2017 ESPN X Games Aspen - The Music

2017 ESPN X Games Aspen – The Music

The ESPN Winter X Games had a very humble start in 1997 at Big Bear Lake, California. With the continued annual success of the Summer X- Games, it was time to give the winter athletes their shot. Keeping with the Extreme theme; Snowboarding, ice climbing and snow mountain bike racing were some of the events that pioneered the first year event. Bouncing from California to Colorado to Vermont, it wasn’t until 2002 when it landed in it’s permanent home, Aspen, Colorado.

Fun fact about Aspen, Hunter S. Thompson ran for mayor of this swanky mountain town in 1970. His platform? To change the town’s name to “Fat City” and to run off the “greed heads, land-rapers, and other human jackals from capitalizing on the name ‘Aspen.'” He lost by only 31 votes, rest in peace dear Dr. of Journalism. But we are not here to talk about HST, we are here to get ready for the music. The bass heavy, high energy, chart topping music. This highly prestigious winter sports competition plays host to the biggest and baddest extreme sports athletes on the planet. When you have extreme athletes going beyond big you are required to have a lineup to match. For this year’s competition the people at ESPN invited Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals, Bassnectar, G-Easy and The Chainsmokers. All headliners, ready to provide a beyond radical soundtrack to this year’s event.

Anderson .Paak – 2016 had to be one of the greatest years for the 30 year old known as Anderson .Paak. He released two albums, both reaching top 10 of Billboard’s top R&B hits. He then signed with Aftermath records and is working with the legend Dr. Dre. First three weeks in 2017 and he’s headlining the X-Games in Aspen. It’s safe to say this year’s not going to be a disappointment either. I put AP at the top of the list specifically for one reason. He’s the only artist/group I have yet to see live. No other reason than poor timing and bad luck. But due to this I will not miss a moment in the hills of the Rocky Mountains, this I guarantee. If you’re not yet a fan let me introduce you. Sharp percussions mixed with gifted lyrics create a sound that’s not heard in regular mainstream. Unapologetic versus outline a life fraught with struggle that turned words into art. From drumming to dancing he will keep us mesmerized and bouncing, moving for more than just warmth.

Bassnectar – This winter has seen more than it’s fair share of avalanches. Nobody like’s when I-70 is shut down, or a when giant wave of snow attempts to consume an innocent enthusiast. Well we can all thank ESPN for taking care of this for us with Bassnectar. If anyone can shake the snow from dangerous hangs its Lorin. Who needs a canon when you have decibels, right?! Arguably one of the hardest touring DJ’s in the world, his legion of loyal fans party hard and follow him to destinations near and far. I have witnessed the awesome sound and power of Bassnectar more times than I can count. But I have yet to hear You and Me, or caught Butterfly, on the majestic hill known only as Buttermilk. Just saw him 3 weeks ago in Denver at the Decadence Music Festival. I hope his X-Games performance will be the complete opposite. Leave the dark-N-dirty in Denver, let’s jam to the hits we love in the hills of Aspen.

G-Eazy – One of my absolute favorite performances of 2016 was G-Eazy at Voodoo Music and Arts fest. Mr.Gillum had a crowd of 40,000+ losing their minds to “F@#K Donald Trump!!!” In Louisiana of all places, it was pure art. One of the hardest touring performers out right now with stops all over the US, Europe and Australia. There’s a lot of love world wide for this outspoken lyricist. G-Easy will be Sunday @ 3:30, following the finals for Snowmobile Best Trick Final. This is the man to close the show. See y’all on Buttermilk, to quote G-Easy “F@#$ Donald Trump”

The Chainsmokers – Drew Taggart and Alex Pall have had an excellent 2016. Some mixed reviews on live performances, but multiple singles topping the charts. I’ve seen them multiple times over the years and they’re always a fun show live. If you attended Decadence for NYE then you were lucky enough to catch a pretty solid show. Everyone brings their “A” game to the high country, so hoping these boys will come to play. Sold out show means I am not the only one. See you in the Mountains.

Slope Style, SnoCross, Snowboard-everything and Snowmobiles will tear up the snow, while these 4 top tier performers provide the tunes. All surrounded by one of the most majestic mountain landscapes in the world, we are in for a serious adventure. Although some shows are sold out, the events are free. The energy of the X-Games in Aspen is not to be missed, hope to see you beautiful people there!!!!