Author: Haley Parsons
Last year’s Sasquatch! lineup was a bit…weird, to say the least. But this year’s lineup announcement seems to have already to made up for the Twenty One Pilots debacle. This year’s Sasquatch! will be this blog baby’s first and I’m stoked to take part in the tradition of sleeping in a dusty campground and spending three whole days immersed in wonderful music at The Gorge, one of the most beautiful venues around.
So, let’s talk about Friday, day one of Sasquatch. I’m hoping to check out the sad and sweet, Julien Baker, the 21-year-old whose sound is a bit like an emo Ellie Goulding. Her set is probably going to bring me to tears but that’s OK. After that, to get the party started, I want to see indie-pop golden boys, Hippo Campus. I saw them in January and they put on an incredibly fun show. Maybe they’ll have some new music for the Sasquatch crowd? Naturally, I had never heard of this next band until I started at SU, where the entire student body is from California, but I really want to catch The Garden’s set. Orange County twins, Wyatt and Fletcher Shears’ sound is constantly growing and evolving, hence the garden metaphor and there’s plenty of buzz surrounding these Sasquatch newcomers. Next on my list, Seattle girl group, Thunderpussy. These girls are the modern Runaways that rock fans needed. This brings us to North Long Beach rapper Vince Staples. With one of the smoothest flows around, Staples manages to switch from a laid-back chorus to a frantic verse as quick as you can say “745”. Oh, here come the headliners, the legendary David Byrne of the Talking Heads was an excellent lineup choice because he appeals to older and younger Squatch goers alike. TWO MORE ACTS TO GO, I’ll be ready to cry for the second time in one day during Bon Iver’s set. I can’t wait to hear tracks from the masterpiece that is 22, A Million and singalong with hundreds of strangers to “Skinny Love”. Finally, finishing off the night and kicking off the next day will be Tyler, The Creator. I’m hoping he’ll play, “IFHY” along with all the BANGERS from Flower Boy. I hope to leave his set feelin like glitter.
Starting off Saturday, Day TWO, I want to see the talented Girlpool because I missed them when they came through Seattle and it’s always nice to start the day with some chill tunes. Head from chill tunes to Minneapolis alternative rapper, Lizzo’s set because she’s 100% that b*tch and there’s no reason to miss that. After Lizzo, be sure to catch folk-rocker Shakey Graves. His tongue in cheek lyrics and gravelly voice are irresistible. Moving along, Brooklyn rockers, Grizzly Bear will be next on the agenda because I can’t think of anyone who can resist “Two Weeks”. From one Brooklyn band to another, the next must-see set is the vibrant TV On The Radio. Finally, my favorite band in the mix (which is saying a lot because there are so many great artists on this bill), Washington’s own, Modest Mouse. True Sasquatch legends who have managed to create strange yet alluring music over the past 26 years. As one of the crown jewels of this lineup who appeal to those of all ages, this definitely isn’t a set to miss.
Day three brings us to the conclusion of Sasquatch but have no fear for it will be jam-packed with fantastic acts. Soccer Mommy and Phoebe Bridgers will get the day started with their guitars, angelic voices, and vulnerable lyrics. If you don’t know who these two are, give “Your Dog” by Soccer Mommy and “Scott Street” by Phoebe a couple of listens. Continuing on, the king of alternative folk, (Sandy) Alex G himself will be blessing Eastern Washington with songs from his new record, Rocket, along with some older fan-favorites. After that, the ethereal Noname will move you with soft and sparkly verses from her mixtape Telefone. Kicking it back up a notch will be grunge-pop act Charly Bliss who recently wrapped a tour with Skating Polly. Follow that with the soft sounds from planet Japanese Breakfast, the beautiful bedroom-pop project of Michelle Zauner. This set will heal any emotional trauma you’re battling, I promise. Be sure to check out the melodic Big Thief, too. I’m really hoping they will play “Haley” since I’m going to be there. Shoegaze veterans Slowdive are another treat for older Sasquatch people along with the young ones. They will help wind down Sunday night before The National plays a sure to be memorable set.
Although the future of Sasquatch looked bleak last year, the festival has come back with a vengeance by returning to its indie roots. The lineup has some fantastic Rap/RnB deep cuts along with folk, and some electronic acts as well. There’s something for everyone and also plenty of room for discovery this year and fortunately, the future of our sweet fest looks bright.
HALEY PARSONS | I have waited so long for this | KXSU Music Reporter