Featured photo by Tyler Lamb, MTSU Seigenthaler News Service
Story by the Sidelines Staff
With Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival mere days away, the air on The Farm hums excitement, and – soon enough – guitar chords. Prepare for over 150 performances across 10 stages, all packed into four days of what hopes to be melodic magic. Now, it’s time to curate the perfect lineup and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
Don’t know where to start? Sidelines has you covered. Here’s our list of the acts you don’t want to miss at Bonnaroo.
Disco Lines
Disco Lines is not your average DJ. Playing The Other Stage on Thursday at 10:15 p.m., this act spins turntables with up-beat modern tracks that mix groovy sounds and whimsical rhythms. Listening to Disco Line’s most famous track “Baby Girl” can only be compared to the feeling of flying in a dream–and who wouldn’t want to experience that live? Emma Burden
Gwar
Let us slay! The interplanetary metal band Gwar, originating from Richmond, Virginia, is playing for fans – AKA worthless humans, in their words – on Thursday (or, technically Friday,) at 1 a.m. inside That Tent. With maniacal displays of repulsive, savagery, profanity and crude toilet humor, Gwar should nauseate audiences early in the weekend.. Bring a spare swimsuit, because fans may leave soaked in blood and other questionable fluids. Want to do some research before the show? These scum dog performers have released 15 studio albums since “Hell-0” in 1988 and popular second album “Scumbags of the Universe” in 1990. Bring a wet wipe. Matthew Olson
Interpol
The tried and true Bonnaroo tradition of early 2000s alt rock dude-band representation returns this year with New York-bred Interpol. The trio offers weary Bonnaroovians a break from the indie-pop overload with a signature post-punk revival sound, performing on Friday at 9:45 p.m. at This Tent. Sporting suits, sunglasses and slicked back hair, their slappy bass riffs and head-nodding guitar runs should rouse the pretentious rock-hipster in anyone. The progressive instrumentals embellished with Paul Banks’ signature monotonous vocals leave audiences questioning if they’re actually witnessing an English punk band in disguise. With three of the four original members sticking it out for over two decades and seven albums, the only question left to ask is: Will they ditch their signature suits in the sweltering Tennessee heat, or must they maintain their image? Bailey Brantingham
T-Pain
T-Pain is no stranger to The Farm – just ask anyone lucky enough to witness his legendary late-night campground karaoke in 2018. This year, the rapper, producer and “Masked Singer” champion returns to play the Which Stage Friday at 12:30 a.m. The Florida native ditched his normally ubiquitous autotune sound on his latest solo release, 2023’s “On Top of the Covers.” His sincere and unexpected approach to familiar soul, country and rock classics allowed his unaltered voice to shine. T-Pain’s cover of “Tennessee Whiskey” could spur an unforgettable singalong with the Manchester crowd. But there’s no need for fans who prefer T-Pain’s signature sound to worry – he’s still likely to “Buy U a Drank” before the party’s over. Shauna Reynolds
Thundercat
Bassist virtuoso Thundercat, AKA Steven Bruner, crafts electronica funk that’ll have bodies rocking and heads bobbing. He defies expectations of the bass through his dynamic use of texture, layering and electronic effects to form his works. He often requires only a drummer, pianist and talent to captivate an audience. Fans might hear his discography, old and modern jazz classics or once-in-a-lifetime improvisations. You’ll catch his performance from That Tent Friday at 12:45 a.m. Who knows where the funk will take you? Hannah Carley
Ethel Cain
The story of Ethel Cain begins with a preacher’s daughter and ends with murder — but only in her songs, of course. Storyteller and music phenomenon, Ethel Cain is part of a near-nonexistent breed of artists, doing her own thing both on stage and in her music. She showcases her immaculately haunting storytelling inside That Tent at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. On stage, Cain offers the modern musical equivalent of “dinner and a show,” with her most recent studio album incorporating ambient, transcendental melodies to the storyline of the life and death of Ethel Cain, her made-up music persona. Inspired by Christian music and littered with Southern Gothic themes, Cain’s music fluctuates from eery, shrieking melodies depicting murder to ethereal piano riffs illustrating the ascent to Heaven. Bailey Brantingham
Brittany Howard
Fans know Brittany Howard for her incomparable voice, raw songwriting and attention-commanding stage presence. Howard released her second solo album, “What Now,” to wide acclaim in February. The album plays around with genre, offering listeners R&B and jazz vibes as well as some danceable tracks. There’s even a brief poetry interlude. Alabama native Howard calls Nashville home these days. She’s a Bonnaroo vet with multiple trips to The Farm under her belt, both as a solo artist and with Alabama Shakes. Howard will dominate the Which Stage at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Shauna Reynolds
Reneé Rapp
