Wakarusa has now released two-thirds of their lineup and it is looking amazing. Still a lot of repeats, but these include a lot of the best performers the festival has ever had. To help you endure these many cold winter months before Waka 2014, they've created another Spotify playlist: Waka2014 Round 2
Here is a description of each band on the second lineup release. Don't just take my word for it, listen to them all, because there are lots of good ones, even down in the fine print. But here's a guide to get you started.
Bassnectar
Lorin needs no introduction to anyone the least bit familiar with electronic music. His hard hitting beats start with a lot of drum and bass, but his free flowing form will incorporate all styles of electronic dance music. He was there as the modern EDM movement was born and pulled in fans from all genres of music. His shows are particularly nostalgic for us Lincoln people. He started playing shows here that would draw a crowd of 30. Since then he's played to crowds 1000 times bigger than that!
The Flaming Lips
No matter how great the lineup, The Flaming Lips is one act that always stands out. Their always evolving shows feature more craziness and wonder than can ever be put into words. From Wayne Coyne's giant hamster ball that he rides out into the audience, to an army of teletubbies, to swinging a baby around by the umbilical cord, this is my number one show to see this year. In my last post, I said Michael Franti & Spearhead is what Waka is all about. And that's true, but if MF&S is about the people, The Flaming Lips is about the magic of Wakarusa. Their wild psychedelic rock show could go in any direction, so don't miss it!
John Butler Trio
This years obligatory adult contemporary band. They do have a ton of fans, so I'll probably get a lot of flak for this review...but at least it's not Jack Johnson.
Rusko
A dubstep DJ, not as hard hitting as Bassnectar. Relies more on technique and melodies, but there is some good wompiness in there too.
Xavier Rudd
Folky with a slight tropical/reggae sound. Most of his music tends towards the acoustic, but a he has a couple faster, more rocking songs too. Xavier sings with a soft accent that works well with the relaxing music. It's a nice mellow listen whether he's playing his harmonica or his didgeridoo.
Walk off the Earth
This band first started getting famous for playing song covers on YouTube, especially Gotye's 'Somebody that I used to Know'. Their style is reggae based but they have an epic pop sound that incorporates many other influences. The band has both a guy and girl singers, and both sound great. This allows for them to do a lot of covers, but they have some good originals as well. They create their wide range of style with a lot of different instruments, or they'll go without and the whole band will sing a Capella.
Wookiefoot
Last week, as I was listening through the first lineup release, I had a thought: how long til we have a reggae/bluegrass blend? Well as far as that goes, here is something that goes way beyond anything I could have imagined. Wookiefoot tends towards being a reggae band, but in addition to some bluegrass, they throw in some pretty legit hophop as well. And then I keep listening and I hear some Celtic music, complete with bagpipes! Then a couple songs later and there's even a bit of wompy electronic. The common theme on these lists have been blending genres, but this band is ridiculously good at it. I'll be seeing them on the mountain, for sure.
Iration
Iration has some pretty catchy reggae songs. They have a straight up modern sound with a choppy ska beat. The tunes are nice and upbeat, a touch of alternative rock, but more reggae than not. They, like the next band, are from Hawaii, but Iration has since relocated to California.
The Green
Another reggae band, The Green's style is a little bit smoother and flowing. There is much less of a prominent ska beat, compared to Iration. Iration might be said to have more of the California reggae style (though likely they developed that style before moving there), whereas The Green has more of the flowing tropical sound associated with Hawaiian music.
Murder by Death
Murder by Death is sort of a post grunge indie rock band. But that doesn't quite tell you enough. Their music is haunting and the singer is gritty; maybe it's more like a old western saloon rock sound. The band includes a violin, which is pretty unique for a rock band like this, and it adds a very wistful and gothic tone to their music.
HeRobust
I think this would fall under the category of trap music. It's like drum and bass, though not as hard hitting.
The Floozies
Sort of a DJ jam band combo. They mix other songs, but they'll also play some instruments, like an electric guitar, for some pretty groovy tunes. It's chill and danceable at the same time.
The Mogli's
This is some catchy and upbeat indie rock. It has a beat like you might find in some late 90s alternative rock band. It's all about making friends and creating memories. The lead singer has a lot of energy in his voice which should translate to a lively show.
Robert Delong
Robert Delong makes his own style of techno rock. The beat is very much electronic, kind of wompy house music. He makes all of the music himself, so there aren't any other instruments. His singing is more of an alternative rock sound. Unlike so many other musicians who attempt this combination, he actually pulls it off well without sounding cheesy.
The Revivalists
These guys have a dusty alternative rock sound, but their style is really hard to pin down. Some songs are mellow, some a little bit of western style with sliding guitar and harmonica. Some songs use horns; another is more of an exciting space rock jam. Good sounds all around, and my favorite new discovery from this lineup release.
