I love music festivals. They are like a tasting menu for music, and probably my favorite way to discover new acts. Past Outside Lands have made me fall for The Marias (playing early in the day on the smallest stage), Ashe, underscores, Odie Leigh, CMAT, Samia, and even a little artist named Sabrina Carpenter. (Seriously, I had no idea what to expect from her, but was pretty much amazed from beginning to end). I’ve spent the last few weeks listening to acts on the lower half of the original poster, and I’m here to help you navigate the best and brightest of the undercard for Outside Lands this year. The full lineup is here, and tickets are sold out, but you can join the waitlist here.
Die Spitz
This Austin punk band puts on the kinda live show that makes you forget everyone else on the bill. Adding Die Spitz to your festival is risky because they have the skills and the power to wipe the rest of the fest off.
Haute & Freddy
Theatrical dance pop- somewhere between Kate Bush and Marina Diamandis. Their songs are great, but their live show is the real kicker. Just fun and energy, and they will inspire you to dress up for your trip to the park.
Momma
The best shoegaze doesn’t actually leave you staring at your feet. It prompts you to shake your head and move your feet. Momma manage to swirl in your head while giving enough “crunch” to give you an energy boost.
Automatic
A synth-pop band signed to legendary funk indie Stones Throw Records? Fuck yeah. That’s all I have to say.
Racing Mount Pleasant
First of all, I love a band with a self-titled song. I also love my indie rock big and dynamic. Racing Mount Pleasant calls to mind the best of Broken Social Scene and Bright Eyes, and is the PERFECT band for a foggy morning surrounded by trees.
Yard Act
I recently interviewed Eddie Argos of the legendary UK Indie band Art Brut, and we discussed their influence, pointing to Wet Leg and Yard Act as bands that have true Art Brut energy. Both are fronted by amazing storytellers, although Yard Act can take you down some dark turns. I am very excited that Friday has both acts. I expect to have nightmares with really sexy accents that night.
Bandalos Chinos
Argentina has a rich history of great rock bands. Mana, Soda Stereo, and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs hail from this South American country. Bandalos Chinos are taking that reputation to the next generation, adding some solid disco and funk grooves to the mix. This is the sound of Summer.
Infinity Song
This band is so hard to describe. They are somewhere between folk rock, classic pop, and a little Broadway? These four siblings sound like pure honey together, and that’s really all you need to know.
Bad Nerves
Outside Lands going big on early 00s indie sleaze wasn’t on my bingo card. And throwing in a few baby bands that go hard in that direction, like Bad Nerves, is something that I’m certainly not hating. I’m too old to indulge the way I did at 22, but I’m hoping I can still move close to that in my 40s.
Silvana Estrada
How good is my Spanish? Terrible. How good is Silvana Estrada? Amazing. Brilliantly theatrical, and emotes in a way that you know EXACTLY what she’s singing about, even if you can’t understand a single word. This set is the most likely to send chills down your spine of the whole weekend.
