Top Undercard Acts at Boston Calling

Boston Calling is a music festival that takes place at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston, Massachusetts. This is the tenth edition of the festival, and they came out swinging with an absolutely stellar lineup. They managed to grab some of the most beloved headliners in the country, but there’s much more to a great music festival lineup than just the headliners.

The undercard is the music that fills the day, smaller bands and lesser-known acts on the brink of national fame just waiting to be heard and experienced. From emerging hip hop acts and alt-rock bands to spectacular collaborations, Boston Calling has a little bit of something for everyone. These are our favorite undercard acts playing at Boston Calling in 2019.

Denzel Curry

South Florida native Denzel Curry has burst out of the SoundCloud rap scene with a sound and fury all his own. The private universe that Denzel occupies all by himself is a place of beauty. His writing is far different from what might come to mind when you hear “SoundCloud Rapper.” Elegantly poetic with widespread napalm bombings brings a unique potency to his songs. He spits his fiery lyrics with devastating assurance, accuracy, and force, leading to wild live shows with rowdy crowds. Get ready to sweat.

Gang of Youths

Gang of Youths are another magnificent band to come from the exploding Australia music scene. They are part of one of the greatest music movements since the British Invasion of the 1960s. These modern rockers mix turbulent guitar anthems with Viking god-level vocals to create a live show that is nearly unprecedented in modern time. Get ready to rock out like it’s 2019.

Big Red Machine

You may have never heard of Big Red Machine, but chances are you know its members or have heard their work. Members Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon are two of the biggest names in music. Justin Vernon is the frontman of Bon Iver, and Aaron Dessner is the frontman of The National. These indie rock gods only have four scheduled tour dates this year, one of which is at Boston Calling. Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime set.

Sidney Gish

Sidney Gish is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from New Jersey. Her lyrics touch base on everything from handling emotional breakdowns and anxiety to experiencing life’s little moments for the first time. She writes and recordings everything on her own and performs solo with the help of a loop pedal. Her set won’t be the wildest of the weekend, but it will be the most intimate.

Cautious Clay

I first heard Cautious Clay while deep into Tiny Desk Concerts on YouTube. I was instantly hooked by the first song and haven’t stopped listening to his album Blood Type since. An eclectic mix of R&B and EDM is born again with funky beats and a dream-inducing synth that cover his heartbreaking lyrics. His music is a storm that happens in a fairytale. I honestly have no idea what to expect from Cautious Clay’s set; I just know I will be there ready for an experience.

Turnstile

Are you ready to join a riot and rob people in the streets? Look no further than Turnstile. They are currently one of the best hardcore bands making music and are guaranteed to get you sweating. There will be crowd surfing, there will be pits, you will have a crazy time. Get ready to rock out harder than you will all weekend. This is probably the most energetic and out of control band playing at Boston Calling.

Check out the full lineup to Boston Calling and get your tickets before prices go up!

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