Life is Beautiful has consistently crafted unique and diverse musical lineups over the years and 2016 is no different. This year’s lineup features everyone from 80’s rock band Jane’s Addiction and folk/alternative rock band Mumford & Sons to electrofunk-duo Chromeo and Bay Area rapper G-Eazy. No matter which genre you prefer there is a little something for everyone at Life is Beautiful. If you haven’t brushed up on the lineup here are my top 10 artists to see at this year’s festival!
10. Mumford & Sons
Mumford & Sons are one of my guilty pleasures. I cannot wait to hear their new material live and, of course, all their classics from the first two albums.
9. NF
Imagine Macklemore’s voice, but with the intensity of Eminem and the deep thought of Kendrick. NF > G-Eazy, no doubt. That might rub some people the wrong way, but you can feel the passion in NF’s music. I have a feeling this is going to be my favorite rap/hip hop act of the weekend.
8. Flume
I know, I know. Flume is #8. Everyone knows Flume could/should/would be higher on the list, but I have been lucky enough to see him a few times since the release of “Skin”. Each show has been amazing and I cannot wait to see Flume again, but the above artists take priority. If you haven’t experienced his new live set I highly recommend prioritizing it!
7. Crystal Castles
Crystal Castles was one of the first electronic groups I listened to. It won’t be the same without Alice Glass, but I am still excited to jam to the songs that helped ignite my love for music (and dance music, for that matter).
6. Bob Moses
Bob Moses perfectly blends an alternative sound with smooth and dancey electronic beats. This will totally be a groovy set!
5. Bassnectar
This will surely be the bassiest set of the weekend. The streets of Downtown Las Vegas will be echoing Bassnectar his entire set.
4. ZHU
There has been no slowing down for ZHU since he released his first EP, The Nightday, which includes huge tracks like “Faded” and “Stay Closer”. With the recent release of his debut album, GENERATIONWHY, ZHU’s set is sure to draw a huge crowd and will have everyone getting funky.
3. Empire of the Sun
Empire of the Sun was a late addition to the lineup and I could not be anymore stoked. Their live performance is not only visually stunning and theatrical, but their music is up-beat and dancey. It has been a few years since I have seen the Australian electronic duo grace the stage and you bet I will be boppin’ around to “Alive” and “Walking On A Dream”.
2. Die Antwoord
There have been a handful of events where I chose the competing artist when it came to a set time conflict with Die Antwoord. Not this time. This time I am getting weird with the South African rap-rave duo and I really have no idea what to expect. I just know it is going to be a great time.
1. Banks and Steelz
I know what you might be thinking, “Banks and Steelz? Who the heck are they?” I had no idea until I listened to my Life is Beautiful 2016 Spotify playlist. It is Interpol’s frontman, Paul Banks, and Wu Tang’s RZA. Both bring their unique flare from their respective genres and the result is amazing! If you like Interpol and Wu Tang Clan, then this is a set you do not want to miss. When rock and hip hop join forces you get Banks and Steelz.
Check out the daily musical lineups here! Not sure what to expect? Read about Zach’s 2015 Life is Beautiful Experience!
