With Summerfest just around the corner, Music Director Karolina Barej and Station Manager Evan Boyd had the chance to look at a bunch of different artists that we are excited to see the most.
Well… kind of.
This is a list of “bands that would be most interesting to see.” It is divided into four categories that perfectly fit a day at Summerfest: “Throwback Band,” “Throwdown Band,” “Band you've Never Heard Of,” and “Oddest Band” that you could see this summer in Milwaukee.
Throwback Band. Every summer, there seems to be that one band that you listened to when you were young. These are the bands that you might feel guilty about listening to now, but if you had the chance, you might as well go and see them. Summerfest brings exactly that this year.
EVAN: Skillet. I first heard this band during my freshman year of high school, and absolutely loved their hit song “Monster.” Composed of two men and two women, this Christian metal band can rock. In fact, they were once ranked in the top 5 of “Hardest Working Bands” because they tour so much. Let's be honest: lots of us had those head banging, long-haired, black t-shirt and flannel days – I happen to be one of those kids.
KAROLINA: OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) Childhood. Childhood. Childhood. And frankly, our parents' childhood. What's interesting about OMD is that they were never really commercial & well known in the US until their 5th LP, when they released “If You Leave” –an iconic hit featured in John Hughes' Pretty in Pink. BUT THEY ARE SO MUCH MORE… OMD served a pivotal & experimental role that really shaped the NewWave era. They were very influenced by Kraftwerk & Brian Eno. 5 year old Karolina is hoping they highlight their 1980 debut album – “Electricity”, “Messages” & “Enola Gay”
Throwdown Band. These are the types of bands where you know a couple songs by them at best, but know that if you go, the overall vibe will be swell. You can dance, you can relax, and you can take your mind off of everything. It is time to throw down at Summerfest!
EVAN: The Commodores. What better way is there to throw down than by this funk group? The Commodores have been grooving since the late 60's, and really hit big in the late 70's/early 80's when Lionel Ritchie became a co-singer in the band. When was the last time you saw a Motown group? This might be my first time. I can't wait to yell “Oh she's a…BRICK….house.”
KAROLINA: Billy Idol. I mean, I definitely see myself dancing with myself to “Dancing with Myself”. (Despite the fact that a couple thousand other people will be doing the same thing).
Band you've Never Heard Of. The title says it all. Not sure who to see? Take a look at who we like that you might not know.
EVAN: St. Paul and the Broken Bones. I saw these guys at Lollapalooza last year, and was impressed by their sound and how they were able to draw a crowd. This is your “Alabama soul band” on the ground level (if you don't want to see Alabama Shakes at the Marcus Amphitheater). Formed in 2012, they are highlighted by vocalist Paul Janeway, who can hit every note you can imagine. If you are looking to go for a day but are not sure who to see, this might be the band to check out.
KAROLINA: Paul McCartney. I heard that Kayne West did collaboration with this guy! So happy artists have been supporting the up & coming! Rumor has it that McCartney is a pretty great multi-instrumentalist.
Some other bands you may not be too familiar with include:
Enemy Planes, Wild Child, Dianne Coffee – All have released some recent EPs & albums, which are featured in WSUM programing.
Oddest Band. It would not be Summerfest without seeing the most outrageous group you can imagine. Maybe it is a heavy metal band, maybe it is a polka artist. Oddly enough, this might be the band that you remember the most during your time at Summerfest.
EVAN: Buckwheat Zydeco. Ready for some ACCORDION?!?! This might be the only time ever where you can hear zydeco music, which blends blues, R&B, and music indigenous to the native people of Louisiana. Buckwheat Zydeco is the stage name of Stanley Dural, Jr. He is one of the few zydeco artists to achieve mainstream success. It is such a different experience with the accordion, organ, and other styles of music, but Dural has been known to have some of the best live performances. Because, why not?
KAROLINA: Hollywood Vampires. What happens when you ask Joe Perry, Alice Cooper & Johnny Depp to play some Guitar Hero? I guess, this band? Supposedly, the original “Hollywood Vampires” was sweet “rock & roll royalty” group Cooper formed in the 70's – including Keith Moon, John Lennon, Harry Nilsson and Ringo Starr at times. Today, the vamps include Perry & Depp to cover some massive rock hits… This will be interesting.