Electric Forest has become a highly anticipated event each summer for TSIS, as it is one of the most extraordinary parties we’ve had the pleasure to be a part of. The festival takes place in Rothbury, MI and completely transforms acres of backwoods into a vibrant dreamland that hosts some of our favorite performers each year. For the first time, Electric Forest will be two weekends in 2017, taking place on the successive weekends of June 22nd-25th and June 29th-July 2nd.
The artists slated to play primetime spots this year include Bassnectar, ODESZA, Big Gigantic, RL Grime, Oliver Heldens, A-Trak, Above & Beyond, NERO (Live), Claude VonStroke, The String Cheese Incident and many more! The full lineup can be seen here.
However, what impresses us the most about Electric Forest’s bill this year is its depth… From top to bottom the lineup is full of incredible acts, many of which we believe to be some of the hottest rising artists in the game. Just for you guys, we have put together a list that spotlights must see acts from mostly up-and-coming artists that we are most excited to see at Electric Forest 2017. You may be familiar with some of these, but for those of you who aren't, be sure to give them a listen before attending the festival. Enjoy!
Barclay Crenshaw
Playing weekend 1
Remember how I mentioned that Claude VonStroke was one of the major headliners, well, Barclay Crenshaw is his hip-hop project that has a completely different vibe. Barclay Crenshaw tracks are trippy and laidback as he takes his impressive production skills to a new direction. Electric Forest is the ideal setting for a Barclay Crenshaw set, both embodying all things hypnotic.
Bob Moses
Playing weekend 1 & 2
Bob Moses consists of two dudes from Vancouver who make incredible indie electronic music. One sits behind a keyboard and various other production equipment as the other plays guitar and sings – what a modern day band looks like. Bob Moses are one of the more live acts at Electric Forest we can't wait to see, so be sure to not miss this one.
Chet Porter
Playing weekend 1
Foreign Family signee, Chet Porter, has been gaining popularity with his cinematic releases such as his hit single “Stay” and his remix of D.R.A.M’s “Broccoli”. The Toronto-based artist has developed a unique sound that is both playful and emotional, making him the true creator of his niche. As he uses his drum pad throughout his set, Chet Porter’s show will leave the audience fulfilled.
Ekali
Playing weekend 1 & 2
Canadian producer Ekali has been earning great exposure with official remixes for the likes of Snakehips & MØ, Ta-ku & Wafia and Flux Pavilion. His eclectic sound is intricate and complex, but can easily intrigue any concertgoer. Ekali will definitely have an entertaining set that any Forrest attendee would enjoy.
Fakear
Playing weekend 1 & 2
Based in France, Fakear creates some of the most refreshing music on the list with singles like “Ankara” resembling the sound of ODESZA, and he even supported the TSIS favorite duo at their recent Red Rocks performance. His work is dramatic and sophisticated that produces a worldly vibe that would resonate extremely well in a live setting.
NoMBe
Playing weekend 1 & 2
NoMBe is a Los Angeles based producer / vocalist that has been releasing single after single off his forthcoming album They Might've Even Loved Me. He is one of the more inventive artists in the lineup as he blends elements from every genre to create soulful and provocative music. Furthermore, he has an incredible voice that is sure to captivate anyone lucky enough to be in the audience.
Pham
Playing weekend 1 & 2
Experimental Polish producer Pham has been a consistent TSIS favorite with recent singles “Alibi”, “Talk To Me” and “Below The Surface” all receiving proper write-ups. He has a silky, and sometimes ominous, style that would create a super cool atmosphere in a live setting, especially in the excessive setting that Electric Forest creates.
River Tiber
Playing weekend 2
Toronto-based artist River Tiber creates downtempo music and has collaborated with KAYTRANADA on multiple occasions. With tracks likes “West” being sampled on Mac Miller’s album, it’s apparent that River Tiber has earned respect in the industry for his production capabilities. His atmospheric music calls for a soothing show that will leave everyone enchanted.
StéLouse
Playing weekend 1 & 2
Fresh off the release of his debut album in early May, StéLouse has been gaining a lot of attention with his high-energy, future bass-inspired production style. StéLouse’s music will translate very well in a live setting as he exploits engaging vocal tunes and pairs them with bright synths and lively percussion… an excellent formula for a powerful show.
