Roots Picnic: Preview, 2020
February 11, 2020
Earlier today, The Roots released their lineup for their annual Roots Picnic. 2020 marks the 13th installment of The Roots hosting their summer festival, and the second year at the new location in Fairmount Park (Festival Pier got kinda tight). This year’s lineup is filled with some great acts, and personal favorites of mine. Here are the artists I’m looking forward to:
The Roots present Soul with Musiq Soulchild, Brandy, and SWV — A couple of years ago, Brandy was slated to perform with The Roots, but her set had to be cancelled due to a thunderstorm. But it looks like The Roots circled back to that idea. As the headliner, The Roots often take a musical shapeshifter approach, backing artists like Usher, Erykah Badu, Pharrell, and many others — bringing the artists into their world, as well as entering that artists world. The Roots do an absolutely phenomenal job of rearranging songs in interesting ways.
It’s somewhat of an unspoken prerequisite, but the headliner is usually someone that’s past their prime (in terms of “mainstream” appeal), and beyond the point of their chart topping days. But, as often the case, The Roots act musical curators of history and sound, preserving the legacies of Black artists that many have given up on. That said, I can’t wait to see what they do with Musiq, Brandy, and SWV.
Thundercat — By the time of the Roots Picnic, Thundercat’s album will have been out for a few months, so there’ll be plenty of new music. I’m excited to see where Thundercat’s at musically, given his last album, Drunk, came out three years ago. Thundercat’s performances are always incredible (I think I’ve seen him at least 4 times now) and very Thundercat-like, which could mean a variety of things. Thundercat’s by far my most anticipated artist.
Summer Walker — Look, you never know what you’re going to get with sister Walker, but I’m trusting in her ability to at least be there. Her band is consistently good, I love her live show arrangements, and it looks like her team has set up her live show to cater to her strengths. I’m hopeful.
Phony Ppl — I saw Phony Ppl about seven years ago when they were on a college tour, but I haven’t seen them live since. They’ve obviously grown a lot since, but i’m interested in seeing them in the festival setting. I think their performance style, and music, will translate well.
***A Note on Podcasts***
Podcasts are great. I especially like conversational podcasts, but they have no place happening in public. I mean, it’s just weird. I love Questlove Supreme, The Read, and Elliot Wilson. But please, what are we doing here?
***Back to the Music***
Snoh Aalegra — I’m really interested in seeing Snoh Aalegra’s live show. I love the tone of her voice, her writing, and her ear composition and arrangement, but I do wonder what she sounds like live, the energy of her performance, and so on.
SiR — Man, I love SiR. I’ve watched plenty of videos of SiR’s live shows, and they look great, but I haven’t had the chance to see him live. SiR’s definitely one of the top acts I’m hoping to see.
Meshell Ndegeocello — Meshell Ndegeocello’s one of the artists that always seems to evade me - just can never catch one of her shows, but I’m hoping that changes this year! And to make it even better, she’ll be doing a Prince tribute of sorts. I’m interested in seeing what she does with his music.
Buddy — I got the chance to see Buddy in concert last year as an opener for Vince Staples. If you’ve ever seen Buddy on social media then you know he’s a character. His live show is filled with energy (and kind of ridiculous but funny antics). And most importantly, I like his music!
Baby Rose — I just watched Baby Rose’s Tiny Desk, so there may be some recency bias, but I’m all in on her. I love her writing, her band, and their arrangements of her music, and her voice (it’s grown on me for real). I’m excited for her set.
