This weekend in Los Angeles, one of 2017’s best line ups descends on Exposition Park – FYF Festival. The festival has grown considerably since its debut in 2006, the then branded F*CK YEAH FEST. From hosting the likes of The Bronx and The Black Lips in that first year, to expanding to take in more genres in showcasing artists including Deerhunter, The Rapture, M83, Refused and Kanye West, FYF has become a playground thousands of music fans flock to almost religiously each year.
For 2017, the festival has upped the ante once again, bringing together a range of artists who have had breakthrough albums this year (Solange), have been wowing crowds globally for decades (Iggy Pop, Björk) and some of the industry’s hottest names from abroad (Nicolas Jaar, Julia Jacklin, MURA MASA) for three days and nights of unmissable live music.
The AU is going to be mixing it up at FYF this weekend (between this and Splendour, we’re quite spoiled for choice) and ahead of FYF 2017, we bring you our top picks of the weekend.
Fun note: For the first time, FYF will be live-streaming sets and broadcasting interviews throughout the weekend – head over to their Twitter page and get involved!
SOLANGE
Performs on Sunday (July 23rd) – Main Stage, 8:25pm
Solange’s recent shows dotted around the States have made us itchy for any sign of an Australian tour but for now, we’ll have to settle with this festival appearance on the Main Stage at the tail end of FYF instead. Oh, woe.
Of course, A Seat At the Table has become a masterpiece of its own – as far as 2017 albums have dictated – but Solange’s artistry has shone in the production of her live shows; from the choreography to the fashion, she’s in her own lane at the moment and we’re loving it.
FRANK OCEAN
Performs on Saturday (July 22nd) – Main Stage, 11:00pm
There’s little doubt that any chance to see Frank perform is one that most wouldn’t take for granted – especially given he’s been known to pull out on or postpone festival shows in the past. Giving Blonde a run on live stages however, has been something fans have been hanging out for and fingers crossed, it all goes to plan this weekend.
NINE INCH NAILS
Performs on Sunday (July 23rd) – Main Stage, 10:45pm
If their recent pop up on Twin Peaks was anything to go by, Trent Reznor and co are going to be giving fans a show well worth the wait this weekend, as the iconic US group make their return to full touring. Their recently released Add Violence EP showcases the band at their brutal best and going off recent reviews of their first show back, NIN fans are in for a treat this weekend at FYF.
JULIA JACKLIN
Performs on Sunday (July 23rd) – Club Stage, 3:15pm
For the Aussies heading to FYF this year, rally round Julia as she flies the flag for some brilliantly crafted music out of NSW. She’ll be flying in from Splendour, so I’m not even sure how she’ll be functioning at that point, but no doubt she’ll be holding things down excellently on Sunday afternoon. Globetrotting has become the norm for Jacklin, and we’re excited to see her new set of tunes.
MISSY ELLIOTT
Performs on Friday (July 21st) – Main Stage, 11:15pm
The OG. One of hip hop’s most renowned and beloved names returns to the LA stage on Friday night’s program for a surefire set doling out banger after banger. The last time we can remember seeing Missy Elliott in Australia was at Parklife some years ago now, but even then, her show was a masterclass in beats, swagger and dance-inducing rhymes that were relentless in their delivery. Her recent music videos have proven that Missy hasn’t lost any of her edge in her time away and no doubt, playing at FYF is going to further the fact.
IGGY POP
Performs on Sunday (July 23rd) – Lawn Stage, 7:20pm
One of rock n roll’s icons, Iggy Pop joins the FYF party on Sunday night. The Iggy Pop Post Pop Depression era has seen a whole new waves of fans come into the fold, while we’ve seen a refreshed and edgy facet of Iggy’s musicianship and songwriting come through strongly. It’s a great time to be a Pop fan – all round.
ROYAL HEADACHE
Performs on Friday (July 21st) – Club Stage, 7:00pm
Some of Sydney’s favourite sons join Julia Jacklin in representing for the Australians at FYF this year – Royal Headache are set to leave Exposition Park with a whole slew of new fans in their way, we’re putting money on it. They’ve become one of Australia’s most intriguing and incredibly talented bands deserving more recognition and through this year, it would seem that more global audiences are beginning to become switched on to their style as well.
THUNDERCAT
Performs on Saturday (July 22nd) – Lawn Stage, 5:30pm
Drunk was featured in our list of Best Albums released so far in 2017 and after being glued to Thundercat’s recent set at Glastonbury not too long ago, we’re keen to see the man himself back on home turf in LA this weekend. A tight band with a great dynamic is what you get when you watch Thundercat perform live; the music oozes groove and rhythmic prowess, while the nuances of his work are ever-entertaining to be encompassed by.
BJÖRK
Performs on Sunday (July 23rd) – Main Stage, 8:50pm
Ah, Björk. There isn’t really much else to say, is there? The Icelandic alt-pop goddess herself hits FYF with a show that will be unmistakably her own. We last saw Björk in Australia last year, when she brought both her music and visual art installation to Sydney but in terms of seeing a full set? It’s definitely been a while between drinks. We don’t know what to expect, but that’s the thrill of it.
For more information about FYF head to www.fyffest.com.
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