1.
2. iLoveMakonnen
Look, this ticket would be worth it based on the strength of the "Tuesday" remix alone. But figure in Makonnen's back catalogue and his collaborations with the Awful Music crew, OVO, Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig, Wiz Khalifa, and all of a sudden the "+ special guests" is crucial.
Make no mistake: Makonnen is no one hit wonder. Makonnen still has Drink More Water 5 coming down the pipes, so expect new music and a frenetic performance from one of rap's most singular emerging voices.
4.
5. J. Cole
After wowing fans and critics alike with 2014 Forest Hills Drive, Jermaine Cole is gearing up for a five-month, three-act world tour; Acts 1 & 3 (Hometown and Hollywood, respectively) are US-based, while Act 2 (The Journey) takes the Fayetteville representative around the world, including back to his birthplace of Germany.
Cole's live show is a journey through the rapper's catalogue, including mixtape deep cuts and chart-topping hits like "Work Out" and "Temptation." Cole's ties with hip hop elite like Jay Z and Kendrick Lamar mean that anyone could drop by for a verse. He's also bringing Big Sean along for the ride, who is fresh of the release of Dark Sky Paradise.
Jeremih rounds out the headliners with equal parts soulful and raunchy R&B. Other acts on the US legs of the tour include YG, Bas, Cozz & Omen. Don't miss it.
Forest Hills Drive Tour Act 1 : Hometown
3/2 – Eugene, OR – McDonald Theatre
3/4 – Boise, ID – Revolution
3/5 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
3/8 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
3/10 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre
3/13 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre
3/14 – Springfield, MO – Gillioz Theatre
3/15 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion
3/17 – Oklahoma City, OK – Farmer’s Market
3/19 – San Antonio, TX – Alamo City Music Hall
3/20 – South Padre Island, TX – Claytons Beach Club
3/23 – New Orleans, LA – House Of Blues
3/24 – Baton Rouge, LA – The Varsity
3/25 – Mobile, AL – Soul Kitchen
3/28- Tallahassee, FL – Coliseum
3/29 – Birmingham, AL -Iron City
3/31 – Columbus, OH -LC Pavilion
4/1 – Nashville, TN -Marathon Music Works
4/3 – Richmond, VA – The National
4/4 – Rochester, NY – Waterstreet Music Hall
4/7 – Providence, RI – Lupos
Forest Hills Drive Tour Act 2 : The Journey
4/30 – Zurch, Switzerland – Komplex 457
5/1 – Cologne, Germany – Essigfabrik
5/2 – Frankfurt, Germany – Gisbon
5/4 – Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller
5/5 – Stockholm, Sweden – Berns
5/6 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Vega
5/8 – Berlin, Germany – Huxleys
5/9 – Amerstadam, Holland – Heineken Music Hall +
5/10 – Paris, France – Olympia +
5/11 – Antwerp, Belgium – Trix
5/13 – Glasgow, UK – 02 Academy+
5/14 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Arena +*
5/15 – Birmingham, UK -Barclaycard Arena +*
5/16 – Cardiff, UK – Motorpoint Arena +*
5/18 – London, UK – The 02+*
+ w/ Jhené Aiko
* w/ Pusha T
Forest Hills Drive Tour Act 3 : Hollywood
7/12 – Seattle, WA – White River Amphitheatre
7/14 – San Francisco, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
7/17 – San Diego, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheatre
7/19 – Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center
7/21 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
7/24 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
7/25 – Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre **
7/26 – Indianapolis, IN – Klipsch Music Center
7/28 – Chicago, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
7/30 – Pittsburgh, PA – First Niagara Pavilion
7/31 – Camden, NJ – Susquehanna Bank Center
8/3 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
8/4 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
8/6 – Boston, MA – Xfinity Center
8/7 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
8/8 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre
8/9 – Washington DC – Jiffy Lube Live
8/11 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
8/12 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
8/13 – Virginia Beach, VA – Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
8/15 – Atlanta, GA – Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
8/16 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/18 – West Palm Beach, FL – Coral Sky Amphitheatre
8/21 -Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
8/22 – Austin, TX – Austin360 Amphitheater
8/23 – Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion
8/25 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
8/29 – Fayetteville, NC – Crown Complex
9. Jungle
Jungle were one of 2014's hottest new acts. They were nominated for a BRIT award and had some of the year's biggest earworms in "Busy Earnin'," "The Heat," and "Julia." The band was inescapable and it looks like they hope to continue this streak into the new year and beyond.
