Despite a problematic performer switch, artists and viewers alike have expressed nothing but appreciation for this iconic Chicago music festival. Young Thug took the stage over DaBaby as a result of his homophobic comments made on stage at Rolling Loud, “Lollapalooza was founded on diversity, inclusivity, respect, and love.” Lolla posted, “With that in mind, DaBaby will no longer be performing at Grant Park tonight.” There was a backlash, of course, but too bad so sad—no homophobia allowed.

We can all do better. Fellow Lollapalooza performer Miley Cyrus took to Instagram to point out the importance of knowledge, communication, and education—in place of cancellation. Take this opportunity to improve your own understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community, and continue to encourage love and acceptance as you step away from this article. No homophobia allowed, but no quick judgments allowed either.

After last year, and with fall festivals fast approaching, I’m looking to Lollapalooza to set the tone for live music and future gatherings of this size. On Saturday, Lolla announced the importance of wearing masks indoors, “#Lolla fans, don’t forget that masks must be worn in all indoor spaces at Grant Park starting today.” they said on Twitter, reminding fans to bring a mask along with their proof of vaccination/negative test result. This came as a result of Friday’s CDC guidelines recommending masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

“Based on the latest advice from the Chicago Department of Public Health, Lollapalooza will require masks in any indoor spaces at Grant Park beginning Saturday. We encourage all fans attending the festival to bring a mask as they attend the final two days of the festival.” –Lolla’s Twitter account

For virtual festival attendees, Lollapalooza partnered with Hulu to bring fans an opportunity to watch at home. All weekend long, anyone craving a concert ticket could tune in and stream Lollapalooza from their couch, bed, wherever. This is one pandemic-festival-feature that should certainly stick around for years to come. Last year’s virtual Lollapalooza brightened a live-music-lacking summer for concert goers everywhere; why get rid of it?

Even though the Hulu livestreams are over, those who missed the festival this year can still catch exclusive interviews and highlights via Lollapalooza Radio (through 8/4).

As September now approaches, events like Bonnaroo and Firefly Music Festival are on the horizon and taking steps to ensure a safe festival experience. Much like Lollapalooza imposing mask regulations in accordance with the CDC, these fall 2021 festivals are monitoring guidelines and updating ticket holders with the most current information. Lolla required proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. Keep these types of safety measures in your mind as your chosen festival approaches. Get vaccinated, and bring plenty of masks (you don’t want to be sweating in the same face covering for four straight days).

Bonnaroo:

“As we approach Bonnaroo weekend (September 2-5, 2021), we will continue to update Bonnaroovians with the important information needed to plan your trip to The Farm, including any changes to policies and procedures you need to know before entering the festival and campgrounds… We have taken enhanced health and safety measures for you, our artists and employees. You must follow all posted instructions while attending Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival.” –Bonnaroo website

Bonnaroo has also experienced some scheduling issues as September 2nd creeps closer. Several artists have been removed from the lineup and replaced with others. Lana Del Rey, Janelle Monáe, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard will no longer be performing; however, Khruangbin and RÜFÜS DU SOL have already been added and will be joining roovians on The Farm. Keep an eye out for any more cancellations and schedule shuffles. This year still isn’t perfect (as if any year could be called “perfect” anyway), but tickets are sold out and fans are excited. Will I see you on The Farm?

Firefly Music Festival:

“It’s too early to tell exactly what precautions will be in place at the festival. However, your health and safety remain our top priority, and we continue to monitor the evolving health regulations and are working closely with state and health officials to develop COVID-19 protocols for the festival. We will follow all COVID-19 related mandates applicable to the festival and will provide more information as the festival approaches so you know what to expect.” –Firefly website

Firefly isn’t sold out yet. Click here to snag your tickets for the fall!

The post Lollapalooza 2021, Recap & Looking Ahead to Other Festivals appeared first on Red Roll.

We all saw this coming. 2020 may be ending, but that doesn’t mean all our troubles are too. Large events, live music, and venues full of sweaty strangers still pose a significant risk to attendees. Again, the pandemic isn’t miraculously over on January 1st. Hangout Music Festival’s Twitter account does acknowledge the promising vaccine progress, but concedes that it is truly too soon to tell.

I appreciate their promptness in managing expectations as we head into 2021, and a spring season once ripe with music festival fun. The same can’t be said for all events supposedly on the calendar from March to May. Coachella has done very little in the way of communicating their intentions for this April. An article on Desert Sun, “Coachella hasn’t officially been canceled for April 2021. Here’s what we know — and don’t know,” dives into the festival specifically, detailing the information, and lack thereof, when it comes to Coachella’s likelihood to take place as planned. They even cite a Rolling Stone article, speculating about another postponement to October 2021.

Basically, everything is still so up in the air– whether it be Hangout in May, Coachella in April, or Lollapalooza in August. We’ll just have to sit tight, be patient, and support our favorite festivals and artists as we walk elbow-in-elbow into another bonkers year.

The post Hangout Music Festival Hesitant About This Spring’s Dates: Will 2020 Cancellations Continue Into 2021? appeared first on Red Roll.

The virtual festival will be a four-night event starting at 6 p.m. ET from July 30-August 2. The full schedule of performances and times is to be released on Wednesday, July 29. The virtual show will be free to all viewers on YouTube and will feature the Mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot. Lollapalooza is also teaming up with organizations like Arts for Illinois Relief Fund, Equal Justice Initiative, When We All Vote, and more for the virtual festival.

Check out the full virtual Lolla lineup below, and be sure to check back to Lollapalooza and Red Roll’s social media accounts on July 29 for the full schedule of performances.

The post Lollapalooza Announces Virtual Festival via YouTube appeared first on Red Roll.

Yes, new music is coming out, but when will we get to go see it? What will happen to our existing concert/festival tickets? It’s a privilege to even be able to ask such selfish questions. There are thousands of people struggling to stay safe and healthy, and here we are, twiddling our thumbs and thinking about Lollapalooza (still on, by the way). I keep trying to remind myself of this important fact, while also watching my favorite festival countdown go from double digits all the way back to triple. Hang in there!

With all that in mind, the live component of music is integral to the experience, both for artist and listener. I’m going to go through the list of festivals I talked about in that previous article, amending what was already said about the dates. Let’s dive in and see what was canceled, what was rescheduled, and what is still standing firm.

Rolling Loud

From what I can tell, this May festival is sticking to its guns and keeping the current dates. I’m not sure how long this will last, as most other events in the next two months are seemingly jumping over each other to cancel or reschedule.

Movement

Movement has announced their rescheduled dates to be September 11-13 in Detroit. I know this apparent pattern of September weekends is harder on students. If you’re like me, you’ll seriously consider strategically using an extra skip or two this year.

Governors Ball

Randall’s Island Park is still set to host its usual weekend of music this June! Don’t start freaking out yet. I still have hope for June (despite the result of the next one…whoops, spoilers!).

Bonnaroo

Alas, what was once so close is now so far. Bonnaroo has officially been moved from June to September 24-27. I’m not crying… you’re crying.

Electric Forest

Set to take place at the end of June, Electric Forest has not yet budged on dates. Hopefully it won’t have to! According to The Festive Owl, if EF were to schedule, inside scoops say they’re shooting for September 10th-13th.

It’s easy to see only negatives during this time of many changes and limited social contact, but as far as musical events go, look at it this way…

Maybe these new dates work better for you! It’s a whole lot easier to spend an entire day in the sun in September than it is in the middle of summer (for me anyway). It’s important to consider potential positives, while also remembering that it’s a privilege to even be able to be upset about extra things (like concert tickets). Again, hang in there everyone!

The post To Reschedule or Not To Reschedule appeared first on Red Roll.

The festival was originally put together by The Maine, an Arizona based band known for creating connections with fans. Last year the festival was getting the hang of things but provided lots of entertainment with bands like Mayday Parade, The Wonder Years, The Maine and State Champs headlining. There were also lots of props to take pictures with and some dates even had inflatable water slides.

This year the tour will start in Sacramento and end in Milwaukee with a total of 18 dates across the country spanning from July 17th to August 15th. The festival will feature some pretty well known bands this year. One of the headlining bands will be All Time Low, who has a new album coming out this year. Pop-punk band, The Story So Far, will be playing as well as the emo band, Movements. The Maine will also be returning for their second year. As for some of the openers this year, Australian pop-punk band Yours Truly will be playing, as well as Philadelphia based pop-punk band, Grayscale, and the Sacramento rock band, Destroy Boys.

The festival will be full of fun and providing lots of entertainment for those who attend for the second year in a row. The photo props and various activities will return so those festival-goers can have fun with their friends and family between sets. 

To see which date (or dates!) will be closest to you, or if you want to find out any other information about the festival go here!

The post Sad Summer Announces Lineup appeared first on Red Roll.

The only artists we can be 100% sure of seeing at Lollapalooza 2020 are Kim Petras and The 1975. That being said, several artists are speculated to be on the lineup, too. The most heavily rumored artists across Twitter, Reddit and blogs are Lana Del Rey, Weyes Blood, Charli XCX, Post Malone and Illenium. 

Although there has only been confirmation of two artists who will be on the lineup, the @LollaPrediction Twitter account has also confirmed some artists who we won’t be seeing this summer in Grant Park. Frank Ocean, Rage Against the Machine, My Chemical Romance, Halsey, Two Door Cinema Club, and Justin Bieber won’t be at Lolla this year, but there’s always Lollapalooza 2021!

Which of the rumored performers will you be most excited to see on the lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Lollapalooza 2020: Who to Expect on the Lineup appeared first on Red Roll.

The holidays have come and gone, so now, ‘tis the season for festival lineups!

We all have our eyes on a few warm weekends to splurge on a ticket, pack up the car, and head on out to feast our eyes and ears on the music of our favorite artists. One festival that I always look forward to checking out is Bonnaroo. Even as a midwesterner, far away from sunny Tennessee, I have really latched onto the energy of this festival (enough to buy a ticket on Black Friday the last two years).

It really has something for everyone. From Groop Camping to SheRoo, to the stages and plazas that are filled with rich, fun activities and killer music across multiple genre lines. Since the lineup just came out, and the tickets are going fast, let’s fast-forward to summer and zoom in on some of the artists to be featured this year. What does Bonnaroo 2020 have in store for us?

Glass Animals

Apart from their latest release, “Tokyo Drifting” in November of 2019, they haven’t produced a new album since 2016. And yet, their bubbly, alternative-pop sound reigns supreme. When I put my playlist on shuffle and a Glass Animals song comes on, I am not pressing skip. They are known to amp-up their jams during live performances, and we have no reason to believe Bonnaroo will be any different. They will absolutely channel a lively energy to this summer’s festival scene and bring out the dancer in every audience member. I can’t wait to see how they put a new spin on some older tunes on a Bonnaroo 2020 stage.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

Last seen at Roo in 2018, they are returning this summer after just a one year break from the farm. If they love it this much, trust me you will too. Their latest release, “Dawn a New Day (Single Version)” is as up-beat and funky as the cover art. I listened and immediately added it to my happy playlist. It has their signature bouncy sound that makes you bob your head without noticing. Like Glass Animals, they put out a single in 2019, but haven’t graced us with a new album in a few years. Hopefully they’ll quench our thirst for more Pigeons with a wild and engaging performance this summer. Bring your ping pong balls everyone, and get ready to throw!

Tame Impala

Tame Impala has been busy with singles lately, releasing four in 2019 and one already this year. His newer songs remind me of what people say about doing their eyebrows– that they should be sisters, not twins (in a good way). Kevin Parker’s following has definitely grown and changed since Govenor’s Ball 2015 when, behind me in the crowd, an older couple kept referring to him as, “Dave and Paula,” (LOL).

He continues to revamp and rework the music while still maintaining the sound he has cultivated over the years. Older hits like “The Less I Know The Better” still dominate the Spotify top five, but don’t overlook all those new singles! These recent tunes, along with an album to be released on Valentine’s Day, will bring a whole new element to Tame Impala’s live presence this summer. Always delivering a soothing wash of lights, and transcendent visuals on the screen, it’s impossible to take your eyes off the stage. Check out Bonnaroo 2020 to find out how Tame Impala will rock the festival scene this summer.

