The third time might have been the charm, but we’re pretty convinced this fourth year of Hangout Fest will be even more legendary. How could it not be with both Tom Petty and Stevie Wonder headlining? Inside this special edition, the IN has once again packed all the necessities for you to map out your picture perfect festival weekend—including a breakdown of what you can, can’t and really should have in your bag, plus an actual map and complete schedule. On top of interviews with several bands, we’ve thrown in some special treats for you, including a look at Hangout’s leading ladies and angelic male voices, some not too far-fetched mashups we are crossing our fingers happen, and who we deem "follow-worthy" on Twitter. Since it’s not all about the headliners, or what we love most, we also went ahead and enlarged the lineup’s fine print for you—dissecting the less familiar festival acts. After all, a festival wouldn’t be a festival without discovering a new band to love and cherish, would it? We think not. Just remember, as heavenly as this year’s lineup is, if you see a bright white light, although you could be on the verge of ascending into the sky in a state of pure elation, more than likely you are on your way to passing out. That’s right—the only double-fisting you should be doing this weekend is with your sunscreen in one hand, and your water bottle in the other. Drink up so you don’t end up melting down, and get ready to “Hangout” this weekend. We'll see you on the beach.
May 16, 2013
9
Projections on Love by Hana Frenette
collaborations with David Byrne of the Talking Heads and Bjork. “It was really great getting to know both of them,” Longstreth said. “It’s cool to be able to call them friends.” In 2009 Longstreth had a friend who was working at Housing Works Bookstore in New York, and was
“At the end of the day you come back to the skeleton—what the song really is.”
photos by Shawn Brackbill Just when the Dirty Projectors were on the cusp of being defined as an abstract, uber-indie band, they released an album that discusses love as openly and as easy as a Sunday morning. “You get attached to the idea of the continual, elaborate puzzles of communicating,” frontman Dave Longstreth said. “But it really is much more difficult to just say from one person to another, ‘I love you.’” You wouldn’t be able to tell that unguarded communication has ever proved difficult with Projectors’ latest album, “Swing Lo Magellan.” The record was released last summer and features songs that many have deemed to be the most listenable and vulnerable of the band’s catalog to date. “Sometimes the things that hold me and carry me and the things that I love that help me aren’t full of obtuse layers,” Longstreth said. “There wasn’t any hiding behind vapors and veils this time.” The previous fascination with seemingly abstract musical qualities in the Dirty Projectors can be linked to Longstreth’s personal history and attachment to classical music. You can’t study music at Yale without taking just a little time to really investigate the importance of compositions from a hundred years ago. “Classical music is great because you don’t have these lyrics telling you the song is about this or that,” Longstreth said. “You can really lose yourself in it and whatever you want it to mean.”
Whether it was the simplicity, or just the change of pace when recording “Swing Lo Magellan,” Longstreth said this was one of the most fun recording sessions he’s ever done. “I probably won’t do things the same again though, because it wouldn’t be as fun,” Longstreth said. “I like new situations with things always changing.” The band have gone down a variety of musical avenues since the band’s creation in 2002, some of Longstreth's even involve
Dave Longstreth
helping to organize a charity concert for the Housing Works organization, which is dedicated to providing shelter for the homeless
and men, women and children suffering from AIDS. “This person was friends with both me and Bjork,” Longstreth said. “They had asked us if we might want to work on something together for the concert and we were both just like, ‘Yeah, let’s fucking do it!’” Such is the case with David Byrne. A friend of the two had suggested they work together on a track for the album, “Dark Was the Night,” a compilation album released by the Red Hot Organization, another non-profit dedicated to fighting the spread of AIDS. “I think I had written three different songs that were possibilities for the album,” Longstreth said. The song that was chosen in the end was “Knotty Pine.” As to be expected, no other collaborations have commenced or been announced. Maybe in five years another marvelous, singular pairing will happen, but only when it starts to feel like something different for Longstreth again. Until then, Longstreth will be listening to Bob Dylan and Lil Wayne, thinking about how lucky he is to be doing what he’s doing. “Dylan is just the best songwriter,” Longstreth said. “As much as I like to get obsessed with texture, at the end of the day you come back to the skeleton—what the song really is. And that guy has made a graveyard. He’s just the coolest.” And then there’s Weezy. “Lil Wayne is really cool,” Longstreth said. “He was never the same after 2007 though! After those mixtape sessions. They were really great.” The range of musical tastes and influences is what helps keep Dirty Projectors from being pinned down to one sound or one style. The desire to constantly evolve. “I really just want the music to make people think for themselves, and I hope the music promotes that and the idea of freedom, and creativeness,” Longstreth said. “I feel really grateful and lucky to be doing this at all. It just started out as this side art project with me sitting on the edge of my bed, trying to write songs.” {in}
DIRTY PROJECTORS
SATURDAY, 2:30–3:30 P.M. CHEVROLET STAGE
Being pale is hard / But staying pale is harder / SPF save me 010 1
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IN the Bag : What We’re Packing � A light-weight scarf in cotton or another natural fiber
Unfolded natural fiber scarves let in more of a breeze when you are inevitably shielding your skin from the sun beneath them, and they dry out faster. Scarves are also good to wet at a water station to help cool you down. Plus, they are a sassy accessory for men and women alike. So, quadruple points for functionality and general greatness.
The IN staff is no stranger to music fests. Jazz Fest, Coachella, Bonaroo and, of course, Hangout Fest since it started—we’ve done it all. After 10 plus years of festing in scorching hot climates, we think we’ve finally got it down enough to consider ourselves “pros.” Here are a few festival staples we’ve learned to keep in our bags—in addition to sunscreen, sunglasses and a water bottle, of course. Those are non-negotiable.
� Plastic sandwich bags
If you’ve ever had a beverage leak on your new camera or a tube of sunblock pop in your fest bag, you no doubt understand this one. Isolating liquids and/or electronics in
• • • •
•
� A few ‘just in case’ band-aids
� Earplugs
� Portable phone charger
� A straw hat
� An actual schedule and map of some kind
Since umbrellas are a no-no and shade is hard to come by near main stages, a straw hat is your best bet for protecting your face from the sun. Throwing on a hat also means not having to deal with your hair, so it’s a win-win in our book.
� Baby Powder
A lot people think “chafing” when they hear
Even though you aren’t going to have your shoes or sandals on for most of the day, you still might get a blister. Better safe than sorry, right?
In past years, outlets have been pretty hard to come by and we’ve never seen a public charging station, so if you’re lucky to have your phone work inside the festival grounds you are probably going to want some backup juice.
We know there’s an app for that but again if you’re lucky enough to have your phone actually get reception in the crowd, you aren’t going to want to waste your precious battery life checking an app. We know we’re kind of biased, but we think the ones on pages 26 and 27 are pretty good. That's what we’ll be toting around all weekend. {in}
No You Can’t
(Bring it to the Fest):
Blankets & beach towels Prescription medicine (All prescriptions medicines MUST be in a marked bottle, along with proper matching ID) Baby strollers or small wagons for the small toddlers Non-professional cameras (detachable lenses not allowed) One (1) empty water container up to 2 liters in size Camel packs are welcomed but MUST BE empty to enter (there are refill stations inside the festival) Sunscreen (including aerosol)
� Lip balm with an SPF
I know, I know—it sounds terribly uncool. But trust me, by day three they’ll be your best friend. Especially if you like to hangout in the Boom Boom Tent.
Yes You Can • •
baby powder. While we don’t deny its usefulness in that capacity, it’s on our Hangout packing list for another reason—getting sand off. Apply a little bit of baby powder to dry skin and the sand just falls right off. It’s almost like magic.
Because few things look and feel as bad as sunburned, peeling lips— except having to go out in the sun with them for two more days.
� Wet wipes
For cleaning hands after a Porta-Potty stop or before chowing down on festival food. Wipes can also double as TP in a bind or as a sunscreen remover when the sun goes down. Most travel sections of pharmacies have packets small enough to carry around in your fest bag.
their own baggy is a good thing. You can also use empty baggies to squirrel away leftover fest food for later, or as mini garbage bags for all those used wet wipes if there is no trash bin nearby.
(Bring it in, so leave it at home please and help the line go faster for all of us, OK?): • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
Framed or large backpacks Kites Glowsticks Glass containers Umbrellas Chairs of any kind Coolers of any size Tents or canopies of any kind Weapons of any kind Illegal substances (including narcotics) or drug paraphernalia Outside food or beverages—including alcohol Skateboards, bicycles (inside festival grounds–bike racks will be available near the entrance) Motorized Carts or Scooters–unless ADA verified
•
• •
• • • •
• •
Bicycles (inside festival grounds– bike racks will be available near the entrance) Carts Large chains or spiked jewelry (spikes longer than 3/4 of an inch will be confiscated) Fireworks / Sparklers / Firecrackers Chinese lanterns Pets (except service dogs) Video equipment, professional still camera equipment (no detachable lenses, no tripods, big zooms, or commercial use rigs) and/or any audio recording equipment Flags and flagpoles No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed
*You will be permitted to go in and out of the festival grounds. Just remember that you will however, be searched each time you re-enter. May 16, 2013
11
Sound the Alarm: Bloc Party is Back by Sarah McCartan
story, but that would be a waste of your time. I moved to New York and I guess I got tied up in house renovations and building a studio in the basement. Then I kind of branched out into recording other bands. It seems like a long time, but really I was just happy to try and lead a normal life, have a regular routine and do guy stuff.
