After taking the first initial glance at the Hulaween lineups it is always fun to take a deeper look into the festival’s intricate and wisely-curated collection of artists the curators have pulled together as you daydream about the nights ahead that seem unfathomable. While the Hulaween 2023 lineup consists of artists that will keep the 4-nights roaring with joy, we highlighted the backstory built a carefully-selected playlist around the 7 artists that we must see.
1. The String Cheese Incident
The String Cheese Incident formed in Crested Butte, Colorado in 1993 and has become a driving force in the development of the electronic music festival culture and have been an undercurrent in keeping music authentic and down to earth, as many of the world think this style of music is dead. The band consists of Michael Kang (mandolin, electric guitar, and violin), Bill Nershi (acoustic guitar and lap steel guitar), Kyle Hollingsworth (keyboards and vocals), Keith Moseley (bass guitar), Michael Travis (drums and percussion) and Jason Hann (percussion).
SCI has released over a dozen studio albums, including their debut album, Born on the Wrong Planet, in 1997, and their most recent album The Allman Brothers Band: Tribute to a Legend in 2020. In our playlist we point out ‘Sweet Spot’ from their album Believe as well as their vibey, ‘Lester Had a Coconut’.
2. The Trey Anatasio Band
“Ether Sunday” is a standout track in the Trey Anastasio Band’s catalog, showcasing the group’s strengths as both musicians and songwriters. With its powerful lyrics and masterful musicianship, the song is a testament to the enduring appeal of Anastasio’s music, both as a solo artist and as a member of one of the most beloved jam bands of all time, Phish.
3. Elderbrook
Elderbrook, the stage name of Alexander Kotz, is an accomplished English musician, producer, and songwriter. He kicked off his music career in 2015, with the release of his debut EP, featuring the hit track ‘How Many Times’, which was later remixed by the renowned German duo Andhim and was named one of Mixmag’s top songs of 2015.
In 2016, Elderbrook collaborated with several artists, including Gorgon City, and produced remixes for many famous musicians such as Clean Bandit.
Elderbrook’s most significant achievement so far has been his collaboration with CamelPhat, ‘Cola’; the song was a nominee for Best Dance Song at the 2018 Grammy Awards. While one of our favorites is of course, ‘Numb’ and his progressive new album, Little Love, is sure to create unforgettable moments on the dance floor this Hula.
4. Channel Tres
Channel Tres, born Sheldon Young, is an American DJ, producer, and rapper hailing from Compton, California. He rose to fame in the mid-2010s with his unique blend of house, funk, and rap music.
Channel Tres got his start in the music industry as a teenage rapper, but it wasn’t until he started experimenting with production and DJing that he found his true calling. In 2018, he released his debut EP, ‘Channel Tres’, which featured the standout track ‘Controller’. The song quickly gained popularity thanks to its infectious beat and Channel Tres’ smooth, effortless flow.
Coming off a massive release with Jamie Jones’ ‘Got Time For Me’, the feels are going to be real during his Hula set.
In addition, Channel Tres has collaborated with a number of high-profile artists, including Tyler, The Creator, Anderson .Paak, and Disclosure.
5. Lucati
Lucati is known for his unique blend of house, tech-house, and bass music. He first gained attention in 2018 with his debut EP, ‘Gimmick’, which was released on Insomniac’s In / Rotation imprint.
His tracks have been supported by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Claude VonStroke, Chris Lake, and Fisher.
One of Lucati’s most notable releases to date is his remix of ‘Freaks’, a popular track by Fisher, while Hula-ers should keep their fingers crossed that he plays his recent Frank Ocean remix or original, moody single ‘Overnight’.
In addition to his music production, Lucati is also an accomplished DJ and has played at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in the world, including EDC Las Vegas and Holy Ship!.
6. Pretty Lights
Pretty Lights is back and no one knows what to expect really, especially for the unique treatment that comes when artists play at The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.
Pretty Lights began making music in 2004, and released his debut album “Taking Up Your Precious Time” in 2006. He gained significant attention with his 2010 album “Making Up a Changing Mind,” which featured hit tracks such as “Finally Moving” and “I Know the Truth.” Since then, he has released numerous successful albums, including “A Color Map of the Sun” in 2013 and “Episodic” in 2016.
7. Dispatch
Dispatch is always a treat admits a festival. Their music is a powerful reminder of a particular moment in time, when a generation of young people were filled with hope, passion, and a desire to change the world. For many fans, listening to their music is a way to relive those feelings and memories, and to reconnect with a sense of purpose and possibility that may have faded over time. Tears may be shed during this set.