Boston Calling is a three day music festival that takes place at The Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston, MA on May 24-26. This years Boston Calling will be special as it is the festivals’ tenth edition. Since moving from Boston’s City Hall Plaza in 2016 to the new space in Allston, this festival has brought along countless acts and now has implemented comedians into the festival. Boston Calling has been praised by numerous outlets including Rolling Stone and The Boston Globe for having one of the most versatile lineups and production and even named one of the top ten festivals. This years lineup is certainly one you don’t want to miss. Headlining this years lineup are Twenty One Pilots, Travis Scott, and Tame Impala. With already incredible headliners there are also other acts that you definitely don’t want to miss and you’ve come to the right place to check out the ones to watch at Boston Calling!
Band: Snail Mail
From: Ellicott City, Maryland
When/where you can find them: 3pm Delta Blue Stage
Why we like them: Snail Mail’s leading lady Lindsey Jordan is a force to be reckoned with. At only 19, Lindsey has written and recorded her own EP Stick and has released a debut album Lush that is loved by so many. The opening guitar in “Pristine” is one of my favorites of Snail Mail’s. Lindsey can absolutely shred on the guitar and it’s evident in the music. The instrumentals and lyricism of Snail Mail’s songs prove to show just how much Snail Mail continues to break all the boundaries and you definitely don’t want to miss the amazing live show they put on!
Listen to: Pristine, Golden Dream, Heat Wave, Thinning
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d91Qn8QUks[/embedyt]
Band: Mitski
From: Japan/New York
When/where you can find them: 4:40pm Green Stage
Why we like them: Mitski, or by her real name Mitski Miyawaki has been taking the world by storm recently. She self produced and released her first two albums Lush and Retired From Sad, New Career in Business. Her most recent critically acclaimed album Be The Cowboy launched her off into stardom. The way her soothing voice carries throughout the album makes you feel like you are in another world. Not only does she sing she also plays piano, guitar, and bass and always implements them into every live show. The live show she puts on is out of this world and you really have to see it to believe it so don’t miss her at Boston Calling!
Listen to: Nobody, Your Best American Girl, Geyser, Happy
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_hDHm9MD0I[/embedyt]
Band: Greta Van Fleet
From: Frankenmuth, Michigan
When/where you can find them: 7:50pm Red Stage
Why we like them: Greta Van Fleet formed in 2012 and have been captivating audiences ever since. Just this past year they released their debut album Anthem of the Peaceful Army. The album was so amazing that it topped the Billboard rock charts the week after its release. They even won a grammy for their EP From The Fires. Their anthemic music makes you want to get up and dance and maybe even head bang. From their heavy punching guitars, to their piercing voices, and stellar stage presence, Greta Van Fleet are a band you definitely want to check out!
Listen to: When The Curtain Falls, Black Smoke Rising, Highway Tune, Safari Song
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86_vnQc1oBE[/embedyt]
Band: King Princess
From: Brooklyn, New York
When/where you can find them: 6:10 Delta Blue Stage
Why we like them: Mikaela Straus a.k.a King Princess is a powerhouse singer songwriter who isn’t slowing down anytime soon. At only 20 years old King Princess has already made a name for herself even with not releasing a debut album yet. Her EP Make My Bed has gained a ton of popularity and features the hit debut single “1950” which skyrocketed King Princess into stardom. “1950” now has over 200 million streams which it should as it is a tribute to queer love and the LGBTQ community. King Princess definitely is a powerhouse musician as she plays guitar, bass, piano, and drums. She is unafraid to be her true queer self and definitely radiates that in her stage presence. Don’t miss out on a fun time with King Princess and be on the lookout for her debut album this year!
Listen to: 1950, Talia, Pussy is God, Upper West Side
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43n1wghXRGM[/embedyt]
Band: Sidney Gish
From: Boston, MA
When/where you can find them: 12:45pm Red Stage
Why we like them: Boston’s own Sidney Gish has been making a name for herself and is a stellar musician. She has self released and recorded a lot of her music including her first album Ed Buys Houses which was released in 2016. Her most recent album No Dogs Allowed was widely loved by many around the world. It was so loved that it earned her a rating of 7.7 on Pitchfork and most notably earned her album of the year at the Boston Music Awards in 2018. From her sophisticated lyricism and cool upbeat guitar tones Sidney is sure not to be messed with. Sidney calls Boston her home so this will be one hell of a performance and homecoming you don’t want to miss!
Listen to: Not but for you, Bunny, Impostor Syndrome, Rat of The City, Sin Triangle
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVyjLwKnOCk[/embedyt]
For more info and to purchase tickets to Boston Calling:
