Tough Luck Fest, held at the Brighton Music Hall, is a vibrant two-day anti-pay to play showcase of up-and-coming alternative artists, curated by Evil Eye Artists. This festival, which started as a school project, has quickly grown into a pivotal event for Boston's local music scene, bringing together twelve diverse artists to perform their original music. The festival's lineup is thoughtfully curated, with each day featuring a cohesive genre theme. Day one offers a lineup that resonates with a particular alternative sound, while day two expands the musical palette, allowing fans to explore new scenes, reminiscent of duality tours like Movements and Knocked Loose. This attention to detail in programming highlights the festival's mission: to foster connections within the local music community and promote artists poised for greater success.
What truly sets Tough Luck Fest apart is its dedication to the DIY spirit that is often lacking in Boston. As the organizers emphasized, there aren't many DIY festivals in the area, and they aim to keep the local scene at the forefront. Their approach focuses on working closely with bands, creating an environment that is supportive and low-stress. Olivia, one of the organizers, expressed the satisfaction of seeing the festival come to life, saying, "Hearing from the bands that it was the most low-stress fest was incredible."
This year's lineup boasted incredible talent across the board. Asher highlighted Young Culture and God Eyes as standout acts, mentioning a humorous anecdote about the God Eyes bassist, who earned the nickname "Kurt Cobain" after an unexpected punch-up with the singer. Olivia praised Park National, calling their performance "jaw-dropping"—and she clarified that her admiration wasn't just because Asher was along for the ride in the car during our interview! Billie also raved about Jessie Detour and Slamwich, noting their strong presence on stage. It was clear that all the bands brought their A-game, making it a truly memorable experience for attendees.
However, running a festival is not without its challenges. Finding a suitable headliner for day two proved difficult, but thanks to the collaborative spirit among the organizers—Billie, Olivia and Asher particularly noted for their ease of collaboration—the festival navigated hurdles gracefully. Their philosophy emphasizes community support, a sentiment echoed by Billie when they said, "If you want to do something, just do it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help."
Looking ahead, the organizers have ambitious goals. They hope to expand the festival in the year, aiming for more bands, stages, and even food trucks to enhance the festival experience. They’re committed to keeping the event rooted in the community, ensuring it remains a true celebration of local talent.
The most rewarding aspect for the team was witnessing the festival's impact. Billie described a poignant moment of realization when they reflected, “It didn’t click until the next day… seeing such a large group of people get excited.” The emotional connection the organizers have with the festival is palpable, underscoring their passion for supporting artists and building a robust music community. Olivia wanted it noted that Billie cried (sorry Billie).
For anyone looking to start their own festival, the advice is clear: "Start now." The organizers understand the barriers, especially for women in the music scene, and encourage persistence and community engagement. "Invest in the people you care about," they advise, highlighting the importance of collaboration and learning from failures.
In conclusion, Tough Luck Fest is more than just a music event; it’s a testament to the power of community and collaboration. With a fantastic lineup, a welcoming atmosphere, and a vision for growth, it’s a festival that promises to be a cornerstone of Boston’s music scene for years to come. If you missed it this year, mark your calendars for 2025—you won't want to miss the next chapter of this exciting festival!
