Bonnaroo 2023 Artist Spotlight: Nordista Freeze

Like we’ve been doing for many years now, we’re making it our mission to help you get acquainted with many of our favorite acts from Bonnaroo‘s 2023 lineup. After roaring back to life last summer, after two years off due to Covid and weather, this year marks Bonnaroo’s 20th installment (and 22nd anniversary), boasting not only another great and varied lineup, but also more changes and improvements then we’ve seen in years, with more flexibility in ticketing and camping, a reimagined “Outeroo” campground area, new activations, and further new ways to Roo. Back once again in its usual June 15-18 timeframe, we’re counting down the days until another great weekend on the farm.

As we dig through the entire schedule, we’ll highlight a spread of performers spanning across genres and stages, big and small, new and old, to bring you some of the most interesting, lesser-known, and most highly-recommended among this year’s crop of artists. And as our time at ‘Roo approaches, we’ll also be bringing you some special features and full list-style daily lineup guides, to help you plan your weekend ahead of the fest. While these previews won’t span every artist, and might omit some more obvious must-see acts, we hope they’ll serve as a way to help you navigate Bonnaroo’s gargantuan lineup, and to make the most of your busy weekend at the fest!

Grab your tickets right here if you haven’t already, and read on for our Bonnaroo Artist Spotlight!

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One of the hardest working and most prolific artists in Nashville’s DIY scene- and one emblematic of what makes it so special- genre-bending psych-pop performer Nordista Freeze has been a site favorite for as long as we’ve been around. You’re surely seen him mentioned in countless show guides over the years, and that’s because Freeze and his band play over 100 shows a year, touring the nation and playing virtually every club and dive and DIY space across Music City (based on the last tally we could find, he’s surely closing in on playing his 1,000th show in the next year or two). A friend, collaborator, and favorite of countless other great local artists big and small, Nordista Freeze has been making music for over a decade, but really started to attract more attention with his releases in the mid-2010s, honing a spaced-out, psychedelic sound and a wild and high energy live show, which has been brought to life with a revolving door of backing players over the years. Not just a performer, but also an instrumental figuring in propagating local DIY events, Freeze has created ongoing series with his own Freezefest, as well as ’80s inspired party Space Prom, both to enthusiastic response. Though he’s released a handful of singles since- including recent hypotonic jam “Over”- the multifaceted artist’s last full-length was 2021’s Big Sky Pipe Dream, perhaps the best of his numerous records to date, channeling a throwback ’60s psych pop sound, and recorded live to tape with his band in an effort to best capture the unique vibe of his live shows. Not only is Nordista Freeze primed for Bonnaroo, but at this point it feels like he should be a local artist in residence. Yet, somehow, as best we can recall, this year marks his inaugural performance on the farm. You’re certainly have plenty more chances to see Freeze in action this year, but we encourage you to make this Thursday afternoon set- a long overdue achievement- a Bonnaroo priority!

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