Rundown Recap: Shaky Knees 2016

Posted on June 1, 2016May 31, 2016 by Chris Hunkele

It has long been known that spring officially begins in the South the weekend of The Masters tournament in Augusta. The ‘tradition unlike any other’ offers new beginnings with each dirt cheap pimento cheese sandwich and $3 domestic draught. However there’s a growing argument that spring doesn’t quite get rolling until Shaky Knees takes over whichever plot of Atlanta real estate its founders find suitable.

In four short years, this festival has risen to the top of the region’s music scene by offering up 3+ days of consistently solid lineups. Like most festivals, Shaky Knees offers full weekend passes, single day tickets and VIP treatment, but the biggest coup here is the late night sets at local clubs throughout the city. After each headliner finishes pouring it on at the Peachtree Stage, music spills over into some of Atlanta’s most happening spots including Terminal West, The Masquerade, Variety Playhouse, Center Stage, and The Earl. The late night sets allow further examination of a day’s new find or simply a chance for non festival-goers to see a huge act in an intimate setting. It’s the perfect ending to a sunny spring day.

Though in it’s fourth year, the festival has yet to find a permanent home and I can’t figure out why the festival keeps jumping around…Are the coordinators trying out every venue until they find one that sticks, or do they just keep getting kicked out for noise complaints? I know the Old Fourth Ward Park and Atlantic Station were too small, but I thought Central Park was a great host last year. The sports fields and parking lots provided plenty of room to spread out and shade trees were plentiful. This year’s installment was housed in Centennial Olympic Park and and on the lawn in front of the Georgia Dome. Atlanta’s Olympic memorial handled the large crowds well but didn’t provide much in the way of sun relief. Drinks were easy to get, restroom facilities were clean, and food options were great. I especially admired the incorporation of local restaurants into the various food courts. Food trucks were again front and center but one could also snag a BBQ sandwich from Fox Bros or a burger from the Grindhouse tent. Nice touch. I do wish festivals would take a page out of Augusta National’s book and stop charging $7 for a Dos Equis…but I digress.

Overall it was a well coordinated endeavor, aside from the pedestrian bridge over Marietta Street connecting the Peachtree, Ponce de Leon, and Buford Highway Stages to Boulevard and Piedmont in front of the Dome. At peak times the bridge became a log jam and forced 10-15 minute wait times to get to the other side of the park. Next time just pay whatever the city wants to shut down two blocks of traffic…

Now here’s a rundown of our favorite (and not so favorite) acts from this year’s fest:

The Front Bottoms

The hot afternoon sun didn’t stop the crowd from enthusiastically singing along to the catchy tunes of “Au Revoir (Adios)” and “The Beers.” With their earnest lyrics and witty banter in between each song, catching The Front Bottoms was like catching up with old friends over a few cold beers. – Camren Skelton

Craig Finn

Finn’s laid-back, confident style and thoughtful lyrics made for a performance that was more introspective than other acts of the weekend. Although taking in Finn as a solo act is different than hearing him with The Hold Steady, the performance is still just as captivating and intense. – Camren Skelton

Beach Slang

Although they were playing an early set, I was impressed at the large, engaged crowd these punky newcomers attracted. After taking requests from the crowd and making jokes throughout, Beach Slang put on an entertaining show that kept the crowd singing along until the very end. – Camren Skelton

Wolf Alice

Heading over to the main stages, I was able to catch British alt rockers Wolf Alice, and they did not disappoint. As people made their way into the gates, they trickled into the area around the stage, just as enthralled in the band’s folk/grunge/electronic elements as I was. Despite the hot Atlanta sun, the band brought a big crowd and put on a performance that was a favorite of the weekend. – Camren Skelton

Barns Courtney

The acoustic set Courtney delivered made for a performance that was unlike any other I saw throughout the weekend. Although he was standing on stage alone with his guitar, he filled the stage with a big sound and proved that he earned his spot on our Artists to Watch list. – Camren Skelton

Hop Along

This freak-folk/grunge-pop outfit from Philadelphia absolutely blew me away. Emotive vocals, angsty lyrics, and intricate guitar licks fuel their heavy pop sound. I love how lead singer Frances Quinlan’s voice perambulates the spectrum of screech-scream to delicate whisper through each song.

Catchy, painful, even epic at times. The soundtrack to your next breakup. – Chris Hunkele

Day Wave

If Weezer, Washed Out, and Real Estate were puréed in a blender, you’d end up with the smooth synth sounds of Day Wave.

