Ray, who has been booking bands for Hampdenfest since 2003, said he also knows the band from his connections with the Baltimore music scene, which he said is thriving and has held steady for the past 10 years. Future Islands is one of many bands that have moved to Baltimore for its affordability and proximity to big cities like Philadelphia and New York. Other noteworthy bands that call Baltimore home include Beach House, whose singer and keyboardist, Victoria Legrand used to work at Holy Frijoles, and Wye Oak, whose singer, Jenn Wasner, worked at Golden West Cafe on The Avenue, Ray said.