“F*** Lollapalooza. That isn’t rock and roll.”
This was the response from Bon Iver founder Justin Vernon when he was asked by Grantland writer Steven Hyden about the lineup for his music festival, Eaux Claires. Vernon went on to lament about how he feels big music festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo book the same acts, and that the focus of the promoters is more on making money and less on sharing and spreading new music.
There has been discussion of bringing a big music festival to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, but so far the only progress on that front was the Rose Bowl Operating Company entering into a non-binding letter of intent with Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) back in April to run a weekend-long music and arts festival at the famed stadium. The catch? Last time the Rose Bowl had a concert series, residents complained about the noise and activity level, and having multiple weeknight events.
Have major festivals thrown music to the wind in lieu of money or are concert promoters simply booking the acts people want to see? How commercialized have big music festivals become? Do you think it hinders new musicians from getting exposure? How so?
Guests:
Dave Brooks, founder and editor of Amplify, which covers all aspects of the music business
Steven Hyden, staff writer for Grantland. He interviewed Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon for an article called “Lost in the World: Justin Vernon on His New Music Festival and the Uncertain Status of Bon Iver,” which was published on Grantland July 8