Are You Wondering Who To See At Wonderfront 2024?

Wonderfront Festival 2024 is in two weeks, and the line-up is loaded with fresh new artists and recognizable, reputable names. This year there will be several stages with artists playing simultaneously, but the headlining acts are not overlapping. If you’re unfamiliar with some of the acts, or having a hard time deciding who to see, here are a few artists I recommend checking out:

Friday

1. Kaytranada: Kaytranada has been laying the foundation for a lasting career in dance hall music for years, releasing a string of albums that are all consistently well-produced, groovy, and creative. While his music used to seem more at home in the club, an incredible live set at Coachella in 2023 proved he can headline a festival.

2. JID: JID is an up-and-coming rapper whose 2022 album, “The Forever Story,” launched him into the spotlight and placed him near the likes of J. Cole and Kendrick. While his discography might not match theirs in quantity, he’s riding a wave of creativity and skill that rivals Goku’s training with King Kai, and you’re going to want to be there to witness him and tell your kids about it in 20 years. 

3. T-Pain: T-Pain’s name speaks for itself, with a score of great hits like “Bartender,” “Buy U a Drank,” and “I’m Sprung.” He is a legend walking. I can’t confirm it’ll happen at Wonderfront, but T-Pain has been singing without autotune lately. Apparently, his voice is divine, so in addition to being fun, this might be a chance to get a unique look at an artist who’s returning to their roots.

4. Saint Luna: The rest of the setlist looks promising, but my final shout-out is to Saint Luna. They are a local San Diego garage band that has been growing over the last four years due to hard work, inherent talent, and great taste. I saw them perform a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Time” in 2022 at the Music Box and I was blown away that a band so young was so reckless and carefree, yet so refined in their sound. Go show some support; they’re a couple of years away from being the next hometown heroes.

Saturday

While Friday is more hip-hop-focused, Saturday is STACKED for pop and alt-rock. 

1. Weezer: Weezer is obviously going to attract the majority of the millennial audience; it’s hard to pass up watching “Island in the Sun,” and “Beverly Hills” live (though I hope they play “Africa” too, fingers crossed)

2. Dominic Fike: Fresh off a guest appearance at Coachella, Fike is one of those artists who used to struggle with translating the energy of their records to their live performances, but has finally started to look comfortable on stage and is entering their golden era of touring. His floppy hair and twinkling, guitar-driven songs are sure to deliver a groovy, laid-back experience.

3. Carly Rae Jepsen: For anyone seeking more energy, Carly Rae Jepsen is calling your name. Jepsen proved she was more than a one-hit wonder when she eclipsed her “Call Me Maybe” notoriety with back-to-back pop opuses, “Emotion” and “Dedicated.” She is the artist I am most excited to see at the entire festival. Her stage persona, bubbly cheerfulness, and extensive catalog of pop anthems are sure to eliminate all the darkness in your heart for at least the length of the show, and the afterglow will get you through Monday. 

4. Quick Mentions: Other artists I recommend on Saturday are Unknown Mortal Orchestra (raise your hand if you streamed “Hunnybee” until your ears bled) and BADBADNOTGOOD who I’m expecting to have the best sound quality of the festival (audiophiles better show up for this one).

Sunday

I’ll admit, this line-up is very millennial-coded and is my least favorite selection of artists. Beck and Mt. Joy will appeal to an older audience and the worship-music crowd respectively, but The Roots bring old-school hip hop, especially for anyone interested in seeing Black Thought’s widely-celebrated ability to perform live. Natasha Bedingfield is also expected to deliver some early 2000s nostalgia for anyone who remembers singing “Unwritten” in the shower. 

1. The Routine:  Combining elements of reggae guitar with poly-rhythmic Latin percussion and soul-singing, The Routine’s ever-evolving sound and vibe should translate well to the Wonderfront atmosphere. 

2. Alice Phoebe Lou: Alice Phoebe Lou has an indie-pop aesthetic that’s soaked in reverb and reminds me of Sylvan Esso or Laufey without jazz.

3. Moon Panda: If you’re a fan of bands like Thee Sacred Souls or Men I Trust, Moon Panda has an eclectic sound of 80s French pop mixed with soul that sounds atmospheric and easily digestible. 

 Riding on last year’s success, this year’s festival could be one of the biggest musical events in San Diego that you won’t want to miss. Tickets are still available, starting at $135 per day, and the festival runs from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day (including Friday).