Voodoo Preview

19:06 October 30, 2014
By: Staff

Friday, October 31

Royal Teeth
3 p.m. ~ Ritual Stage
No band wants to be defined by a single musical moment. But if Royal Teeth must be remembered this way, it’ll be one hell of a moment. The joyous, wordless yelping-out-of-a-sunroof-on-a-cross-country-road-trip chorus of Teeth’s “Wild” is a moment so wonderful and universal that even my notoriously indie-averse girlfriend can’t help but sing along. The throngs of Voodoo Festival-geauxers screaming “whoo hoo HOO whoo hoo HOO” at the heavens will be more than worth the price of admission (oh, and the next 30 minutes of their set should be great as well). –Alex Galbraith

Soul Rebels Brass Band
3:30 p.m. ~ Flambeau Stage
The Soul Rebels Brass Band has been playing around 250 shows yearly for 23 years straight. The result: they are one of the New Orleans’ best brass bands. After all, you don’t get called “the missing link between Public Enemy and Louis Armstrong” by the Village Voice for nothing. Seamlessly blending jazz, funk, hip-hop, soul and R&B in their original songs like “504” and “No Place Like Home” make the Soul Rebels a must see for any festival. If you prefer pop music, the Soul Rebels play that too. Their covers of artists such as Kanye West, Drake, Bruno Mars and Daft Punk provide a bridge between the present state of pop music and traditional brass music. Although they play every Thursday night at Le Bon Temps Roule in Uptown (when not on tour), Voodoo Fest offers you the chance to see them outside the club. –Jack Mccallion

Wild Cub
4:15 p.m. ~ Carnival Stage
Youth is the perfect title for this Nashville quintet’s debut album. The album is full of lyrics and riffs that are effervescent and completely earnest, coming across like the musical equivalent of embarrassingly sincere LiveJournal posts that you’ve stumbled upon years after the fact. Their first single, “Thunder Clatter,” has the strange effect of washing away that shame, transporting you back to before the moment that you became too cool to dance. In a few years, you may decide to leave out the fact that you were stageside for Wild Cub when you tell people about this year’s Voodoo Festival. But, much like that anchor tattoo from when you were 16, I guarantee you won’t regret it in the moment. –Alex Galbraith

Bleachers
5:45 p.m. ~ Carnival Stage
It would be easy to dislike Jack Antonoff’s new band. The entire universe collectively burned out on fun.’s “We Are Young” one movie trailer at a time and we all could be forgiven for approaching his new project with overly cynical ears. All that hostility was blown away in a single chorus. The triumphantly sad refrain on Bleachers’ first single, “I Wanna Get Better” sounded like Morrissey delivered through a space-age marching band at the Interstellar Classic. The band delivered on the promise of the first single with Strange Desires, a remarkably solid album that manages to take all the musical cues that made fun. a smash, while removing all the bits that soured audiences upon repeat listens. When Antonoff brings his better, stronger, faster brand of fun. to City Park, you’d best not miss out. –Alex Galbraith

Fishbone
6:30 p.m. ~ Flambeau Stage
This unique blend of characters has time and time again wowed their audiences with their creative and edgy style that can’t be described as anything else except Fishbone. Getting their start back in 1979 when the original members were only in junior high school, this tight group honed a craft that inspired many artists of recent years. Their first full length album came about in 1987 entitled In Your Face, which launched the group’s career as they toured heavily bringing their super funk, reggae, and rock sound to international crowds. Having hits such as “Sunless Saturday” and “Everyday Sunshine” in the early 1990’s, the band continues to record, perform, and expand their craft till this day. Their most recent endeavor was the making of their very own film, Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone. Still, most fans say to experience Fishbone is to see their high energy, impactful live performance. Chris DiBenedetto

Action Bronson
7 p.m. ~ Carnival Stage
Action Bronson has an insane amount of cultural clout for someone with only a single studio album to his name. While I wouldn’t give him the coveted “favorite rapper’s favorite rapper” designation, Bam Bam’s distinctive Queens bark can be found on an insane amount of tracks whose primary artists read like a laundry list of who’s hot for hip-hop heads in the know. And you can believe a massive, red-headed former chef didn’t stumble into those spots by accident. Bronsolino’s Blue Chips series of mixtapes have vaulted him from “guy who sounds like Ghostface” to “guy who deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Ghostface.” Don’t miss out. –Alex Galbraith

Zedd 
8:30 p.m. ~ Le Plur Stage
Anton Zaslavski, better known by his stage name Zedd, is taking over the world with his infectious electronic dance music. The DJ was born in Russia, but then later moved and spent his formative years in Germany. He has already scored international success with hits in both his hometown and the States. Best known for his feel-good hit "Clarity," Zedd has already scored a top 10 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 as well as picking up a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. At the age of 25, the up and comer doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon. –Taylor Schoen

OutKast
9:20 p.m. ~ Ritual Stage
It's been a wild ride for OutKast. The Atlanta-based rap/hip-hop duo has been on the scene since 1992 — before either member graduated high school. The two teenagers, Antwan “Big Boi” Patton and André “3000″ Benjamin, slowly climbed the music ladder and built up a reputation. In 2003, OutKast released a double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, which received critical acclaim and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2004. Despite their success, the pair couldn't stay together and went on a musical hiatus in 2007. André 3000 and Big Boi both promoted their solo careers and projects. Fortunately, OutKast decided to perform 40 music festivals together to commemorate the band's 20th anniversary. Taylor Schoen. 

