Sylvan Esso top the Chart
by Mark Wheat
May 18, 2017
The title might stop it from becoming the first big song of the summer, but Sylvan Esso leaped to the top after just two weeks with 'Die Young'. They're set for a big summer though playing some of the biggest festivals across the globe, like Lollapalooza and Eaux Claires. They also have a First Ave gig Aug 7th which may well sell out early. They are already getting rave reviews for their minimal yet joyous set from the Shaky Knees Fest.
Lorde bounces back up 13 places this week as her return single gets set to be inducted next week. She's also made it to the cover of Rolling Stone, describing how she had to take a step back after her initial success.
Fleet Foxes returned to the stage this week after an even longer hiatus of nearly 5 years in Missoula, Montana. After a few more warm up gigs here, they fly to Australia to play 4 nights at Sydney Opera House!;
Meanwhile their old drummer Father John Misty is back at #12. He stunned the Micro Show crowd on Tuesday with mostly songs from his new "polarizing" album, with only his piano player for support. You can hear the results Monday June 5th at noon.
The xx are also back with the third song from their most recent release to chart, at #7. They continue to get really good reviews for their live performances and have added another batch of US shows in the autumn.
Laura Marling is another artist who took some time off from making music after finding her initial success. Although she wasn't as young as Lorde, nor did it happen as fast, but for another introvert it was hard for her to navigate. She came to live in America and even tried being a yoga instructor for awhile!
Dealing with sudden success seems to be a theme on this week's chart as Future Islands make it on too! They had a massive story in Rolling Stone when the album came out last month, in which the leader Samuel T. Herring admitted; "My happiest place in this world is the stage. That's where I have purpose. It's what makes me know I deserve to be — not need to be — on this earth"
Thanks to everyone who voted for our 893 Essential Artists! Because of the countdown running until next Thursday at 7 p.m., we've moved the chart to Thursday at 8 p.m. next week. But still get your votes in before Monday at midnight!