Photo: Gabriel Olsen (Getty Images)
FYF has changed names and locations over the past decade, growing from an upstart indie gathering into a world-renowned festival that keeps getting bigger, but is it getting better?
Also: New Music | Nine Inch Nails Release “Less Than” Single & Music Video
Now, extending to three days, FYF has embraced the popularity of a homegrown LA festival, taking a less ground-breaking approach with a line-up that appeals to nostalgic sensibilities. The ’90s are cool again, as evidence by MTV TRL headliners such as Nine Inch Nails, Missy Elliot, and Bjork.
For those looking for something not just old, but new and perhaps even ground-breaking, here are my 6 Can’t Miss acts at FYF 2017.
Headliner to Relive the ’90s With – A Tribe Called Quest
You could argue that Nine Inch Nails, Bjork, Erykah Badu or Missy Elliot and you would be right, depending on what clique you rolled with back in the day, but for me, I would without a doubt have to say A Tribe Called Quest. The seminal hip-hop group not only provided the soundtrack for my youth, but also is arguably the only out of the aforementioned acts that are still making relevant new music today. Even without the late great Phife Dawg holding it down, the Tribe carries on led by their indelible leader Q-Tip. Appearing: Main Stage, Saturday 8:30pm
Best Local Artist Repping LA – Anderson .Paak & the Free Nationals
Although it’s been a slow grind for the multi-talented, Oxnard singer-rapper-drummer-producer, his breakthrough album, Malibu, established Paak as an inspiring and innovative new voice that can’t be categorized or held back. Appearing: Lawn Stage, Friday at 10:10pm
Most Hyped Set – Mura Masa
LA Laker rookie Lonzo Ball somehow lived up to the impossible hype surrounding him, capturing the city with an MVP performance in the NBA Summer League. Dance music fans will be looking to Mura Masa to duplicate that success this weekend at FYF. The 21-year-old DJ/producer (real name Alex Crossan) has been labeled as the “next big thing” and the release of his self-titled debut proves that he can deliver the goods in the studio, but can he replicate the album’s here and now energy in front of a live audience? Appearing: Trees Stage, Sunday at 7:45 pm
Hot Band Worth Braving the Heat For – Cherry Glazerr
Clementine Creevy makes music like she means it. With her lone wolf howls, shredding guitar jams and rock star swag, the 19-year-old is not only a reminder of what real rock rock ‘n’ roll was, but can still be. Appearing: Lawn Stage, Sunday 3:15 p.m.
Best Under the Radar Band – BADBADNOTGOOD
Onstage BADBADNOTGOOD might look like just some art-school hipsters from Canada, but in reality these four-piece jazz maestros have become the de facto hip hop house band who have collaborated with Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, and Tyler the Creator, to name a few. Appearing: Trees Stage, Friday 7:20 pm
2017’s Grace Jones
Grace Jones, the ’80s avant garde “performer,” woke the unsuspecting crowd up last year with a ravishing, disco-art-pop stage show that upstaged the likes of LCD Soundsystem and Kendrick Lamar. The most obvious choice in 2017 would be Bjork, the Icelandic, future-pop pixie whom you either love or can only take for a song or two. My choice would be Missy Elliot who was the female face of hip hop from the mid 90s to mid 2000s’, but has been largely MIA for the past decade. Expect lots of hits to “Get Ur Freak On”, elaborate choreography, and A-list cameos for her Day 1 close out show. Appearing: Main Stage, Friday 11:15pm
For more info on FYF 2017 Festival go HERE.