Soundtrack to your next road trip. – Chris Hunkele

Baskery

Sirens, man…These Swedish sisters were everything of which Circe warned Odysseus. The self-proclaimed “banjo punks” commanded the stage with infectious, foot-stomping energy. It was impossible to look away as they flawlessly harmonized their way through the mid-afternoon Atlanta heat.

Your girlfriend’s favorite band, your new guilty pleasure. – Chris Hunkele

Silversun Pickups

Holy Crap! – who thought shoegaze could be so intense? The plan was to watch through “Lazy Eye” and head over to see Huey Lewis & the News, but an hour later I found myself trying to shake Brian and Nikki’s fuzzy guitar tones from my ears. I never expected a performance that good. – Chris Hunkele

The Decemberists

The unexpected dig of Silversun’s set made me late for The Decemberists, which honestly wasn’t a bad thing – ’twas damn near impossible to slide into melancholy after such an energetic performance. It was kind of a bummer as I was really looking forward to seeing the Portlanders for the first time, but my gut tells me they’re the kind of band that requires four walls to really lock you in. – Chris Hunkele

My Morning Jacket

I made my way over to the big stage (aka Peachtree) looking to get sucked into an epic Jim James performance, but all I saw were a lot of theatrics. I was hoping to hear something to make me fall in love with MMJ again, but the half a dozen or so songs I stuck around for only served as affirmation that my ears will never hear anything the way they first heard 2005’s Z. – Chris Hunkele

Murder By Death

The second night of Shaky wrapped up with a late night Murder By Death set that absolutely rocked. As tired as I was, it’s never hard to get in the mood to belt out “Lost River” or “I Came Around”. I Scooped up these tickets the day it was announced and am really glad I was able to power through to the 1am start time. – Chris Hunkele

Parquet Courts

These guys rip. Saw ’em at the 40 Watt last year and was curious to see how their sound would translate to the great outdoors. I definitely recommend seeing them in a club, but if all you have is a festival chance, get there early and try to move up front. – Chris Hunkele

Nothing

I was so looking forward to this I sat through their sound check. The heaviness of their new record was replicated on stage, but the vocals were…well…just bad honestly. Almost cringeworthy. Though they did do a pretty sick cover of Radiohead’s “Creep”. – Chris Hunkele

Deftones

Completely blown away by Chino and the boys. Any heaviness or on point vocals I was hoping to get from Nothing, I received tenfold from Deftones. If this year’s Shaky Knees was an episode of Supermarket Sweep, their set would’ve been the Farmer John golden wrapped hams. – Chris Hunkele

SXSW 2016: Artists to Watch

Posted on March 13, 2016 by Camren Skelton

With thousands of artists from all over the world traveling to Austin for SXSW, narrowing down who to see can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to make that task a little less daunting. We searched the lineup to find the best up-and-coming artists that could quite possibly be some of your favorite shows of the week.

1. The Accidentals

Billboard’s Breakout Band at SXSW 2015, Winner of the Emerging Artist Series, Winner of WYCE’s Album of the Year 2015—and the list goes on. In just two years, The Accidentals recorded three original albums, scored two films, landed song placements in documentaries, independent films and commercials and played over 700 live shows…and then they graduated high school. The group features an eclectic blend of classical, jazz, bluegrass and indie folk and synthesizes a wide variety of instruments that reflect the group’s impressive orchestral roots.

When to see them:

3/16: 18th Floor at Hilton Garden Inn (8p.m.)

2. Barns Courtney

With an almost accidental launch into the global mainstream, modern day voice and guitar man Barns Courtney is on an exciting (unexpected) journey. After spending most of his childhood in Seattle, Courtney returned to his native UK, and this change comes across clearly in his eclectic mix of US blues-rock, hip-hop and grunge with British indie melodies and an undeniable US-British twang. Courtney’s first track, “Glitter & Gold” was dropped on Soundcloud in September and quickly racked up over forty thousand plays. Another track—“Fire” made it’s way onto the big screen when it caught the ears of Hollywood mega producer Harvey Weinstein who featured it as the main track on the Bradley Cooper-staring film, “Burnt.” With an already impressive start and a debut EP in the works for early next year, Barns Courtney’s journey is an exciting one to follow.

Where to see him:

3/16: Lamberts (10 p.m.)

3/18: Stubb’s (10:40 p.m.)

