Practical recommendations from Blank’s resident soothsayer
by Madame Weezy
Big Ears Festival Guide • Madame Weezy’s Big Ears Horoscopes • Big Ears Creator Ashley Capps Interview
Every last weekend of March, our city opens its doors to what is the most unique and creative music festival around. Folks from all over the globe flock to our ever-evolving downtown, traipsing up and down Gay Street, popping into our restaurants, shops, elaborate venues, tiny back rooms and churches, seeking out some of the most immersive musical experiences led by some of the most innovative individuals of our time.
For festivalgoers, with such a wide range of choices, it’s easy to understand why some might suffer from some decision paralysis, but never fear! Madame Weezy is here to help navigate the seemingly endless lineup, finding your can’t-miss artists – based on your sign, of course. And even if you readers too slow to score tickets to the sold-out soiree or otherwise unable to make it work this time around, if you aren’t yet a fan of whoever is listed below, they’ll be guaranteed to pique your interest, regardless.
Aquarius: Aquarians are intensely creative and independent but have zero interest in being eccentric just for the purpose of being labeled different. Being weird for cool points is just lame; you do what brings you joy, and if others dig it, cool. And if not, well, that’s their problem. David Byrne is of that same ilk: tinkering, experimenting, celebrating the highlights and the mundane alike of our human existence – but doing so more from the perspective of an outsider, looking in on our lives from the cosmos (where I expect him to reside on the regular). With last year’s release of “What Is the Sky,” Byrne should bring more cheeky and introspective impressions of our existence to this year’s festival.
Pisces: You are the empath of the group who feels the energy and emotions of others with an ease that’s downright uncanny. You’re so in tune of your peers that it can sometimes come off as a bit loopy to those who aren’t as humble and open. Swami, comedian, academic and musician are just a few of the hats worn by the ever-wise Laraaji. Meshing world, ambient and electronic music into something totally new, his music is full of rhythm that thumps in time with one’s heartbeat; offers notes that joyfully tease the spirit; includes lyrics that straddle the line of poignant and playful; and even sometimes comes across as downright hilarious. If good but meaningful vibes are what you’re into, this global citizen is set to deliver.
Aries: You’re the rawest and rowdiest of the zodiac, and you want your music to have the same maniacal energy. The Boston trio Model/Actriz brings the brooding, frenzied energy you crave with the grungiest goth-punk this side of the millennium. With industrial drums, noisy guitars and daringly personal lyrics delivered with the creepy calmness of a madman, you’ll know you’ve found your way to the comforting uncomfortableness where you normally dwell.
Taurus: It’s not unreasonable to think that the sensible and grounded bulls out there would eschew a festival that is focused on the more experimental explorations of acclaimed artists, but we know things are rarely as straightforward as they appear. You are, in reality, a smart cookie that just knows yourself well, along with your likes and dislikes. With his fun and thoughtful music that calls back to a seemingly simpler time, the multi-talented Dom Flemons has spent his career studying, exalting and redefining American folk music from the perspective of a historian and musical savant. He tells the stories of how all of our multicultural ancestors contributed to a sound that is uniquely and and unabashedly native. In a time when it can be hard to be proud of where we’re from, Flemons reminds us of how people from all walks of life have contributed to something truly spectacular.
Gemini: You love being different anyhow, so you like to find the stuff that appears to not fit in anywhere. While Big Ears has regularly brought in the far-out, the return of this comedian adds to the eclecticism. Neil Hamburger is hands-down one of the funniest acts around, and he’ll be here with longtime collaborator Tim Heidecker and his Very Good Band. With his eccentric anti-humor, physical awkwardness and snarly delivery, Hamburger will bring his purposely moan-worthy punchlines and nonsensical ditties as a respite from the fancy-pants, highbrow tone that will be present during many of the other weekend’s sets. This man will not disappoint, or if he does, it’ll likely be on purpose.
Cancer: For our romantic of the zodiac, a songwriter who has mastered the art of conveying intense emotions is what you seek. Hailing from America’s heartland, Perfume Genius has been sharing his gift with the rest of the world now for over 15 years. With a sailing falsetto, he eloquently bears his soul with tales of heartbreak; feelings of insecurity and awkwardness; and, of course, love. He touches on societal issues such as masculinity, the challenges of living queer in a straight world and our own fragility. His words are ruggedly honest and vulnerable, while his delivery is bold and powerful. Crabs love to feel their feels, and this gentleman will make you feel every last one of them.
Leo: You are a bright and fierce shining star, so you’re needing a band that’s flashy and energetic but doesn’t kill your good time if there’s a healthy dose of hard truths mixed in. The return of Tune-Yards to this year’s lineup is gonna be nothing short of spectacular. With crazy beats, wild looping techniques, engrossing vocals and a commanding stage presence, this duo provides the soundtrack for the most magnetic social-justice foray imaginable. It’s an odd task – exploring privilege while moving your body to hype electro-pop – but the world would be better if we all gave it a try.
Virgo: You’re a fan of technical excellence, so there’s plenty in the festival lineup to grab your attention. But you’re a sensible sort that has a bit of whimsy stowed away, just looking for a place to let her get out and play for a while. Folk royalty Richard Thompson is just the ticket for you. Jerry Garcia’s favorite guitarist has mastered the instrument, making it sound like a slew of slingers are onstage even when he’s playing solo. His musicianship is enough to be celebrated on its own, but the man is also an impeccable storyteller. From grandiose ballads to heart-wrenching tragedies, Thompson’s songs evoke the most epic movies of the imagination.
Libra: Libras tend to dig high energy and social environments that include opportunities to explore, and they are drawn to music that creates such ambiance. Flying Lotus will be bringing something not only unique to the festival, but also to himself. With a new album purposefully geared to be even more experimental than his already extensive catalog that borrows from electronic, hip-hop, jazz and indie-rap, the Big Ears virgin has created a new album that is harder, faster and wider than he’s ever gone before. This festival is about tinkerers and innovators, and this performer is sure to deliver something spectacular.
Scorpio: What you’re looking for is far beyond just some band. You’re wanting something that challenges your intellect and teases your psyche with unpredictability and a stark atmosphere. London’s Moin, a trio of collaborators, has invented a new sound that is primitive, intense, lustful and driving. With intricate beats, droning guitars and sparse but haunting vocals, the triplicate’s sound evokes images of a dark, damp basement in an industrial city. You might experience fear, but it should hit you in a good way, daring you to come inside. They create an atmosphere that mixes pleasure with danger, which is wickedly delicious.
Sagittarius: You like stuff that is high energy, danceable and fun. Even better if it’s something totally new. Maruja Limon, an all-female sextet from Barcelona, will be bringing the party with them to Knoxville. The Latin-fusion outfit draws from flamenco, salsa, pop and more for a sound that if full of life and celebration. If you need a break from sitting though beautiful but quiet and somber acts, these women for sure will help you get those wiggles out.
Capricorn: Some folks might think you’re stuffy and straightlaced, but, really, you just admire self-reliance and ingenuity. You also love antiquated sounds, so a modern take on the classics really grabs your attention and garners your respect. With surf, blues, country, garage and psychobilly rolled into one crazy package, Montreal’s Bloodshot Bill, a one-man band, will have your motor running on all cylinders. His music is high energy on its own, but watching him man both the guitar and drums is truly a sight to behold. You’ll enjoy the spectacle and admire the drive.
weezy@blanknews.com
