Music touches every part of the festival: Buskers play sets before film showings, headline evening showcases, DJ late-night dance parties, ignite the annual parade, and pop-up on street corners and balconies for impromptu shows. This stylistically diverse cohort of musicians ranges from deep-South authentic blues to indie folk to progressive funk.  Preview their music here or on our program page:

At its core, this year’s lineup boasts strong singer-songwriters whose music breathes new life into old forms.  Formerly of Paper Bird, Esmé Patterson headlines the Saturday Night Afterparty at Rose Music Hall with her heartfelt folk-pop. Opening is the captivating Mobley, who returns to True/False with his “post-genre pop.”

Ada Lea from Montreal, plays lo-fi, garage rock that’s a manic murmur meant to stir the soul. Lomelda, an indie creative force with pure vocals, arresting melodies, and longing lyrics, joins Ada Lea on the Thursday of the Fest to close out Cafe Berlin.

Mauno is a four-piece baroque pop band from Halifax whose powerful rhythms are cradled by dreamy harmonies.  Powerhouse duo, Ohmme shares the bill with them Friday night at Cafe Berlin, along with the enigmatic Nnamdi Ogbonnaya, an up-and-coming Chicago DIY scene multi-instrumentalist weirdo rapper.

Pinkcaravan!’s rap features a bubbly beat and lyrics that read like a dark children’s book. Her album a very sad happy birthday is a coming-of-age that unravels with vivid phrases and a wide-eyed sound. St. Louis native 18andCounting, who collages deep, resonant rhymes, rounds out the Saturday Night Showcase at Cafe Berlin.

This edition of the fest reinvents the Friday Night After Party at The Blue Note as Dâm-Funk, the “Funkosphere” proselytizer who has infused blues & soul into the Los Angeles dance scene, instigates a blur of bodies and beats.

If you want easy access to all of the music True/False has in store, Busker Bands are on sale now. Busker Bands are great by themselves or with a Simple Pass or Sunday Spree.

For information on all of the artists appearing at the fest, head to the program page. Stay tuned for the finalized lineup of concerts and showcases.