3/19: Latitude 30 (11 p.m.)

3. Beach Slang

In just two short years, Beach Slang have proved themselves as a band that can write memorable songs and create a devoted fan base. With the release of their first full-length album, The Things We Do to Find People Who Feel Like Us, in November, the band crossed off their only missing element. The group’s tireless love for music and life shines through in the part punk, part pop sound. With youth and vulnerability at the core of each intriguing live show, Beach Slang brings a sound that will stay with you long after they leave the stage.

Where to see them:

3/16: Cheer Up Charlie’s (10:30 p.m)

3/18: The Sidewinder Outside (1 a.m.)

3/18: SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird (6 p.m.)

4. Cicada Rhythm

What happens when you combine articulate guitar picking with Julliard-trained bass lines? Chilling harmonies, unbridled passion and sincere enthusiasm—a sound that basically sums up Cicada Rhythm. The Georgia-raised duo meanders through the fields of folk, rock and Americana, modernizing each to a chilling degree. Reminiscent and filled with imagery, the lyrics this act brings to the stage tell an invigorating story. Cicada Rhythm has the ability to captivate listeners with the first pick of the guitar.

Where to see them:

3/16: The Velveeta Room (10 p.m.)

5. Dilly Dally

Like the eclectic city they live in, Toronto four-piece band Dilly Dally cannot be defined by just one thing. The band has a mutual appreciation for slurred poetry, pop ballads and grunge-heavy guitars, and these elements are evident in each and every song. Dilly Dally has made a name for themselves amongst Toronto’s noise-punk scene and there’s no doubt they will bring the same energy and overall awesomeness to the SXSW stage.

Where to see them:

3/17: Hype Hotel (10 p.m.)

6. DMA’s

On the heels of their debut album, Hills End, DMA’s are only at the beginning of a promising journey. The Australian rockers epitomize the laid-back lifestyle of their home country and have a sound that is too inviting to be ignored. The record combines each individual’s own influences—folk artists like Bob Dylan, American guitar bands from the 90s, and English bands like The Stone Roses and The La’s—into one enormous sound. Although only just beginning, DMA’s are on the brink of a successful journey to success.

Where to see them:

3/17: Radio Day Stage (5 p.m.)

3/17: Parish (1 a.m.)

3/18: Stubb’s (8 p.m.)

7. Japanese Breakfast

A side project from her work as front woman of indie punk band Little Big League, Michelle Zauner released a tape in 2013 under the name Japanese Breakfast. The solo project showcases Zauner’s dark lyrics and unique vocals—a stark contrast to the guitar-based indie rock of Little Big League. Now, Japanese Breakfast is in full-force with the LP and vinyl release of Psychopomp. The album explores new interests, hosts a variety of sounds and chilling new vocals, making it one to watch out for at this year’s festival.

Where to see them:

3/17: Barracuda Backyard (8 p.m.)

8. The Kickback

The modern indie rock group gathered praise from a number of publications including Rolling Stone, SPIN and Chicago Sun Times after the release of a few EPs. With the release of their debut album, Sorry All Over the Place, the group has garnered even more prominence, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW. The band is influenced by a broad array of cultural references, often referencing the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, David Foster Wallace and David Lynch, and their songs are filled with references and revelations. With their focus on contrast and a fascination with juxtaposition, there’s no doubt that The Kickback will put on a raw and memorable performance.

Where to see them:

3/16: Speakeasy (12 a.m.)

9. Marlon Williams

New Zealand solo artist Marlon Williams brings a sound to the stage that combines folk, country, soul, bluegrass and the blues. Williams first made a name for himself as front-man of The Unfaithful Ways, but has started a successful journey with his solo career. Williams brings an upbeat and sincere vibe to the stage earning him a spot as an artist to watch at this year’s festival.

Where to see him:

3/16: 3TEN Austin City Limits Live (9 p.m.)

3/17: Barracuda (11:15 p.m.)

3/18: Central Presbyterian Church (11 p.m.)

10. Mothers

Originating from Athens, GA as the solo project of Kristine Leschper, Mothers quickly emerged into a full-fledged band, on tour alongside of Montreal, and supporting Unknown Mortal Orchestra. They made the leap to headlining sets in a matter of months and in February, released their debut album, When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired, with Drew Vandenberg (of Montreal, Deerhunter). Now, the indie-folk outfit is taking on SXSW. If the vulnerability and raw emotion displayed in their album are any indication of their performance, then Mothers are definitely an act to watch out for.