IN: Not only have you released a new album, but you are also touring heavily. How does it feel to be back on stage and selling out shows? Your recent show in London at Earls Court boasted nearly 20,000 attendees. TONG: It is satisfying and nerve-wracking as well. No one expected to sell out shows again. The London show was planned well in advance. I definitely was really nervous. But it went really well.
IN: And now here you are— back with a new album. Where was “Four” recorded? TONG: It was written and recorded in a studio in New York. I don’t think the studio is even open anymore. I guess we were its kiss of death.
IN: What’s next for Bloc Party? Is it too soon to tell? TONG: We are touring until mid-July and we’ve started working on new material. I don’t see why we couldn’t keep carrying on.
IN: Is this album title representative of how many years it’s been since your last release? TONG: There is some symmetry there as it was four years between records. It was really the case that it had to be about the four of us reconnecting and learning to communicate again.
photo by Christopher Häring If there is anywhere in the world that is rightly deserving of a standing ovation for continuously crafting some of the finest musicianship, it is the United Kingdom. British rock band Bloc Party first appeared on the scene in 2005 with their debut album release, “Silent Alarm.” Standout tracks such as “Banquet” and “Helicopter” not only topped charts, but also quickly infiltrated dance party playlists around the globe, as have the endless remixes that have since followed. During the years immediately succeeding the international success of “Silent Alarm,” Bloc Party continued to make their presence loudly heard. They executed two more albums, maintaining their popularity and widespread appeal throughout both releases. And then they grew quiet. After four years of silence, the band has returned with a new album, titled “Four.” Bloc Party’s fourth album to date carries with it just as much balance as the name suggests, and on top of that, symbolizes a rekindled energy for the band.
Since the 2012 release of “Four,” Bloc Party has been selling out shows left and right, including playing their largest gig to date on their home turf in London. This summer Bloc Party can be spotted across numerous festival lineups, including Hangout. The IN spoke with drummer Matt Tong while he was at home in New York for a brief stint of time between tours. IN: What has it been like jumping back into Bloc Party after a lengthy timeout? TONG: For me it was quite intimidating because I hadn’t performed at all during that time. The other guys were a little less rusty. It took time for me to get used to being on the stage again. When it clicked it felt really good. It’s great to have an opportunity to travel the world again. IN: The other members seemed to have projects they were working on during the break. What were you doing during that time? Were you still playing music? TONG: I was going to make up a funny
IN: What would you say the biggest difference is between the new album and your previous work? TONG: I think the principles behind the writing were different than how it ended up sounding. Previously the arrangements hadn’t been set in stone when we went into the studio and that can bog down the process. This time we all knew exactly what we wanted to do and had far more of a sense of purpose. We were a lot more organized by the time we got to the studio. IN: Have you been pleased with the response you’ve received from longtime fans? TONG: We’ve learned not to take anything for granted. We definitely have fans who aren’t as keen on the old. The best way to gauge is seeing how many people are singing along to your songs when playing live, and that has been the case with the new songs.
A note to fans—If singing along at Hangout isn’t enough for you, or if you are simply looking to have Bloc Party lyrics on hand permanently as a keepsake, you are in luck! Frontman Kele Okereke recently released a lyric book as part of The Lyric Book Company’s “Lyrics of” series. The book catalogues Okereke’s powerful and poetic Bloc Party lyrics and also includes his solo material. {in}
“I was going to make up a funny story, but that would be a waste of your time.” Matt Tong
BLOC PARTY
SUNDAY, 6:30–8 P.M. LETTING GO STAGE
Sipping on water / Ready to dance all night long / And not pass out cold 212 1
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Guest Stars by Joani Delezen
Girl Crushing by Joani Delezen
Talented. Stylish enough to rock highwasted shorts. A sense of humor. Perfectly un-perfect hair. These are just a few things I look for in my girl crushes. And by "crush" I mean those girls that you want to be and/ or be best friends with. Preferably both.This year's line-up has no shortage of ladies that qualify. I mean, Karen freakin' O? It doesn't get more crush-worthy than that.
KAREN O OF YEAH YEAH YEAHS
Kings of Leon / photo by Dan Winters One of the best parts of music festivals are the surprise on-stage collaborations that happen from time to time. Sometimes they are predictable, sometimes not. This year's line-up has plenty of bands that are somehow connected, so we are hoping to see at least one or two guest stars sit in. And who knows, maybe someone will be late again and we'll get another Hangout Fest cover set by a superstar band.
GRIZZLY BEAR & DIRTY PROJECTORS
They've made a song together, been photographed for GQ magazine together and hail from the same borough, so this one is pretty much a no-brainer. "Brooklyn Takes Over the Beach"—that's right, we're already imagining the Pitchfork headline.
THE ROOTS AND JIM JAMES
Did you know that The Roots remade “Dear God”—a track fronted by James on the Monsters of Folk record? Yep, there's a “Dear God 2.0" out there. And it's really good. They are set to play together in New York in June, so maybe they'll agree to a practice run this weekend.
KINGS OF LEON & SOME SEAGULLS
Not that we want to see their set cut short or anything—honestly we don't—we just think it would be really funny if they had another run-in with some feathered foes.
THE SHINS & DIRTY PROJECTORS VOCALISTS HALEY DEKLE AND
AMBER COFFMAN
According to Brooklyn Vegan it's happened before, so we're hoping it happens again. "Phantom Limb" is what they did before, so that's probably a safe bet, but we'd love to hear the DP's ladies take on just about any Shins jam.
JIM JAMES & PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND
Sure, Preservation Hall Jazz Band isn't on the line-up, but they are only a few hours away so it's not too much of stretch to think that their friend and producer Jim James might invite them over to jam. The upcoming album James produced for the band, “That's It,” is their first ever album of all original music.
SOLANGE KNOWLES
According to her tour schedule she isn't scheduled to be anywhere and anyone that follows her on Instagram knows she's a fan of music festivals so maybe, just maybe, she'll swing down. She's got plenty of friends on the line-up that hopefully would be more than happy to let her steal their spotlight for a bit.
GRIZZLY BEAR & PHOENIX
Grizzly Bear just remixed the new Phoenix single "Entertainment" and the Phoenix tour is on a break until May 23, so maybe they'll stop by the beach on their way to Spain?
