Check out our staff’s picks for who to keep an eye out for at Boston Calling this year, from local band Battlemode to pop sensation Remi Wolf.

FRIDAY, MAY 23

Battlemode at 2:50pm on the Orange Stage — Selected by Jaliana Colon

Everyday feels like a video game with Battlemode on your personal movie soundtrack. Described as vibrant and energetic, the trio of inseparable friends Astro, Biff, and Sam create that retro Gameboy chiptune vibe mixed with deep cut lyrics that will make your commute to work feel like a side quest. Their 2022 EP Color Punk that features songs like “Midnight Blue” and “Skyscrapers,” will pair perfectly for that train ride home where the landscape feels just a little bit more like a far-off land waiting to be unlocked. If you want to feel like you’re gearing up for that final boss battle, checkout Battlemode as they kick off the weekend on the Orange Stage, warming up the crowd with their glitchy 8-bit sound that will leave you ready to level up. 

SATURDAY, MAY 24

Mon Rovîa at 2:10pm on the Green Stage – Selected by Chelsea Henderson

For a set full of entrancing vocals and masterful storytelling, be sure to check out Mon Rovîa’s Saturday set. With music often described as Afro-Appalachian, Mon Rovîa’s discography features indie folk songs about loving, loss, healing, and connection. His songs are inspired by his experiences as a Liberian refugee who was adopted by a family in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the age of seven. Over the last two years, he has released four EPs in the form of acts: The Wandering, Trials, The Dying of Self, and Atonement. His songs speak of hope and resilience, all set to his wistful vocals and delicate ukulele playing. As the second act of the day on the Green Stage at Boston Calling, Mon Rovîa is sure to start the day off with an incredible, heart-wrenching performance. 

SUNDAY, MAY 25

Remi Wolf at 4:40pm on the Green Stage – Selected by Chelsea Henderson

For a funky and fresh set, catch pop sensation Remi Wolf on Sunday evening. Since releasing her first EP, You’re A Dog!, in 2019, the eclectic pop artist has captured audiences with her groovy melodies, powerhouse vocals, and a fun stage presence. Her latest two albums, 2021’s Juno and 2024’s Big Ideas, are full of quintessential pop songs with a cool edge. Songs like “Sexy Villain,” “Cinderella,” and “Soup” are sure to bring an infectious energy to Boston Calling’s Green Stage, perfect for dancing the night away ahead of the stage’s later performers: Sublime, Vampire Weekend, and Dave Matthews Band.