Where to see them:

3/16: Clive Bar (9 p.m.)

3/18: Mohawk Outdoor (10 p.m.)

11. Moving Panoramas

Hailing from Austin, the all-girl trio that makes up Moving Panoramas will return to their hometown roots for SXSW. The name itself paints a perfect picture of the band’s sound—it’s indie guitar music at its’ finest, and the vocals have a dreamy, ethereal air about them. Each heartfelt lyric envelopes you into the songwriter’s story, making them one you will not want to miss at this year’s festival.

Where to see them:

3/15: The Sidewinder Inside (12 a.m.)

3/16: ScratcHouse Backyard (11 p.m.)

12. Roomsounds

Self-described as a “modern day Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers,” Roomsounds bring an eclectic mix of genres to the stage, making them an act to add to your list. Combine vivid song writing with versatile vocals and you have a group that gets as much out of playing a live show as they do creating a brilliant song. If you don’t know much about the band before seeing them live, you will leave eager to find out more.

Where to see them:

3/17: Lucky Lounge (9 p.m.)

13. Sunflower Bean

What do you get when you channel a passion for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and the Velvets? The sweet sound that is Sunflower Bean. The indie trio hailing from NYC is sure to take the SXSW stage by storm with their rock-influenced vocals and sweet riffs. Their debut album, Human Ceremony, is self-described as a “conflicting interest”—a mixture of dream pop and rock ‘n’ roll. The diversity this group brings to the stage makes them a must-see.

Where to see them:

3/17: Radio Day Stage (3 p.m.)

3/17: Stubb’s (9:25 p.m.)

3/18: Parish (1 a.m.)

3/19: Hype Hotel (8 p.m.)

14. Sweet Spirit

The country/rock band hailing from Austin brings a different, but nonetheless charismatic and vibrant energy to the stage. Ironically, the nine-piece act started as the solo project of Sabrina Ellis, but new members were quickly added. The group began putting out songs at a breakneck speed, and the confident blend of genres that defines Sweet Spirit was born.

Where to see them:

3/19: Parish (10 p.m.)

15. Saint Pé

After 10 years of recording and touring with Black Lips, Ian Saint Pé decided it was time for a change. His solo act—Saint Pé—was born. If you love Black Lips, then hopping on board with Saint Pé will be an easy feat. It has the same garage flavor and rock ‘n’ roll sound but with a sunnier, more pop-influenced side. Saint Pé brings a sound to the stage that is refreshingly upbeat and will leave you wanting more.

Where to see him:

3/18: Valhalla (1 a.m.)

16. Spookyland

The 4-piece act from Sydney received both local and international praise from the likes of NME, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork with their debut EP, ‘Rock and Roll Weakling.’ In 2015, an appearance at Lollapolooza landed them a spot in Consequence of Sound’s Top Ten acts not to miss. The band has a knack for delivering raw, emotional music that sticks with you long after they leave the stage. With their debut album, Beauty Already Beautiful, set to release in May 2016, Spookyland is well on their way to garnering even more prominence and prestige, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW.

Where to see them:

3/16: Buffalo Billiards (9 p.m.)

3/17: Latitude 30 (12 a.m.)

17. T. Hardy Morris

For 10 years, T. Hardy Morris has explored the parallels between grunge and Southern rock with his band Dead Confederate. His first solo effort was 2013’s Audition Tapes, a relatively melancholy, confessional work likes so many of the records out of Nashville. His latest release, Drownin on a Mountaintop, is the complete opposite. Unsentimental, enthusiastic and rowdy, the album gives Morris’s voice ample space to roam and cut loose. Although Morris is not new to the music scene, his work as a solo act is well worth talking about.

Where to see him:

3/19: Parish (12 a.m.)

18. Tedo Stone

Garage/psych-rocker Tedo Stone forged a love for music at an early age, forming his first band at the age of 12. While living in the musically rich town of Athens, GA, Stone dove further into the music scene and his sound took on a noisier, carefree character that caught the attention of producer Drew Vandenberg (Deerhunter, of Montreal). After pairing up with him, Stone released a follow-up to his 2013 debut. 2015’s Marshes is decidedly grittier in comparison to his debut, Good Go Bad, and is definitely one to watch out for as it garners a larger fan base.

Where to see him:

3/17: Yard Dog (1 p.m.)