San Francisco – Treasure Island Music Festival has been a staple of the bay area ever since its inaugural event, held in 2007. Since then the festival has seen headliners such as Beck, Belle and Sebastian, Modest Mouse, and LCD Soundsystem. This year they’ve tapped Outkast and Massive Attack as headliners, and while they both are powerhouses from the 90s, most of the undercard consists of burgeoning new bands in indie rock, hip-hop, R&B, and electronica, as it does every year. Treasure Island is a wonderful fest to go to because of its weather, its food, and its location in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, but also because it is a great place to see a plethora of exciting, new acts. Plus, the schedule operates on just two stages so there are no overlaps and conflicts, so you can literally see everyone. This Saturday and Sunday is the festival’s 8th annual event, and it’s going to be sweet. If you’re headed to the Festival in the Bay, here are a few new bands that you’ll definitely not want to miss.
XXYYXX
Saturday, Tunnel Stage 1:50-2:30 PM
For Fans of: James Blake, Andy Stott, Burial
This 19-year old prodigy out of Orlando started making music when he was just 14, and has since put out several remixes and a handful of EPs and albums. His first proper LP—2012’s XXYYXX—got the attention of critics and audiences alike, astounding listeners with captivating textural lo-fi electronica that he creates in his own bedroom studio. Along with releasing two new singles last year, Marcel Everett (the man behind the music) also headlined San Francisco’s Noise Pop Festival, thus making his return to SF’s festival scene this Saturday at Treasure Island, where he will be eagerly awaited.
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MØ
Saturday, Bridge Stage 2:35-3:20 PM
For Fans of: Grimes, Lana Del Rey, Jessie Ware
Danish singer-songwriter Karen Marie Ørsted—better known as MØ—takes the stage this Saturday at Treasure Island, touring behind her stellar debut LP No Mythologies to Follow, released earlier this year. Her music falls under the category of electro-pop, but has a definite edge—and sometimes bleakness—to it that sets it apart from the brighter variety of electro-pop most people are familiar with. While her composition is wonderful and unique, MØ’s vocals are the real star, and will most definitely sound even better live on an outdoor stage. (Ed., here’s our review of one of her recent performances.)
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Jungle
Saturday, Bridge Stage 4:05-4:50 PM
For Fans of: TV on the Radio, Fitz and the Tantrums, Earth Wind & Fire
Jungle is a music “collective” from the UK that blends the sounds of jazz, soul, funk, and modern technology, stirring them up amidst catchy hooks and thumping beats to create a delightful gumbo of high energy dance music. The two founding members, Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland, formed the band last year with some former band mates of theirs, and now the group has six members. Several sources (including Best New Bands) have championed their live show as the one of the best they’d seen in years, so this one should be near the top for anyone attending this year’s festival.
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Ásgeir
Sunday, Tunnel Stage 2:00-2:40 PM
For Fans of: Sigur Rós, Tallest Man on Earth, Bon Iver
Sunday at Treasure Island is often way more relaxed than Saturday, and what better way to ease into the day with some melodic folk? Ásgeir Trausti’s sound is mellow and sweet, much like the music of fellow Icelanders Sigur Rós, but with more kinetic energy and more lyrically driven tunes. His debut album, Dýrð í dauðaþögn was released in 2012, and then translated into English and re-released as In The Silence near the start of this year. Ásgeir’s tender melodies will be a perfect way to start off the afternoon, especially if you’re running a little behind from having a little too much fun the night before.
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Banks
Sunday, Bridge Stage 2:45-3:30 PM
For Fans of: Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith, Beyoncé
Los Angeles singer-songwriter Jillian Banks slunk onto the scene last year with the release of her two EPs Fall Over and London, and just last month she released her first LP Goddess to rave reviews that fueled her ever-growing popularity. Banks’ sultry vocals cascade over a metamorphic array of synths, beats, and analog instruments. While her music has a chiller vibe to it than most of the acts at this year’s festival, be prepared to dance a bit when songs like “Begging For Thread” come on.
Treasure Island Music Festival is a great way to catch a wide variety of acts across a number of genres in a relatively short amount of time. Pair that with the great food, the great weather and the amazing views of the bay and the San Francisco skyline, and you’ve got the whole package. If you make it out, get there early so you can take it all in, and be sure to check out the newer acts; one of them just might become your new favorite.
Here’s a link to the complete Treasure Island Music Festival line-up.
Corey Bell
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