Rocktographers wants you to kick off your Rifflandia right. With over 150 artists playing over 20 stages, there is the proverbial “something for everyone,” but we’ll be your guide to some of the (often hidden) gems to be discovered in such a huge festival.
Decisions are hard and that’s why Rocktographers is here to help you. Here’s who to see at Rifflandia 2016 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Updated September 14th to reflect schedule change.
Here are our picks for Sunday, September 18.
Fallbrigade
1:30PM, Sunday 18th
Rifftop Tent
Emotion. That’s the best word I can use to aptly describe the music of Fallbrigade in one word. This local five-piece, stemming from a brother/sister duo, has a deep, honest sound and powerful lyrics that are perfect to lose yourself in. Yet, emotion isn’t all about the sad, and their bright, lilting numbers show that it comes in all moods.
Astrocolor
2:30 PM, Sunday 18th
Rifftop Tent
We’re definitely a little confused about what kind of music will be performed at the Astrocolor show. Astrocolor is Weird Party, but when they play Christmas music.
Or so it would seem. The band is presently working on a non-Christmas album, so perhaps “Astrocolor” is only a different way to say “Weird Party,” because the unique musical style of the band remains the same: funky, jazzy, ethereal , and smooth.
The Darcys
3:40PM, Sunday 18th
Rifftop Tent
The Darcys have been around for over 9-years but have recently reinvented themselves into the dynamic-duo they are today. Signed on to record label super power Arts & Crafts, the Darcys released 3 records – and were even nominated for a Juno for Alternative Album of the Year for Warring – but haven’t found much love on mainstream radio. Taking inspiration from the massive success of art-alt-rockers gone pop-rock Tegan & Sara, The Darcys decided to focus their style while crafting their sound for a broader appeal. The lead single Miracle heralds the band’s new direction in anticipation for their album Centerfold – due out November 4. Have you watched the video for the Darcy’s insanely dancey single “Miracle” yet? No? CLICK PLAY NOW – if this flashdance inspired video doesn’t get your butt to the park early to party with the Darcy’s we don’t know what will. Plus we have a feeling the Darcy’s will be rocking some radical suits for Suave Sunday.
Charles Bradley & His Extrordinares
5:40PM, Sunday 18th
Royal Athletic Park Main Stage
Unforuntatly do to heath concerns Charles Bradley has had to postpone his appearance. **Cries in Rocktographer**
The Screaming Eagle of Soul, Charles Bradley returns to Victoria with his Extrodinaires with his soul and funk revival act. Charles Bradley’s performances are emotionally charged, filled with swagger, dance moves, and more often than not filled with tears from the Victim of Love himself. Arguably the most anticipated artist of the festival for Rocktographers, Charles Bradley is not to be missed.
Del the Funky Homosapien
6:25PM, Sunday 18th
Rifftop Tent
It’s hard to believe Del the Funky Homosapien’s most notable solo track, “Mistadobalina”, came out as part of his debut album way back in 1991. In the 25 years since then, the Oakland rapper has continued to solidify his status as an underground hip hop icon, founding the Hieroglyphics crew with Pep Love, Casual and members of Souls of Mischief, as well as bringing together supergroup Deltron 3030 with DJ Kid Koala and producer Dan the Automator after the trio worked together on the Gorillaz debut album in 2001. Del last performed at Rifflanda in 2014 on the Phillips stage, but makes the jump to RAP in 2016 as this year’s final performer at the Rifftop Tent.
Wolf Parade
7:15PM, Sunday 18th
Royal Athletic Park Main Stage
An unknown band named Del Scorcho recently played a series of shows on Vancouver Island in weird places like Courtney, Nanaimo, and Cobble Hill. Turns out that was Wolf Parade playing a bunch of hometown shows to warm up ahead of their reunion residency at New York’s Bowery Ballroom. It seems like Sub Pop’s indie darlings are back for good (at least for now) after going on an indefinite hiatus in 2011. There is no one we’d rather see close out this year’s Rifflandia than Wolf Parade.