QUESTLOVE & CHANCELLOR WARHOL
CW supported Questlove before so this one isn't really that far fetched, but it would still be fun. {in}
As famous for her sleek bob as her signature howling vocals, YYY's front woman Karen O is pretty much in a league of her own. The hallmarks of her live shows are outrageous outfits and insane energy. I know they are currently touring in support of their fourth album, “Mosquito” but I'm not going to lie, I'm hoping the set list has some old jams on it too like "Heads Will Roll" and "Maps." Sunday, 5:15–6:30 p.m., Hangout Stage
ELLIE GOULDING
A lot of people know Ellie Goulding from her hit "Lights" which seemed to be on repeat on pop radio for the better half of last year. But my first introduction to her came courtesy of an Elton John cover and a UK iTunes ad. Seriously, her version of "Your Song" might just be one of the sweetest songs ever. One listen to "Anything Could Happen" from her latest studio album "Halcyon" and I bet you'll be as in love with her as I am. Sunday, 3:15–4:15 p.m., Hangout Stage
weren't one of the first bands of the day. Sunday, 12:15–1:15 p.m., Chevrolet Stage
AMBER COFFMAN OF DIRTY PROJECTORS
"Stillness Is The Move" is where Dirty Projectors vocalist Amber Coff man got my attention. Then she completely won my heart with "The Socialites." And now she's even got me downloading Major Lazer and Snoop Lion songs. She's just that good. Some people say she sounds like Feist. I've heard others say Cat Power. Fingers crossed their set lends itself to showing off her amazing vocal talent. Saturday, 2:30–3:30 p.m., Chevrolet Stage
JESSICA DOBSON OF THE SHINS
Unless you've seen them live or on TV since releasing "Port of Morrow" you might not know that the Shins added a female guitarist. Jessica Dobson earned her guitar chops playing with bands like Beck, Spoon and even Yeah Yeah Yeahs, so she's no stranger to making indie pop music for the masses. She also fronts her own band called Deep Sea Diver. Friday, 7:30–9 p.m., Chevrolet Stage {in}
BETHANY COSENTINO OF BEST COAST If you're looking for laid-back California-cool personified, look no further than Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino. Pretty much every song she and bandmate Bobb Bruno have ever made is a tribute to the sun and sand of their native coast, so finally seeing them on the Hangout bill just feels right. I just know that her dreamy surf pop vocals are going to sound even better with actual surf in the background. I just wish they
Karen O / photo courtesy of Press Here Publicity
American girl / Born and raised on promises / Give me this last dance May 16, 2013
13
Letting the Love Grow by Sarah McCartan
“I feel like if we went back, we might undo this dream.” Hannah Hooper
photos by Aaron Farley It’s the story of an unforgettable journey, driven by love and steered by spontaneity. Everything about Grouplove has been unforeseeable, right from the very start. The story begins when five individuals from different backgrounds and geographic locations find themselves drawn to an artist commune on the island of Crete in Greece. Here worlds collide, music is shared, relationships forge, and the seeds are planted for what would blossom into the celebrated, indie rock band Grouplove. When it was time to leave Greece, the group parted ways and returned to their respective homes. Unable to deny the long-lasting bonds that were formed, a year later they reunited in Los Angeles. And from here the love grew. Although at the time still not officially a band, the group wrote and recorded a self-titled EP featuring the song “Colours,” which remains a signature track today. During the fall of 2011, Grouplove released their debut album, “Never Trust a Happy Song.” The album boasts upbeat tracks that highlight each band member’s diverse talents, yet flow together effortlessly. Memorable picks include their first number one single, “Tongue Tied.” After two years of extensive, nonstop touring and having written ample new material, Grouplove recently made their return to the studio. A follow-up album is well underway and set to be released later this year. On top of touring and crafting
a new album, Grouplove teamed up with good friends Manchester Orchestra for a special Record Store Day release. While embracing a relaxed, rainy day off between tour stops, lady Grouplove, singer and painter extraordinaire Hannah Hooper, shared some love with the IN. IN: When did this surreal experience start becoming real for you? HOOPER: The moment bassist Sean Gadd flew in from Britain and got in the car in Los Angeles it felt real. It’s been a backwards journey for me as a singer though. Everyone except for me knew from the beginning. I never planned on being in a band. I was still coming to terms with it until lately. It wasn’t until recently that I felt like I can do this and not worry that I don’t have the same musical background as the rest of the band. IN: How has having multiple songwriters shaped the atmosphere of the band? Would you say it has given Grouplove a unique synergy? HOOPER: Definitely. And it’s kind of like our friendships. Our friendships are based on doing art together. They are all so different too. It has definitely shaped us as a band and as people. It’s a nice thing. IN: What is the Grouplove writing process like? HOOPER: We don’t have any kind of set
process, which is what’s fun about being in the band. We are constantly guessing what’s going to happen next. IN: How did the decision for a new album come about? HOOPER: After our first album we toured for two years. We were ready to get the new songs polished. A lot of it happened outside the studio, jamming on the road. We went in with a lot in mind and recorded way too many songs to be on an album. IN: On your current tour you’ve been playing college stops. Has it been a different crowd? HOOPER: Normally our audience is all ages. To look out and know our audience is between 17 and 22, we can be a little naughty. It’s different if you see a six year old in the front row. IN: Anyone you are especially excited to see at Hangout? HOOPER: I have missed the Yeah Yeah Yeahs every single time they have played. If the band tries to make me leave before they play I am hiding. Karen O is so original and comes from her own place. She is a badass.
IN: Do you think you will ever return to the artist commune in Greece? HOOPER: I’m scared to go back. This has been such a bizarre experience. I feel like if we went back, we might undo this dream. IN: What is Grouplove’s mantra? HOOPER: I don’t think we have one necessarily. We stand by making music that we believe in and jumping in with full hearts. There’s no point in doing anything when it’s not fun and inspiring, and we aren’t lacking either. I see this being a long career. {in}
GROUPLOVE
SUNDAY, 1:15–2:15 P.M. HANGOUT STAGE
Dearest Spicy Pie / Your cheesy jalapenos / Get in my belly 414 1
inweekly.net
Just Following Along There are those who use social media, there are those who abuse social media and then there are those that the IN staff has labeled as "follow-worthy" on social media. And with good reason of course. Here are a few of the IN's favorite festival acts to follow—in general and especially this weekend. I mean, if Bethany from Best Coast Instagrams herself drinking a Corona at Flora-Bama, we want to know about it. Don't you?
one of Grizzly Bear’s leading men. If you fancy traveling as much as you do music, you have met your match in Ed. Although individually Ed is the most active band member on both platforms, be sure to follow @Grizzlybear on Twitter to be constantly entertained.
AMBER COFFMAN, DIRTY PROJECTORS
Instagram: @amber_coffman Twitter: @Amber_Coffman The Dirty Projectors vocalist posts a mix of "official" band related stuff and personal musings. Even her re-tweets are always worth reading. And she's got a good eye, so her 'grams of standards like flowers and food are actually worth looking at. For even more from the band follow @DavidLongstreth and @DirtyProjectors on Twitter.
BETHANY COSENTINO, BEST COAST
Instagram: @bscbscbsc Twitter: @best_coast Cats. Beer. Lots of love for ‘90s TV shows, movies and fashion. And selfies galore. That's what you'll find if you follow the Best Coast frontwoman.
EDWARD “ED” DROSTE, GRIZZLY BEAR
Instagram: @edroste Twitter: @edwarddroste Tasteful, artsy, detailed and simply delightful. I would expect nothing less from
each tour stop from her perspective. For more antics, be sure to follow @GROUPLOVE on both platforms.
JARED FOLLOWILL, KINGS OF LEON
Instagram: @jaredfollowill Twitter: @youngfollowill Aside from his Twitter headline being “I make your seats vibrate,” the Kings of Leon bassist’s Twitter persona is strikingly more down to earth than his stage presence. Since he is married to a model after all, it should come as no surprise that pictures of their dolled up pup find their way onto his Instagram feed.
Limited time only.
QUESTLOVE, THE ROOTS
ELLIE GOULDING
Instagram: @elliegoulding Twitter: @elliegoulding See this British blonde bombshell’s outfit pairings and fabulous shoes, plus catch glimpses of her dazzling stage performances. Goulding also shares her affinity for running. She recently teamed up with Nike to encourage more women to run, and even released a remix album for added motivation.
HANNAH HOOPER, GROUPLOVE
Instagram: @ladygrouplove Twitter: @LadyGrouplove If you enjoy a healthy mix of environmental portraits and down-home fun, follow the lady of Grouplove as she documents
IN at Hangout
Instagram: @questlove Twitter: @questlove If you don't already follow Questlove, you're missing out on a lot. Music history, social politics, candid photos of super famous people and random pics and insights from around NYC that will make you feel like you know all the coolest spots in Brooklyn, even if you've never been there. Our goal for the weekend is to get a re-tweet to his 2.6 million followers. You heard that, Quest?
RA RA RIOT
EVERY DAY AFTER 4PM
Instagram: @rarariot Twitter: @rarariot Go on a virtual tour and take a photo adventure on the band’s Instagram. Ra Ra Riot has also been known to post last minute ticket giveaways on Twitter, so who knows what they will be offering during Hangout weekend. Perhaps even a hangout session. {in}
Choose Kid-Friendly Entrées like Chicken Tenders, Daily Special Shrimp Entrée, Fried Fish, Roast Beef, 2 Fried Chicken Legs and more.
Each Kids Entrée comes with 2 Sides, Kids Drink and Dessert (Jello, Pudding or Cupcake).
Instagram: @in_stagram Twitter: @INPensacola
Want to stay up to date with the who, what, where and when of Hangout? The IN will be documenting the entire weekend, at least for as long as we can manage to maintain cell phone reception. In addition to highlighting the necessities, like where to get the coldest water, and when the “Harlem Shake” is happening, we will be sharing any of the wealth we find along the way. This includes any star sightings or after parties we stumble upon. The IN has been known to bro down at beach bars with James Mercer of the Shins. Just saying.
#INatHangout
Plan on tweeting or instagramming this weekend? We want to see your updates and photos just as much as we want to share ours. Be sure to hashtag #INatHangout. Follow @Hangoutfest on Twitter and Instagram for important festival information and updates.
Visit us at the following location: Town & Country Plaza 3300 Pace Blvd. (850) 438-5691 piccadilly.com Dine-in only. Limit two 99¢ Kids Meals per adult meal purchase. Available for kids 12 and under.
Proof that we really did meet James Mercer. May 16, 2013
15 PICC13-39F PensaINWCF99Kids2.312x11.56_BW v2.indd 4/4/13 1 9:30 AM
Angels on the Main Stages by Jessica Forbes
Jim James
Stevie Wonder
James Mercer Tom Petty Looking at the year’s lineup, it struck certain members of the IN staff, or maybe just one, that there were several examples of male vocalists capable of inducing goose bumps and heart pangs just through the sound of their beautiful, emotive voices. Not because we believe they are actually ethereal winged beings, but because they have the ability to sound pretty otherworldly do we refer to these men as the Angel-Voiced Men of Hangout.
