Bluesfest Beats: From Electro-Synth Pop to Back Porch Folk

Photo Credit: Steve G

The announcement that Kanye West will be gracing the stage at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest this year was a source of great excitement for Ottawa music lovers—but Yeezy is far from the only reason to check out the festival this year.

As exciting as the headliners are, Bluesfest is also an opportunity to make new music discoveries—and there’s something here for every kind of music listener. This year’s festival is chock-full of homegrown Canadian groups, critical darlings and promising newcomers.

Operators
Looking for some punchy pop hooks? The newest project of Dan Boeckner, longtime member of Wolf Parade, is sure to deliver! The Operators’ newest single, “Ecstasy in my House,” pairs infectious melodies with an energetic dance beat. This three-piece group has their own brand of synth heavy indie pop at Bluesfest this year you cannot miss.
July 14 at 6 p.m.
Claridge Homes Stage

The Souljazz Orchestra
This Ottawa-based Canadian ensemble boasts a spellbinding combination of unique musical traditions. Latin, Afro and Caribbean rhythms come together for a vibrant multicultural performance. The collective has been together for 12 years now and after many years of touring and multiple Juno nominations, they are still going strong. Anyone who wants some fun should grab a pair of dancing shoes and get ready to party the night away!
July 10 at 8:30 p.m.
Monster Energy Stage

Lynne Hanson and The Good Intentions
“There’s gonna be a little swamp, a ton of grit, and a heavy groove, so I’d suggest people bring their dancing shoes and lots of water,” says Lynne Hanson.
Canadian songwriter Lynne Hanson’s “porch music” is as gritty and sharp as a strong glass of whiskey. Hanson recently released her fourth studio album River of Sand. The album, a collection of songs about personal struggle and heartbreak, is her return to the recording world after a four-year hiatus. Hanson, who calls Ottawa her hometown, says it’s “a real honour” to be playing the Bluesfest stage. Folk and country loving festival attendees can find out how good those intentions really are at this performance.
July 9 at 6 p.m.
Claridge Homes Stage

The Temperance Movement
Last summer the Temperance Movement opened for the Rolling Stones. This summer, the U.K. band will bring some good, old-fashioned rock’n’roll to the Bluesfest stage. Rough and raw vocalist Phil Campbell sings in the tradition of the classic 70’s era rockers like Led Zepplin. Festival-goers can expect a show with a soulful sound.
July 19 at 4 p.m.
Claridge Homes Stage

Purity Ring
This Edmonton duo’s soaring sonic sound is making waves in the music world—they’ve garnered praise for their “future-pop” sound. Their second studio album Another Eternity features a soaring sonic sound paired with complex lyrical themes. Fans of alternative techno pop won’t want to miss this live performance.
July 17 at 8:30 p.m.
Canadian Stage

The RBC Ottawa Bluesfest 2015 line-up is full of talent! Don’t miss a single band on your ‘must-see’ list. Buy your tickets here!