Northside Fest Artist Fest Close-Up: Weslee Is The Future
As I continue to revel in the awesomeness of Northside Fest, I marvel at one of my fave aspect of the weekend. Its Block Party. Alright, I will admit it. I love block parties. I remember being in Puerto Rico, and having all my neighbors come out with good food, good music, and good laughs. Of course, having a bunch of strangers frolicking around in the new boutiques, Whole Foods, and Apple Store that opened did not bring the same, instant communal balance. Yet, leave it to Weslee’s music to unite everyone.
It was “on again/ off again rain” throughout the day, and Weslee came on a bit after their due set time. They smiled and kept calm trying to deal with audio issues, and a core feeling that they would, probably, only play for me and a lady with her dog strapped to her chest like a baby. Yet, as they began, people stopped in their tracks and the crowd began to form and forward because when a good beat drops; a good time is offered. Standing next to a guy who danced his own version of “funk” and is, probably, on a instagram story somewhere, the Josh, from the states, and Emma, from London, showed that their union was destiny. Both met by chance in NYC, and a few years laters are playing one of their first shows here after international buzz of their distinct sound.
Playing off their newest EP 9F, I could not help but see lights sparkling in Weslee’s future. From Jorja Smith to JP Cooper, I truly feel we are readying for another British invasion of music. They are sending us some of their best in every genre, and Weslee fits that bill by infusing electro dance music with an R&B swag to create their own originality. They are incomparable in style by giving you a soundscape that makes you want to both bounce around the room and sit on the couch, all at once. Tracks like, “Boys Like You”, “Sweet Dreams”, and “Giving Up” make you unsure whether you want to chill or dance, but you know, Emma’s voice will make you feel.
WESLEE – Boy Like You
I have to admire Emma. Seeing a crowd build before your eyes can be exciting and nerve racking. It felt like, within seconds, she had gone from two people to 200, and all of them felt her vibes and she lulled her vocals to then launch into surprising high notes. Yet, James was always their with synths and keys that assured the ambiance was relaxed. Heck, their set was so dynamic, even the sun showed up towards the end to groove a bit. Thus, keep your eyes and ears open for Weslee and Click Here for More Information.
