Chance The Rapper performs at Essence Festival 2017

Chance The Rapper performs at 2017 Essence Festival in New Orleans

Photo: WireImage.com

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Music Festivals 2017: Essence Fest In New Orleans

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From superstar headliners to the next generation of hip-hop and R&B tastemakers, dive into our interviews and coverage from the 2017 Essence Music Festival
GRAMMYs
Jul 6, 2017 - 5:50 pm
GRAMMY.com

Check out our comprehensive 2017 Essence Music Festival coverage, with interviews, photos and more!

Friday, June 30

Saturday, July 1

Sunday, July 2

- What makes Essence Fest so magical? Rhonda Ross, JhenéAiko, Ari Lennox, MC Lyte, Napoleon Da Legend, and Elle Varner share their thoughts on why Essence Music Festival is a powerful celebration of African-American culture and music.

Jul 6, 2017 – 2:15 pm

Why Essence Festival is a true celebration

- Victorious. Chance The Rapper toasts his triumphant headlining set at the 2017 Essence Music Festival. The rapper closed his set with "Blessings," a track from his GRAMMY-winning album, Coloring Book.

- Rap legend Master P on stage for the No Limit Reunion at Essence Festival 2017.

- GRAMMY-winner Solange expresses gratitude to an energized Essence Music Festival crowd on closing night.

- Backstage at Essence Music Festival 2017 in New Orleans, singer/songwriter Elle Varner praises Burt Bacharach as a major influence and discusses her plans for a new acoustic album

Jul 6, 2017 – 2:13 pm

Elle Varner talks new music at Essence

- Paris-born, Brooklyn-based rapper Napoleon Da Legend stopped by backstage at Essence Music Festival 2017 to explain how the soul of jazz is integral to hip-hop, name-checking his influences from both styles: Miles Davis, A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul.

Jul 6, 2017 – 2:05 pm

Napoleon Da Legend on jazz and hip-hop

- Reunited, and it feels oh so good. Xscape are "Just Kickin' It" as they get ready to bring some '90s nostalgia to the Sunday performance lineup at the 2017 Essence Music Festival. 

Saturday, July 1

- Saturday night headliner Mary J. Blige treated a packed house at Essence festival to a set that left no questions about how she earned her 9 career GRAMMY awards.

- 3-time GRAMMY winner Jill Scott left her heart on stage last night at Essence fesitval. Did you catch her set?

- Who joined singer Ari Lennox on stage for the final song of Essence festival's #LadiesNight?

- How can an artist stay focused and healthy while touring? Backstage at Essence Music Festival 2017, GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Jhené Aiko discussed her regimen, which includes rest, burning incense and protein shakes.

Mar 25, 2015 – 9:33 am

Jhené Aiko's Therapeutic Journey

- Backstage at Essence Music Festival 2017, GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriters Jhené Aiko and Remy Ma, and recording artist/actress Teyana Taylor give their perspectives on why self-confidence is more important than ever to a female artist's livelihood and career.

Jul 6, 2017 – 1:59 pm

Remy Ma, Jhené Aiko talk confidence at Essence

- Chance The Rapper is going to make it a night to remember for a special group of fans. Ahead of his Sunday set at Essence, the GRAMMY winner announced via Twitter that hearing impaired fans have the opportunity to attend his set for free. Spreading the word on how people can protect their hearing is a cause close to the heart of The Recording Academy's health and human services charity, MusiCares. Read more about how visuals are playing into helping hearing-imparied people enjoy concerts. 

- Get all the behind-the-scenes action with Jazmine Sullivan.

Friday, June 30

- Check out what artists Yuna, Goldlink, Coline Creuzot, and Rhonda Ross have to say about current trends in hip-hop.

Jul 6, 2017 – 1:56 pm

What trends dominate hip-hop today?

- PJ Morton is on the ground at Essence.

- Singer/songwriter Yuna dishes on her upcoming album. Get the inside scoop.

Jul 6, 2017 – 1:52 pm

Yuna reveals next project plans

- Watch headliner Diana Ross show you how it's done at Essence!

- John Legend delivered a killer set at Essence, which was also the last stop on his North American tour.

- We spoke with India.Arie about what makes Essence so special. Find out why it feels like her world!

