Moogfest is an annual festival in Asheville celebrating the life of electronic music pioneer and inventor Robert Moog. Now entering its third year, the electronic based music festival Moogfest showcases its strongest lineup thus far.
Taking place in several locations in downtown Asheville, the festival serves as a testament to western North Carolina’s music scene, and the growing demand of larger acts.
“I am tired of hearing that acts I do not know anything about, or haven’t ever heard of, are coming to town,” said sophomore psychology major Pablo Arroyo. “I want big name acts to come closer to where I live that isn’t Atlanta or Raleigh.”
Students suggest that the diversity of musical preference is amazingly varied within Appalachian State’s campus, breaking the stereotype that all that is listened to is backwoods bluegrass music.
“Some of me and my friends’ favorite artists are people like Kanye [West], Pretty Lights, Battles,” said junior political science major Seth Wheeler. “App students don’t only listen to the Deliverance soundtrack. I’m sick of it.”
Moogfest plays host to a wide variety of acts, such as the bands Primus, Nas, Santigold, Death Grips, and Gza. Moogfest, only in its third year, has expanded its legitimacy and popularity to the likes of similar music festivals, such as Bonnaroo in TN, or AC3 in Atlanta.
Due to its size and lack of significant musical venues, Boone is seemingly nonexistent in the tour schedule of the big name acts that headline Moogfest.
In the eyes of many students, part of what makes Boone culturally interesting is its lack of the vanity and sizable financial assets that often come with larger towns and cities.
“I feel that Boone has an imbalance in culture,” said senior psychology major Devin Smith. “Yeah, we have the small-town vibe that makes us think we are important and a different type of culture, but there needs to be a certain amount of opposition, and bringing in, not just big name, but major label name, artists could help bridge that divide. It’s a start, at least.”
Moogfest attempts to bring with it a cultural aesthetic that is unmatched by other such festivals, with attendees dressing up in Halloween costumes.
The third-annual event might be a small step in the direction of bringing larger name acts to locations closer to Boone, while still keeping with tradition.
Moogfest will take place in Asheville Oct. 26 to the 28. Tickets for general admission are $145 dollars, plus applicable fees.
Story: WILL GREENE, A&E Reporter