Future Islands and Open Mike Eagle

Future Islands, formed in 2006 in Baltimore, creates sleek synth-pop with Samuel T. Herring's dynamic vocals. Known for "Seasons," they rose to fame after a 2014 Letterman performance. They've released several albums, including Singles (2014), The Far Field (2017), and As Long as You Are (2020). Collaborations include Blondie's Debbie Harry and producer Madlib. They often tour and innovate, maintaining a loyal fan base.

Chicago-born Open Mike Eagle is a Los Angeles-based emcee known for his "art rap" style, blending humor with introspection. An affiliate of Project Blowed, he founded Thirsty Fish and released acclaimed albums like Dark Comedy and Brick Body Kids Still Daydream. Eagle co-hosts podcasts and the Comedy Central series The New Negroes. Collaborations include Hannibal Buress, Lizzo, and MF Doom. Notable works include Anime, Trauma and Divorce and Component System with the Auto Reverse.