Being that I’m 16 years old and I’ve only just reached an acceptable age to attend music festivals, I have unfortunately missed out on some of the finest acts at Atlanta’s premier music festival, Music Midtown. This year the two-day festival is set for Sept. 16 and 17 in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. Fantasizing about attending the festival, however, has no age limits. Here is my ultimate Music Midtown Lineup, compiled of past, present, and (hopefully) future Music Midtown acts. Hopefully, Music Midtown promoter Peter Conlon gets some ideas.
Mac DeMarco
Mac DeMarco is one of my favorite artists. His songs are frequented in vaporwave remixes despite the fact that they aren’t old or elevator songs. DeMarco is famous for his chill, nostalgic vibe that makes you reminiscent of the summer lovers you never had and can make you feel 10 years older (in a good way). He’s so worthy of a spot at Music Midtown and adds something that isn’t alternative or rap to the line up.
Lorde
Lorde has always held a special place in my heart ever since I joined the girl’s guitar ensemble in eighth grade and played a killer acoustic version of “Royals” which I still know all the words to. While I probably couldn’t play “Royals” on the guitar again, Lorde is still killing it four years later with her second album “Melodrama.” “Supercut” is such a festival song — imagine running around in a mosh pit, yelling “SUPERCUT OF US!” while you create a movie montage in your head with an imaginary SO. And “Liability” has so much lighter waving potential.
Tame Impala
The sun is setting on Piedmont Park, creating a beautiful orange sky. Tame Impala, casually clad, roll out on stage and the first baseline in “New Person, Same Mistakes” cuts on and a scream is heard across the crowd. The scream is me, losing my mind because Tame Impala is one of the best bands ever! Even though they haven’t released an album in two years, Rihanna kept them relevant last year with her cover of “New Person, Same Mistakes” (Titled “Same Ol’ Mistakes”) on ANTI. Tame Impala has changed their sound a lot over three albums, but their most recent album sounds like the soundtrack to a cool indie movie and is total festival material.
Kendrick Lamar
Kung Fu Kenny – does he even need an introduction? Kendrick Lamar is one of the best rappers of his generation and getting him at Music Midtown again would be monumental. He could perform any of his songs and get the entire crowd lit, for sure. Kendrick’s stage presence is ridiculous and his energy and performance would take
Tyler, the Creator
If he wasn’t too busy planning and performing at his own festival, Camp Flog Gnaw , Tyler, the Creator would be the cherry on top of the festival. “Flower Boy” has the end of the summer vibes that I would die for at Music Midtown. And, much like Kendrick, Tyler’s stage presence is unbelievable.
SZA
If we’re being completely honest, I would so embarrass myself if “Drew Barrymore” came on and caught me off guard at a concert. I’ve never seen SZA in concert, but “Ctrl” is one of the best breakup albums ever. Maybe it’s because I’m a girl, but I think she’s better than Drake when it comes to “You broke my heart, why?” songs. Plus, she has songs with Kendrick that, if performed live in front of my eyes, would probably have me in tears.
Rihanna
Is it a party if you don’t play DJ Khaled and Rihanna’s “Wild Thoughts”? The answer is no, it’s not. In my dream simulation, Rihanna performs some of our favorite hits from all of her albums, like “Man Down” and “Pon de Replay” and finished with some “ANTI” tracks and of course, “Wild Thoughts” because it’s not a party without wild thoughts.
Music Midtown 2017 is September 16th – 17th at Piedmont Park, and while it isn’t my dream line up, it’s still pretty dope. Check out a Spotify playlist of the artists mentioned below.
Kaylynn Parks, a senior at Atlanta International and soon to be 17, loves vaporwave music and can’t dance. Follow her instagram @k.chrxi
