It’s been a short while, but I just submitted the last of my final grades, and I’m ready to blog again. While the last couple weeks have been busy with work, I still managed to squeeze in a couple of shows the first weekend of December. Today I’m reviewing the first Intersect Festival. Next Friday, I’ll finish out the year with a review of KROQ Almost Acoustic Xmas, my favorite albums released this year, and my favorite live sets (and there were plenty to choose from).

Interest Festival

Intersect in Las Vegas, was Amazon’s first known attempt at a music festival. I bought a ticket a few months back, largely to being able to secure a 2-day pass for $112 (including fees). The lineup was amazing for the price, so I figured why not. Ultimately, I ended up only staying the first day, but what a first day it was. Here are some of the highlights, and some pics:

• I booked a room at The Sahara (yes it’s still going, and currently being remodeled), because it was conveniently located across the street from the festival (held at the fairgrounds).
• The first set was from Snail Mail, who was one of the top rising indie artists over the last year. Her set was initially muddied with sound problems, but eventually worked out fine.
• I caught Unknown Mortal Orchestra for the second time this year (the first being Coachella), and damn are they great live. Add them to your list, even if you’ve already seen them.
• Sudan Archives was the next stop in the dome (featured image), and she was next level. When I first saw her over two years ago at The Echo, there were only a handful of us in attendance. She first caught my ear from cuts on her Bandcamp page. Now, she had a larger crowd, and an album that’s one of the top releases this year. Give her a listen, and see her live.
• Channel Tres was one of the main reasons I bought this ticket. I’ve been jamming out to his singles/remixes this whole year. His mix of house and hip hop (and that deep voice) are a combo that’s about to push him to stardom. He’s one of my top acts to watch for next year. Also, I’d be very surprised if he’s not on the 2020 Coachella lineup.
• I caught part of Chvrches‘ set at the main stage, leaving Channel’s set a little early to do so. Per usual, they never disappoint with their brand of electronic pop.
• The only other act that I caught that I’d never seen was TOKiMONSTA. Fantastic mix of electronic music.
• As I’m writing this, I’m realizing how stacked this damn lineup was. And the best part: crowds were not that big. This helped make the experience even greater.
• Like UMO, this was the second time I saw H.E.R., the first also being Coachella. And if you STILL don’t know who she is, do yourself a favor and look her up. Great singer, and but also a fantastic musician. Also, she reposted a pic of mine on her story, and that made my year.
• One of my favorite DJ sets last year was Jamie xx at OSL, so I was stoked to see him for the second time. This one was almost better because the smaller crowd made me feel VIP for a moment. The dude is a ridiculously good DJ.
• This was the first night of seeing Beck for consecutive nights, but the dude brought it. He started with his biggest (and first) hit, “Loser,” and continued through an upbeat set of older and newer (including his recent work with Pharrell) songs.
• I caught most of Gesaffelstein’s set (only interrupted by the drone show outside), and this guy is one of the top live sets of the year. I think I was more blown away at Coachella, since it was my first time seeing him.
• Lastly, seeing Kacey Musgraves for the third time this year was still entertaining. While I don’t quite see her as a headliner yet, she also worked through some video tech issues to get through her set, which at this point, has etched itself into my brain. One observation: on the way out, I noticed that the place was maybe half full. This is the same Spacey Kacey who packed both Coachella and Outside Lands, with earlier set times. Really tells you a lot about the attendance here.
• The production and sound was next level, especially the lights and visuals. As I mentioned before, there was a drone show (check out video on my Insta), set to Kacey Musgrave’s music. Additionally, the lights in the dome were ridiculous. Forgot to mention that I caught part of Sophie’s set in there, which was by far the trippiest set of the day.

All in all, I have no regrets about going, even for just one day. I knew that going the first day of a festival would pretty much guarantee that the attendance would be lower than usual. I’m assuming that next year will be more packed, if they can stack a similar lineup, and keep ticket prices low. Thus, my love-hate relationship with Amazon continues..

 

Current Music Spinning…

Bubba – KAYTRANADA // Still haven’t seen him live (he was at Day 2 of Intersect), but this new album is tight.

Free Nationals – Free Nationals // The band most associated with Anderson.Paak has finally released their own record (with .Paak guesting on one track).

Posthumous Forgiveness – Tame Impala // The latest cut sounds like newer Tame, dipped in some of the production of older Tame.

A Charlie Brown Christmas – Vince Guaraldi Trio // Who am I kidding? It’s the holidays, and this is one of my favorite albums.

 

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