PEEKABOO

When I saw PEEKABOO listed on the lineup for Bonnaroo 2020, I started preparing myself for the all night party that will be The Other stage. Yes, all night. The stage we all know and love for bass-bumping-laser-spewing EDM will be entertaining us until the wee hours of the morning. No matter what time PEEKABOO takes the stage, with his latest release Impossible – EP, he is bound to capture our attention. If his performance is anything like what I saw before Rezz came on in November (Masonic Temple, Detroit), then what he has in store for us will stop time in its tracks. I can’t wait to have my feet glued to the grass and my eyes locked on the lights, as PEEKABOO sucks us in for what will surely be an unforgettable set.

So… are you going?

This festival truly has a stage for every audience. You can chill, or you can party, boogie or lay down. The Bonnaroo farm is the home away from home you never knew you needed– until now. Check out the lineup and see for yourself! I’m sure the campground will welcome you with open arms, and you’ll never want to leave.

The post Bonnaroo 2020: Giving the Lineup Some Love appeared first on Red Roll.

Unfortunately that’s what the media portrays it to be, but in all reality drugs and music have been lifelong dance partners. I really want to resolve this misconception because those who truly love the scene know there’s something more to it than that.   

What makes EDM so special isn’t the craziness or the drugs; but the it’s the environment it creates.

What consists of this environment life, you may wonder?

1) PLURR

PLURR is more than an acronym, the environment of a rave and the credo ravers stand by.

1. 1. 1. PEACE
         • Peace comes when you experience that moment of “Wow, I truly wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now.” You know what I’m talking about, it’s is a priceless feeling.
      2. LOVE
         • Love is everything from being welcoming and appreciative of complete strangers, to leaving your perfect spot in the crowd because your friend has to pee. Treating others how you want to be treated is the key to finding love.
      3. UNITY
         • Unity means we’re all share something. It might not be our age, our color, or our background; but what we all do share is this moment. Raving helps you focus on the now, and in this day and age, becoming more present is important as ever
      4. RESPECT
         • With a strong sense of community comes respect. “I don’t belong in you, you don’t belong in me” is one of my favorite sayings about respecting others’ differences. You are not there to impress anybody, and nobody is there to impress you, so all there’s left to do accept and respect.
      5. RESPONSIBILITY
         • Be responsible for your actions, words, and to your body. Yes, alcohol and drugs are apart of this scene, which I’ll get to in a second. If you choose to partake you, that doesn’t mean you suddenly aren’t responsible for your actions and words. Be responsible, know your limits, and look out for each other.
           

2) It’s a place to be yourself

Raves are a judge-free zone, that is ironically constantly getting judged! Unlike this hypercritical world raves are a place where expressing yourself is valued. Dress how you want, dance how you want.  You don’t have to worry about doing anything ‘right’ because anything is right.

When was the last time you stopped worrying about the way you present yourself around people? Nowadays, it seems we are always putting on a front depending on who we are surrounded by. Raves are a place where you can completely drop the facade and just be yourself. Be weird, be sporadic, be loud, be proud, be you & people will love it.

3) It’s a place to boost your happiness

It is scientifically proven that music is directly linked to happiness! When the  Australian Unity Wellbeing Index anonymously surveyed 1,000 participants, the findings revealed that engaging with music led to higher self well being than for those who did not.

Also, individuals attending can get high on the music alone! A study done by McGrill University in Canada proved that music actually releases dopamine in our brain. The same chemical we get when we satisfy our basic needs.

4) It’s a place to make new friends!

By being apart of something bigger, you are now connected to so many individuals. You have an excuse to go up and talk to anybody, and anybody has an excuse to talk to you. It may sound extremely extroverted, but meeting new people is apart of life. It opens so many doors to new memories, new opportunities, and new relationships.

Who knows, you may meet the love of your life, I know I did! My boyfriend and I met 2 years ago when I was surrounded by an uplifting energy acting outrageously myself. It’s never been ‘weird’ because he already saw the real me from the very first day. 

I understand why people have hesitations, and I get this isn’t for everyone, but you guys I promise that if you attended one of these events you wouldn’t regret it. I’ve brought many first-timer’s, I’d be more than honored to take you to your first one, cause every single one has left with a euphoric look on their face. One person actually said to me, “A place like this actually exists?” And that spoke volumes me. There’s a reason why people are so passionate about this scene;

In a violent world exists a place of peace.

