Outside Lands 2014 Listening Guide Part 2
Flume
Electronic, Future Garage, House
Australian phenom Flume has quickly eclipsed cult status and is becoming a major draw for US audiences. Poised and ready for the limelight, there’s no telling what the ceiling is for this 20-something-year-old. Considered one of the best sets of Coachella, make sure you seize the opportunity to take in his set at Outside Lands. A must see.
Gardens & Villa
Indie Rock, Synth Pop
A sharp and focused indie pop group out of Oregon, Gardens & Villa are quickly winning over fans with their brand of sugary synth. Pulling on the same sound that has made Phantogram a recent success, the band has grown a lot in their short time together.
Givers
Indie Pop, Worldbeat
Based out of Louisiana, the indie rockers of Givers initially came together in 2000. A product of their environment, you’ll quickly hear shades of afro-beat. Their back and forth vocals are instantly reminiscent of bands like Vampire Weekend.
Gold Panda
Electronic, Glitch, Folktronica
You just might recognize Gold Panda from various samples including Charli XCX, but in truth GP has been chopping up songs since his teenage years in the 90s. A talented producer in his own right, Gold Panda has worked closely alongside bands like Bloc Party and Little Boots.
Greensky Bluegrass
Progressive Bluegrass
If you live outside of Oregon, you might not be clued in that the bluegrass movement is experiencing new life. Greensky Bluegrass encompass some of the leaders of that forefront, brimming with authentic twang. Their sound is perfect for the laid back music festival environment.
Grouplove
Alt Rock, Indie Pop
If you haven’t seen Grouplove in a live setting, you’re quite simply not doing it right. Infectious and loaded with energy, the band supplements some of the best vibes possible over the course of a weekend full of music.
Haim
Pop Rock
The sisters of Haim are incredible musicians that hold weight with the very best in present day rock. Undeniably catchy, these ladies are top talent when it comes to Outside Lands 2014 billing. It’s hardly fair to have three lady crushes within one band.
Holy Ghost!
Synth Pop, Nu-Disco
If you still haven’t let go of LCD Soundsystem (I’m right there with you), fortunately there’s amazing nu-disco bands like Holy Ghost! to ease your suffering. Get ready to dance your ass off.
Imelda May
Rockabilly, Blues, Jazz
Ironically hailing from Dublin, Ireland of all places, Imelda May’s vocals throw it back to a classic sound. fans of rockabilly will instantly fall in love with Imelda May’s stage performance.
Jagwar Ma
Rock, Electronic, Dance
One of the biggest Australian draws among the 2014 festival circuit, the duo known as Jagwar Ma create bubbling dance music with a hazy psych influence. They draw ready comparisons to other 90s bands like the Stone Roses and Primal Scream.
Jenny Lewis
Indie Rock
We’ll always have a soft spot for Ms. Lewis. Whether you’re a fan of Sleater-Kinney, The Postal Service, or Jenny And Johnny — her vocals instantly take many of us back to the days of first falling in love with indie music.
John Butler Trio
Alt Rock,
Although Butler identifies closely with the California singer/songwriter niche, he originally trained guitar in his father’s Australian home. Eclectic with genres, the full band is known to blend elements of bluegrass with rock and folk.
Jonathan Wilson
Rock, Psych
Jonathon Wilson is a talented musician who’s sound harks back to a simpler time in rock music. He’s earned his stripes as a sideman and producer for artists like Elvis Costello and Jackson Browne.
Kacey Musgraves
Country
Songwriter and country voice Kacey Musgraves is a product of Texas and began her music career at the ripe age of 8. Only a short time later she composed her own music using instruments like guitar, harmonica and mandolin.
Kanye West
Hip Hop
However polarizing you find Kanye West, there’s little fighting he’s a major (if not THE) draw for Outside Lands 2014. After a ridiculous tour, West is following up with a victory lap of sorts among major US music fests.
Local Natives
Indie
Dramatic and bright-eyed rockers, Local Natives have streamed along since their stellar debut Gorilla Manor. The band was initially formed in an Orange County high school, and their dreamy cohesive melodies show their experience.
Lucius
Indie, Pop
Drawing a wide comparison to artists like Cults and Neko Case, Lucius is actually fronted by two dynamic female vocalists. They bring enough Brooklyn cool to their performance to keep audiences fully engaged.
Lykke Li
Indie Pop
One of the most talented female performers around, Swedish born Li Zachrisson initially made waves across blogs in the early 2000s. Since then, Lykke Li has made her retro-chic singles a commodity among festival fans.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Hip Hop
2014 will be the first year fans really get a sense of how well Macklemore and Ryan Lewis fit into the festival environment. Fresh off their disputed Grammy win for Rap Album of the Year, Macklemore is an unquestionable performer. Hopefully it translates in San Francisco.
Mikal Cronin
Garage, Pop, Indie
Mikal Cronin makes garage rock sound prettier than it probably has any right to be. Drawing on an influence straight from the 80s-90s, the chill sound is no doubt a product of his California upbringings.