Reneé Rapp is a force to be reckoned with. The rising lesbian artist performs on Saturday at 7:45 p.m. on the Which Stage, backed by her successful album “Snow Angels” and the “Mean Girls” stage musical. Rapp brings powerhouse vocals and a dynamic stage presence to each performance, blending the genres pop, pop rock, indie and R&B in her songs. Her music features lush arrangements and contemporary beats, providing a rich backdrop for her distinctive voice. Rapp’s lyrics are catchy and introspective, delving into themes of self-discovery, mental health and love. Her emotional delivery and storytelling captivate her audience, and her fans relate to her authenticity and vulnerability. Rapp’s music invites listeners to a world where every note tells a story. Alyssa Williams
Cage the Elephant
Cage the Elephant connects with audiences on and off stage by creating one-of-a-kind unity. Lead singer Matt Shultz stands out in today’s rock world for a magnetic stage presence and wearing countless unique costumes, like a purple sequined dress and a 3D-printed biometric bodysuit, to name a few examples. Interpretive dances, jumps from microphone stands and copious amounts of running can be expected at any time during a Cage the Elephant show. Instead of throwing items into the audience, these guys throw themselves. Cage The Elephant performs on the What Stage at 8:30 p.m on Saturday. Hannah Carley
Red Hot Chili Peppers
From humble beginnings on the streets of Los Angeles to headlining major festivals, The Red Hot Chili Peppers remained relevant after more than three decades of shirtless gigs and radio hits. That’ll prove true at Bonnaroo with hits like the 1991 single “Give It Away” and 2002’s “Can’t Stop” staple rock singalongs that solidify the band as a must-see. This long-running act might have us all addicted to the shindig when the band performs Saturday at 10:45 p.m. on the What Stage. Kerstie Wolaver
IDLES
IDLES, a British rock band from Bristol, plays at Bonnaroo on Saturday at 12:45 a.m. at That Tent. The band simply can’t be categorized as one genre; vocalist Joe Talbot describes the band as “Recession Soul.” During the group’s early years, Idles drew inspiration from the likes of calypso, reggae and blues. Although raw and honest, it would be an insult to describe the group as just another punk band. Their songs stand out for tackling topics such as mental health, addiction, misogyny and emotional expression. Matthew Olson
Molly Grace
Nashville-based queer pop singer Molly Grace joins this year’s Bonnaroo lineup for the very first time. Grace gained significant recognition this year through a viral TikTok of her performing “Lady Lady” at Belmont University’s Best of the Best Showcase. Now she performs Sunday at 2:15 p.m. on the Who Stage, eager to share the joys of loving women through a mix of pop, disco and funk techniques. This combination of genres is accompanied with her optimism and heartfelt lyrics. You don’t want to miss out on Grace’s soulful vocals and playful stage presence this Bonnaroo season. Sarah Baczewski
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan, known on and off-stage as pop music’s reigning Midwest Princess, promises to be a hit at Bonnaroo. She takes the stage after a prolific year where she rose to fame behind TikTok-backed hits “Red Wine Supernova,” “HOT TO GO!” and “Good Luck, Babe!.” Roan’s music features a blend of 80s synth pop and early 2000s pop, accompanied with lyrics that capture the ups and downs of being queer. At shows, fans dance along in unique makeup and flashy outfits inspired by Roan’s songs. The extravagant theatrics of her live performances are a must see for this year’s festival-goers. Catch her Sunday at 3 p.m. on the Which Stage. Sarah Baczewski
Megan Thee Stallion
Bonnaroo makes the perfect place to launch a “Hot Girl Summer,” with sparkling outfits, non-stop partying and Megan Thee Stallion performing Sunday on the What Stage at 7:15 p.m. The rapper previously planned to appear at Bonnaroo in 2021, but the pandemic caused the music festival to be canceled. Since 2021, Megan Thee Stallion added her third number one hit to the Billboard Hot 100, embarked on her first headlining tour and came out on top of one of this year’s biggest rap beefs. Her new album “Megan” releases on June 28, 2024, and this year’s Bonnaroo set may be the last chance to see Megan on The Farm before she transitions from a rap superstar to one of music’s modern icons. Emma Burden
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell, the 45-year-old singer-songwriter from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, plays one of the closing sets at Bonnaroo 2024. Kicking off Sunday at 8:15 p.m. on the Which Stage, he’ll likely play songs from 2023 album, “Weathervanes,’ which explores much of the toxic culture in the South, commenting on addiction, abuse and racism. And backed by the 400 Unit, Isbell’s poetic songwriting often brings fans together, communicating feelings that can’t always be expressed outside of song. Showgoers can expect nothing less from this one of a kind storyteller at Bonnaroo. Kerstie Wolaver
To contact the Lifestyles Editor, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
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