Don’t miss these lesser-know gems at next week’s Bonnaroo. All of these artists rock.
The headliners at Bonnaroo get a lot of well-deserved attention, but every performer at this festival brings serious talent.
Sometimes you miss out on side stages and tents or earlier set times because you’re exhausted from a sunrise set, or maybe you skip a band because you don’t recognize the name.
No way. Not this time.
Don’t sleep on any of these bands/artists
Get yourself out of your camp or away from the main stages to check out artists on the verge of breaking out in a big way, or get an opportunity to see legends on a small stage.
If you want to see the full Bonnaroo 2024 lineup schedule, click here.
10 Underrated Bands You Need to See at Bonnaroo 2024
Eggy
This funky, crunchadelic four-piece from New Haven, Connecticut, is firing on all cylinders right now. After Bonnaroo, they’ll make their Red Rocks debut before hitting a string of music festivals, and then they’ve got a run of dates with Umphrey’s McGee. Since releasing their debut album Watercolor Days in 2019, the band has put in some serious miles, hitting 40 states and releasing dozens of live recordings from select shows along the way.
THIS TENT – Thursday 3:15PM – 4:00PM
Follow on Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp
Say She She
Say She She, the soulful, female-led trio from Brooklyn, is turning heads with their boundary-obliterating sophomore album Silver, hailed as a Top 20 release of 2023 by KEXP. Fronted by Piya Malik, Sabrina Mileo Cunningham, and Nya Gazelle Brown, their “discodelic soul” sound blends dreamy harmonies with catchy beats. They’ve topped radio charts and sold out shows from London to LA, playing the Hollywood Bowl and the Glastonbury Festival.
THAT TENT – Thursday 3:45PM – 4:30PM
Follow on Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp
Militarie Gun
Militarie Gun! This Los Angeles-based alternative punk band, led by frontman Ian Shelton, emerged during the pandemic when his main project was put on hold. Militarie Gun fuses alternative rock and punk rock into ferocious, high-energy performances that will be talked about all weekend. You won’t want to miss this show. Their debut full-length album, Life Under the Gun, released in June 2023, received near-universal praise as one of the best rock records of the year.
THIS TENT – Thurs 11:15PM-12:15AM
Follow on Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp
Dan Spencer
Tennessee-based singer-songwriter Dan Spencer released his sophomore album, Return To Your Dark Master, on May 31. His sound, blending alt-country and heavily distorted country-rock with refined songwriting, sounds familiar yet unique. Think Jason Molina meets Militarie Gun. His debut, Bursting With Country-Fresh Flavor, is a standout first record. Spencer, a killer songwriter with a belting voice, becomes even more powerful with his full band behind him.
WHO STAGE – Friday 4:45PM – 5:30PM
Follow on Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp
Mon Rovia
When you experience the spellbinding melodies of Mon Rovîa, you begin a heartfelt journey, exploring themes of resilience and healing. Born in Liberia, Janjay Lowe was adopted by missionaries, leading him on a journey through Florida, Montana, and the Bahamas before settling in Tennessee. Mon Rovîa’s music weaves a rich tapestry of indie pop and folk, reflecting the meandering path he has traveled since leaving his West African homeland.
WHO STAGE – Friday 3:30PM – 4:15PM
Follow on Spotify | Apple Music
Trousdale
Founded by Quinn D’Andrea, Georgia Greene, and Lauren Jones while studying music at USC, Trousdale is an all-female band focused on harmonies and empowering messages delivered through an expansive indie power-pop sound. Their self-produced debut EP, Look Around, featuring hits like “Better Off” and “Wouldn’t Come Back,” achieved enormous success, reaching more than 20 million streams. Their charming stage presence coupled with boundless musical talent makes them an impressive live band.
THIS TENT – Saturday 1:30PM – 2:15PM
Follow on Spotify | Apple Music
LOVRA
OTHER STAGE – Sat 3:45PM – 4:45PM
LOVRA, representing the distinct spirit of Berlin, infuses her DJ sets with a blend of 90s and 00s music nostalgia and contemporary house beats. Her unique sound has been heard at global festivals and iconic venues like Ushuaia in Ibiza. She’s supported renowned artists like Claptone and David Guetta, and continues to make herself known in the Techhouse scene
Follow on Spotify | Apple Music | Soundcloud
S.G. Goodman
S.G. Goodman blends gritty roots rock with authentic Americana, driven by her craggy, unfiltered vocals. Her lyrics paint vivid portraits of rural, small-town life, exploring the beauty of the natural world complexities being a part of it. Jim James produced her debut Old Time Feeling, released in 2020. Her latest record, “Teeth Marks,” continues to resonate because her songwriting and storytelling is so genuine and captivating.
THIS TENT – Sunday 1:00PM – 1:45PM
Follow on Spotify | Apple Music
Armand Hammer
Armand Hammer, an American hip-hop duo from New York City formed circa 2013, is comprised of rappers Billy Woods and Elucid. Their thought-driven, raw lyricism and innovative production have drawn significant critical acclaim. They challenge societal norms and delve into themes ranging from art and politics to the complexities of life. Armand Hammer is considered one of the most influential acts in contemporary rap.
THAT TENT – Sunday 1:15PM – 2:00PM
Follow on Spotify | Apple Music
Irreversible Entanglements
Formed in 2015, Irreversible Entanglements is an American free jazz collective renowned for their innovative and uncontained sound. Consisting of vocalist Camae Ayewa, drummer Tcheser Holmes, trumpeter Aquiles Navarro, saxophonist Keir Neuringer, and bassist Luke Stewart, their music defies attempts to categorize them. Drawing from free jazz, avant-garde jazz, post-punk, and noise rock, they become an unstoppable musical force.
THAT TENT – Sunday 2:45PM – 3:45PM
Follow on Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp
