When the name “Kendrick Lamar” hit the screen before any other names at the 2015 Sasquatch! music festival lineup announcement party nearly everyone in the capacity crowd at the Neptune theatre went crazy. Then the lineup hit us with other great names like Modest Mouse, The Decemberists, Spoon, Father John Misty and Run The Jewels and everyone’s jaws remained on the floor.
The crowd erupted with excitement after each name was announced and many of us couldn’t help but look around and ask each other, “Is this the best Sasquatch lineup ever?”
It didn’t stop there. In the weeks after the initial lineup announcement Sasquatch! announced they were adding recently reunited Sleater-Kinney and the fast rising Seattle duo SISTERS among others. Cherry on top? Check!
From top to bottom this year’s Sasquatch! lineup is a masterpiece, boasting not only some of the most exciting bands in the world but also the crème of the local crop.
So with a lineup this loaded who do you see?
You can’t miss Kendrick Lamar. In 2013 he stole the show at Bumbershoot. It was one of the best performances I have ever seen and he did it all by himself. No band, no hype men. Just King Kendrick and a microphone. Kendrick Lamar has released two of the most acclaimed albums of our generation and when he hits the main stage at 11 p.m. May 25 you can expect an onslaught of hits.
Father John Misty is a must see. Always. When the songs are that good the over-exaggerated hip shaking and sarcastic facial expressions never get old. While both of Father John Misty’s albums have been instant favorites, nothing truly compares to the live show. Front man Josh Tillman is one of the most captivating performers you will ever see, so don’t miss him on the Bigfoot stage 10 p.m. May 23.
It is entirely reasonable to expect Chromeo to throw the biggest party at Sasquatch! when they take over the main stage at 7:15 p.m. on May 23. The last time Chromeo played at Sasquatch! they had a very early afternoon set on the main stage, but from the look of the crowd you would have thought they were the headliners. Be sure to stretch and hydrate plenty before this show. You’re going to need it.
While the big national names are always the draw at huge festivals, there are also plenty of amazing up and coming or lesser known artists to be discovered. Here are a some recommendations you should make time for:
SISTERS. The pairing of Andrew Vait and Emily Westman is hands down the coolest and most exciting sound coming out of Seattle right now.
Cataldo. Every time Cataldo performs you can actually see people becoming fans while the surprised look on their face turns to a smile and they start dancing.
Twin Peaks. This is the music you get caught jamming a little too hard to with the windows down in your car on a beautiful day, so you should probably kick off the summer festival season with these Chicago dudes.
Perfume Genius. Possibly (definitely) the most beautiful songwriting at the festival.
Thunderpussy. Rock + whips + front woman Molly Sides dancing = so much WHOA!
Steven Graham blogs about the local music scene at www.heraldnet.com/whatradio. Email him at steven@whatradio.com.
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