Jul 6, 2017 – 5:20 pm

India.Arie interview | Essence 2017

- Mary J. Blige was among the participants in the Essence Festival's "Strength Of A Woman" panel, a discussion titled after the GRAMMY winner's 2017 album of the same name. During the panel, which addressed themes of self-reliance and perseverance, Blige echoed some of the sentiments she shared with GRAMMY.com in a recent interview about the the obstacles she overcame while making her new LP. "In fighting for my life I discovered my strength, my real strength as a woman," said Blige on Friday. 

- Essence Festival is underway. Check out the festival's official teaser video and stay tuned for more updates from New Orleans.

 

2016 Essence Festival Recap

Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans means one thing: Essence Music Festival.

Now in its 19th year, Essence is bigger and fiercer than ever in its mission of celebrating African-American women and culture through music. This year's can't-miss headliners include recent Best New Artist GRAMMY winner Chance The Rapper, the legendary Diana Ross, the undeniable Mary J. Blige, and R&B crooner John Legend.

But the essence of Essence Music Festival goes way beyond these household names. The lineup includes several stages full of rising stars, genre-bending artists and local New Orleans flair — not to mention the myriad of activities, discussions and events that take place at the concurrent Essence Path To Power Conference. Simply put, it's the place to be.

The Recording Academy will be on the ground in New Orleans again this year, bringing you exclusive interviews, video and photos from front stage to back. Visit this page over the course of the weekend to keep up to speed and get an inside look at the action.

As we gear up for the festival weekend, we also take a look back to our Essence coverage in 2016. Last July we spoke with Common, Andra Day, Jidenna, and many more backstage. We also caught up with a pair of sensational artists on the rise.

New Orleans' own Tank & The Bangas would go on to win NPR's 2017 Tiny Desk Contest, but during their exclusive performance at Essence, the group's magic was already evident.

Jul 6, 2017 – 5:12 pm

Tank And The Bangas perform "Rollercoasters" | Essence 2016

Likewise, Beyoncé protégés Chloe X Halle treated us to two stunning performances that would prove their promise. Take a look and listen, and get excited for this year's Essence Music Festival, June 29–July 2.

Jul 6, 2017 – 5:10 pm

Chloe x Halle perform "Fall" | Essence 2016

Want more music festival coverage? 17 must-attend music festivals in 2017

Gov Ball 2019

Gov Ball 2019

Photo: Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for American Eagle

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Gov Ball 2019: What Went Down Before Mother Nature Took The Headline Slot

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Go On The Road with the Recording Academy as we revisit the magic of the big N.Y.C. music festival, from exclusive interviews with rising stars like Jessie Reyez and Cautious Clay to Nas closing things out before the rain did
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 4, 2019 - 6:14 pm

Another Governors Ball is in the books and, except for Mother Nature taking over Sunday's headlining slot, the New York City summer-starting festival once again delivered a weekend of great music on Randall's Island.

Jun 4, 2019 – 6:05 pm

Governors Ball 2019: Recording Academy On The Road

The Recording Academy went On The Road and on-the-ground at Gov Ball 2019 with host Alina Vission, to bring you exclusive backstage interviews with an array of artists just before or after they hit the stage.

We shared in the excitement of the fest as we spoke with breakout pop songwriters Jessie Reyez and NJOMZA, Brooklyn's own Cautious Clay and emerging rapper Tyla Yaweh.

You can look forward for more exclusive conversations coming soon to GRAMMY.com, including with R&B future star Amber Mark and rising dance outfit Louis The Child, who we also caught up with at the fest.

More Fests: Your 2019 Guide To The Best Summer/Spring Music Festivals

Friday featured a trio of big hip-hop headliners—Tyler, The Creator, Lil' Wayne and BROCKHAMPTON—who relentlessly electrified the N.Y.C. crowd. Saturday's upbeat vibe was provided by top-billed acts Florence + The Machine, Major Lazer, The 1975 and 61st GRAMMY Awards Album Of The Year Winner Kacey Musgraves, plus the first ever Gov Ball Pride Parade. 

Sunday's show was cut short due to inclement weather, but not before N.Y.C. hometown hero Nas and Chicago DJ duo Louis The Child got the audience going underneath the New York rain. Graciously, Governors Ball is offering refunds to Sunday ticket holders. 

Stay tuned as we go On The Road all summer, bringing you exclusive coverage from the hottest music festivals everywhere.