If you're looking for a groovy live gig with an incredibly tight band, Jungle have just the show for you. They will be taking their hits on the road, including three West Coast dates alongside fellow Brits Alt-J throughout the spring and into the summer. If their videos are anything to go by, you should take a dance class beforehand and take a date with you to the concert.
04/13 Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint *
04/14 Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl *
04/16 Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre – UC Berkeley *
* with Alt-J
11. Travi$ Scott & Young Thug
This tour is a no-brainer: take two of hip-hop's hottest names and most prolific collaborators and put them on the same stage; put Metro Boomin on the decks as an opening DJ set and the turn up is both imminent and damn-near intimidating. Expect cameos from any and all big-name artists who have worked alongside La Flame and/or Thugger to drop by.
13.
14. Purity Ring
The Canadian electronic duo just released their second studio album, another eternity. The indie darlings will then hit the road for a world tour, starting in Europe and then moving over to North America. Producer Corin Roddick uses DIY instruments that are linked to stage lighting in order to better convey the band's sound to the live experience. Singer Megan James has a phenomenal voice that lends itself to the stage. If they come within 50 miles of your city, go.
16.
17. Earl Sweatshirt
Your favorite blogger's favorite rappers are all hitting the road together for the Not Redy 2 Leave Tour. Earl, Vince Staples, and Remy Banks are all known for rowdy, rambunctious performances and youthful energy so expect bucket hats, donut hoodies, knee socks, violent energy and middle fingers aplenty. Be prepared to mosh with some kids who reblog a lot of Fiji water GIFs.
03/24 – ST. LOUIS, MO @ THE READY ROOM
03/25 – LAWRENCE, KS @ GRANADA THEATRE
03/27 – MINNEAPOLIS, MN @ MILL CITY NIGHTS
03/28 – MILWAUKEE, WI @ THE RAVE/EAGLES CLUB
03/31 – GRAND RAPIDS, MI @ INTERSECTION *^
04/01 – DETROIT, MI @ ST. ANDREW'S HALL *^
04/02 – COLUMBUS, OH @ PARK STREET SALOON
04/03 – CINCINNATI, OH @ BOGART'S CINCINNATI
04/04 – MILLVALE, PA @ MR. SMALL'S THEATRE *^
04/08 – WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA @ HOUSE OF BLUES SUNSET STRIP *^
04/14 – TORONTO, ON @ THE OPERA HOUSE *^
04/16 – BOSTON, MA @ PARADISE ROCK CLUB *^
04/18 – NEW YORK, NY @ BEST BUY THEATER
04/20 – PHILADELPHIA, PA @ THEATER OF THE LIVING ARTS *^
04/22 – BALTIMORE, MD @ RAMS HEAD LIVE
04/23 – SILVER SPRING, MD @ FILLMORE SILVER SPRING *^
04/25 – CHARLOTTE, NC @ AMOS' SOUTHEND
04/26 – RALEIGH, NC @ THE RITZ
05/06 – NASHVILLE, TN @ MARATHON MUSIC WORKS
05/07 – BIRMINGHAM, AL @ IRON CITY
05/08 – NEW ORLEANS, LA @ REPUBLIC
05/09 – HOUSTON, TX @ WAREHOUSE LIVE
05/13 – SANTA CRUZ, CA @ THE CATALYST
05/15 – LAS VEGAS, NV @ HARD ROCK LIVE LAS VEGAS ^
05/18 – MESA, AZ @ CLUB RED *^
05/21 – AUSTIN, TX @ EMO'S EAST
05/22 – DALLAS, TX @ SOUTH SIDE MUSIC HALL
05/23 – SAN ANTONIO, TX @ ALAMO CITY MUSIC HALL ^
