The first round of artists confirmed for this year’s Rifflandia Festival were announced this morning, a list that included everything from Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$ and Calgary electro-pop star Kiesza to Hamilton rockers Arkells, former Strokes singer Julian Casablancas, ’80s-sounding Montreal funk duo Chromeo.
Organizers behind the eighth annual festival, set for Sept. 17-20 at more than 20 stages in Victoria, released the names of 19 acts today, a portion of Rifflandia’s 100-plus artist roster. Other acts that were part of Friday’s announcement include Tokyo Police Club, Neon Indian, Blonde Redhead, Doomtree, Big Data, The Underachievers, Emancipator, The Dears, Wild Ones, Little Hurricane, Frog Eyes, Moon King, HIGHS and Grounders.
More are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and months.
A selection of Rifflandia wristbands, including Super Pass ($165) and VIP Pass ($295) are available now at rifflandia.com or in person at Lyle’s Place and The Royal McPherson Box Office. The remainder of passes, incjuding single day tickets, will be available for purchase once the full schedule is released, according to Atomique Productions which produces the event.