Sled Island announce second wave lineup

By Kade Marshall, March 22 2019 —

Sled Island announced its second wave lineup on March 19, adding numerous acts from diverse genres and locations for the festival that takes over Calgary’s downtown core for a weekend every June.

Sled Island artistic director Maud Salvi highlighted far-travelling artists on this lineup announcement, mentioning Ghanian folk musician King Ayisoba and Palestinean hip-hop producer Muquata’a. The announcement also features two acts from South Korea: Psych-rockers DTSQ and electro-pop veterans numnum, known for their energetic live performances.

Some of the bigger names announced on this wave of the lineup include Rapsody and Jessica Pratt. Rapsody is one of only six women to be nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for her 2017 work Laila’s Wisdom. She is also known for her collaborations with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Anderson .Paak and Busta Rhymes. Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Pratt, known for her crackling and powerful voice, will perform at Central United Church. Singer, poet and activist Tasha was selected by guest curator Julien Baker and will bring her refined soul tunes to the festival.

Toronto’s Graham Van Pelt, alumni of cult indie groups such as Think About Life and Miracle Fortress, will play a set of his dreamy, electronic music. Toronto stoner-rockers Ian Blurton’s Future Now will also grace the festival.

Minneapolis R&B singer Har Mar Superstar will be bringing a six-piece band with him for three different sets during the festival — one at the Ship & Anchor and two free ones at the Sled Island Block Party and Sunday wrap-up party.

Local bands will as well be represented, including Calgary mainstays Melted Mirror, hip-hop from Sinzere, Black Sabbath-indebted stoner-metal from Chron Goblin and Calgary indie-rockers Lashes.

Sled Island artistic director Maud Salvi says this year will be very special for Sled Island, noting the diversity of this years festival.

“I am so into this,” Salvi says. “I think this year’s festival will be great for diversity and I’m excited.”

Sled Island runs from June 19–23. Tickets for single events or festival passes are available on their website.