Pretty much any of his recordings may fool you into thinking something heavenly is in your speakers.
JAMES MERCER
Whether with the Shins or side project Broken Bells, once you’ve heard James Mercer’s voice, you won’t forget it. There is a quality to Mercer’s crooning that resonates understanding, like a bookish angel explaining why your heart is broken. It was not a fluke that everyone went nuts for the Shins after “Garden State”—it was because they could not shake how they felt hearing “New Slang” sung by those golden pipes from Albuquerque (now Portland). “Saint Simon,” “Caring is Creepy” and “Simple Song” are other fine examples of this angel voice’s sonic prowess, and hopefully among those he will share with Gulf Shores. Friday, 7:30–9 p.m., Chevrolet Stage
biased when I say that just as enduring as the band’s over 40-year career is Tom Petty’s still expressive voice, like the smooth Southern angel genius instrument it is. If you doubt it, keep your ears open for inflections in Petty’s
voice during “Southern Accents,” “It’ll All Work Out,” or really any of their other slow-jams and see if you don’t feel a little something. Saturday, 8:45–11 p.m., Hangout Stage
JIM JAMES
A sometimes solo-artist, James usually shows off his vocal range as the front man of My Morning Jacket. In his solo projects and stint with indie-dude super group Monsters of Folk, James tends to quiet it down a little, and really show off the lovely angel sounds his vocal chords are capable of producing. Pretty much any of his recordings may fool you into thinking something heavenly is in your speakers, but tracks “A New Life” or “God’s Love to Deliver”—angel title!—on his recently-released solo album are especially sweet-sounding. Friday, 3:45–5 p.m., Hangout Stage
Daniel Rossen
TOM PETTY
As a native Floridian, I firmly believe Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers are the finest—and maybe only—shining example of rock musicianship incubated and hatched in our state. So maybe I’m a little
GRIZZLY BEAR
Indie favorite Grizzly Bear features not one, but two vocally gifted men in Daniel Rossen and Ed Droste. The vocal harmonizing in Grizzly Bear’s work is a trademark of their sound, commonly termed “experimental,” as it utilizes both traditional and electronic instruments. Droste leads on “Two Weeks” and “Yet Again,” Rossen on “While You Wait for the Others” and “Sun in Your Eyes,” all singles they will likely play for the Hangout crowd, and all of which demonstrate that their ethereal voices are absolutely as interesting as the rest of the instrumentation. Friday, 5–6:15 p.m., Chevrolet Stage
STEVIE WONDER
Stevie Wonder has been making music for decades, in no small part because his angelic and multi-dimensional voice can move a person to want to cry, dance, smile, or grab a sign and protest. The film adaptation of “High Fidelity” doesn’t end with Wonder’s “I Believe (When I Fall In Love)” not to inspire hope that even the most hopeless characters can get it together, after all. Wonder’s sprawling catalog of love songs (“Knocks Me Off My Feet”) and breakup songs (“It Ain’t No Use”) and everything else, (“Do I Do,” “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” and countless others), all give you that feeling that maybe his vocal chords have some light or angel blessing on them, a perfect voice to close out a weekend full of wonderful sounds. Sunday, 8:30–11 p.m., Hangout Stage {in}
Ed Droste
PHOTO CREDITS: James Mercer / photo by Annie Beedy; Tom Petty / photo by Sam Jones; Jim James / photo by Neil Krug; Daniel Rossen & Ed Droste / photos by Tom Hines
New Slang, old slang, love / Have mercy Mr. Mercer / And play it please please 616 1
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Reading the Fine Print by Jessica Forbes
and Hangout is one of very few posted upcoming tour dates. Saturday, 7:15–8:30 p.m., BMI Stage
CHANCELLOR WARHOL
If you need a little hip-hop on your Sunday schedule, Chancellor Warhol is a must-see. Born and raised in Nashville, Chancellor founded clothing company Marti McFli before releasing his first solo album “Japanese Lunchbox” in 2010. Since then, he has shared his unique electronic based hip-hop across the U.S., performing at Bonnaroo and Lollapolooza among many other festivals. Sometimes compared to Kanye West and Kid Cudi, Chancellor applies his artistic sensibility to making hiphop that is stylized, stylish, and distinct. You’ll feel “McFli” after his set, for sure. Sunday, 2:15–3:15 p.m., BMI Stage
SPACE CAPONE
“Headliner” is a very self-explanatory word. On most festival lineup posters, it is a safe bet that most in attendance are familiar with the top several lines’ worth of artists, if only vaguely. But in those lines toward the bottom, the acts in tiny print often contain mystery names for even the most tuned-in of music lovers. Based on Internet first impressions of the acts appearing on the lower lines of this year’s Hangout poster, below are those that we are going to schlep it through the sand to check out.
LUELLA AND THE SUN
NPR Music has shown Nashville-based rockers Luella and the Sun some love lately, including a spot on World Café, on the heels of their appearances at March’s SXSW in Austin. Melissa Mathes—who has one of the most powerful and soulful voices to emerge of late—fronts the group whose sound pulls from the Southern musical traditions of blues, gospel and swampy, humid rock. Hangout may be the perfect chance to see this band on the rise, as they’ll probably be huge before long. Friday, 2:30–3:30 p.m., BMI Stage
THE WEEKS
Kings of Leon fans may want to stop in to see the Weeks. Formed in Jackson, Miss., twinges of Delta Blues infuse most of their rock. Lead vocalist Cyle Barnes sounds more like Eddie Vedder than Caleb
Followill, and annunciates more, too. Hangout is the Weeks’ last stop in the U.S. before taking their tour to the U.K. in June. Friday, 5–6 p.m., BMI Stage
WILD CUB
A stop to see Wild Cub seems like it would be a good way to start Saturday. With hints of TV on the Radio, maybe some Joshua Tree-era U2, and twinges of Cut Copy (or is it New Order?), the duo play danceable electronic rock that will likely make you try to jump in the sand. Like others on the list, Wild Cub also call Nashville, home, and were also darlings of SXSW this March. They have announced national tour dates through September, but Hangout is one of the last in the South. Saturday, 12:30–1:30 p.m., BMI Stage
THE TONTONS
Closing out the BMI Stage on Saturday are the Tontons. Hailing from Houston, the group played over 10 shows at this year’s SXSW. The female-fronted band sounds like a mix of indie rock and old-school French pop with jazzy, smooth vocals. Their first, self-titled album was released in July 2009, and the band followed up with a five-track album in 2011 and an EP this February. They’ll likely be indie favorites soon,
As a warm up for legendary headliner Stevie Wonder, a stop to see funk disciple Space Capone is definitely in order. The singer clearly either grew up on and/or devoted much time to studying 1970s funk and soul recordings. Singles like “R.U.D.T.F. (Down to Funk)” is one of many that make you feel like you could be listening to a mix of disco, Curtis Mayfield, and Michael Jackson circa “Off the Wall.” Also based in Nashville, Space Capone is touring extensively in the South through November. Sunday, 4:15–5:15 p.m., BMI Stage {in}
THE MOWGLI’S
California-based the Mowgli’s happy tunes will be a cheerful addition to Saturday afternoon. The band’s mix of Polyphonic Spree-esque choral effects combine with traditional, acoustic sounds similar to the Lumineers and softer alternative a la Stereolab. In their single “San Francisco,” the band asks, “Do you feel the love?” Their positive vibes will likely make you say yes. It’s worth a look-see, as their current tour schedule shows they will not be back to the Gulf Coast before November. Saturday, 2:30–3:30 p.m., BMI Stage
The Tontons / photo by Megan Tipps
Is that the legend / Playing those piano keys / So I do wonder May 16, 2013
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Less Ra Ra, More Riot by Sarah McCartan
is worlds apart from your first two records. Why the shift? SANTOS: We made the first two records in a similar fashion as far as writing and arranging goes. In the past we were following a formula. This time we embraced electronic elements, drum machines and synthesizers. We decided to change it up to make it more interesting for us and for our fans.
photo Courtesy of Sacks & Co. PR Ra Ra Riot is perhaps best known for their chamber pop sound and sprawling stage performances. Unlike some bands who quickly rise only to all too soon disappear, the band has been doing the exact opposite since day one. Throughout their seven-year journey, Ra Ra Riot has been keeping a steady pace, growing a substantial, devoted fan base. Within the past year, Ra Ra Riot has scaled down to a quartet and arrived at a simpler yet electronically charged place. They are now floating into a different orbit with the release of their third album, “Beta Love.” Recognizable advances in sound include a greater emphasis placed on synthesizers. Though strikingly more dancedriven than what they or their fans have grown accustomed to, “Beta Love” has its own unique charm. Despite the absence of their cellist, violinist Rebecca Zeller remains a core component of the mix. Even amid a sea of change and with the influx of the new, Ra Ra Riot has not disbanded the old, or the fundamental elements they have built upon. Instead they seem to be exploring the limitless playing field that stands before them. “Beta Love” is living proof that although Ra Ra Riot is capable of surprises, they remain consistently thoughtful.
