One of the UK’s biggest and most eclectic music festivals is set to make its debut in Toronto. Taking place on Toronto Island on June 12 and 13, Bestival’s stacked line-up boasts a wide array of artists, from big name Indie acts, to turn-up kings, future bass originators and one of the greatest rappers of all time. With so many great performers it’s hard to decide who to see. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of can’t miss acts below.
Flosstradamus
Chitown based duo Flosstradamus are the kings of the turn up. As originators within the trap genre, Flosstradamus have been pushing the sound forward since its inception; fusing electronic and rap tunes into their sets at festivals around the world. Recently the duo has moved to a new format that sees Autobot handling the responsibilities on the decks while J2K rocks the mic and gets the crowd amped up. At first glance this may seem less than ideal but the MC and DJ style is undeniably hype. If you’re looking to get wild there’s probably no better set to attend, just don’t be surprised when they turn the crowd into a mosh pit.
Cashmere Cat
Cashmere Cat shot by Hector Vasquez for FUXWITHIT.
One of the most inventive producers in electronic music, Cashmere Cat is another DJ you can’t afford to miss. The combination of the former DMC competitor’s turntablist skills with his forward thinking production and stellar song selection are like nothing you’ve ever heard. In his sets tracks are dissected live to highlight and reduce instrumentation. Instead of drop after drop, the tracks are drawn out, reworked live and slowly blended into one and other, creating truly seamless transitions. His sets take you on an audio journey with just enough hard hitting Jersey Club to keep the energy up and the crowd dancing. This is guaranteed to be one of the most unique and memorable sets of the weekend.
ZHU
Anything that ZHU does seems to be surrounded in an air of mystique. From his genius debut, to his live sets, he always has fans gushing for more. ‘Faded’ was arguably the biggest song of 2014 and his Nightday EP was chalked full of irresistible hits. His combination of deep basslines and falsetto vocals are the perfect blend. It’s difficult to predict what ZHU will bring to his Canadian debut. Will the stage remain covered to retain his anonymity? Will he drop some unreleased music? Will his set include live vocals? There’s only one way to find out…
Grandtheft
There’s nothing like turning an entire island into your playground. Canada’s own Grandtheft is slated for what is destined to be a great set on Day 1 of the two day fun filled festival. Grandtheft has been heating up in the game for a few years now. With notable tracks like ‘Keep it 100’ with Keys N Krates to working with Diplo on the most recent ‘BBHMM’ remix, Grandheft has solidified himself as one of the most amazing DJ’s/producers in the game. On June 12th you can expect a stellar set from him that may even steal the show.
Flume
Looking to escape the party vibe but still want to take in some electronic music? Australian producer Flume has you covered. His sets take a more turned down approach focusing on delivering feels and packing emotion. That’s not to say he won’t slip in a banger here or there, but you’re more likely to be vibin’ out than fist pumping or jumping. Expect a smooth mix of future sounds ranging from bass to R&B and beyond.
Nas
“Nasty Nas in your area, about to cause mass hysteria”. I don’t know if any of the current hip-hop and rap fans understand this but Nas is a living legend. The don dada Mr. Nasir Jones will grace the Bestival stage in Toronto on June 12th. If you’re a hip hop head, imagine seeing Nastradamus headline day two of one of the largest festivals in Canada. Now picture the God drop his classic records from his impressive catalog. If you’re getting excited reading this, then you need to be there to witness it for yourself. I mean, it’s Nas!
Keys N Krates
Easily one of the most interesting and exciting live acts in electronic music, Key N Krates are another hometown favourite who have achieved global success. The 3 man group consists of David Matisse (Synth/Keyboard), Adam Tune (Drums), and Jr. Flo (DJ/Turtablist). The trio are renowned for their “weird rap beats” that combine infectious loops with hard hitting drums and irresistible melodies. Their live shows are a mixture of their own productions with a number of well known trap, rap and electronic tunes reworked live. Most notable is their ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ routine which is awe inspiring. For those looking for something different than your average DJ set, but still looking to party, this is your dream come true.
Pusher
Pusher shot by Hector Vasquez for FUXWITHIT.
Pusher is one of Toronto’s brightest new stars. The producer/DJ has been making major waves online with his future bass originals and remixes. His remix for Jack U has clocked nearly half million plays to date. As a DJ he’s been killing it in Toronto opening for some of the biggest names in the game including Thugli, Grandtheft and Cashmere Cat. His sets are a blend of dark trap, hard hitting bangers and video game inspired future bass. If you’re wondering who’s the next big thing coming out of the city, look no further.
