5 Can’t-Miss Artists at Rifflandia 2015

By: Daniel Gerichter (@ZenDonut) –

Now in its eighth year, Rifflandia is an all-consuming monster of a festival. On top of its main and side stages in Royal Athletic Park, Rifflandia also occupies a mind-boggling twenty-one other venues throughout Victoria, running from September 17^th to 20^th. Check out the festival schedule here.

It’s an embarrassment of riches, really. Rifflandia will force you to choose from hundreds of acts, many of which are playing simultaneously. It’s a lineup that mixes big-name arena rockers with fledgling indie artists you’ll want to see before they ascend to greatness. Which is to say: you’re going to need an itinerary for this one, so make sure these artists are part of it.

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Modest Mouse
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One of indie rock’s elder statesmen, Modest Mouse are bringing their excellent new album Strangers to Ourselves to festival audiences all over the planet. Bonus: This is the first time Modest Mouse have played Victoria in over 14 years.

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Arkells
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Hamilton’s Arkells have become one of Canada’s great rock success stories in just a few short years. And it’s starting to pay off, with two well-deserved 2015 Juno awards for their excellent 2014 album High Noon. Do yourself a favour and catch a set by what could be Canada’s very best rock band.

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Brave Shores
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Siblings and multi-instrumentalists Jay and Stefanie McCarrol have played backup for acts like Feist, Zeus and Ron Sexsmith, but have come into their own as Brave Shores. Their single “More Like You” is like a perfect summer day captured in a few, dreamy minutes.

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Hayden
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After years out of the spotlight, the Thornhill, ON troubadour has found his way back to the spotlight, with two haunting, beautiful albums. Catch his set to take in a nice, introspective hour (or so) in between Rifflandia’s more bombastic sets.

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Jillionaire
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Firstly, there’s the name. IT MEANS HE HAS A JILLION DOLLARS. Secondly, there’s the Trinidadian DJ’s seemingly effortless and irresistible mix of soca, dancehall, funk and house. Catch his set and see why Major Lazer wouldn’t even be a private without him.