Recently coming off of a headlining tour, Ra Ra Riot kick-starts an eventful summer of touring with the Shins, immediately followed by tour dates with the Postal Service as part of their reunion tour. In addition to familiarizing audiences with their new songs, Ra Ra Riot fans will not be robbed of the opportunity to sing along with tracks from breakthrough album “The Rhumb Line,” or the band’s last record, “The Orchard.” Bassist Mathieu Santos gave the IN a closer look at Ra Ra Riot’s unusual beginnings, as well as the recent shape-shifting. IN: Jumping back seven years to when you were students at Syracuse University, how did you first meet and start playing music together? SANTOS: Milo Bonacci [guitarist] knew each of us from different avenues. It was all pretty random. None of the rest of us knew each other before the band, which is unusual. Our objective was to only play for our last semester at Syracuse and then that would be it, but the summer after graduation we had fun and so we kept it going and it grew from there. IN: Now here you are. And you’ve just released your third album to date, which
IN: Did working with an outside producer help shape
the sound? SANTOS: It definitely had a lot to do with it. We produced “The Orchard” ourselves, so this time it was important to get a strong outside perspective. We had to trust a lot, and knew that nothing was precious. Everything was open to change.
IN: Is it strange operating as a four piece now, or have you settled into a new groove? SANTOS: We have been really excited to function as a lean, mean stripped down quartet—a small tight unit functioning together, rather than a bureaucracy. IN: Hangout aside, what are you most looking forward to this summer? You are going straight from touring with the Shins to touring with the Postal Service. SANTOS: These are two tours we are thrilled about. We look up to both bands so much. IN: You are also playing Field Trip Music & Arts Festival in Canada I see. SANTOS: We are excited to be up there and be a part of that community. Toronto is always a great crowd. We’ve played with Broken Social Scene before so it will be nice to play with those guys again. {in}
“We decided to change it up to make it more interesting for us and for our fans.” Mathieu Santos
IN: Where did the album title “Beta Love” come from? SANTOS: That evolved from the title track. Wes Miles [vocalist] was writing about this sci-fi idea of the first android to experience true love, so we ended up calling it “Beta Love.” Halfway through the album we decided that it felt like a theme. IN: Were you nervous introducing your new songs to fans? SANTOS: We were nervous about how people were going to react at first. So far the response has been incredible—everyone singing along and really connecting.
RA RA RIOT
FRIDAY, 1:30-2:30 P.M. BOOM BOOM TENT
Hippies have more fun / Hula hoops and flowing skirts / Hangout is their home 818 1
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Put on Your Dance Pants by Sarah McCartan
Fest. Now, while I don’t foresee the real Lance making it down for Hangout, Lance Herbstrong promises enough entertainment and psychedelic dancing all on its own. Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Boom Boom Tent
Four Questions with Luella and the Sun by Brett Hutchins
PASSION PIT
If you are thinking, “Wait, there is no DJ involved, how do I dance to Passion Pit?” turn on their classic track “I’ve Got Your Number” and then come back and talk to me. Although not touted as a dance band, there are plenty of electro-pop grooves to go around. The moves are sure to find you. Friday, 6:15–7:30 p.m., Hangout Stage
BASSNECTAR
Bassnectar / photo by Clayton Hauck If there’s one thing that I will rally my energy for at a music festival, no matter how hot or tired I become, even at the risk of having to be carried away at the end, it’s dancing. At Hangout, the appropriately named Boom Boom Tent serves as the weekend’s hip-hopping dance chamber, home to everything from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis “poppin’ tags,” to Ra Ra Riot bellowing “Come and dance with me, pretty sweet fool!” Still, seasoned fest-goers know the tent isn’t the only place to get your dance on. In fact, some of the best dancing happens far outside of the tent. Just remember, if you hear the beat building, run toward it, because it’s about to drop. And when it drops, you’ll want to be there to break it down. With that, here are a few of the weekend’s choice dance sessions:
LANCE HERBSTRONG
Yes, a total wildcard. But any act that cites having climate scientists describing its sound as “a mother effing fun bomb that goes off inside of you,” deserves a listen, right? Videos show the real Lance Armstrong hopping on stage with the band to play drums last month at Austin Reggae
Get ready to go womp womp with Hangout veteran Bassnectar. No, I’m not talking about crying. I’m talking dubstep! Known for light shows, live performances and community engagement, which I take to mean bodies on bodies dancing, what more could you ask for on a Saturday night? Saturday, 7:30–8:45 p.m., Chevrolet Stage
BAAUER
I hope he tells the crowd how to pronounce his name so that everyone can stop referring to him as “The Harlem Shake Guy.” While it is his claim to fame and certainly his most viral song to date, I am betting he has plenty more where that came from since he has been producing from the time he was a teenager. Either way, grab your sunglasses and any props you can find and “Do the Harlem Shake” until you can’t shake anymore. Sunday, 1:15–2:15 p.m., Boom Boom Tent
STEVE AOKI
I can’t say with confidence that I know how to properly pronounce Aoki either, but what I do know is that this world class American electro house DJ and producer is right up there with his European counterparts, such as Italian Benny Benassi. Benassi may be bringing the noise at the Hangout kickoff party Thursday night, but Aoki graces the Boom Boom Tent with an unforgettable grand finale Sunday night. Sunday, 5:15–6:30 p.m., Boom Boom Tent {in}
photo by Timothy Ariel Luella and the Sun have a lot to say, but they do it through their music. The four-piece band combines the fuzzy riffs of the Black Keys with the rock and roll grit and anything-goes weirdness of the White Stripes to make something all their own. And that's before we even get to Luella, the band's front-woman, whose hypnotic voice can propel the band to loud, soaring heights or guide it to the most delicate soul-piercing melody. Fresh off head-turning sets at Austin's South by Southwest Festival, the fourpiece blues-rock-gospel band now makes its way to Hangout. IN caught up with bassist Adam Bednarik for a brief moment of downtime in the band's tight schedule. IN: What are your thoughts about Nashville as an up-and-coming rock and roll city? BEDNARIK: That's the great thing about Nashville. You can make it anything you want. We are definitely aware of what is happening in the city, musically speaking. That being said, we prefer to stay true to ourselves and create from the heart and figure out what really inspires us. You can't spend time worrying about what other people are doing; you'll never accomplish anything.
IN: How many shows did you guys do at SXSW? Was that whirlwind of activity something you enjoyed or was it a lot to take in? BEDNARIK: We performed seven times at SXSW. It was a tight schedule but totally worth the effort. It was a fun time had by all and we met some great people. IN: What's it like seeing the band gain attention from reputable outlets like NPR? BEDNARIK: It's amazing, especially when you take into account the magnitude of the festival and the massive amounts of bands who participate. IN: What makes the band worth seeing and hearing? BEDNARIK: We bring a true rawness and energy every time we perform, whether recorded or live. {in}
LUELLA AND THE SUN FRIDAY, 2:30–3:30 P.M. BMI STAGE
I've got that boom boom / Ready for that Hangout Shake / Harlem meets the beach May 16, 2013
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One Last Splash By Hana Frenette
the show had asked me to please get her autograph. So afterward, I went up to her and I said, ‘Would you mind signing this for a friend?’ and I kept thinking, I bet she thinks this is for me and I must just be too cool to ask for it for myself. It really was for my friend. She was very charming. We didn’t talk for too long. We had said, ‘I really enjoy your bass playing,’ and, ‘Oh, I really enjoy your bass playing too,’ to one another, and a few other things and that was it. Then I got a call for 4AD a few weeks later, saying that Kim wanted to do a side project, and wanted me to play bass. And I was kind of mystified. I was thinking, ‘Well why isn’t Kim playing bass?’ But apparently she wanted to play guitar. And of course I said yes.
The Breeders, touring band, 2013 / photo by Chris Glass What originally started as Kim Deal’s side project from the Pixies turned into one of the most important and iconic bands of the early ‘90s. After several lineup changes and the release of their first album, the Breeders consisted of Kim Deal, her twin sister Kelly Deal, Josephine Wiggs and Jim Macpherson. The band recorded the album “Last Splash” in 1993 on label 4AD and is now doing a reunion tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the record. Bassist Josephine Wiggs caught up with the IN to discuss love notes from fans and touring with Nirvana. IN: So it’s the 20th anniversary of “Lash Splash.” How did the idea to do the anniversary tour come up and what did you think of the idea when it first came around? WIGGS: My understanding is that it came up because 4AD, the record label Lash Splash is on, wanted to release it as a 20th anniversary package. They got in touch with Kim and Kelly and were trying to see about playing some shows. Kim sent me a text, saying they were thinking about doing a tour and wanting to see what I thought—and literally as soon as I saw it, I got so excited. And I just said that I’d love to do it. IN: What was it like to get back together with all these people you played with and spent so much time with before? WIGGS: It was a lot of fun just to be hanging out with them as people. Just being in the same room, playing in the same room. Last September we were together, and we thought, ‘Let’s call up Jim and see if he wants to come over.’ I’d only seen him once in 20 years. The last time was in the late ‘90s and we were just passing through New York. He came over, and it was just such a pleasure. He was exactly the same.
