Fun Fun Fun Fest crept up on me so quickly this year that I haven’t had time to scour the lineup the way I normally do. Thus, I have decided to highlight my favorites below that I already know and love – and apparently, they’re all mostly playing the Orange Stage. But my absolute favorite aspect of Fun Fun Fun Fest is the fact that I discover so much new music to love. It’s like being a college DJ all over again. I intend to hit up my top picks, but I also plan on wandering wherever my ears take me. So ultimately, that is my suggestion. Be brave, go to a stage you didn’t think you’d visit, keep an open mind, get dirty and have a blast.
For another excellent preview, check out Zack’s at Festival Crashers.
FRIDAY
12:30PM, Orange Stage – TV Torso
This Austin band has grown a ton over the past few years. I always expect them to sound more folksy, because lead singer Matt Oliver looks so much like Lyle Lovett, but they rock in an almost 90s-throwback-alt way. They’re a staple to Austin’s scene, so if you haven’t ever seen them, now’s the perfect opportunity.
1:05PM, Orange Stage – Canon Blue
I’d never heard of this band before I was doing my research for this post, but I absolutely love the intricate melodies and beautiful, layered sounds this group produces. I’m very interested to see how much depth they have, and plan on staying put in front of the orange stage to find out.
3:55PM, Orange Stage – Heartless Bastards
I adore the Heartless Bastards. I first saw them years ago at South by Southwest, and I was shocked that the deep, bellowing voice I was hearing came from a frontwoman. If I remember anything from that show apart from Erika Wennerstrom, it’s how much the group’s fans adore them. This is going to be a gorgeous, loving and rocking show.
6:30PM, Orange Stage – Okkervil River
One of the things I love about Fun Fun Fun is how much its lineup mirrors the playlists I used to frequently make on my radio show when I was in college. Okkervil River was a favorite of mine, because they had so many fantastic tunes to offer: “No Key, No Plan;” “Unless It’s Kicks;” “Our Life Is Not A Movie or Maybe;” “Lost Coastlines.” They hit the right chords, and as always, their music felt extra-personal, since they’re local. “You’ve never earned your soul/I know/But I’m gonna try.”
7:25PM, Orange Stage – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
At my very first Fun Fun Fun Festival, I fell in love with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. They played music that was energetic and bubbly, with vocals that were whiny and accessible and fun to imitate when you sang along at the top of your lungs. The group has been on a long hiatus, and I’m very excited to see what they’ve come up with during their down time. Guaranteed dance party if you go to this show, even if you’re not a citizen of Mexico drunk from a day of lazy river-ing with your buddies (sorry to call you out, Santi, but your serenading from the front seat of my car was precious).
8:30PM, Blue Stage – Public Enemy
Say what you will about Flava Flaaaaav! He’s theatrical and knows how to hype a crowd, and the pure talent behind him in Public Enemy are the real deal. They are legends, and I cannot wait to catch them live.
SATURDAY
3:15PM, Orange Stage – The Joy Formidable
Zack and I happened upon this group at Lollapalooza, mostly because we were being lazy under some trees and they were the band performing on the stage nearest to us. Zack recognized them from his Turntable.fm playing, and we were both very impressed with the energy the band had. They got people dancing to rock, and reminded me of the Silversun Pickups. I expect this group to leave an even bigger impression on me this time.
4:45PM, Orange Stage – Ra Ra Riot
These kids grew up alongside Vampire Weekend and the Dirty Projectors, and you can hear it all over their music. They make beautiful pop songs that are a bit wordy and occasionally weird, totally perfect for the legitimate fall weather we’ve been enjoying.
5:35PM, Orange Stage – M83
My younger brother was clued in to this artist well before me. In fact, it feels like the world is much more clued into this project than I am. But I’m incredibly excited to see what happens when Frenchman Anthony Gonzalez bring his dreamy electro-pop to a live stage. I’ll be up front, so hopefully it’ll be much more Sigur Ros, much less Explosion In the Sky.
7:25PM, Orange Stage – Lykke Li
I love a woman with swagger. It can’t be helped. I fall for the strong ones with attitude and fierceness, the ones I simultaneously want to be and am a little afraid of. Lykke Li hits that perfect balance. She’s a Swedish pop goddess, fearless and creative. She’s Adele for the indie set, and I can’t wait to indulge.
8:30PM, Orange Stage – Spoon
I love bands from Austin. I love minimalist rock bands that are just a bit punk. I love a song that makes me feel like I can throw on a faux-leather jacket and kick some ass. So, I love Spoon. My love affair with this band started a while back, but it culminated in seeing them from the front row at the Mohawk, when Britt Daniel snarled, “All the weird kids up front/Tell me what you know you want.” Every time, Britt.
SUNDAY
1:55PM, Orange Stage – Asobi Seksu
I miss this band every time they come through Austin (which is frequently, for South by Southwest). I owe my fandom to my brother, who seems to be up on all the music coming from Asia. Asobi Seksu make breathtakingly gorgeous music seemingly tailor-made for movie trailers and video games. The embodiment of crunchy fall leaves and rays of sunshine, this music will put a smile on your face, even if it is the last day of festival weekend.
6PM, Blue Stage – Del Tha Funky Homosapien
Del’s voice is soothing. Generally when I listen to rap, it sounds a bit antagonistic (admittedly, this is probably partially due to the fact that I am incredibly white). But Del’s deep, rolling rhymes just feel good. Many fest-goers may know Del because of his work with the Gorillaz, but I’m excited to see what else he has to offer during his evening set.
7PM, Red 7 – Nites! with Dom & Royal Bangs
Dom is grungy pop fun with a punky attitude. They made an impression on me at CMJ, and earned their spot at Lollapalooza. Fun Fun Fun Fest seems like the best venue for them, though, and I think they’ll thrive.
Royal Bangs are synth-rock awesome. They’ve grown a ton from their first album, and are beginning to make songs that are even bigger and bolder, with a little more southern flair. With nobody to keep me on the festival grounds and a wristband to get me into this set for free, I know I’ll be at Red 7.