As an obsessive maker of playlists and mix-CDs, I found myself scouring the Summerfest lineup for a good playlist idea to share with you all. Finally, I decided to theme a mix around both the well-known and the lesser-known talented women appearing on the stages of the Big Gig. Here is a "mini mixtape" of 8 songs by acts featuring stellar female vocalists that will be playing at Summerfest. Read below, and listen here:
Mini Mixtape: 8 Female Vocalists Not to Miss at Summerfest
Enjoy!
1.“Documentation” by Bright Kind
I thought it proper to start this playlist with a homegrown Milwaukee band. Bright Kind was formed in 2012 as the brainchild of longtime bandmates Jeanna Salzer, Harrison Dole, and Alex Bunke. Salzer, lead singer and Milwaukee native, has a voice that took the local music scene by storm. After a few years of dabbling in solo work, Bright Kind came together to become the perfect platform for Salzer’s beautiful vocals and creative talents. Their song “Documentation” features an unexpected blend of electronic melodies from what the band indicates is a “thrift-store synthesizer,” a rock-and-roll drumbeat, and Salzer’s classic and sumptuous voice. In my mind, this mixture of sounds is the perfect concoction that demonstrates why Bright Kind is destined to stand out as a unique Milwaukee band. They will be performing at Summerfest on July 4th on the KNE New Music Stage at 9:00 PM.
2.“Sonsick” by San Fermin
To continue with the Milwaukee theme, an interesting story comes from the Brooklyn-based folk-pop band San Fermin. Their hit “Sonsick” is a smartly crafted, infectious tune driven by triumphant brass fanfare and the powerful vocals of Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig. On the record, Wolfe and Laessig’s vocal techniques combine into a true musical force: they showcase low, rich tonality in the verses that build to euphoric and vibrant choruses. When Wolfe and Laessig left the band to focus on their own project, Lucius, Milwaukee vocalist Rae Cassidy joined San Fermin as lead singer. During their show at Turner Hall, Cassidy took “Sonsick” to a completely different level. While delivering the energy necessary for this summer jam, she made the song stunningly unique with her warm tone and vocal textures. Listen to the original record of “Sonsick” included in the playlist, and check out this link to listen to San Fermin’s session with NPR featuring Rae Cassidy. This year at Summerfest, don’t miss seeing Rae Cassidy in her hometown with this awesome band. San Fermin will be performing at Summerfest on June 25th at the Miller Lite Oasis at 8:00 PM.
3.“Cut It Out” by Kitten
Kitten is an indie synth-pop band formed out of Los Angeles in 2009. Lead singer and vocal powerhouse Chloe Chaidez was opening for indie artists such as Conor Oberst and Band of Horses at only age 12, but recently turned her focus on creating a unique sound for herself that combines pop, electro, and punk. Kitten’s genre-blending works effortlessly in combination with Chaidez’s breathy, ethereal voice in “Cut It Out.” Blast this rocking, synth-filled gem with the windows down, or dance along at Summerfest. Kitten will be performing on the U.S. Cellular Connection stage on June 29th at 8:00 PM.
4.“The Only Place” by Best Coast
Best Coast is widely known for their indie surf-rock sound exemplified by their 2010 summer release Crazy for You. Their 2012 album The Only Place trades the garage-band sound of songs like “Boyfriend” and “Crazy for You” for cleaner melodies and a bigger focus on lyricism. Lead vocalist Bethany Cosentino has a thrillingly shameless voice that infects listeners with carefree summer vibes. “The Only Place,” my selection off their second album, is a sun-filled and youthful tune that features Cosentino’s expert ability to harmonize and deliver consistently fun and eclectic tunes. Grab your flower crowns and don’t miss out on the party that will be Best Coast’s Summerfest concert on the U.S. Cellular Connection stage on June 26th at 10:00 PM.
5.“Bottom of the River” by Delta Rae
6-piece American folk band Delta Rae consists of the three Holljes siblings and a number of other musicians. Ian, Eric, and Brittany Holljes grew up listening to folk tales and mythology from their parents and now incorporate these elements into their music, allowing them to shatter the modern-rock norm of love songs. Driven by the bluesy, penetrating voice of Brittany Holljes, “Bottom of the River” is a powerfully eerie song based on an old story about the murder of an unfaithful wife. With chains rattling and feet stomping in the background, Delta Rae takes raw folk elements into uncharted territory. In my mind, Brittany Holljes is a voice that demands to be heard. Her uninhibited soulful roar is far underrated in the music industry, making Delta Rae a must-see at Summerfest. They will play on the Johnson Controls World Sound stage on July 4th at 10:00 PM.
6.“Drove Me Wild” by Tegan and Sara
Tegan and Sara, electro-pop duo and sisters, have consistently captivated the eyes and ears of music lovers everywhere. Their most recent release, Heartthrob, experienced an exceptional reception by the public. Nearly every song on the record could pass for a pop mega-hit, but without all the frills and sugar-coating. Not every female artist has the vocal capacity to sing over electronic music, but these two ladies have mastered the art. “Drove Me Wild” is a song you will want to dance alone to in your room. Go ahead and grab your hairbrush-microphone. The tune showcases their two distinctive, captivating voices and exemplifies the unique way they work as a team. Tegan and Sara will grace the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage on June 27th at 10:00 PM.
7.“Afterlife” by Ingrid Michaelson
Ingrid Michaelson’s identifiably buttery voice has always reminded me of sunny days on the porch of a coffee shop, floral skirts with bare feet, and shopping trips to Anthropologie. Her raw talents as a vocalist combined with her songwriting abilities have established Michaelson as an admired female solo artist in the pop-alt music industry. Widely recognized for her rather simple and sunshiny tunes, she decided to switch it up in her recent release of album Lights Out. Ingrid puts down her ukulele and taps into a more adventurous and profound territory. “Afterlife” incorporates heavy drums, an alternative-rock blend of instruments, and Ingrid’s sugary voice takes on a more vigorous and powerful element that she executes gorgeously. Don’t miss Ingrid Michaelson at Summerfest as she plays on the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage on July 5th at 10:00 PM.
8.“When I’m Small” by Phantogram
Funky electro-rock duo Phantogram made their debut in 2009 with album Eyelid Movies, and their self-proclaimed “street beat” vibe has been recognized in the indie music scene ever since. “When I’m Small,” one of their most-played tracks off the album, features the alluringly breathy vocals of Sarah Barthel, who croons over a catchy synth line. The tune will no doubt put you in a weird trance that will have you hitting repeat for hours. Phantogram will play the U.S. Cellular Connection Stage at Summerfest on July 5th at 10:00 PM.
8 Female Vocalists Not to Miss at Summerfest '14 from emily_burton on 8tracks Radio.
