Get ready to “Hit That Jive” on the Lakefill just 40 days from now, because Mayfest announced Gramatik as its first Dillo Day artist for this year’s festival.
An electronic dance music producer from Slovenia, Gramatik – the stage name of Denis Jašarević – will be the festival’s second-to-last mainstage act. His production style draws inspiration from hip-hop beats, and he’s been making music since he was 13. As the owner of Lowtemp Records, Gramatik believes it’s “morally right” for music to be free, and all of the artists on his label offer their music for free.
Gramatik released his most recent album, Epigram, in March 2016. The lead single, “Native Son,” features Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon (or “The Chef,” for all you Wu-Tang fans). A few months after Dillo, Gramatik will be back in the area, playing Lollapalooza on Aug. 4.
“Gramatik pioneered his own genre of electronic music and is sure to bring energy to the Lakefill,” Mayfest said in a press release. “Mayfest is certain that his unique sound will appeal to diverse musical tastes on campus, and we can’t wait to see Gramatik bring fun and funky vibes to the Lakefill on Dillo Day.”
Student wristband registration for Dillo Day began yesterday at noon on the Norris Box Office website. The next opportunity to register for a guest wristband is April 12 at 3 p.m. Dillo Day, the largest student-run annual music festival in the country, takes place May 20 on the Lakefill.