Round 2! Here are a few more write ups on just some of the bands we’re most excited to see this year.

DJ Shadow

What can ya say, DJ Shadow is playing Rifflandia!! This is huge news for hip-hop and electronic music fans alike, as Josh Davis’ 1996 debut album Entroducing… was groundbreaking for the genres. Coming from California, Shadow made a name for himself by coupling forgotten vinyl track samples with head nodding breakbeats, even having the term “trip-hop” coined with him in mind. He’s gonna blow the non existant roof off Market Square!

Austra

Not just another electro-pop outfit hailing from Toronto, Austra has something other bands don’t, and that is likely Katie Stelmanis. Operatically trained, Stelmanis weaves her vibrato delicately between cinematic synth-psych and building electro-goth. Also worth noting is the twin backing vocalists, who perform an almost synchronized act of airy, fluid arm movements. For fans of Bat For Lashes or Zola Jesus.

Bright Light Social Hour

It goes without saying that anyone who wins Band of the Year (and Album of the Year…and Song of the Year…) at the Austin Music Awards during SXSW is worth checking out. And these guys definitely are! Dabbling in funky, psychedelic, BLSH boast a high-energy show, rich with retro rock. Three vocalists, ample bass lines, and more than enough facial hair to go around, you want to see this band!

Chixdiggit

A staple in the Canadian 90’s pop-punk scene, Chixdiggit has reformed and will be hitting the stage at the Victoria Event Centre. After forming a high school band based off a t-shirt idea, the three Calgary lads saved up enough cash (from t-shirt sales) to buy a drum kit, and began practicing. Over the next 15+ years the band would record, tour, move labels, break-up and reform, all the while maintaining a light hearted, Ramones-y, fun punk blare.

The White Buffalo

The White Buffalo returns to Victoria, riding high on the success of his songs featured on tv show Sons of Anarchy. Writing songs of love, loss and whiskey, with a country-blues feel, earnest and gruff, this guy can sing!

Family Of The Year

Not quite The Osmonds or Jackson 5, Welsh brothers Joseph and Sebastian Keefe formed Family Of The Year with friends Christina Schroeter, and James Buckey after moving west from Boston to California. Catchy, folk-inspired songs with a healthy dose of vocal harmonies provide a summery feel that’ll uplift all listeners.

Rich Aucoin

With two opportunities this year to see this amazing showman, there’s no excuse on missing out. Carrying quite a reputation surrounding his life set, which can include confetti and parachutes, Aucoin also proved his talents as a recording artist with his album We’re All Dying to Live, claiming upwards of 500 collaborators. Flourishing with catchy dance tunes and an unforgettable live show, this’ll be a show to see!

Trust

Looking to add some synthy electro-goth to your festival experience? Look no further than Toronto based Trust. Off the Arts & Crafts label, and following in the male/female duo vein (think Crystal Castles), these two will send chills down the spine of anyone watching with their melodic, cold wave sound.