Ricardo Maldonado
III Points Music, Art, and Technology Festival will be held at Mana Wynwood in Miami, FL, October 13-15, 2017
As if seeing Gorillaz in their first and only Florida performance wasn’t enticing enough, III Points Music, Art & Technology Festival has over 100 amazing artists on the lineup, making it set to be one of this year’s best music festivals. You now have less than three weeks to start planing your road trip to Miami for this amazing festival from October 13th to the 15th.
Once again, III Points festival organizers have topped previous years with another great line up that transcends all genres. It seems that with every new year, III Points experiences exponential growth in the quality of artists, and this year is no different. After revealing the festival’s full lineup back in May, some of this year’s most anticipated artists include: the xx, Nicolas Jaar, Richie Hawtin, Bonobo, Kaytranada, Danny Brown, Thundercat, Mad Lib, BADBADNOTGOOD, Skepta, Lil B, and RÜFÜS DU SOL, and of course, Gorillaz. There is also a slew of local Florida artists including Jacuzzi Boys, Hundred Waters, Deaf Poets, Plastic Pinks, POORGRRRL, and Wastelands. From indie and psych rock, to hiphop, electronic, funk, and grime, there is something for everyone at this festival. At the very least, if you are not a music fan, you can always get lost in the massive art installations, or gorge out on some tasty food and drinks. Mana Wynwood may not be ready for this compact, powerful festival, ready to explode like a supernova.
One can only assume that headliners, Gorillaz, will be bringing out a few of their many collaborators present at the festival. Damon Albarn and company are sure to add Danny Brown and Kali Uchis to their set, both of whom are featured on their latest release, Humanz. Cross your fingers for an appearance by Vince Staples, who performed at last year’s festival, and recently announced that he will be hitting the road with Gorillaz on their world tour in support of the latest release. Anything is possible with this group. The addition of these artists, with both their respected solo performances, and probable addition to the Gorillaz set, only makes the group’s Miami performance that much more memorable. In past shows, Gorillaz have brought out nearly all of their album collaborators, especially when performing their 2005 release Demon Days, at the Manchester Opera House and at a show in Harlem.
The xx will make their III Points debut this year, in addition to this performance being an exclusive for Florida. The xx recently released their third album, I See You, which have proven to be an evolution from their previous LPs. The trio approached the writing process a little differently this album, and the final product is proof. I See You, features more dance driven tracks, and an overall, brighter tone than past releases. In past, Croft and Smith would work on music independently and then come together to finalize. On this album, the two came together physically to write music collectively at the same time, producing a far different product, capturing the hearts of fans old and new. On their 2017 tour for I See You, the xx have played Coachella, and multiple South American Lollapalooza dates. The first single off the new album, On Hold, is their highest charting international single, which features a Hall and Oats-sample by Jamie xx, creating a light and fun record, delving into a new area of exploration for the band, while still remaining true to their themes of love and loss. The band appears to be much more comfortable in their live shows and is having more fun with a slightly more playful record.
For hip hop heads, III Points has announced the aforementioned Danny Brown, who will share stages with legendary DJ/producer/MC Madlib, Lil B aka the BasedGod, British grime artist Skepta, Willow Smith, and more. Madlib is by far one of hip hop’s greatest producers and DJs. His style is something otherworldly. He teeters on the brink of experimental and old school to form something truly unique.
If you don’t know Kali Uchis by now, she will be your new BAE by the end of this festival. Uchis combines pop-soul, R&B, and reggae to create a distinct tropical pop vibe that is perfect for Miami. She will undoubtedly be seen performing “She’s My Collar” on Friday nightwith the Gorillaz.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSViNoqvC6s
What would III Points without an amazing lineup of electronic artists and DJs? A more recent addition to the lineup is Mark Ronson vs Kevin Parker. This mashup DJ duo has been performing together for the past year with rave reviews. Musician, DJ, and super producer Mark Ronson has worked with everyone from Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, and Lily Allen to Ghostface Killah, Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, and Queens of the Stone Age. He is by far one of the best behind the scenes artists/producers of our time mixing funk, reggae, hip hop, soul, and pop. Just like Ronson, Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker’s work speaks for itself. The latest album from Tame Impala, Currents, is quite possibly one of the greatest rock records of the past 10 years. Parker’s attention to detail shines through in his latest work that he wrote, performed, recorded, and produced all on his own at his home studio in Perth, Australia. The combination of these two men can bring nothing but greatness to the stages of III Points. This won’t be the first or last time these 2 team up, as they recently played Governor’s Ball in NYC. The two also worked on a couple of tracks on Ronson’s most recent release, and Lady Gaga’s “Perfect Illusion” together. This again, will be another Florida exclusive, only seen at III Points 2017.