05/29-30 – DUBLIN, IE @ FORBIDDEN FRUIT FESTIVAL
06/05-07 – MILDENHALL, UK @ BOOM BAP FESTIVAL
06/06-07 – BRIGHTON, UK @ WILD LIFE FESTIVAL
06/19-21 – HILVARENBEEK, NL @ BEST KEPT SECRET FESTIVAL
* = W/ VINCE STAPLES
^ = W/ REMY BANKS
19. Shlohmo
The WEDIDIT general is touring the States and hopping over to Europe this spring, with his new album Dark Red dropping April 7. Shlohmo's vibe live is a combination of cinematic intensity and suspense, a crazy light-show, smoke machines, not to mention the myriad bangers, slappers, hammers, remixes and fresh originals from releases like Bad Vibes and the upcoming album. Shlohmo gigs are equal parts Migos and Nicolas Jaar—think an artsy rave in the middle of a trap-house.
Mar 31 - Casbah - San Diego, CA
Apr 1 - Crescent Ballroom - Phoenix, AZ
Apr 2 - Sister - Albuquerque, NM
Apr 3 - Parish - Austin, TX
Apr 4 - Fitz (Upstairs) - Houston, TX
Apr 5 - Trees - Dallas, TX
Apr 6 - Republic - New Orleans, LA
Apr 8 - U Street Music Hall - Washington, D.C.
Apr 9 - Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA
Apr 11 - Irving Plaza - New York, NY
Apr 12 - Brighton Music Hall - Boston, MA
Apr 14 - Signal Kitchen - Burlington, VT
Apr 15 - SAT - Montreal, QB
Apr 16 - Hoxton - Toronto, ON
Apr 17 - Concord Music Hall - Chicago, IL
Apr 18 - Plush - St. Louis, MO
Apr 22 - Bluebird Theatre - Denver, CO
Apr 24 - Neumos - Seattle, WA
Apr 26 - Branx - Portland, OR
Apri 29 - The Arcata Theatre - Arcata, CA
Apr 30 - The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
May 2 - Velvet Jones - Santa Barbara, CA
May 7 - The Fonda - Los Angeles, CA
21. Chet Faker
Chet Faker has exploded over the last couple years, making the leap from Majestic Casual playlists to live venues seemingly overnight. The bearded Aussie songwriter has collaborated with fellow Internet darlings like Flume, with releases that kill live as well as on the radio. Not to mention he just sold out three nights in a row at Terminal 5 alongside XXYYXX, so it's safe to say that Chet Faker is here to stay. Faker's live show is a mellower experience than most, which makes the sell-out dates all the more impressive. Prepare to sing along.
His dates are limited to all those New York shows, a few in California, and a handful of festivals, so good luck.
Apr 04 Terminal 5 New York, NY
Apr 07 Terminal 5 New York, NY
Apr 07 Output (DJ set) Brooklyn, NY
Apr 08 Terminal 5 New York, NY
Apr 11 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Indio, CA
Apr 13 Club Nokia Los Angeles, CA
Apr 15 Club Nokia Los Angeles, CA
Apr 18 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Indio, CA
May 09 Ceremonia Festival Mexico City, Mexico
May 22 Boston Calling Boston City Hall, MA
May 22 Counterpoint Music Festival Kingston, GA
23. St. Vincent
Indie-pop mainstay St. Vincent really made waves with her self titled 2014 release, St. Vincent. Annie Clark beat out the likes of Arcade Fire, Alt-J and Jack White to win the 2015 Grammy for Best Alternative Album. The St. Vincent live show is brilliant, with unique synchronized dancing, thoughtful stage set-ups, and, of course, Clark's incredible guitar skills.
