If you have wondered what it felt like to be at Woodstock, going to a modern-day festival may be your next best bet (scientists are still working on the whole time travel thing). From Coachella to Lollapalooza, and from Bonnaroo to Pitchfork, there are hundreds of music festivals that bring together a friendly crowd of people who just want to listen to awesome music.
But one festival in particular stands out above the rest: Sasquatch! Music Festival. Located in the breathtaking setting of the Columbia River Gorge Amphitheatre, this is Washington State’s biggest music festival, boasting a variety music from up-and-coming rap to classic indie rock bands. This year happens to include several incredible artists, many of which you have probably heard of, as well as lesser-known bands or ones you just never got around to listening to yet. If you have the fortune of going to this festival Memorial Day Weekend this year, make sure to check out the following artists.
Jamie xx
So… I don’t normally listen to electronic music. Mostly because that’s not a genre of music I spend time looking up. But the rainbow album art, the infectious opening track, “Gosh,” and the persistence of my friends telling me to listen to him turned me around. Hailing from the more familiar band, The xx, Jamie manages to bring together music samples, electronic beats, and bass notes that aren’t overdone like many other electronic artists into a relaxing yet catchy album that topped charts in 2015. He’s also the very last act of Sasquatch—the perfect way to end a perfect weekend.
Protomartyr
Their indie-post-punk rock and depressing lyrics may not be for everyone. But once you realize how brilliant this band is, you won’t want to miss them. Knowing the history of lead singer Joe Casey’s life provides even more insight into unsuspectingly poignant lyrics. Casey boldy sings of how one’s upbringing influence the idea of white privilege; in other songs, he reflects on how his parents’ illnesses impacted his life. This is thought-provoking music that could change your life.
Sufjan Stevens
I really don’t have to explain this one. Already hailed as a modern-day indie rock genius, Stevens blew everyone away with his album Carrie & Lowell in 2015; if you don’t cry listening to this album, you probably don’t have a soul.
Childbirth
This local band from Seattle is everything you could want in a band. Formed by three members of other Seattle bands Tacocat, Ponytime, and Chastity Belt, these fearless women wear maternity gowns when they perform live, and their debut album is titled Women’s Rights. This pro-feminism, all-female-membered band is just the epitome of Seattle for me, and you can’t help but love them.
La Luz
This surf-rock all-female band from Seattle happens to be the perfect music for the laid-back atmosphere for Sasquatch. There are moments for dancing and singing along and getting crazy in a crowd. But at music festivals, there are also times where sitting on the hill, staring off into the sunset, is equally as exhilarating.
M83
The French artist M83 blew everyone away with “Midnight City” off of Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. Earlier this year, they released their seventh album, Junk, which features catchy tracks like “Go!” and “Walkway Blues.” Playing Saturday night, M83 is sure to bring a concert with incredible energy for the second night for Sasquatch.
