FYF Hit List: 10 Acts + Tracks to Catch

Angelenos are buzzzing in anticipation for FYF Fest’s return to LA’s Memorial Sports Arena & Exposition Park for the second year on August 22nd and 23rd. FYF has become a staple of the LA festival season, throwing its killer summer celebration for over a decade (launching in 2004), and spreads the love year-round, throwing shows and putting smiles on the dance floor under its FYF Presents iteration across LA.

FYF’s 2015 lineup, once again, slays; pulling the most talented artists from numerous genres all connected by their underlying indie influence, and a tendency for acts to stray for the top 40 model is what makes this fest a unified. This year’s FYF is headlined by two gents, who are not only known for the incredible music they create, but also for their strong stands on issues affecting the world and its culture—Frank Ocean and Morrissey.

With such an incredible (and non-mainstream) festival lineup, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with options and tripping over the more obscure artists. So, we’ve compiled a sampler platter of our top ten acts—and tracks—of the upcoming fest.

It was incredibly hard to narrow it down to five artists for both days, as FYF has put together a phenomenal lineup (and yeah, we’re crossing our fingers that there won’t be any scheduling conflicts!). There are a ton of artists on the lineup that we haven’t yet deeply explored so we’re looking forward to wandering, and encourage you to also allow yourself some time to get lost at the festival and discover sets you’re unfamiliar with. You just may find your new favorite band, cause that FYF life has a reputation for being ahead of the curve on the biggest upcoming acts.

Pick up your tickets here, and if we are missing any of your personal “must sees” send on over your favorite tracks: sarah@lacanvas.com.

Saturday

Frank Ocean – “Pyramids”
Frank Ocean spent the beginning of his career behind the scenes writing for the likes of Brandy, Justin Bieber, and John Legend, but in 2011 after joining the rap collective Odd Future, he self- released his first mixtape Nostalgia, ULTRA to heavy acclaim. Ocean has since collaborated with Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Kanye West, and like the latter, fans are on the edge of their seats waiting for the release of his forthcoming album, rumored to be called Boys Don’t Cry and featuring Tyler, the Creator, Pharrell Williams, and Danger Mouse.

Bloc Party – “Helicopter”
Bloc Party is a British indie rock band with touches of grungy electronica and house. The band was formed in 1999 but did not settle on the name “Bloc Party” until 2003. Together the band has released 4 albums selling over 3 million albums worldwide and is currently working on their 5th album. Younger fans may recognize “Helicopter” from its inclusion on Guitar Hero.

Chet Faker – “1998”
We can never seem to get enough of Chet Faker (whose actual name is Nicholas James Murphy…what…), every release of his seems to be a gift from the heavens. A recent collaboration with Banks breathed new life into his hit “1998” off his 2014 debut album Built On Glass. No word on an upcoming album but we’ll eagerly hold our breaths and soak up every live performance we can get.

Run The Jewels – “Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fuck) [Feat. Zack de la Rocha]”
Killer Mike and El-P have been making major waves in the hip-hop world since the early 90’s, but the formation of their collaborative Run The Jewels project truly gave both artists new life. Joining forces in 2013 after El-P produced Killer Mike’s acclaimed album R.A.P. Music, the two combined their respective talents and eventually launched their debut self-titled LP on Fool’s Gold. It’s raucous, political, and by all means punk, and the follow-up Run The Jewels 2 solidified their place in modern music. They brought out Travis Barker and Zach de La Rocha at Coachella, so you never know what surprises you might see.