From May 1 to May 3, Tom Lee Park will once again fill with music as the RiverBeat Music Festival returns to the Memphis riverfront. Big names like The Red Clay Strays, Wu-Tang Clan, and Dave Matthews Band headline the lineup. But the festival is also making space for local artists ready to take the stage.
One Year, One Wild Ride
Katie McCoy, known by her stage name Katie Loopz, didn’t start out behind the booth. Like many in the EDM scene, she first found her place on the dance floor, drawn in by the music and the community that surrounded it. “There’s a saying,” she said. “If you rave long enough, you become a DJ.”
About a year ago, she decided to do just that. And things moved quickly. Inspired by artists like John Summit, Katie has spent the past year developing her sound while introducing Memphis to Tech House, a subgenre of EDM that is still finding its footing in Memphis.
Creating a Space for Tech House
While Memphis is known for Blues and Soul, Katie is carving out space for Tech House, a groove-driven style of electronic music combining elements of New York and Chicago House Music. “It’s a small scene,” she said. “At first, there were like five of us. But it’s growing.”
That growth hasn’t happened by accident. At venues like Lightclub, run by fellow DJ Scotty B, artists like Katie are building a community from the ground up. What was once a niche sound has slowly gained traction, fueled by DJs who are bringing outside influences back to Memphis and shaping it into something new.
“I have to travel to see that kind of stuff,” Katie said. “When I go out to see these shows, I come back inspired and want to bring it out here so everyone has that experience.”
And now, that effort is stepping out onto a much bigger stage.
The RiverBeat Moment
“It was surreal,” Katie said. “I was like, ‘Wait, you want me, right?’ It didn’t feel real. It still kinda doesn’t feel real.”
That moment became reality when Katie was invited not just to perform at RiverBeat, but to open the festival.
Her set, scheduled for 4:45 to 5:45 pm on Friday at the River Stage, will draw from the artists who inspire her, including John Summit and Odd Mob. But while the tracks come from across the EDM world, the experience is shaped entirely by Katie. How she mixes the tracks, builds momentum, and controls the flow will set the tone for the entire festival.
“It’s gonna be high energy. Not full club energy, but rather daytime energy. Groovy, warm, melodic.”
RiverBeat and the Future of Memphis Music
RiverBeat has stepped into the space once occupied by the Beale Street Music Festival, bringing a new kind of large-scale music experience back to Tom Lee Park.
Originally launched in 1977 as a part of Memphis in May, the Beale Street Music Festival began as a local celebration tied closely to the city’s culture. Over time, it grew into a massive multi-day event on the Mississippi River, drawing major artists from across genres. Names like Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kendrick Lamar, and The Killers all took the stage, helping define the festival’s legacy.
In many ways, RiverBeat feels like a continuation of that legacy. Set in the newly renovated Tom Lee Park, the festival brings large-scale live music back to the riverfront with a more modern approach. Its multi-stage layout and broad lineup reflect the energy of destination festivals like Bonnaroo and Coachella, while staying rooted in the local music scene that makes Memphis unique.
For an up and coming artist like Katie, the opportunity to share a lineup with Grammy Award winning acts is a big deal. “It’s crazy. I can’t believe I’m on a flyer with these names,” she said. “I’m definitely gonna have to frame that and put it on my wall.”
That balance, between global headliners and local talent, is what defines RiverBeat’s approach. By creating a space for emerging artists alongside established names, the festival not only honors Memphis’s musical heritage, but helps shape its future.
Keeping the Momentum Going
In just a year, Katie has gone from getting started to opening a major music festival, but she’s far from finished.
“I hope I can do more festivals,” she said. “I hope this puts me on the map for more. I feel so grateful and honored that I even get to do this at all. It would be awesome if I could just keep it going.”
And she’s already looking ahead. Alongside her fellow DJs, Katie is working to grow the Tech House community in Memphis, with plans to host rooftop events throughout the summer, bringing the sound to new spaces and new audiences across the city.
If you’re looking to support her, Katie will be performing at the Slider Inn’s RiverBeat After Party on Saturday, May 2. You can also find her mixes on SoundCloud and follow her Instagram (@katieloopz) for updates on upcoming shows.
This blog was written by Josh Blake
Josh Blake is a photographer and writer based in Memphis. You can usually find him snapping photos on the sidelines of Liberty Bowl Stadium, behind the keyboard working on his novel, or spending time with his fiancée.