In a judgmental world exists a place of love.

In a divided world exists a place of unity.

And in a cruel world, exists a place to respect.

Your mind and heart would be opened to a different way of life, and even if it wasn’t your thing, you still get an experience of a lifetime.

I hope you consider seeing what all this hype is about!

Thanks!

All the love,
Katy

The post Why You Should Try Going to A Rave! appeared first on Red Roll.

You’re (almost) ready to a music festival, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Even getting to this part can pose some difficulties, so let me ease the load by helping you with what’s next: packing.

When done right, packing can be easy breezy and make your festival experience feel like you’re truly at home. When done wrong, well…let’s just say you DON’T want to make that rookie mistake.

Take it from a veteran of 25+ music festivals, my first couple rodeos were filled with mistakes of overpacking, not packing enough, and the worst; forgetting jumper cables.

After years of improvising and memories I’ll never forget, I’ve compiled a list of festival necessities. Feel free to take advantage of it so you don’t have that, “OH SHIT!” moment when you’re hours from home.

Essentials:

Before you even THINK about leaving, put these items with you, somewhere safe:

• Ticket
• ID
• Money
• Keys
• Spare keys
• Cell phone
• Jumper cables
• Hydration pack (Use coupon code REDROLL for 20% off ElevatedLyfe.com)

Toiletries:

Feeling clean is something everyone is desperate for day 3 of the festival. Packing all these will get you give you some dignity, as far as your hygiene goes.

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Deodorant
• Face wash
• Body wash
• Shampoo
• Dry shampoo
• Conditioner
• Brush
• Chapstick
• Baby wipes
• Toilet paper
• 2 Towels
• Spray bottle
• Germ-X
• Cotton swabs
• Lotion
• Sun screen
• Razor
• Shaving cream
• Aloe vera
• Ear plugs
• Eye mask
• Tweezer
• Nail clippers
• Ponytails or bobby pins
• Tampons
• Nail polish
• Make up

Clothes:

Packing clothes is tricky, and this is where many people overdo it. Remember to try everything on, wear the bulky stuff, and roll up your clothes before packing. Try to limit your clothes to one bag!

• Festival outfits
• Sweatpants
• Sweatshirts
• Two pairs of socks for every day you’re staying
• Underwear
• Sunglasses
• Kandi
• Jewelry
• Tank tops
• T-shirts
• Flip flops
• Tennis shoes
• Shoes you don’t mind getting dirty/losing
• Rain ponchos
• Hat
• Bandana
• Swimsuit
• Backpack
• Waterproof bag

Camping Gear:

The more decked out your campsite is, the better. You really start to appreciate the extra touches after your campsite looks like a tornado hit it, while the neighbors looks like a palace.

This section of the list is crucial for the as homey of an experience as you can get. TRIPLE CHECK this list if you want to camp comfortably!

• 3 Tarps
• Tent
• Canopy
• Stakes
• Hammer or mallott
• Pocketknife
• Rope
• Ducktape
• Camping shower
• Air mattress or cot
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Sleeping bags
• EXTRA BLANKETS
• 2 Tables
• Chairs
• Lanters
• Battery operated string lights
• Ashtray or cig butt container
• Butane stove
• Extra butane
• Pots or pans
• Cooking utensils
• Paper plates
• Cups
• Silverware – SPORKS!
• Paper towels
• Cooler
• Trash bags – one for dirty clothes
• Blow up furniture
• Ground rug
• Tapestries
• Black binder clips
• Headlamps or flashlights
• Lighter
• First aid kit
• Bug spray
• Ziplock bags
• Ibuprofen
• Niacin or sleeping medicine
• Cold medicine
• Vitamins

Entertainment:

Entertainment is going to be different for everyone, more or less. The first couple things are pretty generic, but now is the time to think about what you want to do in the meantime, when you’re not in the festival.

• Speaker
• Chargers for phone and speaker
• Portable charger or solar charger
• Camera or GoPro
• Beer pong balls and cups
• Hula-hoops
• Cards
• Frisbee
• Glitter
• Poi
• Glow sticks
• Handheld fan
• Whatever else you like to bring for fun!

