With the 2015 version of Shaky Knees Festival‘s official schedule being announced, now it’s time to start planning out your own personal schedule.
For those difficult decisions, we present to you the Shaky Knees Death Match. We will have each band in every time slot pitted against each other. You make the decision on who you must catch.
Shaky Knees Friday Day 1, 1PM time slot has up and comers ready for you to discover such as Haerts at the Piedmont Stage, Black Pistol Fire at the Ponce De Leon Stage and Halsey at the Buford Highway Stage. Check back daily as we explore each time slot.
Haerts – Piedmont Stage
By Enna Garkusha
If you’re into music with a more retro sound, be sure to check out Haerts’ set on Friday at 1pm on the Piedmont Stage. Based out of Brooklyn, Haerts released their debut self-titled album in September of last year. It featured their hit single “Wings,” a track showcasing Nini Fabi’s killer voice, totally reminiscent of Stevie Nicks and Cyndi Lauper. Give “Wings” a listen and you’ll know what I’m talking about.
The 80s pop influence is heavy in their sound. It’s an electronic, synth-pop groove that you can’t help move to. Fabi’s painfully intimate lyrics about love and heartbreak will hook you in. If you like CHVRCHES or St. Lucia, you’ll be sure to dig Haerts. Be sure to listen to their songs “Giving Up” and “Hemiplegia” if you want a sample.
Haerts are newbies to the indie pop scene, but their groovy sound is sure to catch on. Be sure to catch their set on Friday if you’re looking for a fun set that’s sure to come with a dance party!
Black Pistol Fire – Ponce De Leon Stage
By Mike Gerry
Black Pistol Fire is a Canadian rock ‘n’ roll duo who splits time between Toronto and Austin, TX. While they may be from outside the US borders, nevermind even the southern United States, this band sounds like they are born straight from the southern rock gods and they are sure to blow minds at Shaky Knees Festival early Friday.
Last April, Black Pistol Fire released their third record, Hush Or Howl, building upon the first two albums with their bluesy rock ‘n’ roll sound. These guys are able to work in southern rock, punk, and blues, with an occasional countryish tune (hey harmonica), into one loud rock duo who will bring the energy and get the crowd pumped and rocking hard for even more to come Friday. Their music is an ode to past greats, but also is able to separate itself into something new and interesting. Fans of early Black Keys and The White Stripes should be able to get down with this band.
The Black Pistol Fire following has been gaining steam the last few years and it’s time for you to see what this duo is all about. If you are a rock concert fan, there is no way you will be disappointed with this show. 1PM Ponce Stage, it’s time to get wild.
Halsey – Buford Highway Stage
By Enna Garkusha
If you’re having trouble deciding who’s show to see on Friday, be sure to check out one of pop’s up-and-comers. Halsey is playing at the Buford Highway Stage at 1pm and she will save you from bad pop. At only 20 years old, Ashley Frangipane is taking the pop scene by storm. After naming her alter ego after a subway stop in Brooklyn, Halsey released her debut EP Room 93 in October of last year and since then, her recent spring tour had completely sold out.
With her airy voice and dark lyrics, Halsey isn’t afraid to be honest about sex, drugs, and wild romance. While her single “Ghost” displays her catchy hooks, she really shows off her big sound with songs like “Hurricane” and “Empty Gold” on the EP. If you like Lorde, Ellie Goulding, Halsey’s show is a good fit for you.
With her first album scheduled to release this summer, this is a chance to hear some new tunes by an artist who’s on the brink of mainstream popularity, and who will give you hope for the new generation of pop.
Check out these artists on the Shaky Knees Spotify Playlist
