“What is Life without Music, Film, TV & Red Wine?” says our own Popwire founder. Appropriately enough, music and wine have always had a way of gathering everyone together, be it physically at a live gig (don’t we all miss this?) or with current circumstances virtually. With ROOTSTOCK MUSIC, it’s the marriage of both music and wine, and the best answer to avoiding a crowd situation in this very unchartered time.
In its fifth edition this year, ROOTSTOCK Music has revealed its 6 headliners confirmed to take part, which will take place online on 10th and 11th July. Partnering with the world’s first wine experience platform, VIVANT, attendees are offered complimentary access to 48 hours of live experiences, bringing together new and established musicians, responsible winemakers and VIVANT’s team of certified wine advisors for an unforgettable weekend that bottles the magic of music and wine.
This year’s lineup of performers speaks to the genre-blurring spirit of modern music, as well as the power of shared experiences to inspire hope and foster togetherness. This includes:
L’lmpératrice
French band L’Impératrice (“the empress”) has been conquering the European music scene since 2015 when they dropped their eclectic EP ‘Odyssée‘. Dreamy and sensual but with a distinct disco- and funk-inflected sound, the electronic pop group borrows inspiration from movie soundtracks of the 1970s. Their latest album, ‘Tako Tsubo‘ is packed with catchy rhythms, jazzy synths, and longer dance hits that have drawn comparisons to French electronic duo Daft Punk.
Last Train
French rock band, Last Train was founded by four high school friends from the Alsace region of eastern France in 2007. Since then, their sound has evolved resulting in the release of 2 albums ‘Weathering’ and ‘The Big Picture’, and travelling all over Europe, The US and Asia to play 350 shows.
Victor Solf
Former lead singer of the neo-soul group Her (which disbanded after the tragic loss of founding member Simon Carpentier). Victor Solf‘s new album titled ‘Still. There’s Hope’, was recorded during France’s first Covid’19 lockdown in 2020. The stripped-down, lyrical, and soulful embodiment of is sure to satisfy fans of Her while appealing to a new audience.
Great Mountain Fire
Brussels-based pop band, Great Mountain Fire debuted their third album ‘Movements’ last year. And of course being released by renowned French label Kitsuné Musique, expect nothing but soul, disc,o and funk-based beats throughout.
Theo Lawrence
Theo Lawrence’s first solo album, ‘Sauce Piquante’ where the title takes its name from a song by the Cajun artist Jimmy Newman. Produced by Mark Neill of the Black Keys fame, the 12-track album is steeped in distinctive sounds of swamp pop, gospel, and bluegrass. Also, check out this singer-songwriter’s toe-tapping single, ‘I’ll Never Get Over‘ and ‘Sticky Icky‘ It’s like we’re listening to a French Father John Misty.
Moundrag
If you can’t tell by the band’s photos already, Moundrag is made up of brothers Camille and Colin Goallen. Heavy psych with drums, keys and wailing vocals, who says you need guitars for rock ‘n’ roll? Known for their powerful muscular sound, expect plenty of freewheeling keyboard solos.
Access to the 48 hours of music and wine experiences is free of charge with a complimentary Music Pass. To get the whole experience, guests can purchase a Wine & Music Pass (€55 tax included) directly on VIVANT. This Music & Wine Pass consists of a ROOTSTOCK Artists Crush Tasting Kit featuring six of France’s best sustainably produced wines. The wines have been chosen to complement each of the headliners’ performances.
Music and wine have a way of gathering us all. This year, more than ever, let us be reminded of the importance of community, shared experiences, and coming together over great tunes and sustainably made wine. Here at Popwire, we say we’ll drink to that!