IN: Did it take awhile for everything to fit back into place with the practicing and playing? WIGGS: Actually, when we played together recently, it was actually kind of magical to be in a room with everybody playing those parts. It was as though no time had passed. IN: The bass rift opening of “Cannonball” has become quite iconic. What were you thinking about when you played it for the first time and had you been anticipating that sound? WIGGS: We were in rehearsals in San Francisco in pre-production. During the rehearsals, it’d been a few months since I’d played and I’d become a little bit rusty. I was basically playing the wrong note. I didn’t realize I was playing it wrong until Kim and Kelly’s parts came in and I quickly adjusted. The rift had set up this false expectation; it creates a moment of tension because of that. And they all liked it, so we decided to keep it. IN: The Breeders toured with Nirvana on their In Utero Tour. What do you remember most about that time? WIGGS: The thing I remember most about it was that it was very intense. The audience was just always at a fever pitch. There was a real kind of electricity at the shows. Everyone was just so excited and out of their minds—on substances or otherwise—night after night. The early ‘90s kind of played a huge part in music, literally, like it was time out. People really got into it back then. People are too cool to emote like they used to. IN: I saw in the LSXX booklet that they are releasing with the album for the anniversary that there are several excerpts from your tour diary. Did you always keep a tour diary?
WIGGS: Pretty much I did, in that period of time, just for my own amusement. Last summer I was in England, looking through all my archival stuff of the band, looking through photos, going through everything to make the LSXX booklet, and I did find a notebook that I’d completely forgot about. And I kept thinking to myself, ‘Oh my god this is hilarious.’ It was full of things I hadn’t thought about in years. I was surprised at how few pictures I had actually taken before. I’ve probably taken more now than I ever did before.
IN: The first show of the anniversary tour opened in Brooklyn. How was it? WIGGS: It went very well indeed. It was a lot of fun. It was actually really interesting because I live in Brooklyn, and it was cool to see friends of mine that had bought tickets. There was definitely division in the show of people who knew the record from 20 years before, and people who were just discovering it. But everyone knew all the words and were all singing along. {in}
IN: The song “Head to Toe” was inspired by a note from a fan. Do you still remember the person who gave it to you? WIGGS: It was interesting because this particular woman lived in San Francisco and always managed to get backstage. She was very skilled. We didn’t have any special relationship with her or anything—she would just always get back there. One time when we were there, she handed me this note that said, ‘You’re face looks good to me.’ There’s just something so poignant about that line. I can’t remember if she knows the song is about her or not. I like to think she knows. And I do name her in the credits.
“It was actually kind of magical to be in a room with everybody playing those parts.”
IN: What was it like the first time you met Kim Deal? WIGGS: It was at a venue called the Mean Fiddler. I remember seeing the Pixies play that night and was just blown away. I really, really liked Kim’s bass playing. I admired her. A friend of mine from Germany who was also a big fan and was not able to make it to
THE BREEDERS
Josephine Wiggs
FRIDAY, 1:30–2:30 P.M. HANGOUT STAGE
What's the deal, Kim Deal / Last Splash and reunited / Memory lane go 020 2
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For the Love… of Grizzly Bear
photo by Tom Hines Thank god Grizzly Bear wasn't available for pre-fest interviews, because things would have gotten pretty ugly around the IN office deciding who got that assignment—given that they top just about all of our individual "must see" lists.
May 16, 2013
We know they aren't an official "headliner" per se, but to us they are. Some of us have seen them before. Some haven't. Some have and want a redo due to heat related issues. We are all grateful they are playing on the first day of the fest—so we won’t be too tired to fully enjoy it. We also all wanted to write about why we're excited to see them—so we decided not to fight over it. Here are our love notes to one of the bands we love the most.
SARAH: May 7 was tell a friend about
Grizzly Bear day. But if it was up to me, everyday would be tell a friend about Grizzly Bear day. My first up close bear sighting was at Bonnaroo 2009. Though I locked my legs and halfway passed out, seeing the bear live changed my life. It will change yours too.
JASON: I've loved music in some form
for as long as I can remember. When I was three, I would run around the house I grew up in singing Charlie Pride songs, and I had no idea what the words meant. An affinity for music has stuck with me. Grizzly Bear embody everything I love about music. Passion, originality, urgency, introspection, shimmer. I've never been fortunate enough to see them up to now, but I'm very ready for my head to spin.
JESSICA: Little fireworks of happiness
went off in my soul when I saw Grizzly Bear—whom I regard as one of the most distinct and sonically wonderful “indie” bands to surface in the 2000s—was added to the Hangout lineup. I’ve only seen them
perform once before in an old movie theater in Dallas, June 2009—the AC wasn’t working, and the at-capacity crowd was pouring sweat along with the band. I was trying not to pass out. Hangout, with its Gulf breeze, has to be more comfortable than that, right?
JOANI: After seeing them live back in '09
Jay-Z called Grizzly Bear "incredible." And while I tend to take everything Mr. Carter says as gospel, I'm excited to finally see for myself. They've been on my musical "bucket list" for what feels like forever now, so I've got a pretty long dream set list. But given that their “Friend” EP friends Dirty Projectors are going to be at Hangout too, I'm going to go ahead and say that live take of "Alligator (Choir Version)" would make me pretty much the happiest girl on the beach. Can we make that happen please? {in}
GRIZZLY BEAR
FRIDAY, 5–6:15 P.M. CHEVROLET STAGE
21
That's a Rap
The Jams are Here to Stay
by Joani Delezen
by Brett Hutchins
Jim James / photo by Neil Krug The 2013 edition of Hangout is not as stacked with improvisational talent as years past, but thankfully, noodle dancing never dies. Here are some highlights from this year's lineup.
TREY ANASTASIO BAND
Phish guitarist and lead singer Trey Anastasio fronts this band. There are also horns. Enough said. Sunday, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Chevrolet Stage
THE BLACK CROWES
The band's turbulent history is forgotten for now, as brothers Chris and Rich Robinson have reconciled to tour Europe and America. It's hard to believe, but the Southern rock stalwarts have been around so long that “She Talks to Angels” and their version of Otis Redding's “Hard to Handle” are now getting airplay on classic rock radio. During the Black Crowes’ latest hiatus, Chris Robinson created the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, a band that harkened back to ‘70s era Grateful Dead more effectively than anything these ears have heard in a while. Jackie Greene will surely bring more of that flavor as guitarist and backup vocalist. Saturday, 6–7:15 p.m., Hangout Stage
GOV'T MULE
Warren Haynes may be the hardestworking man in rock and roll. He is a living music encyclopedia. Whether with the Allman Brothers Band, the funk project of the Warren Haynes Band, or this foursome
Kendrick Lamar / photo by Dan Monick that funnels ballsy classic rock with ease, he leave his mark on every festival lineup he's on. Don't be surprised if you see him pop up as a guest on other bands' sets, as well. The man is everywhere. Saturday, 3:30–4:45 p.m., Hangout Stage
JIM JAMES
Sure, his solo project is more subdued than the live rock extravaganza that is My Morning Jacket, but if early show reviews are any indication, this will still be a scorcher of a set with classic rock, soul and psychedelic influences. Never miss an opportunity to catch this most magnetic figure in modern rock and roll. Friday, 3:45–5 p.m., Hangout Stage
MOE.
Any band that's able to put on their own festival for 12 consecutive years running is worth paying attention to. Fans flock to the annual moe.down in New York every year. Moe. once played a set that lasted until 6 a.m. at Bonnaroo, so they're capable of some special stuff. Sunday, 4:15–5:15 p.m., Letting Go Stage
THE WERKS
An up-and-coming band on the psychedelic dance rock end of the jam spectrum, the Werks throw together funk, electronic and peaky guitar in a surprisingly fresh way. Expect them to bring the late night vibe to an early Saturday set. Saturday, 12:30–1:30 p.m., Letting Go Stage {in}
Most of the time it feels like a lot of our regional music festivals overlook hiphop in their line-ups. But not Hangout. This year the masterminds behind the fest really stepped up their game and booked a little something for just about everybody— including hip-hop heads. And even their choices within that genre are pretty diverse. They've got old school icons (Public Enemy), and a super-hyped up-and-comer (Kendrick Lamar), a pop-star duo (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis) and respected hit-makers who moonlight as TV stars (The Roots).
