When I saw The Naked & Famous on Thursday night at The Echoplex, who happened to be upstairs playing a well-attended set but Benjamin Booker? Though I didn’t get a chance to see him that night, enough people recommended him for FYF Fest that he became must-see to start Sunday’s festivities.
I wasn’t misguided. Booker was reminiscent of the alt-rock and soul stylings of Ben Harper, with a Southern twist. The New Orleans-based band didn’t waste any time turning things up right off the bat, as Booker showcased his smooth stylings on the six-string while looking rather dapper himself in a pair of shades.
Booker played stuff from his debut self-titled album that just released last week, and it would be no surprise to see him much higher up the bill on the festival circuit in 2015. There’s a reason why the talented musician is endorsed by Jack White and he could be looked at as one of the best bookings of FYF Fest 2014 a few years from now.
Words: Mark E. Ortega
Photography: Monique Hernandez
Want more photos of FYF Fest 2014? Check out the photo gallery below of all the performing bands and artists!
Mac DeMarco’s FYF Fest performance even gets the security guards wildin’ out
Fans couldn’t help but spark joints and grind to Kelela’s sexy grooves at FYF Fest
Ty Segall caps off FYF day one and brings Manipulator to an intense reality
Slowdive give FYF Fest a chance to recharge with their soothing reunion show
Interpol take FYF Fest up a few notches with a fresh and nostalgic set
Future Islands’ showmanship a sight to see at FYF Fest
Phoenix’s FYF performance seizes the night even though set ends 10 minutes early
Little Dragon rev things up at FYF Fest in a big way
Connan Mockasin calms people’s “new FYF” frustrations with a dreamy set