03/05 – Rochester, NY @ Water Street Music Hall
03/06 – South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
03/07 – Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall
03/08 – Providence, RI @ Lupo’s
04/12 – Indio, CA @ Coachella Music Festival
04/19 – Indio, CA @ Coachella Music Festival
05/26 – Madison, WI @ Orpheum Theatre
05/27 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
05/28 – Louisville, KY @ W. L. Lyons Brown Theatre
05/29 – Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
05/30 – Nelsonville, OH @ Nelsonville Music Festival
05/31 – Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Theatre
06/02 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
06/03 – Richmond, VA @ The National
06/05-07 – New York, NY @ Governors Ball Music Festival
25. Glass Animals
2014 was a big year for Glass Animals. The English indie-rock band released their debut album Zaba and then proceeded immediately to tour the world. Going from their hometown of Oxford, UK to Los Angeles to Australia and then back again. Glass Animals, composed of four best friends, captured audiences with their electric vibes and clever showmanship. Watching them feels like hanging out with a group of friends that you haven’t seen in a while. Adding to that homey atmosphere, the band often performs without shoes. With that relaxed an atmosphere, it's easy to get down to their psychedelic tunes.
Thankfully for anyone who missed out on Glass Animals the first time around, they’re back on tour. Last year, they brought out rapper Rome Fortune to open up their sets. Adding to their affinity towards rap, the band ended shows with their own stripped back and slowed down cover of Kanye West's "Love Lockdown." This time around they’ve invited Gilligan Moss, the Chicago based artist responsible for the trippy "Gooey" remix, on tour with them. They hit the US in April.
27.
28. Lana Del Rey & Courtney Love
Lana Del Rey is still riding high on the success of Ultraviolence. Lana's sophomore effort cemented her dark, brooding sound and added an edgy, garage-inflected sound to the baroque pop sensibilities that permeated Born to Die. Embracing her grungy side may be the smartest decision Lana has made yet, as it's led her to tour with the patron saint of riot grrrrrl—Courtney Love.
Imagine the drama these two could whip up on the road! Lana and Courtney are both outspoken and creative to the extreme, and their shows should be similarly over-the-top. The two femme fatales are touring the States from May onward.
May 7 - The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion *
May 9 - Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion *
May 12 - Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre *
May 14 - Phoenix, AZ @ AkChin Pavilion *
May 16 - Chula Vista, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheater *
May 18 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl *
May 20 - Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre *
May 22 - Ridgefield, WA @ Sleep Country Amphitheater *
May 28 - Noblesville, IN @ Klipsch Music Center
May 30 - Tinley Park, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
May 31 - Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
June 3 - Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
June 4 - Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
June 11 - Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
June 13 - Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
June 14 - Atlanta, GA @ Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood
June 16 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheater
* with Courtney Love
30. Sylvan Esso
Relatively new to the scene, Sylvan Esso is the passion project of Amelia Meath and Nick Sunburn. Based in the Durham, North Carolina, the duo combines the folk-tinged vocals of Meath with the electronic production of Sanborn. Their 2014 self-titled debut album is filled with gems like the ballad "Play It Right" and the playful "Coffee."
Their lyrics are powerful, the beats are danceable, and the songwriting is strong. This should translate into a great show. Sylvan Esso will be playing the festival circuit (catch them at Coachella, Sasquatch, Bannaroo and more) along with individual shows.
32.
33. Jessie Ware
Jessie Ware continues to tour in support of her excellent sophomore album, Tough Love, returning to America for a few more dates this Spring. Ware is truly one of the best live pop/R&B performers out right now, really inhabiting her songs as she delivers them live, and mixing those heartfelt moments with self-deprecating on-stage banter. This time, she's accompanied by Jesse Boykins III.
35.