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Lykke Li's YOLA Día—A Music Festival For Women, By Women—Is Being The Change It Wants To See

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Taking place on Aug. 18 at L.A. Historic Park, the Lilith Fair-esque lineup welcomes a diverse group of female talent ranging from sound and style
Daisy Magana
GRAMMYs
May 30, 2019 - 4:29 pm

Americans love catching live entertainment. In fact, Nielsen reports that 52 percent of the U.S. population attends live music events each year. Live music events, including music festivals, bring together some of the leading names in the music industry and also provide a platform to launch new creative projects of those artists making their entry into the music scene. But who are more than half of the U.S. population dancing to at these festivals?

Looking at past year artist lineups for some of the most well-known music festivals, only a quarter of artists booked in some of the biggest festivals were female or groups with at least one female member. However, while these numbers may be surprising, it’s not to say progress isn’t being made. In 2017, female artist bookings represented only 14 percent of lineups, while in 2018 the number rose to 19 percent.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, women make up more than half of the country’s population and are 47 percent of the country’s total workforce, yet it’s well known that they’re underrepresented in high-visible roles throughout various areas of society ranging from behind the office desks to the DJ decks—and everything in between. Doing a simple Google search for the top artists in 2018, of the top 10 only one was a woman. Looking at festival lineups, the divide remains. So, why do female artists still lag behind in the music industry given their majority presence in society?

Some artists, like Swedish electronic singer Lykke Li, are taking matters into their own hands. The performer has organized a brand-new festival called Yola Día, which is happening on Sunday, Aug. 18 at Los Angeles Historic Park in Calif. (Editor's note: Li's fest was originally called YOLA Fest and was slated to run on June 8 but had to postpone due to "unforseen production issues.") Celebrating the arts, culture and music curated by today’s woman, the female-strong lineup presented by Yola Mezcal welcomes a diverse group of female talent ranging from sound and style.

The idea is reminiscent of Lilith Fair music festival, which was famously produced by GRAMMY-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan back in 1997. While the traveling festival only lasted two summers with an attempt to revive it in 2010, the music and cultural event was McLachlan’s response to the gender imbalance in festival lineups. Lilith Fair brought together an eclectic mix of artists ranging from rap and R&B to pop and country. Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah, Suzanne Vega, India Arie, Dido and Sheryl Crow were among some of the powerhouse ladies who performed throughout the festival’s lifespan.

Now, more than 20 years later, Li is following suit, tapping legendary singers Cat Power and a rare acoustic set from Courtney Love (and the Chateau Band) as well as bold rapper Megan Thee Stallion, who recently signed to 300 Entertainment, making her the first female rapper on the label. Electronic luminary SOPHIE, Kelsey Lu and Empress Of were also recently added to the bill. Li, too, will put in a performance.

So, where does Yola get its name from? Well, music isn’t the only thing on the Swedish singer's mind. Li is also pretty passionate about the Mexican spirit mezcal, so much so that she, along with Yola Jimenez and Gina Correll Aglietti, opened their own brand of distilled alcohol from Mexican agave: Yola Mezcal. Just as the mezcal company is a women-owned business, its approach has trickled into the festival’s inspiration: an all-female festival. Yola Mezcal is "run by women, bottled by women."

Along with a female-powered lineup, social good is at the root of Yola Día, with its host company aiming to promote "the economic independence of the women in Oaxaca." The festival has also partnered with Plus1, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating social change and positive impact in local communities, with a portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold going to the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles (DWC). DWC is the only organization in the L.A. area exclusively focused on serving and empowering women experiencing homelessness as well as former homeless women. 

Can't wait until August to hear these powerful voices? Grab your tickets for Yola Día now to support women in music, the arts and the Downtown Women’s Center. General and VIP admission is available. Check out their FAQ for more information on the festival and for a list of acceptable and prohibited items.

The Woman. Collective Wants Music Festivals To Be A Safe Space For "Every One

CRSSD Festival Spring 2019

CRSSD Festival Spring 2019

Photo: Felicia Garcia

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CRSSD Fest Fall 2019: Hot Chip, Yaeji, Kaskade, FISHER, Portugal. The Man & More

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KAYTRANADA, Richie Hawtin, Amelie Lens, Eli & Fur, MK, Shiba San and Walker & Royce are among some of the other artists bringing fire to the bi-annual San Diego festival
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
May 29, 2019 - 7:35 pm

Today, CRSSD Festival announced its phase one fall lineup, which includes GRAMMY winners Portugal. The Man, GRAMMY nominees Hot Chip, FISHER, and Kaskade. Beloved beats maestros Yaeji and KAYTRANADA, techno heavy-hitters Richie Hawtin and Amelie Lens and house music favorites MK and Eli & Fur will also perform at the event, which returns to its scenic oceanside home at Waterfront Park in San Diego, Calif. on Sept. 28–29.

