Chances are, the majority of the students at DePaul are now well aware of which performers will be coming to the FEST and After Hours stages this year thanks to this past Wednesday’s “Big Reveal” and the social media storm that it created.

But while students may know who the FEST performers are, they could probably stand to learn a bit more about each of them. Members of the FEST committee came to the rescue, compiling bios on each of the artists as well as offering their personal favorite “playlist” for each of the performers. Check them out here, check out their music, and check them out at FEST!

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FEST 2013 – Friday, May 24 – DePaul Quad [Doors 5 p.m.]

Diplo | Minus The Bear | YelaWolf

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Diplo

[facebook.com/diplo]

Twitter: @Diplo

Thomas Wesley Pentz, better known by his pseudonym, Diplo, is a Los Angeles-based D.J., music producer, rapper and songwriter. Many people have heard of Diplo, or at least the music he’s produced, as he has had his hand in a wide range of genres including electronic, hip-hop, electro-house, moombahton and dancehall. His rise to prominence began with the track he produced for MIA entitled “Paper Planes.” Since then he has worked on projects with many other notable artists such as Beyonc’ÛΩ, No Doubt, Usher, and, most recently, Snoop Lion. Diplo teamed up with fellow MIA producer, Switch, to create a Jamaican dancehall project titling Major Lazer who also just released their debut album, “Free the Universe.” On top of his notoriety, Diplo is also the founder and manager of the record company, “Mad Decent,” as well as the not for profit organization, “Heaps Decent.” Diplo is known for having the wildest, most theatrical, and fun performances, so strap yourself in for this year’s FEST. It may be the BEST one yet!

Tracks to check out: “Express Yourself”, “Paper Planes”, “Original Don”, “Jah No Partial”, “Get Free”

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Minus The Bear

[facebook.com/minusthebear]

Twitter: @MinusTheBear

Minus the Bear is an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington, who has steadily changed the musical landscape of alternative/electronic/indie rock since its inception. The band consists of Jake Snider (vocals, guitar), Dave Knudson (guitar), Cory Murchy (bass), Alex Rose (synths, vocals) and Erin Tate (drums). Since 2001, they have released five albums and four EPs which are all very unique, yet distinguishable by Jake’s deep sonorous voice, Dave’s surf guitar sound and profound guitar tapping abilities, and Erin’s daring and danceable drum capabilities. They have played in the Chicagoland area numerous times in the past year including at the Metro for the 10th anniversary of their first full-length album, “Highly Refined Pirates,” this year’s “Riot Fest” in Humboldt Park, and the Castle Theatre in Bloomfield with their best friends, “Circa Survive.” We look forward to hosting one of the best indie rock bands in America at this year’s FEST!

Tracks to check out: “Pachuca Sunrise”, “Knights”, “Into the Mirror”, “Diamond Lightning”, “Hold On” and “Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse”

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YelaWolf

[facebook.com/yelawolf]

Twitter: @YelaWolf

Although Yelawolf has consistently released music since 2005, his major breakthrough came in 2010 in the form of his critically-acclaimed mixtape, “Trunk Muzik.” With its unique blend of rock-inspired, southern production and raw lyrical content, the tape stood out in a year otherwise dominated by Rick Ross imitators. His ascent was quick, signing to Shady Records and covering XXL’s “Freshman” issue which outlines the most promising rappers of the year, all the while maintaining a busy tour schedule. Officially his second studio album, “Radioactive” was executive-produced by Eminem and displays Yelawolf’s development as an artist. He strikes a great balance with his gritty flow, infectious choruses and stylistically-diverse production on tracks like “Get Away”, “Throw It Up”, and “Animal.” With a follow-up titled “Love Story” already in the works, it won’t be long until iTunes Libraries everywhere rejoice.

Tracks to check out: “Box Chevy”, “Daddy’s Lambo”, “Let Me Out” and “Get Away”

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Friday, May 24

DePaul Activities Board Presents…

After Hours 2013 – McGrath Arena [Doors 9:30 p.m.]

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Dillon Francis

[facebook.com/dillonfrancismusic]

Twitter//Instagram: @DillonFrancis

Dillon Francis is an American D.J. and producer best known as one of the pioneers of Moombahton, a fusion genre of house music and reggaeton. His rise to fame came after a year of non-stop music producing when he finally gained the respect of one of the hottest producers in the game: Diplo. The collaboration between the two resulted in the Moombahton single, “Que Que” and soon after Francis’ own single “Masta Blasta” brought him to fame. The rest is history as he has released countless records off of Steve Aoki’s “Dim Mak Records,” Diplo’s “Mad Decent,” and Skrillex’s “OWSLA” labels. Francis has also toured with heavy-hitters such as the UK’s Nero and Flux Pavillion as well as Canada’s Zeds Dead. This year he announced a headlining “Wurld Turr” across the USA and Canada and has confirmed the release of his debut album in 2013. MTV Clubland announced Dillon Francis as one of their “Artists to Watch in 2013,” so keep your eye on this rising star because he is definitely going places.

Tracks to check out: “Que Que”, “Bootleg Fireworks (Burning Up)”, “Masta Blasta”, “IDGAFOS”, “Carried Away (Dillon Francis Remix)”, “Suit & Tie (Dillon Francis Remix)”, & “Messages”