When it comes to blowout music festivals, the east coast often comes up short. The east is known instead for its smaller venues like DC’s 9:30 club, one-off tour stops at the Garden, and intimate showcases like CMJ’s Music Marathon. If you’re searching for the true festival experience it seems best to look out west. Until now that is.

Earlier this year, we were overjoyed when we received the news that Electric Daisy Carnival was stopping in New York on its road to Vegas. Now it appears the east coast has even more to be excited about with the arrival of the inaugural Firefly Music Festival in Delaware. Yes, Delaware. Firefly’s unlikely location actually makes perfect sense as it serves as a central location between many states on the east coast including New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, DC, and Virginia.

Taking place July 20- 22 in Dover, Delaware, the festival will bring together The Killers, The Black Keys, and Jack White as headliners. Other artists scheduled to appear include John Legend, Lupe Fiasco, Passion Pit, and Tinie Tempah.

Click below for more information on Firefly Music Festival.
http://fireflyfestival.com/

-V. Graham

Who would have thought the next killer accessory would be headphones. Since early 2009 premium headphones have been flying off the shelves. Today the list of celebrities with headphone lines run a veritable who’s who of the music industry (Dr Dre, Lady Gaga, 50 Cent, Ludacris, RZA, and David Guetta to name a few). Sales show no signs of slowing down either as the market share of premium headphones literally doubled in 2011, equaling more than $342 million in sales (via The NPD Group).

Premium headphones have always sounded great, so why the recent surge? What we are seeing is not a fad but a change in the music culture. Price alone should be enough to discourage consumers as even the most inexpensive pair will run you upwards of $100. However, today you are more likely to see a young adult wearing a pair of custom headphones than a chain. Headphones are cool now and cool exists in a place wholly unaffected by price (i.e. Jordan sneakers).

There have been three factors key to the success of premium headphones. Below we break them down.

The Look
While sound quality increased modestly throughout the years, Beats by Dre’s arrival in 2009 saw for the first time effort put into the aesthetics of headphones. Not only did they sound good, they were sleek and distinctive. The signature red cord is now almost as recognizable as Apple’s pearl white buds.

Positioning
Frankly put in years past, if you weren’t in the music business you had no interest. Recent ad campaigns have targeted the average listener not just the engineers. Skullcandy’s latest campaign uses supermodels like Kate Upton in an attempt to reach an even larger audience.

Perfect Timing
Premium headphones came at time when music playing via ipods was beginning to wane in favor of smartphones. This meant a decrease in personality as smartphones generally look the same. Custom headphones picked up right where ipod’s myriad of colors left off.

-V. Graham

With SXSW kicking off this week, music festival season is in full swing. Blowout events like Ultra, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo are unforgettable musical experiences. Friends and memories made there last a lifetime. Packed arenas, amazing artists, and an electric party scene keep regular attendees coming back again and again. For new comers, the whole affair can seem a bit overwhelming at first glance, but with some prior planning a great time can be had. If you are a first timer planning on attending a fest or two this year, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

The Earlier the Better
Purchase your event badges/tickets, book transportation, and secure hotels months not weeks in advance. Festivals sell out far too quickly to be a spur of the moment decision.

Expect the Unexpected
Everything can change in a heartbeat. Rain gear is not an option. It’s a necessity. Events start late, change venues and performers, and even get canceled with very little notice. As a general rule of thumb always have a plan A, B, and C.

Sunny Skies Ahead
Prolonged exposure to the sun is the quickest way to the EMS. A hat, sunscreen, tons of water and some shady breaks will keep you going all day.

A Regular Christopher Columbus
Odds are your in an unfamiliar state, a good map will be your best friend. Study it, learn it, and keep it with you at all times. Also, use a physical map as nothing quite eats up a phone battery like GPS.

Driving Miss Daisy
Don’t drive if you don’t have to. Traffic will be insane. Parking will be nonexistent. Streets will randomly be closed. Check out the local options for public transportation and event shuttles in advance.

Honorable Mentions
Most unnecessary – Heels/nice sneakers
Most useful – Earplugs
Most forgotten – Toilet Paper

Most importantly have fun!!!

-V. Graham