With finals quickly approaching, we all deserve a break from studying to refresh ourselves and have some fun. What better way to relax than to listen to chart-topping music and hear new songs in the process? Luckily, Movin’ On, Penn State’s student-run music festival, is back and better than ever, this Friday, May 1. The acts are chosen based on student interest. Movin’ On showcases music from the past, present and future, and celebrates the graduating Penn State seniors. The music festival is in its 40th year, and since its creation in 1975 one thing remains the same—it’s free!
The lineup this year is impressive, with indietronica band Passion Pit headlining. Passion Pit released their debut album in 2009 and in 2012 they released their second album, which hit No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Passion Pit is currently working on their third studio album, Kindred, which is set to be released right before Movin’ On.
Big Sean, a rapper from Detroit, is also set to perform. He’s known for songs like “Mercy” and “My Last”. Big Sean’s third and most recent album, Dark Sky Paradise, hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Cross-genre band Big Gigantic, indie rock band New Politics and rap duo Atmosphere are also set to perform.
The winner of Battle of the Bands, Mute Cities, is kicking off Movin’ On this year. Penn State’s own breakout indie act beat out eight other bands for the chance to perform at Movin’ On. Valley sat down with Jonathan Callan, the Mute Cities bass player to talk about the upcoming performance. Callan has been a part of Mute Cities, which he describes as indie pop, since its inception in 2014 on the bass, Derek Williams (synth/vocals), Zack Kramer (drums/vocals), Ben Visnesky (guitar), and Rashmit Arora (guitar/vocals).
“We want to make people dance and have a swell time,” he says.
Mute Cities placed second in Battle of the Bands last year, before winning it all in 2015, earning the spot to open up Movin’ On and he guys of Mute Cities couldn’t be more excited.
“Being able to play a note and have it reverberate about University Park is pretty sweet. The possibility to meet some other artists would be unreal. I’m trying not to fan girl too much,” Callan says.
After Movin’ On, the band plans on touring and having fun, of course.
Movin’ On will start at 3:30 at the Park Avenue Lot 12 Blue Band field, located by the intramural sports fields. More information, including directions and rules and regulations, can be found on the Movin’ On website.
Kailyn Moore liked this on Facebook.
Kailyn Moore liked this on Facebook.