Freakfest organizers are trying to “keep it fresh” this year, according to Frank Productions spokesperson Jesse Sherman, who confirmed the 2014 lineup featuring Minnesota-based hip hop group Atmosphere.
As opposed to last year’s headlining act Matt and Kim, the Nov. 1 2014 State Street Halloween party will showcase more performances from hip-hop artists on the main Capitol stage, Sherman said.
In 2013, Freakfest’s hip hop acts seemed to be isolated to the Gilman Street Stage, he said, noting that this year was an opportunity to switch it up.
Atmosphere’s popularity in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois as well as the group’s level of national attention played a big factor in the decision-making process, Sherman said.
“He’s been through Madison before and sold out the Orpheum a couple years ago,” Sherman said. “Atmosphere is a really big name in the Midwest […] So we felt that would be a good decision for main stage booking this year.”
Atmosphere’s tour mates Prof and deM atlaS will also play the stage with the state capitol backdrop, in addition to two other hip-hop acts, Webster X and Wisconsin-based rapper Charles Grant.
Indie-rock band American Authors (Best Day of My Life) from Brooklyn, New York is scheduled to perform on the Gilman Street Stage, along with The Mowgli’s, a “light-hearted rock ‘n’ roll band” who has preformed numerous times in Madison including a Revelry appearance, once at the Sett last spring and recently at High Noon Saloon in mid-August, Sherman said.
See you @freakfest! #Wisconsin pic.twitter.com/WG0Csj1U9q
— The Mowgli’s (@Themowglis) September 15, 2014
Other Gilman acts include indie-duo the Generationals and a solo act from the former front-woman of The Hush Sound, Springtime Carnivore. Both artists are produced by Richard Swift of The Shins, according to the Freakfest website.
The layout of stages should stay the same this year, although a finalized map has yet to be released, Sherman said. Last year, a stage was added for WSUM 91.7 to host local acts. This year the stage will feature Dense City, Sky Urchin, Catch Kid, Midas Bison and Eagle Trace.
One change is the removal of the “exclusive” DJ party at the Orpheum that was instated at last year’s festival for an additional price, Tag Evers, Frank Productions promoter said.
Evers said crowd size and ticket sales usually amount to about 30,000 to 40,000 patrons.
Ticket sales begin this Friday, September 19 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online or at local retailers for $8.
https://twitter.com/freakfest/status/511548770677690368
- Frank Productions
