9 Underrated Acts at the Meadows This Weekend That You Absolutely Cannot Miss

The Meadows is back, and the three-day festival will feature over 50 acts, three rosé bars, and delicious Queens' staples like Sugar Club (Thai Dessert Toast & Roti).

With so many great acts to catch,, we went ahead and gave you the low down on a few you may not know too much about. 

Be sure to add your favorites to your personalized schedule in the Meadows App.

FOMO and didn’t grab a ticket? There’s still a few 3-Day and Single Day passes available, head over to The Meadows site to pick your squad up a few.

If you have different weekend plans, you can still check out The Meadows' playlist on Tidal, the rest of you can find me in line for a Taqo cup in between sets.

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Friday

1. Dylan St. John (Shea Stage 12:00-12:30PM)

His sound? A raw Party Next Door. His look? Your new boyfriend. 

This New York native first made waves in the underground scene in 2016 for his track “Penelope Cruz” in he quickly earned a reputation for his emotional lyrics over sultry basslines. Less than a year later, he has cemented his position as a rising star, performing alongside the likes of Jadakiss, Hi-Rez, and Soulection.


2. Lizzo (The Meadows Stage 2:15PM – 3:00PM)

Born Melissa Jefferson, Lizzo grew up in Houston, Texas and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2011. Her rise to fame was only a matter of time, rather than a matter of work. Lizzo was a member of multiple girl groups including The Chalice, in addition to touring with other music acts. 

Her momentum grew in 2013 after inclusion on Time’s 14 music artists to watch in 2014 and a spot on the soundtrack for Barber Shop 2: Back in Business. Two EPs later, everyone is hooked on Lizzo’s confident electro gospel inspired soul.


3. Sky Ferriera (Queens Blvd. Stage 4:00PM – 5:00PM)

The model/actress/singer-songwriter, and all around comet of a human being has been on the radar since 2009 when she released her electro pop EP As If! 

Shortly after Sky rose to fame with her EP Ghost, featuring the critically acclaimed track “Everything is Embarrassing,” a song she composed with Dev Hynes. Most recently, you may have seen Sky as Baby’s mother in Baby Driver (or her sultry cover of Lionel Richie’s “Easy” from the soundtrack), or as Ella in Twin Peaks.


Saturday

4. Big Boi (Shea Stage 3:00PM – 4:00PM)

You’re already in love with Big Boi, you just don’t realize it. Alongside Andre 3000, he produced six studio albums, including the hits “Ms. Jackson” and “Roses.” After the success of “The Way You Move” from Outkast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below double album project Big Boi began working on solo music.

He recently released his third solo album, BOOMIVERSE. The album features guest appearances from Adam Levine, Gucci Mane, and Curren$y, and lyrics like “Ay, just cashed the check and I'm 'bout to blow it all on chocolate.”


5. Public Access T.V. (The Meadows Stage 12:45PM – 1:30PM)

Public Access TV is an American band that has received critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Zane Lowe, just to name a few. The group earned a cult following after releasing their first track, "Monaco," online in January 2014. Dressed in T-shirts, jeans, and chucks, the rock band is a breath of fresh air in an industry currently dominated by EDM and new wave R’n’B. 

Their hit, "End of an Era," alludes to the dynamic. The kids may not like rock and roll anymore, but Public Access T.V. will change their minds.


6. Erykah Badu (Shea Stage 4:00PM – 5:00PM)

Erykah first emerged in to the music scene in 1997, after the release of her first album, Baduizm. The grooves and production on the album are bass-heavy R&B, but Badu's tortured vocals and delicate phrasing immediately marked her as a force to be reckoned with. The album celebrated its 20th anniversary in February earlier this year.

After an extended break from music Erykah released her But You Caint Use My Phone in 2015 with an updated sound, there’s more funk, more groove, and a bit more lip in her lyrics. Beyond being a bonafide music legend, Erykah is known for her social antics, like that one time she tried to kiss a news reporter on live TV

 Be sure to check her set for a once in a lifetime performance.


Sunday

7. Fantastic Negrito (Queens Blvd Stage 12:45PM-1:30PM)

Inspired by Prince to become a self-taught musician, Fantastic Negrito survived pushing crack, not getting caught sneaking around on the UC Berkeley Campus, and a coma. He gained and lost two record deals in the process, but it seems hard work pays off, because Mr. Fantastic took home the 2017 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album for 2017’s The Last Days of Oakland

Make sure to check out the electric black roots crooner.


8. Foster the People (Shea Stage 4:00PM – 5:00PM)

Known for their viral success "Pumped Up Kicks" in 2010, Foster the People are back with their third studio album, Sacred Hearts Club. A slight departure from alt-pop Torches and psychedelic Supermodel, Sacred Hearts Club’s hip-hop and EDM production adds a new passionate energy to the band’s already danceable songs.

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9. Lido (American Eagle Stage 7:15PM – 8:15PM)

Lido is a Norwegian rapper, record producer, singer, and songwriter. Breaking into the industry with his production of Halsey’s debut album BADLANDS in 2015, Lido is cementing himself as a major producer after winning album of the year at the Grammy’s for his work on Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book

His personal music is a melodic journal entry punctuated by voice samples and a thick bass line.   

[Feature Image Courtesy Culture Bene] 

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