Food:

For food, I tend to cook and eat a giant breakfast in the morning, pack some snacks, and get another bite inside the venue.

Classic festival cuisine has consisted of grilled PB&J, chocolate chip pancakes, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese and apple sandwiches; whatever concoctions you choose to create.

I usually try and use all the perishables in the first day, and save non perishables for the later end of the festival. I am not allergic to anything, so this is the grocery list I usually go with:

• Water – LOTS!
• Electrolyte packs or drinks
• Ice
• Juice or soda
• Granola bars
• Fruit snacks
• Crackers
• Hummus
• Beef jerky
• Nuts
• Dried fruits
• Avocados
• Kiwis
• Apples
• Oranges
• Bread
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Instant pancake mix
• Syrup
• Chocolate chips
• Bagels
• Bacon
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Sweets
• Velveeta Mac n’ Cheese
• Beer or alcohol

And there you have it guys, my ultimate festival packing list.

Is there anything not on here that you guys consider is a necessity? Do you have any questions about whats on / not on here? Comment below and let’s talk about it!

All the love,
Katy

The post What Do I Pack For A Music Festival? appeared first on Red Roll.

Ryan Parry, the founder of Eargasm Earplugs, is attempting to combat this with an earplug that is both aesthetically pleasing, and does not distort sound.

Parry began this company while in law school. The idea for earplugs came about when he attended shows and noticed the lack of ear protection.  “Concerts are so loud.  I saw an opportunity, there was a need for hearing protection,” Parry said.

Parry is aware of the barriers associated with earplugs, most commonly looking “dorky,” and sound distortion.

Eargasm Earplugs aims to break both of these barriers. “Let’s face it, it is not cool to wear earplugs…at least for now. Earplugs have been known to be generally ‘unfashionable’,” Parry said.

In terms of an aesthetically pleasing design, Eargasm Earplugs are discreet and cannot be seen unless looking directly into the ear canal.

“They have a transparent body, which is unusual because most are brightly colored,” Parry said.

In early June, the company released a Pride edition.

Parry understands [some of] the consumers are into fashion and may enjoy having earplugs which compliment outfits worn to music festivals, and Pride events.

“My company is trying to turn earplugs into a fashion accessory.  People have different preferences, some want no one to know they are wearing earplugs, while others want earplugs which match their colorful outfits,” Parry said.

When attending a concert or loud event, the last thing a consumer wants is sound distortion. 

Eargasm Earplugs use a state-of-the-art attenuation filter technology, which lowers noise evenly to maintain the full scope of sound while providing hearing protection.

“Eargasm earplugs preserve the sound quality.  You still hear things, just at a lower volume, and you get the safety aspect of earplugs with my product,” Parry said.

The earplugs come in five different models. The two best for concert noise reduction are, High Fidelity and, Smaller Ear Earplugs.

High Fidelity Earplugs, Eargasms’ best seller, preserve the sound quality while reducing noise about twenty decibels.  The earplugs come with 2 shell sizes [to fit a variety of ear sizes], a convenient aluminum-grade keychain carrying case and are made of flexible medical-grade rubber silicone.

Smaller Ear Earplugs are similar to the High Fidelity model, except there are smaller, and made out of plush rubber silicone.

Eargasm Earplugs partnered with Electric Forest, this year as the festivals’ official earplug.  The company had a limited edition version of the earplug for sale on-site at the festival.  The earplugs came with a limited edition Forest engraved aluminum carrying case. 

For those who missed out on purchasing them at Forest, there are still some available.

By partnering with music festivals, Parry is trying to expand the appeal of earplugs.  

“[In reference to creating a specially branded earplug for Electric Forest] Earplug companies haven’t really done this before. It is not only something people can use at concerts and festivals, but it is also a memento from the event and can be kept on a key-chain to go with you wherever you go,” Parry said.

With over ten-thousand likes on Facebook and twenty-thousand followers on Instagram, Eargasm Earplugs is becoming increasingly popular. Parrys’ goal of providing a quality, aesthetically pleasing earplug, is in motion. 

Next time you are going to attend a concert or festival, head over to Eargasms’ website, and check out the earplugs for yourself!

The post Protect Your Hearing with Eargasm appeared first on Red Roll.