Graphics by Chase Kunz
We’re all thinking about it. Let’s get this out of the way right now. Intended to be two separate weekends of musical bliss (May 23-25 and July 4-6), the 2014 Sasquatch music festival is now reduced to a mere three day event. Since its conception in 2002, the festival has grown both in attendance and in duration, and it was expected that this year would be everything but a major cancellation. However, despite this supposed catastrophe, there’s still hope. Former cancelled artists are slowly making their way into the Memorial Day lineup. With main acts such as Queens of the Stone Age, M.I.A and other artists such as Haim, Phantogram, and Washed Out, this year still has a lot of potential to be great.
Regardless of the lineup, fans will still be guaranteed the full outdoor festival experience at the Gorge (a definite treat for those who have never been). Set atop a cliff above the majestic Columbia river, the views from the venue are absolutely spectacular and are truly unlike many outdoor concert venues in the country. One of the main attractions of this festival is the camping experience, though. Take note that the fun doesn’t stop once you leave the concert grounds. The campsite will have you dancing (if not, at least entertained) all night long.
(B-) Given previous acts such as Sigur Ros, The Flaming Lips, and Wilco, it’ll be hard not to feel like there isn’t a little something missing in this year’s lineup. What does make this year interesting, however, is the focus on smaller artists. There are a number of truly talented small-medium sized Seattle based artists like The Grizzled Mighty and Iska Dhaaf who are without a doubt on the rise.
While there is still some uncertainty which main acts are the actual “headliners”, it’s safe to say that OutKast, The National, Queens of the Stone Age, M.I.A are a good bet to be the main stage closers.
Queens of the Stone Age
After hitting the music scene in the late 90s/early 2000s, Queens of the Stone Age have definitely made a name for themselves in the hearts of rock fans worldwide. Their latest album, …Like Clockwork, features a collection of quality rock tunes, many of which are sure to be featured in their set this year alongside previous hits such as “Go with the Flow” and “No One Knows”.
M.I.A
Since her Sasquatch debut in 2008, M.I.A has released two albums to add to her resume. The british hip-hop artist known best for single “Paper Planes” will definitely be the packing heat with plenty of dance worthy songs off of her most recent album such as “Bad Girls” and “Bring the Noize”.
Die Antwoord
This might be one of the more terrifying groups in this lineup, but that’s the exact reason why these guys are so amazing. Like something out of your most bizarre fever dream, this South African trip hop group will be sure to shock you and leave you wanting more.
The National
Sasquatch veterans, The National are set to take the main stage once again. Their latest album, Trouble Will Find Me, is full of great songs such as “Graceless” and slow jams like “Hard to find”. If you’re tired of bass drops, dancing and overall festival craziness, The National is your band — simple, honest and straightforward.
Haim
No sibling rivalry here, just good tunes. Be sure to catch their set at the main stage on Sunday.
Cloud Control
What music festival would be complete without a little psych rock? With their soaring guitar riffs and melodic harmonies, Cloud Control is sure to ease your mind and help you enjoy the sunshine.
Grizzled Mighty
Don’t let this two piece fool you. These guys know how to rock plain and simple. Equipped with burly blues riffs and crashing cymbals, lead singer/guitarist Ryan and drummer Whitney are taking no prisoners. Think of their music as the soundtrack to an old school bar fight.
Iska Dhaaf
As one of Seattle’s newest hometown heroes, Iska Dhaaf seemed to come out of nowhere. The unlikely duo is composed of Nathan Quiroga formerly of Seattle hip-hop group Mad Rad and Benjamin Verdoes of Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band. Despite their partial hip-hop pedigree, though, Iska Dhaaf is anything but — their latest retro inspired rock single, “Everybody Knows”, is sure to get your feet moving.
La Luz
While La Luz might seem like just another surf rock four piece, they’re actually much more. Their melodic vocal harmonies and haunting synth work to produce a depth not commonly heard in this style of music. It’s dark and we like it that way.
Banks
Jillian Banks, A.K.A Banks, a relatively new artist with international acclaim, is set to make her debut appearance at Sasquatch on the third day of the festival. While she’s part of only a handful of pop acts in the entire line-up, Bank’s sultry musical stylings will surely make her a hit.
