Sound on Sound 2023: Your Must-See Acts at the Festival's Sophomore Year

Words by: Chantel Malin.

Launched in 2022, Sound on Sound has put Bridgeport on the map as a destination for music lovers local and visiting alike. In a location often skipped over for the larger draw of New York City or Boston, the annual event is a welcome addition to Connecticut’s calendar, giving many an exciting weekend to look forward to as fall begins to roll into the New England state. Considered by many to be a modern revamp of Seaside Park’s 2014 participation in the Gathering of the Vibes Festival, the two-day concert brings acts across a variety of genres and generations, including headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers and John Mayer; 80’s and 90’s staples Trey Anastasio Band and Alanis Morisette; indie staples Lord Huron, Mt. Joy, and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats; reggae favorites Steel Pulse and Dispatch; and the folk-inspired likes of Sammy Rae & The Friends, Margo Price, and Joy Oladukon.

Last year’s inaugural lineup included none other than Stevie Nicks headlining the very first day of the festival, alongside Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, The Lumineers, Father John Misty, Brandi Carlile, The Revivalists, The National, and many more. Though the event did experience some first-day bumpiness, the organizers brought everything together to create a truly special weekend of beautiful music, scenic views, delicious food, and an overall magical experience. This year’s event brings improvements across the board, promising an elevated and unforgettable few days for those who attend.

Here’s a run-down of some of this year’s must-see acts - though the festival’s single stage makes it easy to get an excellent view of every single performance!

Hozier first captivated us in 2013 with his stunning, soulful voice on “Take Me to Church.” Since then, the singer-songwriter has graced us with several EPs, alongside three full-length records; the most recent of which, Unreal Unearth, released just earlier this month. His performances have been lauded as an experience as deeply religious and thought-provoking as his rich lyricism, and we cannot wait to see what he brings to his debut Connecticut performance.

Lord Huron has been one of indie folk rock’s most coveted gems for the past decade. With songs like “The Night We Met,” “Meet Me in the Woods,” and “When the Night is Over,” the band has mastered the art of the mellow jam. Poetry set to the lull of lush harmony, rocking guitars, cradled in their moody production style, they’re the perfect band to listen to while you sit back, close your eyes, and soak in the atmosphere.

Cautious Clay made his way to the music industry in a rather unique way; after pursuing real estate for a few years, the artist hit the ground running towards a full-time career as a singer-songwriter in 2017, starting with “Cold War,” a perfect example of his unique blend of indie-pop and R&B. He’s quietly risen through the ranks, having secured collaborations with fellow Sound on Sound performer John Mayer, as well as a sample on Taylor Swift’s “London Boy.” Don’t let his silky voice fool you, though; Clay is a force to be reckoned with, and his performance is bound to be one you’ll be left thinking about for weeks to come.

Sammy Rae & The Friends describe themselves as a family first, and a band second, and it’s easy to see why. On stage, the band brings a performance bursting with joy and positivity, and are sure to quickly draw you in with their irresistible sound that contains notes of jazz and rock alongside indie and alternative. A Connecticut native herself, singer Sammy Rae’s delightful, delicate yet powerful voice is just the tip of the iceberg of the seven-piece band’s collection of delicious sounds across instrumentation such as banjo, saxophone, brass, and more. With several EP’s under the belt, the band has yet to release a full-length LP, so make sure to catch them before they make it big!

Mt. Joy are no strangers to the nutmeg state, with performances in New Haven in 2022 and a socially distanced outdoor concert in 2020 under their belts as they hit Sound on Sound’s stage. Their 2016 debut “Astrovan” put them on the map in the indie and folk rock scene, and they have since earned their place on tours amongst the likes of Rainbow Kitten Surprise, SOS alumni The Lumineers, The Head and the Heart, and The Revivalists, and sets at festivals such as Bonnaroo and Newport Folk Festival - as well as countless headlining shows that draw a devout fanbase. Their most recent release Orange Blood brought us more of their incredibly catchy and relaxing sound that lends itself as the perfect backdrop to a laid-back afternoon spent in the park on a beautiful New England fall day.