Tom Misch
Playing weekend 1 & 2
Tom Misch is an extremely talented instrumentalist, vocalist and producer based out of London that is a favorite of ours here at TSIS. Specializing in guitar, he is one of the smoothest artists in the lineup. He amazingly revitalizes the sounds of classic blues and jazz music, but adds elements of electronic production to create something special.
Pluto
Playing weekend 1 & 2
16-year-old producer Pluto has built a reputation for his future bass tracks including his TSIS premiere single “Surface”. Pluto has a new-age sound that is quickly gaining the attention of newer electronic music listeners… so if you want to see what the future of dance music is going to look like, go to see Pluto’s set.
Saint WKND
Playing weekend 1 & 2
Hailing from Germany, Saint WKND is one of the more versatile artists on the lineup. He can create music that is easygoing like “Golden” and tracks that are bouncy such as “Make You Mine”. Saint WKND will throw a great party as he hops from genre to genre, always keeping his audience engaged.
Win and Woo
Playing weekend 1 & 2
The Chicago duo that comes from the same team as Whethan and Louis The Child have been showing a lot of promise with impressive singles such as “Recognize” and “Killer With A Smile”. Additionally, Win and Woo have been recruited by artists including SNBRN and Big Wild for official remixes. Their productions are lively and easy to dance to… what more could you ask for.
Kaiydo
Playing weekend 1
Florida native Kaiydo spits over playful beats and creates bouncy hip-hop tracks that would be a great to see live. The 20-year-old will throw a high-energy party that everyone will be able to enjoy. If you are looking for a fun hip-hop set, this one is for you.
FKJ
Playing weekend 1 & 2
FKJ has become a household name at TSIS with incredible content such as his dreamy music video for “Die With A Smile” and the recent release of his debut album French Kiwi Juice. Hailing from Paris, FKJ is one of the smoothest artists currently touring with incredible guitar and production capabilities. He is very exciting to watch on a live stage as he jumps between many different instruments, looping them in a way that makes it hard to believe that the incredible music is coming from a single person.
Autograf
Playing weekend 1 & 2
Chicago-based trio Autograf have quickly gained popularity with hit singles such as “Dream” and “You Might Be”. Integrating electronic production and instrumentalism flawlessly, the group has developed a unique sound that has been recruited by the likes of Clean Bandit and GRiZ for official remixes. Autograf’s live show is sure to be entertaining as the three group members jam out on their respective instruments.
Big Wild
Playing weekend 1 & 2
Big Wild is fresh-off the release of his debut EP Invincible which saw great success with help from ODESZA’s rising record label Foreign Family Collective. The California native has been making major waves in the past year with his standout single “Aftergold” being on repeat for us since its release. Big Wild recently concluded a major US tour just in time for festival season in which we expect him to amaze audiences everywhere.
Brasstracks
Playing weekend 1 & 2
Brasstracks have become a favorite of ours over the years with thier live-electronic performances and amazing studio releases. Their jazz-infused live-electronic sound is packed with soul that translates incredibly well live as the duo perform with a trumpet and drums making for an energetic performance. We had Brasstracks at our Okeechobee beach party this year and will definitely be sure to check these guys out live whenever we have a chance. They’ve worked with GRiZ on his past album and joined Big Gigantic on a number of tour dates as well so be sure to stop by their set if you can.
Kamasi Washington
Playing weekend 1
Kamasi Washington is one of the most respected jazz Saxophone players in the world and was a major part of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly album. We’ve been lucky enough to see Kamasi live and were completely blown away. Not only is he a next-level performer, but every member of his band is insanely talented at their instruments and push the boundaries. The bass player even uses a violin string and pedals to make an upright bass sound like a guitar solo. If you’re looking for a live act to see, check this one out.
Eryn Allen Kane
Playing weekend 2
Chicago-based vocalist Eryn Allen Kane has made a name for herself with her impressive solo releases and you most likely have heard her before alongside Chance The Rapper on his hit “Same Drugs” and other tracks on Donnie Trumpet’s Surf album. Her soulful songs translate incredibly well live as her vocals sound just as great as they do on her studio recordings. Kane actually got a cosign from Prince and has been making waves as of late.