Taken from their facebooks:
Connor's Guide to a Successful BledfestOkay, so I've learned a lot over the past two years about Bled Fest and I thought it would be a good idea to share with everyone the best way to experience BLED Fest.
1. Know what BLED Fest stands for.
Big Love's EDucational Fest. There ya go. (Big Love's a dude, by the way).
2. Get rest the night before.
This isn't Warped Tour, people. Polar Bear Club's set doesn't end until 10:00pm and doors open at 11:00am. Just trust me on this one. I have yet to see the "stay-up-late-the-night-before" stint be pulled off successfully.
3. Get there EARLY!
If you don't do this, then you'll figure out the explanation for it. Here's my hint... 2,000 > 5
4. Do NOT leave after your friend's band plays.
Seriously, you just payed $15/$20 to see one band? Stay a while, cool stuff happens here. Besides you might find your new favorite band.
5. Figure out your day's schedule.
You can do that here.
6. Check our bands you've never heard of.
Castavet, So Save Me, This Town Needs Guns, Balance and Composure. Some of these bands may blow your mind.
7. Learn the words to La Dispute's songs.
Ever been to a La Dispute show? No? Click. Learn.
8. Be respectful to everyone involved.
Catfish and crew do not take crap from people. So be respectful to everyone who doesn't listen to the same kind of music as you. Let's remember why we are all here in the first place. It's about sharing our love for music, whatever kind it may be. No one's preferred genre is cooler than another's.
9. Get stoked.
Nate's Guide to a Successful BledfestWe all know about La Dispute, and Polar Bear Club, and Misery Signals. But here's what to watch for throughout the day. I suggest you all give these bands a listen!
THIS TOWN NEEDS GUNS
www.myspace.com/thistownneedsgunsFor fans of: Minus the Bear, Maps and Atlases, RX Bandits
This is their first time in the U.S. after multiple attempts. Their intricate guitar-tapping and complex songs definitely remind me of Maps and Atlases, with stronger vocals.
AMARNA REIGN
www.myspace.com/amarnareignFor fans of: Haste the Day, Gwen Stacy, August Burns Red
Two bands have completely turned Mac's Bar's sound system into an arena quality sounding room. Mae, and this band. This band promptly cleaned Gwen Stacy's clock opening for them at Mac's in December, with their insane mix of tight metalcore, wild stage show, and intense lights.
THE FELIX CULPA
www.myspace.com/thefelixculpaFor fans of: Damiera, Portugal the Man, Moneen
Angular, brooding, and explosive, The Felix Culpa has been around forever, but is always just one unlucky moment from blowing up. We're hoping Bled Fest will help cast them into the spotlight where they belong.
TRASH TALK
www.myspace.com/trashtalkfuFor fans of: Ceremony, Outbreak, Trapped Under Ice
Currently touring the country with our friends La Dispute and Alexisonfire, Trash Talk missed the Detroit show on that tour, due to the volcano in Europe. Consider this their make-up show. It's going to be wild.
BAHAMUT
www.myspace.com/bahamutFor fans of: Lamb of God, Meshuggah, Winds of Plague
One of the most intense live shows in the state will be crammed into my former geometry classroom. The first time I saw Bahamut, the singer nearly knocked me down the stairs of the Factory. I paid attention that time, and each time I've seen them since. Technical, progressive metal with hardcore sing alongs and attitude.
ROBOTS IN THE GARDEN
www.myspace.com/thatrobotbandFor fans of: Your Best Friend, Hot Rod Circuit, The Classic Crime
Mixing elements of pop, funk, and indie rock, Robots in the Garden has one of the highest energy live shows in Michigan. KILLER vocal harmonies and actual musical talent are things that are often overlooked today. Don't overlook this band. They're real good.
NATIVE
www.myspace.com/nativeinFor fans of: La Dispute, Jawbox, Minus the Bear
Yet another explosive band that the chug-chug, growl-growl crowd might not give the time a day, writing them off as "an indie band", Native is loud as hell, and probably has never missed a note in their entire playing career. This band is growing exponentially in the underground scene, and you need to see them. Now.
OTHER NOTES YOU MIGHT NOT BE AWARE OF:
FAILED ATTEMPT 52 - This is their last show. We need another ska band to pop up soon, or the long-standing tradition of there always being a ska band in Howell will be dead.
THE SWELLERS - If you haven't seen them since the Flint Local days, you're in for a treat. Probably will be the best sounding band of the day.
KOJI - He's got big plans for his set this year.
BALANCE AND COMPOSURE - This band's going to be big. You saw em here first.
LEGEND - They're releasing their new CD at this show. If you're down, you're down.
BROTHERS - Want real hardcore? This might be the best example all night. I love this band.
YOUR BEST FRIEND - New light show. Check. New songs. Check. New Steve. Check. This set is going to dominate.
APATHETIC CRITIC - The bigger the crowd, the better these guys get. New stuff sounds unreal.
Make sure to stay alert, move around, give new bands a chance. I promise you'll find one of your new favorite bands, no matter what kind of music you like!