10 Acts to See at Outside Lands That Aren’t Radiohead
On August 5-7, 2016 San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park will transform into Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival. 4 stages, 50+ food vendors — and enough bands to satisfy any music fan.
Headlining this year are Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem and Lionel Richie. If you’re at the festival go see them. Simple as that. Radiohead is one of the most consistent live acts around, LCD Soundsystem has been killing the comeback game, and Lionel Richie is Lionel Richie. And while those are all wonderful artists, there are a slew of others that deserve your presence. So let’s break it down.
Tokimonsta
Friday 4:30 PM – 5:10 PM at the Panhandle Stage
Jennifer Lee AKA Tokimonsta has been taking the electronic music world by storm. Her latest release, Fovere, is a masterful collection of tracks that embody the spirit of the genre. As a member of Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label she brings on heavy hitting beats combined with soothing melodies that will be perfect for an early night set.
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyniZnb9g-U[/embedyt]
Hiatus Kaiyote
Friday 7:50 PM – 8:35 PM at the Panhandle stage
Hiatus Kaiyote is like Paella, a mishmashed combination of soul, rock, R&B, and everything you can fit into a cooking pot. Lead singer Naomi Saalfield has one of the most soulful voices in modern music and missing this band on the intimate Panhandle Stage will be a huge mistake.
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozr4KsZBTvQ[/embedyt]Grimes
Friday 6:50 PM – 7:50 PM at Twin Peaks Stage
Since releasing Art Angels earlier this year, Grimes has gone from beloved cult electronic artist to full blown superstar. Blending pop hooks, cinematic vocals, and artistic visuals she has taken pop music to a whole new level. Grimes’ live set is a spectacle that could easily be a highlight of the whole weekend.
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2EJMd7ZN7w[/embedyt]Anderson .Paak & the Free Nationals
Saturday 7:55 PM – 8:40 PM at the Panhandle Stage
When your set time conflicts with the legendary Radiohead you might be a little concerned. But if there is anyone who can handle the pressure it’s Anderson .Paak. His latest release Malibu propelled him to the top of the hip hop and R&B worlds, and he’s quickly becoming the new “it” artist. His features on tracks with Tokimonsta, Kaytranada, Snakehips, Schoolboy Q, and his side project NxWorries have put him on the map as a must see.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJBB3q0MDPQ[/embedyt]Vince Staples
Saturday 3:40 PM – 4:30 PM at the Twin Peaks Stage
Every year Outside Lands embraces more and more Hip Hop. In 2016, Vince Staples slides in as a top-tiered artist of the genre. His album Summertime ’06 was praised as one of the best albums of 2015 and his presence live is unreal. Lyrics are raw, beats are tight and Staples knows how to keep the crowd going before, during, and after his set. See him this weekend to catch one of the hottest artists in the game right now.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb6Jc4juSF8[/embedyt]Sufjan Stevens
Saturday 6:35 PM – 7:45 PM at the Sutro Stage
2016 has brought a new side of Sufjan. Gone are the days of crying to a beautifully executed solo acoustic set from the Carrie and Lowell songwriter. If his latest festival sets are any indicator you are in for a colorful, exuberant, and happy experience. A full band awaits and the visuals will be an art piece in itself. There has never been anyone more suited to close out the peaceful Sutro Stage than Sufjan Stevens.
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_-cUdmdWgU[/embedyt]Snakehips
Sunday 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM at the Twin Peaks Stage
Why they’re playing so early, I’m not sure. These two guys from England have been blowing up fast. Their track “All My Friends” has been playing non-stop across the U.S, UK, and Australia. Plus it features Chance the Rapper (Also playing Sunday, surprise guest maybe?). This is going to be a full on dance party with one of the most hyped artists in electronic music.
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3mrYxPLSH4[/embedyt]Chance the Rapper
Sunday 4:55 PM – 5:55 PM at the Lands End Stage
Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book is easily one of the biggest releases this year. By bringing together Hip Hop and Gospel he’s crafted a sound that’s larger than life. Crafty lyrics and wordplay litter his songs while the instrumentals engender dancing. His huge personality and songwriting skills will make this a perfect way to take you into Sunday night.
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1THpUzKdOuA[/embedyt]Fred Armisen & Friends
Sunday 4:45 PM – 5:35 PM at the Barbary Tent
If there is one act that could take you away from Chance the Rapper, it’s Fred Armisen in the Barbary comedy tent. Armisen is a comedy legend with roots in Saturday Night Live and a career path that led him to become half of the creativity behind IFC’s Portlandia. As the top billed comedian for the festival you’ll want to get there early to get a spot for this.
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm7U_ZZaOAc[/embedyt]Kevin Morby
Saturday 2:55 PM – 3:35 PM at the Panhandle Stage
Kevin Morby is no stranger to Outside Lands. As a member of Woods he performed in 2014 and has also been a member of The Babies. His solo work brings about remnants of classic folk with lo-fi rock influences. When you wander over to the Panhandle stage Saturday afternoon prepare for a solid folk rock set to start your day off right.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hpZqvrYFXI[/embedyt]
Outside Lands runs August 5-7 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA. Check out the full lineup here.
