In less than two weeks, the Woodlands of Dover, Delaware will be all lit up for yet another iteration of Firefly Music Festival. From Vampire Weekend to Panic! at the Disco, Travis Scott to the Midnight, this year’s lineup promises there’ll be something for everyone, even those with the most obscure of music tastes. And with 100+ artists spread out over the 3-day weekend (in addition to the vast array of food choices, kickback activities, and bazaar shops), we wouldn’t count on a dull moment.
If you haven’t purchased your tickets at this point in time, there’s hope for you yet—Stubhub, the official partner of Firefly Festival, has you covered with a range of passes for the whole weekend. Whether you’re trying to nab General Admission, VIP, or Super VIP passes, there’s plenty options remaining! Check them out here. Plus, if you buy a festival ticket from their site, you’ll receive 15% off your next concert ticket purchase. Win, win.
And while you’re getting your RV ready to hit the road, or grabbing that last minute $29 tent from Target, we’re here to make the weekend’s roadmapping a little less overwhelming. Here are our recommendations for the 18 artists not to miss at Firefly 2019.
The band who needs no introduction: Panic! At the Disco. Between wrapping their extensive world tour and scooping up two Billboard Music Awards, the Vegas natives are having an incredible 2019. Thanks in large part to the success of their sixth studio album, Pray for the Wicked, the band—led by Brandon Urie—will continue playing live shows throughout the summer, dusting off fan favorites like "Pray for the Wicked” and "High Hopes" for festival crowds. Up next: Firefly.
It’s difficult to name a song more infectious than “The Middle”. The unofficial jam of summer ruled the airwaves last year, and once again proved Zedd’s ability to create EDM-pop crossover magic. In addition to his collaborative track with Marren Morris and Grey, the esteemed Russian-German producer frequently performs Top 40 gems during his shows such as Alessia Cara’s “Stay” and Ariana Grande’s “Break Free”. Fingers crossed for “Clarity”!
There’s a reason indie-rock sensations Death Cab For Cutie have been around for more than two decades. Their ninth album, Thank You for Today, hit shelves last summer, and received rave reviews thanks to songs like the Yoko Ono-sampled “Gold Rush” and “Northern Lights,” which saw vocal support from Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry. Don’t miss their set at Firefly, where they’re guaranteed to dazzle the crowd with a career-spanning setlist for the books.
After meeting at Columbia University in 2006, the members of Vampire Weekend—Ezra Koenig (vocals/guitar), Chris Baio (drums), Chris Tomson (bass)—have gone on to become indie pop legends. From “Oxford Comma” to “Horchata” to “Harmony Hall,” their evolution has been an awesome one to watch as a fan. Currently on a world tour in support of their latest LP, Father of The Bride, the band’s recent setlists have been well documented online, and often include unexpected covers (“I'm Goin' Down” by Bruce Springsteen) and old faves (“Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa”).
Post Malone shows are known to go from fun concert to wild party within minutes of him walking onstage. The eclectic singer/songwriter/rapper/producer’s energy is next level, and when he busts out songs like “Congratulations,”Sunflower,” or “Wow” the entire crowd erupts into one, giant singalong. Also something to watch out for? Guitar smashing during his hit track, “Rockstar,” because, obviously.
Wigs, outfit changes, emotional spiels to the crowd—if Tyler, the Creator’s set at Firefly is anything like his Governors Ball show a few weeks ago, festival-goers are in for a treat. In support of his new album Igor (which just hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts), the Odd Future founder will be hitting the main stage before Panic! At The Disco to perform songs like “NEW MAGIC WAND,” “EARFQUAKE,” and “I THINK” in addition to classics off his previous four studio LPs.
Catch us front row, center at AWOLNATION’s set on Friday to experience “Sail” live, one of our favorite songs of the past decade. While this may be their biggest track to date, their most recent album, 2017’s Here Come the Runts, has proven that their creativity and knack for serious songwriting knows no bounds. Add this set to your crews schedule, because you won’t want to miss the LA natives when they bring their hard-hitting stadium rock to the main stage.
One of the founding fathers of trap music is heading to Firefly. Everyone from Young Thug to Migos to 21 Savage has cited Gucci Mane as one of their biggest inspirations, so seeing the Atlanta native live—if you haven’t already—is a must. And don’t be shocked if Gucci goes all out for his set, which are known to include surprise appearances, unplanned freestyles, and unreleased material.
French DJ and record producer, DJ Snake has seemingly worked with everyone in music. In 2018, his song “Taki Taki” brought together three of the industry’s power players (Selena Gomez, Cardi B, and Ozuna) to create radio magic. It appears as though he’s caught lightning in a bottle, because his newest single “Enzo”—which features Offset, 21 Savage, Sheck Wes and Gucci Mane—sees a hip-hop dream team reunited. Note: wear comfy shoes to this set, you’ll thank us later.
