Downtown Knoxville pulsed with energy as Big Ears Festival 2025 welcomed over 7,500 passionate music lovers for a long weekend of genre-defying performances and boundary-pushing artistry. Widely considered one of the most adventurous and thoughtfully curated festivals in the world, Big Ears once again proved that no other event offers such a kaleidoscopic journey through sound. From hushed neoclassical performances in historic churches to late-night experimental sets in industrial spaces, the festival blurred the lines between genres and traditions—folding jazz, electronic, avant-garde, hip-hop, folk, and global music into one sprawling sonic celebration. For four days, Knoxville became a sanctuary for the curious ear, where every corner hummed with discovery and artists redefined what live music could be.
If Big Ears isn’t the best festival going on these days, then you could fool the musicians that are performing all over town. Almost without fail, each performer let attendees know how privileged they felt to be part of this festival. With so many different genres happening, there is something for everyone, and part of the fun is discovering new artists that you never heard of before. Another exciting aspect is the amount of collaboration that happens. Many shows saw guests show up from other bands to sit in for a song or the entire performance. It’s no wonder that passes are selling out every year, and fans are already counting down the days to Big Ears 2026.
With over 200 performances, film screenings and discussions it’s impossible to see everything that you want, however once the music starts that feeling of missing out quickly fades. Here’s a list of highlights of the weekend.
clipping.
Experimental hip-hop group clipping. delivered a powerful late-night set at Jackson Terminal on Friday. Their high-energy performance kicked off with tracks “Change the Channel,” “La mala ordina,” and “Body for the Pile.” The set also included collaborations with Counterfeit Madison on songs such as “All in Your Head” and “Story 5,” adding a unique dynamic to their show. Rapper Daveed Diggs and producers William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes had the venue at capacity and could have easily filled a much larger venue.
DakhaBrakha
Ukrainian quartet DakhaBrakha mesmerized the audience at the Tennessee Theatre with their distinctive blend of folk and world music. Performing on Saturday, their set showcased their signature polyphonic vocals and eclectic instrumentation, creating an immersive cultural experience that resonated deeply with festival-goers. The group played both fan favorites as well as some from their forthcoming album that singer Marko Halanevych said would be largely influenced by the ongoing war in Ukraine. The group received multiple standing ovations during their performance and thanked the crowd for “standing with Ukraine.”
Beak>
At the Mill & Mine on Saturday, BEAK> delivered a captivating performance that resonated with their signature blend of krautrock and electronic influences. After kicking off the set with “Strawberry Line”, the trio played a slew of fan favorites like “Brean Down” and “Hungry We Are” as well as plenty of banter between Geoff Barrow, Billy Fuller and Will Young. Barrow’s long-time friend/roadie, Charlie, also performed a song with band. Barrow (who is sadly leaving the band after this tour) touted how Big Ears is the best festival and that they pay the musicians fairly, which can’t be said for all festivals.
Beth Gibbons
Portishead frontwoman Beth Gibbons gave an enthralling performance on opening night at Knoxville Civic Auditorium in support of her debut solo album, Lives Outgrown. Through the course of her hour and fifteen-minute set, she performed all but one song (“Whispering Love”) from the album as well as “Mysteries” and “Tom the Model” from her album with Rustin Man. The crowd was also treated to a performance of Portishead’s “Roads” from the iconic Dummy. Gibbons’s vocals were just as excellent as they were on the PNYC live album, and joining her onstage were seven excellent musicians who really brought the songs to life. However, multi-instrumentalist James Ford almost stole the show, effortlessly switching from flute to dulcimer to bass clarinet to a myriad of other instruments at a moment’s notice.
múm
Icelandic experimental collective múm delivered a captivating performance at the Bijou Theatre on Sunday. The evening began with “The Land Between Solar Systems,” setting a contemplative tone that resonated throughout the historic venue. They continued with “A Little Bit, Sometimes” and introduced a new, untitled song from their upcoming album, offering the audience a glimpse into their evolving musical direction. Other highlights included “We Have a Map of the Piano,” “The Ghosts You Draw on My Back,” and “Green Grass of Tunnel,” each performed with the delicate, glitchy beats and hushed vocals that have become their signature. The Bijou Theatre’s intimate atmosphere enhanced the immersive experience, allowing the audience to fully engage with múm’s nuanced performance. This rare U.S. appearance was a treat for fans as they hadn’t toured the US since 2018.
Jessica Pratt
Jessica Pratt’s performance at the Tennessee Theatre on Friday showcased her unique blend of psychedelic freak-folk, a genre that has seen memorable representations at Big Ears in the past by artists like Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart. Pratt’s unique, ethereal vocals and intricate guitar work created an intimate atmosphere within the historic venue. Her performance saw her performing mostly songs from her acclaimed 2024 album, Here in the Pitch as well as tracks from 2019’s Quiet Signs. Though she might not be everybody’s cup of tea, her fans at the Tennessee Theater were captivated by Pratt and her band.
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo delivered a compelling performance at The Mill & Mine in Knoxville on Thursday to kick off the festival. Renowned for their eclectic blend of indie rock, the band captivated the audience with a setlist that traversed their extensive discography. The set began with “Ohm,” a track from their 2013 album Fade, setting a hypnotic tone with its rhythmic layers. They followed with “Sinatra Drive Breakdown” and “Tonight’s Episode,” both from their 2023 release This Stupid World, showcasing their continued evolution in sound. The set also featured “Damage” and “Aselestine,” highlighting the band’s dynamic range from melodic introspection to more upbeat tempos. Classics like “Moby Octopad,” “Autumn Sweater,” and “Tom Courtenay” resonated with longtime fans, while “I Heard You Looking” provided a mesmerizing instrumental finale. Notably, the entire set included collaborations with musicians William Tyler and John McEntire, adding unique textures to the live renditions.
