The WAKE UP CALL festival series from W Hotels is not your average music festival. While most major fests feature just several days of live music, the W brand’s 2018 tour touts three separate weekends at some of the hottest travel destinations around the world. Kicking off during Labor Day Weekend at W Hollywood, followed by stops at W Barcelona and W Bali – WAKE UP CALL transforms the festival experience into a global event, along with a standout lineup. Featuring a curated group of both major and emerging names in dance and pop music, WAKE UP CALL Music Festival is as much a luxury experience as it is a music destination.
Check out five acts not to miss at the upcoming W Hotels festivals below.
Martin Solveig
Headlining the Sept. 21-23 weekend in Barcelona, French DJ/producer Martin Solveig is sure to turn the energy of the festival up to that of a Parisian nightclub. From breaking into France’s dance scene in the early 2000s to becoming a contemporary hit-maker with break out songs like “Hello,” “The Night Out,” and the recent “Places,” Solveig consistently produces subtle, but contagious electronic numbers with sweet, pop sensibilities. Get into a groove listening to Solveig’s melodic, synth-heavy tracks under the setting Spanish sun.
LÉON
Sometimes the best sets at festivals come from up-and-coming names on the lineup. At the WAKE UP CALL music festival in Hollywood, that act might just be LÉON. The Swedish singer/songwriter seamlessly merges glistening, modern pop music with her soulful, raw voice and yearning lyrics to create the sultry sound that made her For You and Surround Me EPs so good. She is a powerhouse who can enamor a crowd. See her sing her intimate songs live at the festival before her magnetic voice fills stadiums.
Phantogram
With their sprawling electronica meets rock sound, Phantogram is basically made to be a major festival act. Through moody, expansive trip-hop featuring the work of Josh Carter and haunting vocals of Sarah Barthel, the duo is equipped to cast a spell over any crowd. When they play W Hollywood, one can expect a show full of surprises, ranging from kaleidoscopic tracks to outright bangers such as, “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore.” This performance could possibly hint at the duo’s next direction also, as they recently shared two stripped back singles, “Someday” and “Saturday.” There’s a reason Phantogram is known for their live performances, so at WAKE UP CALL you’ll not only see them in their element, but in the most unique of settings, too.
Angus and Julia Stone
Australian-based brother and sister duo Angus and Julia Stone sound like the personification of a dream. Combining gentle folk and indie elements with a taste for pristine pop heard in their harmonic voices, the pair has the power to transport you into a nostalgic daze. Performing at W Bali during the Oct. 4-6 festival, you can count on a set lush in inspiring, familial chemistry and mesmerizing musicianship that ranges from their early folk-induced favorites like “Big Jet Plane” and songs from their recent, alternative album Snow. If you’re not already in a dream state at this WAKE UP CALL festival, these two are certain to take you there.
Charli XCX
London’s very own underground pop princess Charli XCX knows just how to throw a party. While the singer is famous for her innovative, alt pop music, she’s equally known for her raving antics and ability to put on an outrageous show. The Number 1 Angel artist headlines at the WAKE UP CALL inaugural weekend at W Hollywood, coming off her tour dates opening for Taylor Swift, as well as her solo Pop 2 shows that have made waves for their wild energy and guest appearances. Likely performing bombastic hits including “Boom Clap” along with saccharine classics like “Boys” and “Out of My Head” in her typical vivacious swagger, Charli XCX will be the ultimate “Wake Up Call” you need at the fest.