25 Feb SunFest’s 2016 LineUp: Dare We Say, Perfection?

I’ve mentioned in years past that lineup release days hold a special place in my heart…and on my calendar. There is so much speculation and excitement around which bands will showcase at your favorite festival. Yes, you buy your ticket early and then spend the next few weeks eyeing your beloved bands’ tour schedules, looking for tiny gaps and opportunities for them to perform.

I know I say every year is the best year, and it is, but SunFest’s 2016 lineup is something incredible. Let’s explore a few of our favorites.

Who you know: Death Cab for Cutie

Navigating life’s growing pains, love affairs, and heartbreaks would not be possible without the gentle, introspective guidance of Ben Gibbard and his troupe of talented musicians. The Washington-based indie rock group has been making life more beautiful since 1997.

I don’t know about you, but I was still in elementary school when Gibbard released “Something About Airplanes.” It’s safe to say it was 2003’s “Transatlanticism” that made our hearts race in our still-expanding ribcages.

Did you know this remarkable act has been nominated for eight Grammy awards? They’ve also released eight studio albums, the most recent being the ridiculously mature “Kintsugi,” which I beg/plead/implore you to play at least once a week between now and their headlining appearance.

After years and years and years of waiting for the concert gods to intertwine Death Cab’s tour dates with my own selfish endeavours, I finally had the chance to see Ben Gibbard and friends live at Austin’s Moody Theater in September 2015. It was, without exaggeration, one of the best shows I have seen in years. You may assume that this poetic, deep, darling band could only deliver a tame performance. You would be wrong.

I was starstruck by the power in each note, the vigor behind every lyric, and the brilliance this act possesses. It was something to behold. It will be a long time before I release the memory of that high or the tears in my eyes when the show finally concluded.

What I’m trying to say, what I’m dying to tell you, is you cannot miss this band. You must stand before them, for the first time, for the millionth time, and let their words fill the holes in your heart. They valiantly accepted that task long ago, and now is your chance to thank them.

Who you kind of know: Capital Cities

This Los Angeles synth-pop duo, comprised of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian, are earworm connoisseurs. Merchant and Simonian began experimenting with noises back in 2010, and quickly created “Safe and Sound,” the irresistible pop single that will forever have a home on at least 13 of my playlists. You’ve heard “Safe and Sound” on the radio. You’ve heard it in your favorite restaurant. You’ve danced around your apartment to it, cleaning frantically before your parents come over for their weekly feast. The song is just delightful. Intangible sugar.

Is that their only solid single? Oh no. Oh no, no, no. Capital Cities has continued to create sweet delicacies. Have you heard “Kangaroo Court” or seen the ridiculous video that narrates the song? Have you learned all the words to “Farrah Fawcett Hair,” featuring Outkast’s Andre 3000?

I hope so, because this brass-wielding act is sticking around for the long haul, and they have the Grammy and Billboard Music Award nominations to prove it.

Get your facts straight now, so you can impress your friends, coworkers, and mother-in-law this April when they blow your sandals off and into the Intracoastal.

Who you need to know: The Bright Light Social Hour

The last act I’m going to spotlight today may hopefully be sharing a plane with me when I fly to visit South Florida. This psychedelic rock group is from the spectacular oasis known as Austin, Texas. Maybe you’ve heard of it. Me? I’m a little biased, I know.

Curtis Roush, Jack O’Brien, Joseph Mirasole, and Edward Braillif have a remarkable talent for blending soul, psych, and blues into gorgeous soundscapes. In 2011, the long-haired musicians won six of awards at the SXSW’s Austin Music Awards, including “Band of the Year,” “Album of the Year,” and “Song of the Year.”

The group has toured extensively, exploring venues throughout our fair nation, and our neighbors Canada and Mexico. Also worth noting, these boys are no strangers to the festival circuit, and have previously stolen stages at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Sasquatch, and Hang Out.

I would recommend “Infinite Cities” to new fans. It’s my favorite track by these Texan artists. However the rest of their catalogue is worth exploring over an afternoon. If you love and/or appreciate My Morning Jacket, Cold War Kids, and Minus the Bear, make room in your ears and heart for Bright Light Social Hour.

There is more to preview, people. Check back next week for more words on your new favorite bands.