THE ROOTS
Hip-hop's first and pretty much only legitimate band—that's one way to describe The Roots. Another way is Grammy-award winning. Another is Jimmy Fallon's house band. But no matter how you describe them or where you know them from, you can't deny the talent and staying power of these neo-soul/hip-hop heroes. Saturday, 4:45-6 p.m., Chevrolet Stage
PUBLIC ENEMY
Part of the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class and only the fourth hip-hop act ever let in that illustrious club, Public Enemy are icons by just about all standards. Seeing Chuck D, Flavor Flav and Professor Griff play in an intimate setting like the Boom Boom Tent is bound to be one unforgettable set.Saturday, 1:30–2:30 p.m., Boom Boom Tent
KENDRICK LAMAR
Before his major label debut even came out, Kendrick Lamar was already working with superstars like Drake and Lil Wayne and was well on his way to becoming one himself. Then “Good Kid, m.A.A.d City” came out and it pretty much sealed the deal. Of course, quick rises to fame are often met with skepticism and haters. So when people start talking about Lamar and debating his staying power with me, I just look at them and say "Bitch don't kill my vibe." Saturday, 6-7:15 p.m., Boom Boom Tent
MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS
I admit that I don't know much about Macklemore & Ryan Lewis beyond their catchy "Thrift Shop" anthem. But a lot of my friends who consider themselves hiphop fans keep telling me how great their debut full-length album “The Heist” is. This same duo that has attracted attention by "popping tags" is apparently equally known for bringing tears to eyes, singing about more serious matters on tracks such as "Same Love." Since I trust my friends, I vote we all go check them out together and enjoy a group sing-along moment, "I’m, I’m, I’m hunting, looking for a come up…" followed by a group cry, and maybe even a group hug. Friday, 6:15-7:30 p.m., Boom Boom Tent {in}
Can I call you Ken / Mr. Straight out of Compton / New school rhyming king 222 2
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Running the Show by Jessica Forbes
IN: What is the response from artists, playing on the beach? NILAND: Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters put it best when he said, “This is the funnest festival I’ve ever been to in my entire life!” in 2011. It’s a unique experience for all parties! Being located on the beach adds a whole new element to a festival space. We make sure to take care of our performing artists with the same care that we take care of our fans, and because of that, and the beauty of our location, you’ll find that a large majority of artists that play at Hangout will hang and mill with the masses for the entire weekend!
photo by Hana Frenette Now in its fourth year, Hangout Fest has become one of the most anticipated musical events along the Gulf Coast. A.J. Niland of Huka Entertainment co-founded the festival in November 2009 with Shaul Zislin, owner of The Hangout restaurant, and brought their vision of a beach festival to life in less than seven months. The first Hangout was held in May 2010, only three weeks after the BP Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill. Zislin and Niland made the best of a bad situation, pushed on with the festival, and subsequently organized three highly successful benefit concerts that summer—Jimmy Buffett, Jon Bon Jovi, and Brad Paisley—at the Hangout venue, which helped bolster the beach-based Gulf Shores economy. Niland started Huka in his hometown of Mobile and later moved the company to New Orleans. SFX Entertainment—a rapidly expanding entertainment company focusing primarily on electronic dance events—purchased Huka along with four other companies in January 2013. Niland still oversees Huka, which manages SFX’s rock division, and continues his work at Hangout. Despite his hectic schedule, Niland took time to answer a few of the IN’s questions about Hangout and festivals in general.
IN: When did you first start attending festivals, and how did those experiences shape choices you’ve made with Huka? NILAND: I was drawn to the festival business for the communal experience, but my wanting to do a festival goes back to childhood. I remember sitting on my father’s shoulders as a real young kid and checking things out. Being at a concert is such a magical feeling and every crowd has a different energy. There are many great festivals that came out long before us that paved the way for HUKA. Traditionally, these festivals have taken place in the settings of a farm, or a city park, but we wanted to set ourselves apart—which is what led us to the beach. IN: How many people from the HUKA team are on the ground during the festival? NILAND: The HUKA team consists of around 16 full-time employees, most of whom are on-site during the festival. IN: What tweaks, if any, have you made to Hangout this year? NILAND: We take fan feedback very seri-
“Being at a concert is such a magical feeling and every crowd has a different energy.” A.J. Niland
ously and strive to make improvements to every aspect of the fest. This year, we concentrated on some of the operational suggestions including improving the flow as you walk around the site as well as the flow for traffic. We also made improvements on the sound. IN: Are you still conceiving new ways to market the festival or has it gotten to a point where it’s selling itself? NILAND: As the festival continues to reach an increasingly larger audience, the pressure to raise the bar and reach more fans becomes a greater challenge. We will always strive toward finding innovative ways of communicating with fans as well as taking the experience of the festival beyond the three days spent on the festival site.
IN: It seems like there are new festivals popping up left and right lately. What do you think is behind the rise in the number of festivals, or the perception of a rise, over the last several years? NILAND: Festivals are definitely a big trend right now. I believe that as more and more people immerse themselves in the festival scene, they are inspiring the opportunity for new festivals to be created. I don't see the growth slowing down anytime soon. There is a huge value in festivals. Concerts and sporting events have gotten very expensive (and it’s not that a festival experience is necessarily cheap), but festival goers would prefer spending a couple hundred dollars to see 75+ bands over a three to four day span than to pay close to a hundred dollars to see just one band perform for a few hours during an evening. When you weigh out the value of an experience like Hangout, festivals are definitely more attractive. IN: How did the recent Tortuga Fest come about? Is it the next big beach fest/HUKA success? NILAND: Tortuga was born when our partners Rock the Ocean and Guy Harvey approached us to produce a festival on a beautiful stretch of beach on Ft. Lauderdale. The stars aligned for Tortuga—we had gorgeous weather and a solid lineup of country and rock artists. It was a success in year one and we’re already looking forward to next year. IN: Every year we put together a festival survival guide. What are a few of your festival survival must haves? NILAND: A smartphone for capturing and sharing your experience. Plus water is a big must; it’s important to stay hydrated. And don’t forget sunscreen and a good attitude! {in}
So I sing along / Take me to your best friend's house / Don't take me tongue tied May 16, 2013
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Kickoff the Party With Lotus by Brett Hutchins
is a lot to handle, but it’s a lot of fun being out there. Trying to eat healthy is big. Sleep well whenever you can, but that takes a miracle. If it was exhausting and also no fun to do, you would want to get out of it pretty quick, but it’s hard to turn away from the payoff a good show leaves you.
photo by Tobin Voggesser Lotus is the rare band that can do funk festivals and electronic music festivals in consecutive weekends. They are as at home at 10,000-seat amphitheaters as they are in 400-capacity clubs. Fresh off a coast-to-coast tour, bassist Jesse Miller sat down with the IN to talk about the band and what it’s like being part of such a great Hangout kickoff party lineup.
Does the jam-band moniker get old for you guys? MILLER: The word is so loaded. People automatically think your studio albums are garbage and that you just play really long guitar solos. We try to avoid those pitfalls, but we do improv and we play varied set lists. We also hold down a lot of good set times at festivals.
IN: When you and your brother Luke [keyboards] were growing up, was music encouraged from the get-go? MILLER: My mom played piano, and at our church there was a lot of singing. Our parents got us into piano lessons for a few years. We learned how to read music. In the end, it was something I had to discover for myself though. I didn’t get the bug for writing and composing until we started a band in high school.
IN: When you guys were first getting started, was it a conscious decision to hone the live show? MILLER: We focused on the show because we didn’t have the resources to pursue recording all the time. We didn’t have access to a studio for long amounts of time. It took us a while from when we formed to when we put out “Nomad,” our first official album. That was before the days when you could do a lot of that stuff on your own. Now, we feel a lot more empowered both because we can afford to go into a studio and Luke and I are both experienced in doing studio work on our own.
IN: What were some of those initial artistic influences? MILLER: In high school, the Talking Heads really got me excited. Phish’s progleanings showed me you could get a little more complicated with things in a rock and roll setting. They opened my eyes to a lot of things about composition. IN: There’s a little hesitation in your voice when you bring up Phish.
