Wanderland Festival 2013

I love music festivals. 

Coachella, Roo, Lolla, Glasto, SXSW, etc. I love it all. More like, I'd love to attend it all. I die a little every time a festival passes by and I'm miles away, probably watching the livestream if it's available. I've had a taste of it earlier this year but that just made me want it more. The day I finally get to be at either one of these festivals will be the pinnacle of my existence. 

So, generally, when I found out about Wanderland Festival, I got really excited. Nada Surf, Neon Trees, and The Temper Trap. These are bands that I listened to... about 3 years ago. That meant I was bound to be a bit rusty with the singing along. Being the cheapskates that we are, we opted on buying Gold tickets from groupon. Maybe next year if the line-up is better, then we might upgrade to the VIP section.

This festival wouldn't have been that much fun if it weren't for the great friends I was with. Well, that goes for everything else in life, I guess. But, I loved the vibes all through out the day. Chill with an inkling of a thrill. Also scorching hot and very clammy. Nonetheless, it was a great music-filled day. I really enjoyed Avalanche City's folk sound. Definitely going to be listening to more of their music, that's for sure. As for the "headliners", Neon Trees was absolutely amazing. The band was able to get the audience dancing to their tunes and @tylerinacoma is oozing with energy! But The Temper Trap's Sweet Disposition was a great way to end the night. [I couldn't help but find their music similar to Local Natives. Please tell me I'm not the only one. Speaking of Local Natives... That's a band I'm dying to watch live.]

Some thoughts on the festival:

• VIP and GA sections should've been separated at the middle or not at all, especially since it's a relatively small festival
• Start on time next time, not 2 hours later
• And more food choices/stalls please
• And if better bands will be in attendance next year, do not increase ticket prices (it already is a wee bit expensive)

Read More.

Let's Talk

So, I guess it's been awhile.

And it's quite obvious what we have to talk about first... Modern Vampires of the City! After 3 long years of waiting for the next Vampire Weekend album, it's finally here and it's their best yet. If you were like me and couldn't resist the temptation of the leak, then you've heard a masterpiece in itself. This lp shows how much they've matured as a band and as people. They're no longer kids who just graduated from Columbia; they're almost 30s who are pros at what they do. Plus, this band is so smart and a total smart-ass at the same time. I mean, they're clearly playing with us when they sing about Diane Young when they really mean Dying Young. And what about with their song, Ya Hey? Don't be disappointed when you realize it's not a response to OutKast's Hey Ya because they're actually calling out, Yahweh. Clever, right? And that's why I love them so much. It's still very much a Vampire Weekend tune and one that's worth "annoying" your neighbors with by blasting it through your speakers all day. I highly doubt anyone will be annoyed with the Dubs' music. But hey, look out your window sometime if you hear their music. You can never be too sure. They might just be there playing 'round your backyard.

I'm not here to bore you with the details of how MVOTC became a guessing game of what it meant and was dubbed as lp3 for the longest time and then called Lemon Sounds but was actually fake. And how they revealed what it meant thru a New York Times classified ad. Or details about how Unbelievers was New Song #2 at first upon playing Pitchfork last year. But I guess I already did. I mean, I could still bore you with some more but only if you want me to.

The truth is I just really want you to listen to their new album and vibe with me. Is that too much to ask?

*Totally avoiding writing about how I'm working now...*

Coachella: Step Up For The Cool Cats

April has crept upon us which means Coachella is right around the corner. Coachella has become one of the biggest festivals that draws in a huge crowd of people from all over the world. Tickets for the first weekend actually sold out in merely 15 minutes. That's crazy! But if you're one of the 80-85,000 (approx.) who will be attending, make sure you've got everything you're going to need prepared by now... if you're one of the overtly excited ones or maybe you just want to get things prepared early and be hassle-free the day itself. Hey, whatever floats your boat. It's important to have some essential things when you're going to music festivals. It's 3 days of live music under the sun, you're going to need a few things. Here are just a few that I feel the need for: comfortable shoes/booties, a hat, sunglasses, camera/s, and sunscreen. Last year, it actually rained on the first weekend and was extremely hot on the second weekend, so I guess it could go either way with the weather. But it looks like it's going to be a good one this summer. 

With over 170 performers in this year's line-up, it's hard to choose which bands you'll want to see. Here's the short list of who I'm excited to watch (via live stream). But be sure to check out up and coming bands as well like The Neighbourhood, Palma Violets, Divine Fits, Little Green Cars, Guards, DIIV, and many more. And check out the playlist I've made to get you pumped up for Coachella.

Coachella 2013 from leicamont on 8tracks Radio.

Thoughts on Coachella in a different post.