Echo Beach is going to rock this summer especially with some of the hottest rock concerts! Thanks to 102.1 The Edge, Edge Fest is the longest running rock concert series to bless Toronto. After jumping from venue to venue for years it’s gotten so big that they’re taking over Echo Beach. Who needs an assigned seat when you can buy a general admission ticket and see some of your favorite rock bands rock two stages, eat some grub from the yummy venders and take in the Toronto skyline.
The rocking starts on July 23rd with performances from JJ and the Pillars, Milky Chance, X Ambassadors, The Franklin Electric, Elle King and the Zolas. That’s quite the headline for the first day. Milky Chance is a German folk duo known for their reggae and electronic influence. Their album “Sadnecessary,” was Spin’s Album of the Week and everything seemed to take off from there. They even made their TV debut last year performing songs from their album. This European Breakers Award winning band is not to be reckoned with. They’ve performed at venues such as House of Blues and Coachella.
Elle King is known as comedian Rob Schneider’s daughter but she’s also got a set of pipes on her. With a voice so versatile sometimes it’s hard to believe it’s the same person. One minute she’s rock and the next she’s all bluesy. Her song “Playing for Keeps,” was the theme song for VH1’s “Mob Wives Chicago.” Her debut album dropped this year and now she’s touring with Of Monsters and Men. How’s that for just one album? You’re going to want to hear her voice in person to justify the chill bumps on your arm.
Another fresh voice to watch is the X Ambassadors. They’re debut album “VHS” dropped last month and brought hits such as “Uncosolable” and “Renegades.” “Renegades” might sound familiar to you because it’s the song for Jeep’s newest model with the same name. They have to be good not only are fans applauding their sound but their album features the likes of Jamie N Commons and Imagine Dragons. Edgefest is the perfect venue for their sound.
If you can’t make the first show never fret because remember Edgefest is a three part concert series. On July 29th headliners include Incubus, Deftones, and The Bots. Even if you’re not into rock you’ve heard of heard the greatness known as Incubus. The multi-platinum selling rock group has been blessing airways since 1999 when they dropped their debut album “Make Yourself.” After releasing six albums the band has released their first of two EPs “Trust Fall Side A.”
Deftones rock group seems to be still be rocking and have been since 1988. These guys are legends. With seven albums under their belt they are no strangers to making hits. Their eighth album is said to be a little more “heady” and expected to drop by the end of 2015. It’s crazy even after losing a member, these guys keep the music coming.
The Bots are new to the garage punk scene and last year Rolling Stone already named them “Most Likely to Succeed.” They released their debut album “Pink Palms” last October and have already performed at Bonnaroo, Coachella, Summer Sonic Festival and Vans Warped. They definitely have the performing thing under their belt and you don’t want to miss their Edgefest performance.
The last bit of awesomeness known as Edgefest 2015 is on August 15th with artists like Mother Mother, Kongos and Scott Helman. The Canadian band also known as Mother Mother has quite the following. They started independently in 2005 with just the name Mother and now they’re five albums in. Their album “Very Good Bad Thing” dropped in November and they show no signs of slowing their momentum. Their songs “Get Out the Way” and “Monkey Tree” peaked at number nine on the charts. Fans say they have quite the stage presence so you’re going to want to arrive to their performance early so you can get a good view.
It’s not every day that you get to watch a South African alternative rock band perform. The band of brothers also known as KONGOS started performing in 2007 and quickly got addicted to the stage life. They have two albums under their belt and quite the credits under their belt. Their song “Come with Me Now” was featured in the “Holy Motors” film and used by WWE as a theme song for “Extreme Rules.” That’s how you know you made it when WWE starts using your music for theme songs. The guys haven’t dropped new music in quite a while but it’s always good to listen to some oldie but goodies. Expect their show to be quite packed.
Singer songwriter, Scott Helman dropped his debut EP last year and right out the gate his debut single was nominated for a Much Much Video Award. People are describing his sound as a mix of Jeff Buckley and Vance Joy. His debut album Augusta is full of narrative songs that paint vivid pictures for listeners. Helman has opened for artists like Shawn Mendes, Colin James, Tegan and Sara and Matt Good. So there’s no question when it comes to this guy knowing how to perform. Expect lots of energy from him at Edgefest.
If you’re just dedicated and you have to see everyone, save some money and get a mega ticket. Which date will you be attending? Do you have any crazy memorable Edgefest memories?
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