IN: You guys just wrapped up a monster national tour. What’s the most difficult part about being on the road so much? MILLER: The constant exhaustion. We’re playing three-hour shows six nights a week and traveling constantly. Keeping that up
“There are these moments where it seems like everyone in the room is on the same page and feeling the same beat.” Jesse Miller
IN: What’s the band trying to accomplish each night when it steps on stage? MILLER: For me, it’s all about energy. I want to feel energy from the crowd. I want to give energy. I want to harness the energy of the room. When it all comes together, there are these moments where it seems like everyone in the room is on the same page and feeling the same beat. It’s really at the core of the human experience. Live concerts can be truly deep experiences for a lot of people. IN: Lotus has nearly sold out Red Rocks with a capacity of 9,450, but last year you played the Alabama Music Box in Mobile that only holds about 400. How does a band adjust to such different surroundings? MILLER: Even bands as big as the Rolling Stones deal with that. They’ll play club shows and smaller shows as warm-ups. A small show is not necessarily a bad thing. It can be equally as fun to be in front of a crowd of 300 people that are really going off as it can be to be in front of 10,000. It’s a different experience, but if you love playing music, you’re going to try to get something out of every experience. IN: Talk about the evolution of the Lotus sound from the jazzy funk of the early days to the more hip-hop and sample-based spirit that you have going with the latest record. MILLER: It’s tough for me to find strong threads in our records. We try to make it different with each one to challenge ourselves. One of the biggest changes is that when we first started off, we weren’t as strong composers. We leaned heavily on our improvisation because of that. We would write to set up an improv jam, instead of the full compositions we have now. {in}
THURSDAY KICKOFF PARTY
WHAT: LOTUS, Umphrey’s McGee, Benny Benassi, Railroad Earth, Dillon Francis, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Hayes Carll, Conspirator, Quixotic, Reptar, Wick-it the Instigator, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, Future Rock and more. WHEN: 2–11 p.m. Thursday, May 16 WHERE: Letting Go Stage, BMI Stage, and Boom Boom Tent COST: $45; $20 for 3-day ticket holders, free for VIP ticket holders DETAILS: hangoutmusicfest.com/ tickets/kick-off-party; lotusvibes.com
Signal the alarm / It is going to get loud / The party is here 424 2
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NOLA at Hangout by Jessica Forbes
Being a cradle of American music and less than 200 miles west of Gulf Shores, New Orleans is a favorite getaway among Gulf Coast residents. Likewise, many NOLA artists enjoy a show on the beach and can often be counted on appearing at venues and festivals along the Gulf Coast. This year, a mix of New Orleans blues, brass and rock will represent the Big Easy at Hangout, just a few hours’ drive from their hometown.
COLIN LAKE
Colin Lake, a blues singer, slide guitarist and songwriter moved to New Orleans in 2009 from his native Pacific Northwest. Lake picked up the guitar during his college years and played with bands in Seattle and Portland before visiting New Orleans for Jazz Fest 2008 and catching the bug. In 2011, he released “The Ones I Love,” an album that has added to his growing following in the city. If you are a blues fan, Lake’s performance will be an excellent forerunner to Anders Osborne later in the day. Friday, 12:30–1:30 p.m., BMI Stage
ANDERS OSBORNE
Recently named the Gambit’s Big Easy Music Awards Entertainer of the Year and Best Male Performer of 2012, Osborne is no stranger to accolades. Originally from Sweden, Osborne flew to New York in 1985 at that age of 19 and hitchhiked to New Orleans, where he has made a career as a blues songwriter, singer, and guitarist. Recording since 1989, Osborne joined the Alligator Records family in 2010, releasing two full-length records and one EP since then. Touring regularly throughout the U.S., Osborne will bring his dynamic stage show to Hangout for the first time this year. Friday, 7:30–8:45 p.m., BMI Stage
BRASSFT PUNK
What may be one of the quirkiest acts at Hangout, Brassft Punk is an electronically
produced brass band tribute to the songs of Daft Punk. Brassft Punk is the brainchild of NOLA musician and producer The Madd Wikidd, a.k.a. Earl Scioneux III. A New Orleans native, Scioneux is a trained pianist who eventually turned to recording and sound engineering as a career, recently recording albums with Preservation Hall Jazz Band. In addition to “Brassft Punk,” the Madd Wikkid’s “Electronola” also merges traditional New Orleans instrumentation with electronic production techniques. Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Boom Boom Tent
THE REVIVALISTS
Formed in New Orleans in 2007, the Revivalists have quickly made a name for themselves in one of the most musical cities in the world. The eclectic blues-rock group has been playing consistently across the Gulf Coast over the last couple of years, and
nationally including a stint as opening act for fellow Hangout artist Galactic. With three full-length albums under their belts, the Revivalists do not show signs of slowing down anytime soon. Their high-energy shows make them a crowd favorite, and have led to a spot on the Hangout lineup for the second year in a row. Sunday, 12:15–1:15 p.m., Letting Go Stage
GALACTIC
One of New Orleans’ most beloved bands, Galactic has combined funk with the city’s brass tradition since the early ‘90s. Their 2012 release, “Carnival Electricos,” was their ninth full-length album, and celebrated the cultural and musical traditions of Mardi Gras. The Big Easy staples play an annual Lundi Gras—the Monday before Mardi Gras—show at Tipitina’s that has reached near legendary status, and their long list of collaborators includes a host of New Orleans icons. Galactic tours almost constantly both in New Orleans and across the U.S., including numerous music festivals; if any band knows how to work a festival crowd, it is these guys. Sunday, 2:15–3:15 p.m., Chevrolet Stage {in}
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May 16, 2013
25
Map It Out
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Complete Schedule
unique & affordable
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Join us for Wine Tastings Thursdays 5-7 p.m.
LETTING GO STAGE
HANGOUT STAGE
HANGOUT STAGE
HANGOUT STAGE
433-WINE or 433-9463
Quixotic 4:20-5 p.m.
The Breeders 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Shovels and Rope 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Ellie Goulding 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Hayes Carll 5:25-6:20 p.m.
Jim James 3:45-5 p.m.
Gov’t Mule 3:30-4:45 p.m.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs 5:15-6:30 p.m.
Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors 6:45-7:45 p.m.
Passion Pit 6:15-7:30 p.m.
The Black Crowes 6-7:15 p.m.
Stevie Wonder 8:30-11 p.m.
Kings of Leon 9-11 p.m.
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers 8:45-11 p.m.
CHEVROLET STAGE
CHEVROLET STAGE
Galactic 2:15-3:15 p.m.
THURSDAY - KICKOFF PARTY -
Reptar 3:15-3:55 p.m.
Railroad Earth 8:15-9:15 p.m. Umphrey’s McGee 9:45-11 p.m.
BMI STAGE Future Rock 2:15-3:15 p.m.
St. Paul and the Broken Bones 3:55-4:20 p.m. St. Paul and the Broken Bones (2nd Set) 5-5:25 p.m. The Madd Wikkid 6:20-6:45 p.m. Quickie Mart 7:45-8:15 p.m.
BOOM BOOM TENT Wick-it the Instigator 3:15-3:55 p.m. Johnnyswim MTV Winner 4:20-5 p.m. Conspirator 5:25-6:20 p.m. Lotus 6:45-7:45 p.m. Dillon Francis 8:15-9:15 p.m. Benny Benassi 9:45-11 p.m.
Twin Sister 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
CHEVROLET STAGE Lissie 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Toots and the Maytals 2:30-3:45 p.m. Grizzly Bear 5-6:15 p.m. The Shins 7:30-9 p.m.
LETTING GO STAGE twenty one pilots 12:30-1:30 p.m. The Sheepdogs 2:30-3:45 p.m. Ryan Bingham 5-6:15 p.m. Big Gigantic 7:30-9 p.m.
BMI STAGE Colin Lake 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Luella and the Sun 2:30-3:30 p.m. The Weeks 5-6 p.m. Anders Osborne 7:30-8:45 p.m.
BOOM BOOM TENT Lance Herbstrong 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
NOTE: Schedule is up to date as of Tuesday, May 14 and is subject to change by Hangout Fest. For most current schedule, go to hangoutmusicfest.com
May 16, 2013
Ra Ra Riot 1:30-2:30 p.m. Afrojack 3:45-5 p.m. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 6:15-7:30 p.m.
Delta Rae 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers 12:30-1:30 p.m. Dirty Projectors 2:30-3:30 p.m. The Roots 4:45-6 p.m. Bassnectar 7:30-8:45 p.m.
LETTING GO STAGE The Werks 12:30-1:30 p.m.
The Bright Light Social Hour 2:30-3:30 p.m. Holy Ghost! 4:45-6 p.m. Slightly Stoopid 7:15-8:30 p.m.
BMI STAGE Wild Cub 12:30-1:30 p.m. The Mowgli’s 2:30-3:30 p.m. Kingston Springs 4:45-6 p.m. The Tontons 7:15-8:30 p.m.
BOOM BOOM TENT Brassft Punk 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Public Enemy 1:30-2:30 p.m. Wolfgang Gartner 3:30-4:45 p.m.
GROUPLOVE 1:15-2:15 p.m.
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Best Coast 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Imagine Dragons 4:15-5:15 p.m. Trey Anastasio Band 6:30-8:30 p.m.
LETTING GO STAGE The Revivalists 12:15-1:15 p.m. Moon Taxi 2:15-3:15 p.m. moe. 4:15-5:15 p.m. Bloc Party 6:30-8 p.m.
BMI STAGE
The Wild Feathers 12:15-1:15 p.m. Chancellor Warhol 2:15-3:15 p.m. Space Capone 4:15-5:15 p.m. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit 6:30-7:45 p.m.
BOOM BOOM TENT Zion I 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Baauer 1:15-2:15 p.m. Porter Robinson 3:15-4:15 p.m. Steve Aoki 5:15-6:30 p.m.
Kendrick Lamar 6-7:15 p.m. 27