Canadian artist, Richie Hawtin brings his latest show ‘CLOSE’ to Miami, after debuting the new setup at Coachella in April of this year. The well received, new setup for Hawtin, brings him forward from behind the decks, playing a live electronic set with synths and drum pads. This will definitely be an unforgettable performance for those attending III Points.
Another Canadian artist, but Haitian born, Kaytranada aka Louis Celestin crosses over from hip hop/r&b to dance and electronic with multiple dance remixes of various hip hop artists. Kaytranada’s popularity has been on a steady incline over the past few years, gaining large amounts of attention for his live performances. Last year’s release 99.9%, really set him apart and brought him to a worldwide audience.
Simon Green, better known as Bonobo, is a III Points veteran, playing in 2015. He returns to the stages of Mana Wynwood this year performing live renditions of studio material with a full band, which often features a singer, keyboardist, guitarist and more. Bonobo has been combining electronic with jazz for the past 17 years to create a complex, sophisticated sound that dips into the realm of pop with his latest release, Migration. Bonobo also collaborated with Hundred Waters vocalist Nicole Miglis on song the“Surface” from Migration, so there is another chance for a III Points surprise guest during a set. Again, there will be so much more with anticipated sets by Nicolas Jaar, Ricky Eat Acid, and Rüfüs du Sol. Thundercat, the alter ego of bassist/singer Stephen Bruner of south LA will also be performing in Miami. Thundercat is one of many keeping the funk alive in a time where the world needs it the most. His ever-growing list of collaborators includes Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, Kamasi Washington, Snoop Dog and Erykah Badu.
Melody’s Echo Chamber from France is a dreamy mix of pop and psych rock. The band has also collaborated with Kevin Parker on their self titled record. Other can’t miss acts include: Mild High Club, Mr Twin Sister, and Badbadnotgood. Many of the performers at III Point have collaborated with one another so anything is possible when it comes to surprise guests during different sets.
The wide range of US and international artists will be mixed with some of Miami’s best locals. As always, no South Florida festival would be complete without Miami sweethearts, Jacuzzi Boys. The trio have been touring in support of their 2016 release, Ping Pong. After a few dates in Australia, the tour will come to an end at III Points. The band also recently released a compilation album on August 25, titled Singles ‘N’ Stuff: 2007-2011, which is a great place to start if you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t heard of these guys yet. Jacuzzi Boys embody what is to live and breath the south Florida life with their catchy lo-fi mix of punk, pop, and surf rock. Alongside this trio will be Spanish tropi-punks, Plastic Pinks. These garage psych rockers provide a high energy live show that has been consistent since their inception in 2013.
Poorgrrrl, another up and coming Miami artist will take the III Points stage for the third year in a row to show her eclectic mix of ambient, electronic, and hip hop vibes. Think of slipping acid into the floppy drive of your 1998 Dell computer and blasting the pulsating speakers. Not too far from Poorgrrrl you’ll find Brydipop, another Miami local and DJ who often works alongside Tara Long.
Garage rock two piece and south Florida natives, Deaf Poets bring as much noise to the stage as a biker gang cruising down the street blasting Led Zeppelin, but think way sexier with less beard hair. Flopping in-between chainsaw buzzing guitars, psychedelic freak outs, and slowed down tempo build ups, Deaf Poets pack a punch with their high energy live shows. They tour often in Florida, with recent shows in Jacksonville, so this will not be your only chance to see them.
Wastelands is a perfect example of swampy psych rock at its finest. This Florida trio is producing some of the area’s best punk and psychedelic tunes. Hundred Waters who formed in Gainesville, is a great mix of electronic and indie rock with ghostly Sigur Rós-like vocals tying everything together. Hopefully you can catch the lead singer performing with Bonobo during his set.
A major highlight of the festival this year will be Brian Eno’s audio installation ”The Ship.” This will be a mix of sound specifically curated to reflect the exhibition space in Mana Wynwood, drawing inspiration from the sinking of the Titanic. This is only a small portion of the art and installations that will be featured all throughout the festival, including work from Nonotak Studio, Dither, FNDR, and Haiiileen.
As the days get closer to the festival date, be on the lookout for parties and other satellite events surrounding III Points. Like any other weekend in Miami, there will more than enough things to do with not enough time to do it all. Choose your extracurricular festival activities wisely and don’t miss out on the lectures, labs and tech talks.
Single day GA tickets are going for $99, while a three day GA ticket are $190. Single day VIP tickets are $215 each and three day VIP Foresight tickets are $345. III Points Music, Art, and Technology Festival will be held at Mana Wynwood in Miami, FL, October 13-15, 2017. Stay up to date with all things III Points by following their Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages.
Follow FOLIO!