Outside Lands

For the 7th year in a row, I’m heading to San Francisco today for the Outside Lands Music festival. Pound for pound, this is probably my favorite festival. There’s just something about being in Golden Gate Park in the middle of the summer, and having to put on a sweatshirt. Year after year, I’ve stayed in Berkeley, so I can also visit one of my best friends. I jump on the Bart, hop on a shuttle, and find myself in all the glory that is Golden Gate. Since I’m not writing about this year’s festival until Monday, I’ll be talking about some of the finer moments over the last six years.

• Paul McCartney was one of the headliners the first year I went (2013), and nothing was quite as magical as watching him go through the Beatles catalog. Minds were blown that night.
• That same festival, I watched Willie Nelson. While on stage, John Stamos was watching from the side. A fan commented “Look, Uncle Jesse is watching Uncle Jesse.” Also, comedian Craig Robinson was behind the curtain dancing. Later on, Grateful Dead legend Bob Weir joined Willie on stage for a song. By far one of the most surreal experiences.
• Elton John was the probably the largest crowd (2015), and like McCartney, was a magical moment with a rock legend.
• That same year, I saw Kendrick Lamar. They should have him playing the main stage (The Black Keys were headliners), because the crowd was ridiculous. I remember being behind a tree.
• My first and only live experience with Radiohead was at Outside Lands, and they’re easily in my top 5 live acts of all time. And people were busy talking while they were playing the beginning of “Exit Music.” Heathens.
• 2017 was the rare occurrence where all 3 headliners were great, and NOT artists I had previously seen: Gorillaz, Metallica, and The Who. In particular, Gorillaz brought it, with guests like Little Dragon, De La Soul, and Kali Uchis.
• Last year, I finally got to catch Jamie xx (of the xx), Poolside, and Tycho, all playing on the same stage. I’m not a huge fan of live electronic music, but Jamie xx is always worth watching.
• Outside Lands was the site of my first ramen burger, in 2016 (see pic below)
• And what about smaller acts, that went on to get bigger? The biggest was probably SZA in 2015, who went on at noon. She was good, but it wasn’t that crowded, as her album hadn’t come out yet (I knew her from a song she had recorded with Kendrick Lamar). Remember: get there early for smaller acts. There’s usually less people, and you can get pretty close (I’m looking at you, Jessie Reyez).
• Noticing a shortage of women on my list? That hasn’t gone unnoticed. Last year, they attempted to remedy that, by having both Ms. Janet Jackson and Florence and the Machine headline. Both were fantastic. No women headlining this year, unfortunately.

And who are the undercard acts I’m hoping to watch this weekend? Here’s a list for you to check out:

1. Cautious Clay, 2. Miya Folick, 3. The Marias, 4. Aurora, 5. Lauren Daigle, 6. Yaeji, 7. Delacey (see a previous blog), 8. shallou, 9. Wallows, 10. Tierra Whack, 11. Phosphorescent, 12. Better Oblivion Community Center, 13. Weyes Blood, 14. Cherry Glazerr, 15. Alex Lahey, and 16. PJ Morton

So here I am, about to venture for another year. Got my sweatshirt and sunscreen, for both the inevitable cold and sun. Excited to check out the new Grass Lands (with the newly approved sales of marijuana there at the festival https://www.sfstation.com/2019/08/07/outside-lands-takes-it-higher-and-higher/). If you’re going to be at the festival, message me on Instagram! Pics and review coming on Monday, after the fest.

 

                                               Photos from Outside Lands, 2016-2018

 

Albums/Playlists Currently Spinning

How Do You Love – The Regrettes // New album out today, from Lydia and crew. Saw them back for a record release show in 2017 in LA, and again this year at Bottlerock. Check out if you like punk-influenced pop.

i,i – Bon Iver // Newest offering from Bon Iver. Last year, he wasn’t received too well at Outside Lands, probably since their newer music tends to be more experimental. This album will probably bring fans back. Also, I liked his set at Outside Lands.

Paul – PJ Morton // First time I heard him was on the Outside Lands playlist for this year, since he’s performing. Immediately reminded me of Stevie Wonder. Now he’s a must-see for me, and a must-listen for you. This is his latest album.

Tracks Currently Spinning

Fear Inoculum – Tool // The first cut is out, and fans can finally look forward to that long-awaited album from Tool. Also, could this mean Tool finds itself atop music festival bills, like Coachella, next year?

S Rank – Cody Dear // Found this track amidst a sea of Echo Park Rising tracks. Give him a listen – he’s funky.

Other Music Stuff

Don’t forget that the next couple weekends, So Cal peeps, are filled with free festivals/shows. Check out Echo Park Rising (http://epr.la/schedule/) and Happy Sundays LBC (https://happysundayslbc.com/), for lineups. EPR playlist below:

Also, the Desert Daze lineup (first wave) was announced this week. Here’s the lineup. I’ll highlight it more next week!

Here’s my ongoing playlist, updated weekly with both new and old tracks I’m listening to.