10 Musical Artists UVa Should Consider For Welcome Week 2018
Start writing a post
Entertainment

10 Musical Artists UVa Should Consider For Welcome Week 2018

It wouldn't be Welcome Week without a UPC-hyped concert in JPJ, and it's never too early to start brainstorming.

367
10 Musical Artists UVa Should Consider For Welcome Week 2018
Twitter

Though I did not personally have a ticket to this year's unfortunately-cancelled Welcome Week concert, I know that many students were disappointed at the unexpected hole in their Saturday night schedule. The annual Welcome Week concert is a highlight of many first years' move-in weekend, and a great way to unify the UVa community through music before classes start. The past couple of years, I have selfishly wished that the Welcome Week concert would align more closely with my musical tastes, which I know differ from those of others. Nevertheless, here are ten ideas I have for next year's Welcome Week concert that I believe are within the realm of possibility.

1. The Revivalists

This band, originally formed at Tulane University, has gotten a lot of airplay recently with their single "Wish I Knew You," though they have many other fantastic songs. They actually have performed in Charlottesville before, at a concert downtown during my first year that I unfortunately could not go to, and they seem to be steadily gaining in mainstream popularity enough that they would be a recognizable, but not unattainable, option for next year's Welcome Week concert.

2. Cage the Elephant

Their most recent album, Tell Me I'm Pretty, has many excellent songs, including their single "Mess Around," that make them an enticing future candidate for the Welcome Week concert. They performed an acoustic show in Charlottesville last April that passed me by for some reason, but I have a feeling that their sound would translate well from the smaller venues of downtown Cville into the energetic arena setting of JPJ.

3. Elle King

Ever since her delightfully infectious song "Ex's and Ohs" came out in 2014, I've been impressed with her musical talent and fierce stage presence. She would certainly rock JPJ if given the chance to perform at Welcome Week, and I hope that she has enough staying power in the music industry to continue releasing widely distributed and well-received material. I'd be quite excited to listen to whatever songs she currently has up her sleeve.

4. MGMT

I've only started listening to MGMT recently since the new Foster the People album came out, and to my surprise they have been around the music industry a lot longer than I thought. One of their bigger hits, "Electric Feel," dates back to the good old days of 2007, and here I was thinking it had just come out. In any event, MGMT's music appeals to any fan of the psychedelic alternative rock/pop genre, and after taking a break from recording in 2015, they're supposedly back with a new album set to release later this year. Even though they may not be the "flavor of the month" with most UVa students, I would be very excited if they came to Charlottesville for Welcome Week next year.

5. Shawn Mendes

He's a little poppier than most of the other artists on this list, and I confess that when he first came on the music scene I was a little skeptical that he would just be a flash in the pan. But I do actually enjoy many of his songs, and he seems to be having a moment where every song he releases becomes a radio hit. I have no doubt that by the time Welcome Week rolls around next year, he'll have another super catchy song ruling the airwaves that UVa students would love to hear live.

6. The Kooks

This is another band that has been musically relevant for much longer than I was aware, having released their first album way back in 2006 and currently touring to support their recent "greatest hits" compilation release. Considering that they fit perfectly into my normal music taste, I am surprised that I haven't become a fan of them earlier. With fun, rock/pop songs like "Bad Habit," the Kooks would absolutely be a crowdpleaser at Welcome Week next year if they were to perform.

7. Hozier

Most people know Hozier from his 2013 hit "Take Me To Church," but the more I listen to his lesser-known songs from his debut album, the more I'm convinced he is an extremely underrated songwriter in today's musical landscape. He may not have an extensive discography, but if he comes out with a new album next year, I'd be first in line to see him perform at UVa.

8. Janelle Monae

After listening to many of her songs for a class last semester, I became a big fan of her unique viewpoint on music. She often portrays specific characters in her songs, such as an android robot named Cindi Mayweather who often serves as her alter-ego, and her songs are both introspective and exciting. Last year, Monae also acted in Hidden Figures and Moonlight, so her career is clearly skyrocketing. However, despite six Grammy nominations, I believe her music is still somewhat underappreciated by mainstream audiences.

9. Foster the People

I'm a big fan of this band, even more so after the June release of their latest album, Sacred Hearts Club. Having seen them in concert twice, I can confirm that they have an absolutely electric stage presence that leaves the audience feeling energized, motivated, and joyful, which I think are along the lines of what UVa hopes to achieve with the Welcome Week concert every year. If they're still promoting their new album next year, I sincerely hope that they get a call to come perform amongst the hallowed hoops at JPJ.

10. Chance the Rapper

Though I am not overly familiar with his music, there was a huge social media push among the UVa community to get him to perform as the replacement concert when Future and Lil Yachty cancelled their planned Welcome Week concert this year. Based on the enthusiasm towards him that I've observed, he would obviously be a huge hit if he performed here during Welcome Week next year. If his team is as savvy enough on social media to give hope that the recent #GiveUVaAChance push would work, his imminent appearance at UVa is certainly in the cards.

At the recently rescheduled Rotunda Sing on Wednesday, August 30, UPC announced a replacement concert that will be occurring on September 15, presumably put together after this year's Welcome Week concert ceased to be. While I suppose this replacement concert won't serve quite the same purpose of welcoming first years to grounds before classes start, it will surely be a satisfying consolation for those that had tickets to the scheduled August 19 show. But even with this new addition to the UVa calendar, it's never too late to start thinking about acts for next year.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

49134
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31236
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954980
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180257
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments