattle to support their forthcoming record Stuffed & Ready March 7th and you shouldn’t miss your chance to witness them.
SZA
The last night of the festival ended on a high note which is the rising SZA. After only a debut release last year she was a headliner on Sunday night proving why she deserved that spot. Memorial Stadium was packed with dedicated followers singing every word in full dedication. One of favorite releases albums last year was Ctrl and it’s thrilling to see that she’s been so appreciated and received such deserved praise.
Moses Sumney
We had heard a lot about this angel’s voice but nothing prepared us for his live performance at Fisher Plaza stage. He completely elevates you and guides you through an emotional journey with his powerful voice. His debut, Aromanticism, released last year turned eyes of many in the music world and after catching him live we can see why. He has a very calming demeanor and he’s moving in the right direction which is only earning him more fans.
Lil Wayne
The rapper with a long respected career in his genre took the main stage over and it was one of our favorite set of the fest. He was wearing a animal print fur coat with sunglasses and smoked on stage but that didn’t stop him from delivering a great performance. He had the crowd going in minutes as they sang along to hits from his 20+ year career. His much anticipated record Tha Carter V is being released at the end of September and it looks like there is no stopping him and his well-deserved success.
Blondie
Little can be said about these legends that hasn’t been said before. The fact that Debbie Harry is still touring and able to rock it is enough. This was one of the best moments of the festival as we all gathered at Fisher Green to listen to “Heart of Glass,” “Rapture,” “Call Me,” to name a few hits. Harry’s outfit and blonde wig glowed in the black lights as she ruled the floor with her sunglasses on. At night.
Phoenix
It had been a while since we caught our favorite French indie band and we fell in love with them all over again. The sign reading Phoenix behind them illuminated for most of their set as we danced around to “1901” and hits from their latest record, Ti Amo. It’s always a feel good time that puts you in a state of pure joy almost and you can’t really recall why it is this way but it just is. We hope it doesn’t take them as long to come back to us.
Mura Masa
The Fisher Green Plaza stage was lit up by this set that included a live singer for the DJ’s performance that was one of the highlights of the night. She danced and moved in front of the stage with such ease it was hard not to get into the vibe of the music. The young Brit released his debut last year which earned him many nominations including a couple of Grammy Awards ones. “Lovesick” is still one of our favorite tunes to listen to and it was great catching him here.
Marian Hll
The only thing we know is that when Marian Hill is on a festival bill, we show up. We show up ready to dance and sway to their earworm tunes that we can’t escape. The electro-duo that has been steadily growing in the last few years shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. They keep releasing music that captivates their fans while at the same time gathering new ones. This has proven to be a great collaboration between Samantha Gongol and Jeremy Lloyd.
Bishop Briggs
We can’t even count the times we’ve seen Bishop in the last couple of years in Seattle, and we’re not even complaining about it. She has been hard a work touring constantly gaining a large following and building on the momentum “River” created for her. This talented artist has proven to be one that has been climbing to the top and it’s been well-deserved. Her voice leaves you in awe sometimes, surprised with the range and power that it creates in the space she fills. It is something we don’t come across often and that charisma is what has made her stand out in a sea of others.
