6 Can’t-Miss Music Festivals for Creators

Whether or not you’re a complete beginner or a frequent competition goer, there’s one factor that each one music lovers can possible agree on: there’s one thing particular about attending a music competition. From the number of totally different musical acts to the buzzing ambiance to these particular sundown performances, music festivals are a type of experiences which are merely not like every other.

And whereas the advantages to followers are fairly clear (the place else are you able to see dozens of your favourite acts in the identical place?), music festivals even have so much to supply unbiased musicians. No matter whether or not you’re performing or just there to absorb the motion, music festivals are an excellent alternative to construct your community. While you’re simply beginning out, it may be arduous to ebook performances or safe offers with out figuring out the precise individuals. Festivals appeal to individuals from all sides of the business, so the probabilities of assembly a serious participant are fairly excessive.

Festivals are additionally unbelievable locations to develop your following and deepen your relationship together with your largest supporters. For instance, in the event you’re performing on the competition, you’ll be able to comply with Zola Jesus’ lead and live-stream your efficiency completely to your Patrons. You possibly can additionally share behind-the-scenes content material in your web page, set up an area fan meet-up or give your followers early entry to after reveals or different festival-related occasions.

So now that you’ve some concepts on how you need to use festivals to develop your group, listed below are six creator-friendly festivals that you need to have in your radar this 12 months.

New Orleans, LAJuly 5-7Essence Competition is a lot greater than only a music competition. Began by the journal of the identical identify, this multi-day occasion additionally has all kinds of conferences and exhibitions on black trend, enterprise and wonder. This 12 months is the 25th anniversary of the occasion, so that they’re pulling out all of the stops. The 2019 line-up contains musical heavyweights like Mary J. Blige, Pharrell and Missy Elliott in addition to a dialog with none apart from Michelle Obama. Sure, you learn that proper.

Chicago, ILJuly 19-21Now in its 14th 12 months, Pitchfork Music Competition held in Chicago’s Union Park is well-known for being each reasonably priced and enjoyable (three-day passes at the moment on sale for simply $190!). For that worth, you’ll be able to see over 40 acts together with headliners like HAIM, Mavis Staples, Robyn and extra. Plus, there are a ton of additional actions which you can participate in. For instance, for the primary time ever, Pitchfork Radio will likely be broadcasting stay from the Pitchfork Music Competition. Which means you will get the prospect to take a seat in on unique artist interviews, hear intimate stay performances, and take heed to various DJ units. Doesn’t get rather more up shut and private than that.

Detroit, MIJuly 27-28With its boutique vibe, smaller lineup and give attention to native artisans, Mo Pop is likely one of the extra laidback festivals on this listing. However don’t fear, this competition nonetheless has a ton to supply attendees. Its various roster of headliners (Tame Impala! Vampire Weekend! Lizzo!) has large attraction. Plus, in the event you want a break from the music, you’ll be able to take a look at the Craft Bazaar to peruse some native handmade goodies or head to the Artist Autograph desk to rub shoulders together with your favorite acts. Briefly, Mo Pop proves that larger isn’t all the time higher.

Black Rock Desert, NVAug 25-Sept 2Burning Man is certainly not your common music competition. The truth is, its organizers don’t even wish to name it a competition. As a substitute, they describe it as a “short-term metropolis devoted to artwork and group.” What does that contain precisely? As much as 70,000 individuals gathering from everywhere in the world to expertise all kinds of artwork installations, musical acts and workshops. Whether or not you’re performing on the competition or simply making an attempt your hand on the #burnerlife, it’s arduous to think about a way more inspiring surroundings to be in. Plus, now we have a sense your patrons would like to get the within scoop in your Burning Man adventures. Goggles up.

Austin, TXOct 4-16 & 11-13SXSW isn’t the one competition on the town. Austin Metropolis Limits is an eight-stage celebration of all issues music, with over 125 efficiency unfold out over two weekends. Past the principle levels, ACL has a bunch of actions, from ‘gram-worthy large-scale artwork installations to an Artwork Market that includes items from native, nationwide and world-renowned artisans. There’s even a Silent Disco the place you’ll be able to have your individual little private dance celebration, surrounded by a sea of your fellow attendees. Bizarre? Possibly slightly. Memorable? Completely.

Las Vegas, NVOct 19-20Metarama stands out as the new child on the block, but it surely’s undoubtedly on our radar. Produced by the corporate behind two of probably the most iconic multi-day festivals, Austin Metropolis Limits Music Competition (see above) and Lollapalooza, this first-of-its-kind competition plans to have fun the intersection between video video games and stay music. Whereas the competition’s line-up and onsite actions are nonetheless TBD, you’ll be able to be part of the Metarama Discord Server and comply with the competition on social media to remain within the loop for all competition bulletins.

As you’ll be able to see, there’s much more to most music festivals than meets the attention. Whereas the stay performances are clearly an enormous draw, we love that so many festivals additionally supply alternatives for creator attendees to attach with one another and their group.