Bonnaroo Band of the Day: Bully

Bonnaroo Artist | Bully
Bonnaroo History | 2014
Stage & Time | TBA

As we’ve been doing for the past several years now, we’re making it our mission to help you get acquainted with as many bands as we can from Bonnaroo‘s impressive 2016 lineup. We’ll start from the bottom and work our way up, paying special attention to the smaller and lesser known acts on this year’s bill. Keep reading for your Bonnaroo Band of the Day…

LEARN

Throughout their earliest shows in 2013, buzzyworthy DIY releases and local domination in 2014, and subsequent signing, major label full-length debut, and well-earned international acclaim in 2015, watching local grunge pop group Bully rightfully ascend to become one of modern rock and roll’s most important acts has been an immensely gratifying journey. Led by singer/songwriter/producer Alicia Bognanno, an MTSU grad and former intern of beloved producer Steve Albini, Bully, despite their big label pedigree, have always been, and largely remain, a fiercely organic, self-sufficient unit. Since their earlier 7″ and tape efforts, self-released self-titled EP, and last year’s full-length debut, Feels Like, which landed on more year end lists than we can count (including on top of our own), the band have always managed to find a balance between ’90s alt-rock and grunge nostalgia, pop sensibilities, punk attitude, and modern indie flair, cemented by Bognanno’s unparalleled ear for production and biting musical sensibilities.

Rounded out by drummer Stewart Copeland, guitarist Clayton Parker, and bassist Reece Lazarus, Bully are at home performing with legacy and contemporary indie and punk acts, and have quickly become festival favorites, catching attention beyond just media praise, and having their music featured in outlets like television commercials, video games, and late night TV. The group seem poised to become a certifiable household name this year, and their return to Bonnaroo is not only well-deserved, but wholly earned. When they played the fest in 2014, then a club stage act, they were literally the very first performer on the very first day on the tiniest stage; not only have they graduated to main lineup this year, but we have a feeling they’re going to steal the show.

LISTEN | “I Remember”