Finals Fest was a swing and a miss last spring, with hip-hop artist 6LACK doing little to circumvent the University of Idaho’s apparent love for the genre.
At the time, it seemed Vandal Entertainment was too risk-averse, too unwilling to buck the trend of decent-to-great hip-hop performers in favor of anything else.
Was any of this 6LACK’s fault? Of course not. But after last year’s performance, we were left wondering whether we would be listening to hip-hop at our 50-year reunion.
So, when Vandal Entertainment announced AJR as the 2019 headlining act, the decision was met with mixed reactions.
On one hand, AJR feels similar to a safety net. The band is relatively new and uncontroversial, with numerous catchy, upbeat songs students are sure to recognize. But on the other hand, the choice feels like a step — albeit a more minor one — in the right direction.
An indie pop band best known for their hits “Weak” and “Sober Up,” AJR is the beginning of what may be a return to Finals Fest variety.
And it’s not just because of AJR. The decision to map out the event as more of a festival — as opposed to a single concert — is a fantastic decision to appeal to fans of different genres.
While previous Finals Fests typically centered on a headlining act preceded by an opener, 2019’s festival will feature four distinctive artists.
In addition to AJR, LesMorose, Kelsey Waters and SoDown will also perform throughout the night. These artists are undoubtedly lesser known than the headlining act but will still serve as much needed variety and could potentially be a welcome, surprising addition for students dissatisfied with AJR.
More importantly, the decision shows Vandal Entertainment is still willing to take a chance on young, up-and-coming talent — an important stance, considering the continued rise of indie music on platforms like Spotify and Soundcloud.
Dating back to 2007 with Taylor Swift, it has been shown that originally lesser-known artists sometimes become big hits after they step onto our campus. Other memorable names such as Macklemore and Post Malone have popped up throughout the years, but just as many have been quickly forgotten as well.
And when these smaller names are forgotten, it can be a heavy deterrent for similar artists going forward.
Sure, some years might not be as successful or well-received as others. Some artists may bomb entirely. But don’t be deterred by one misstep. Let it be a lesson to remember going forward — a jumping-off point.
As students, it’s our responsibility to showcase our support by attending the event. Even if AJR fails to meet high expectations, it doesn’t make the genre change a mistake. It’s a first step in a new direction.
—Editorial Board
big boi vandal
has the editorial board ever stopped ... prior to writing an article ... and wondered if their opinion was going to do anything to enrich the culture of the university? have they questioned the importance of their piece and weighed the necessity of even having an editorial board article in every single paper? sometimes it's okay not to have an opinion... or inject it in your paper. sometimes it's okay to just shut up.