Travis Scott is a global sensation. Within the first 24 hours of the release of his 2018 album, ASTROWORLD, Spotify revealed that it had clocked in more than 64.5 million streams on the platform. Those numbers have only continued to surge thanks to a massive world tour and successful merch line. Keeping in line with the amusement park motif the album was built around, his stage designs are known to feature everything from rollercoasters to merry-go-rounds. Get there early if you want a good spot to see Travis work the crowd to songs like “SICKO MODE” and “YOSEMITE”.
Walk the Moon are one of indie-pop’s favorite success stories. The band had humble beginnings with their debut single, “Anna Sun”, but skyrocketed to fame in 2014 with the catchy “Shut Up and Dance”. Fast forward five years, and they’re fresh off a tour with Muse and have festival appearances inked throughout the summer. ICYMI: they’ll be closing out The Lawn stage on Sunday night, and we can’t think of a better way to wrap up Firefly 2019 than by seeing WTM.
To see Young the Giant in concert is to hop on a blissful, emotional rollercoaster. There’s energetic anthems begging to be danced to (“Something to Believe In”) and powerful ballads that will have you in your feels (“Superposition”). This combination is truly one-of-a-kind, and is one of the reasons they’ve amassed a cult following over the years. Live out your indie dreams during this set which will be chalk filled with both songs from their debut album and from their latest record, Mirror Master.
Come young, come all to see Yungblud at Firefly. The Doncaster born-and-bred musician isn’t afraid in the slightest to make music brimming with raw energy and unrefined lyrics—his goal, after all, is to rile up the crowd one way or another. Following an appearance at Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, Yungblud has proven time and time again that his ravenous riffs and protestful lyrics make for an unforgettable set. You can catch him performing songs off his debut album, 21st Century Liability, in all its glory on Sunday at the Prism stage, along with songs from his 2018 EP, YUNGBLUD. To get pumped, listen to his latest single, “I Think I’m OKAY” with Travis Barker and Machine Gun Kelly.
Hailing from Los Angeles, Lovelytheband are something of a rolling thunder—they started out virtually undetected before suddenly taking the music world by storm. According to the band, they don’t have a “cool backstory” (although we’d disagree) but their speedy rise to fame was definitely one for the books. Bandmates Mitchy Collins (previously of Oh Honey) and Jordan Greenwald met while bar hopping, and guitarist Sam Price joined after Collins slid into his DMs. Their debut single “Broken”, a surprisingly catchy alt-pop single about shared loneliness, was admittedly thrown together after the dissolution of Collin’s previous band, and leapt the charts shortly after its release. Pretty cool beginnings if you ask us.
The self-proclaimed Queen of sadgirl vibes, Lykke Li is returning to the Woodlands of Dover for a sure-to-be emotionally charged set. While her 2014 album, I Never Learn was a symphonious, sultry foray into intense lyrical candor, her 2018 release, so sad so sexy, represented a shift—it’s a slowed-down, deep record best suited for sundown. Whichever songs she decides to perform for fans in the audience at Firefly, there’s no doubt that it’ll be one of the most-talked about shows of the weekend.
Hailed as one of electronic music’s best crossover acts, the duo, most commonly known for their ambient electric beats and atmospheric lyrics, will be hitting Firefly’s Prism stage for a fun show right at sundown. Comprised of Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance, the group’s unconventional music showcases their taste for mellow vibes—blending synths with their industrial rock and Brit-pop influences. After a nearly cancelled performance at GovBall 2019 due to weather, the Canadian duo are ready to bring their dreamy tunes for this golden hour set, inviting you to dwell in the warm embrace of their latest LP, Battle Lines.
Thanks to a series of EPs, Hippo Campus gained a steady following before their debut album was even released. Backed by an army of diehard fans, the St. Paul, Minnesota five-piece band has been touring in support of their sophomore LP Bambi, which draws on a myriad of influences from today’s political climate. If you haven’t yet listened to the project, get a feel for what’s to come by checking out their video for “Honestly” here.
This New Orleans rhythmic soul group, lead by frontwoman Tarriona “Tank” Ball, have become known for their lovable quirkiness. Since winning the NPR Tiny Desk contest back in 2017, the five-piece have been winning over crowds across the US with their haphazard, but deliberate mix of spoken word and R&B. Their latest album, Green Balloon—released last month via Verve Records—is equally as riotous and fun as their first. The band will be appearing at Firefly in-between stops on their current US tour before heading off to play a number of European festivals this summer!