Gigamesh
Gigamesh mixes technopop style music. It's very disco, quite funky, and exceedingly dancy. He is a DJ, but you can't tell when you're listening to the music. He mixes songs so that it sounds like it was created by a band.
Orgone
This funky band will rock out instrumentals reminiscent of the 70s and 80s. Just when you're getting into their grooves, their singer joins them on stage. She blasts out some soul singing that is absolutely amazing. You'll forget which decade you're in when you get lost in their funkiness.
Random Rab
This is some easy chill electronic music. It's a pretty style of music with some ambient singing on most of the tracks. It is nice and relaxing but at the same time slightly psychedelic. It's the kind of thing you save on your iPod because you know there will be a point when this will be the absolute perfect music for your mood.
Fortunate Youth
This is a reggae band with a choppy ska beat style. They're more roots (traditional reggae) than some of the other reggae bands on this list, though they will still break out a little bit of electric guitar. They use a keyboard to help create their choppy beats, instead of relying only on guitar.
Andy Frasco and the UN
Andy Frasco sounds a lot like one of the first bands I reviewed for this blog- Here Come the Mummies. He has the rough sensual voice and the band features a funky sax and horn section. He's my new guess as to the mysterious band members of The Mummies. Either way, his fast paced music is entertaining and he is sure to put on a fun show. Definitely another band I hope to check out.
Ill-Esha
I think this also falls under the category of trap. However this is more melodic than some of the other trap music I've heard. A slower pace, some glitch. I wasn't too sure about the genre, but I've always been quite sure that if you look into a genre enough, you will always find good music. However, she blends a lot of styles, and is considered one of the pioneers of glitch hop (glitch + trap music). She mixes some unique songs, like one with a lot of string instruments.
Govinda
Govinda creates a worldly ambient sound. There are a lot of different styles in the individual songs. Some are predominantly dubstep, some chilltronic, and more. It is worldly, in the sense that he mixes in tracks from foreign styles of music, specifically Indian tunes. He also is a classically trained violinist, and uses the instrument frequently. But where other artists (ie Lindsey Stirling) use the violin for it's intensity, Govinda uses it more for style; it's a compliment to the music instead of the focus.
Tourist
Tourist makes a dreamy, pretty electronic music. It's definitely a good music to chill with, but not a lot of variation in style.
The Magic Beans
This is a folk acoustic band. They play a lot of covers, or at least the album on Spotify appears to be a cover album. However, based on the songs they have available on their website, they're much more of a jam band without very much singing. Might have to assume they got the wrong band on the playlist, so we'll say this is a funky jam band.
Fruition
Fruition is a folky bluegrass band. The bluegrass side is kind of dampened and the banjo player is not as prominent as the acoustic guitar. The band features a girl and guy singers, both are strong folky singers and are best when singing together in the same song.
The Silent Comedy
This is a folky rock band with a lot of energy. Sometimes they play with a bit of a vaudeville/Americana style sound. They include a wide variety of instruments, so they touch a lot of different genres. Apparently they are known for putting on shows with a lot of excitement and energy, which has gained them some devoted fans. Will probably be a good band to check out.
Manic Focus
There are a lot of electronical blends here. There is some pretty funk chilltronic, some drum and bass that alternates with nice melodies, and a lot of other styles. It's weird how he pulls off a chill dubstep sound. His tracks are well crafted, maybe the best new DJ that I've found on the Waka lineup releases. A good reminder why one should check out the bands in the fine print.
ProbCause
A hip hop DJ with glitchhop beats.
Caroline Rose
She is a bluesy folk-country singer. Her tunes tell a story and she's got some of that country outlaw attitude. This gritty Americana will please anyone who likes a strong female singer/songwriter.
Wheeland Brothers
This band is clearly trying to emulate Sublime. The lead singer tries very much to sound like Bradley with his inflections and sound effects. They don't shy away from comparing themselves to others, but it's not Sublime they talk about. They self-describe as sounding more like "the new Sugar Ray". Any fans of the Cali punk-reggae style needs to give these guys a listen.
Indubious
Indubious is more of a dub style reggae band compared to other bands announced. Reggae dub is, basically, reggae with electronica (I could go into the history and evolution into dubstep...but you all have access to Wikipedia). While heavy on the dub, they still maintains some of the traditional roots reggae. A nice mixture and a must listen for any reggae fans.
There are a lot of great bands here for you to check out. Start listening to these acts now, and you will be glad you did so you join the band and sing out your favorite new songs at Wakarusa 2014.
So who are your favorite new discoveries?
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