Since its launch in spring 2015, the bi-annual fest has earned a reputation as being one of the California's top electronic music events, bringing a solid mix of rising and established talent in the house, techno, electro-pop worlds.

This year, dance music legend and festival favorite Kaskade will be tapering down his EDC-level production for a special edition of his Redux show, where he offers deep cuts and a more intimate club-inspired vibe. Dirtybird Records labelmates and tech house performers Shiba San and Walker & Royce will be playing a collab B2B set, while Chicago underground house trailblazers Derrick Carter and Mark Farina will also be doing a B2B show.

In addition to the beautiful California coast music festival experience CRSSD offers, they also take over San Diego with "CRSSD By Day" and "After Dark" parties that will keep the world-class dance music bumping all day and night.

Tickets go on sale Tues., June 11. More info, including the complete phase one lineup, can be found on CRSSD's site.

Your 2019 Guide To The Best Summer/Spring Music Festivals

Joe Mount

Joe Mount

Photo: Gus Stewart/Redferns/Getty Images

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Metronomy's Joe Mount Breaks Down Surviving Music Festivals

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"I would encourage people to bring a jester's hat, to be honest. Something quite fun," the singer/guitarist/festival veteran writes in his fest guide that allows for fun and functionality
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
May 27, 2019 - 8:55 am

If you've been preparing for one of the many amazing upcoming music festivals this season, you may be all too familiar with the challenge of marrying style, comfort and practicality as you plan your looks. And if you've ever been to a camping music festival, you understand how this challenge can become even more harrowing, without modern luxuries like hot showers and full-length mirrors.

If the stresses of being prepared for the uncertainties of the great outdoors have left you thinking about opting for the livestream instead, festival veteran Joe Mount, of U.K. electro-pop band Metronomy, has just the guide to keep your fest experience fun, comfortable and rather Zen-like.

Related: Glastonbury Festival 2019 Announces Headliners Janet Jackson, The Killers & More

In his sensible yet humorous guide, published recently in The Guardian, Mount breaks down the eight must-haves for camping fest; a hat, tent, sleeping bag and mat, a "bumbag" aka fanny pack, wet wipes, a "compact" rucksack, wellies (rain boots) and a jacket or two. He offers some sage wisdom on the style versus comfort debacle: "I can't stress enough how much I believe that being sensible is the only thing you should think of doing at a festival."

Along with Mount's line of thinking, if you are comfortable, warm, relatively dry, and have a warm place to curl up at the end of your musical adventure, you'll have plenty of stamina to have all the fun dancing to your favorite artists. And if you want, you can accessorize with some flare for your head.

"I'm quite particular about hats. I would encourage people to bring a jester's hat, to be honest. Something quite fun. But if I was picking one for me I'd go with this classic [knit] bobble hat. I remember the first festivals I went to seeing people with jesters' hats and not really understanding it. Obviously now I do," he told The Guardian.

Metronomy have played a prime selection of festivals across the globe in their 20 years together as a group, including the famously-muddy-yet-epic Glastonbury in 2014. Mount shared that he has been to many festivals as a fan as well, experiencing his first Glastonbury experience back in 1998. He shares that there is a key difference between the fan and artist experience, as well, he'd never wear white tennis shoes across a muddy field:

"I went to the first festivals thinking it would be a good place to meet girls, so I was thinking about how I looked. But with camping and fashion, the two are mutually exclusive. As soon as you put on wellies you lose all sense of style, unless you're doing the vaguely right-wing man of the country look. But onstage I'd wear my white trainers. That idea of, like, 'we're all out here together in the mud' is just not true. To keep the artifice of performance, you should always be going on stage like you would at any other show."

You can catch Mount rocking clean kicks on stage with Metronomy at several festivals across Europe this summer, including Luxembourg's Siren's Call and Glasgow's Electric Fields.

Your 2019 Guide To The Best Summer/Spring Music Festivals