Saturday, November 1

Naughty Professor
12:15 p.m. ~ Carnival Stage
This instrumental funk band hailing out of the Crescent City has proven their worth in recent years by providing music fans across the nation with a high-energy funk throw down that embodies the jazz, party culture of their home town. The six-piece crew of passionate young musicians has truly taken an unique approach to the funk genre by installing a hard-hitting, soulful rhythm section that is blasted away by compelling guitar solos and funk face riffs. The impeccably tight three-piece horn section holds it down with their rhythmic stabs, catchy melodic lines, and their own wailing solos. Starting in 2011, Naughty Professor has constantly evolved their original material to give their fans a new, hip sound with every show. Having come off a heavy summer of touring, the band is now tighter than ever and ready to get the people dancing, smiling and having a good time. –Chris DiBenedetto

Tysson
1:45 p.m. ~ Carnival Stage
One of the latest fresh, hip bands to come out of New Orleans, Tysson is a culmination of influences defined as an alternative pop band with hints of R&B. A tasty combination of local musicians John Michael Rouchell, Alvin Ford Jr., Joe Shirley, Max Moran, and Joe Dyson Jr., the group has excelled at creating a contemporary tone with their released singles such as “Lost” and “Bigger.” The tracks capture the essence of any relationship and not only lyrically move the listener, but are fully captured by passionate vocal work. The influence of the group’s hometown can certainly be heard in the beats and pure musicianship of the band. They strive to create a sound that is “to the left of pop,” an alternative version of the genre inspired by acts such as Prince, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie. The innovative music of Tysson will make you feel the moment. –Chris DiBenedetto

The Wild Feathers
5:30 p.m. ~ Flambeau Stage
This Nashville-based rock band describes their music as “Led Zeppelin and The Band had a baby in the Joshua Tree that grew up listening to Ryan Adams covering the Stones 70’s influenced cover songs.” The Wild Feathers is a quintet boasting four singers, each taking turns singing and harmonizing, blending country, folk, rock and blues. Songs like “The Ceiling” and “Left My Woman” take rich harmonies, sing-a-long choruses and slow building crescendos that lead to a state of southern-rock mixed with country-pop in genre-bending bliss. But don’t be fooled, songs like “Backwoods Company” are moonshine-fueled barnburners from the heart of Appalachia. Voodoo Fest is The Wild Feather’s last stop on their 2014 tour. –Jack Mccallion 

Rise Against
6:30 p.m. ~ Ritual Stage
Post-hardcore band Rise Against has been in the mix since 1999. Hailing from Chi town, the band's front man, Tim Mcllarth, has listed Black Flag, Decedents, Against Me!, Bad Religion, and Social Distortion as influences in their melodically-driven punk rock, hardcore fusion. The Black Market (their 7th studio album) was released on July 15, and has continued to get rave reviews from loyal fans. In addition to the band’s experience in the studio, Rise Against is known for advocacy with Amnesty International, PETA, and the It Gets Better project. To top it off, these guys are known for their festival performances and have shared the stage with The Foo Fighters and Flogging Molly among others. Look forward to the performance of their new single, “I Don’t Want to Be Here Anymore,” at Voodoo Fest – but cross your fingers they play some old favorites too. I’m personally holding out for the track off 2005’s Punk Goes Acoustic “Swing Life Away.”   –Lauren Adam

Givers
7 p.m. ~ Flambeau Stage
Forming in their hometown of Lafayette, LA, in 2008 the members of Givers came together for an impromptu gig at a local pub. Just the start of the beautiful product that has become the band's distinct sound, the gig was based on pure improvisation but was enough to encourage the band to continue their craft. Playing together part time for a few years, the group gained a spot touring with the Dirty Projectors, which allowed them to finally tour full time and record their debut album. In Light was released in 2011 to great acclaim and fans internationally yearning for the Givers sound. They have since toured, spreading the sweet harmonies, endless energy, and unique instrumentation that crafts their well-written, moving material. The indie pop-rock band is balanced by dual vocalists, multi-instrumentalists and a host of influences rooted in their Lafayette upbringing and keen vision of inspiring new music. –Chris DiBenedetto

City and Colour 
7:30 p.m. ~ Carnival Stage
City and Colour is the performing pseudonym for musician Dallas Green. The Canadian solo artist began making tunes under the name City and Colour nearly a decade ago in 2005. He decided to use an alter ego because the idea of releasing an album under his real name made him squirm; however, it does derive from his given name Dallas/City and Green/Colour. Perhaps it also was to create some distance from his other projects. City and Colour's soft, melodic sound is a far cry from Green's now defunct post-hardcore group, Alexisonfire. This well-rounded musical veteran is sure to put on a heartfelt show this year. –Taylor Schoen

Big Freedia 
9 p.m. ~ Carnival Stage
All hail the queen of bounce! New Orleans' own Big Freedia will be taking the stage yet again for one of his larger-than-life performances. Born as Freddie Ross, Big Freedia has been shaking up the New Orleans club music scene since the dawn of the new millennium. Over the past few years he has garnered success and fame and is always keeping his fans guessing what he'll do next. Last year alone, he unexpectedly opened for indie rockers The Postal Service and scored his own reality show on the music-centered channel Fuse. To promote the show, he did what any bounce music aficionado would — he gathered NYC residents to break the Guinness World Record for twerking.  Taylor Schoen

Arctic Monkeys
9:40 p.m. ~ Ritual Stage
As a music fan, you want your favorite bands to grow as people and musicians—except for when you don’t. Before the release of last year’s AM, the Arctic Monkeys fell firmly in the latter category, alienating many fans with strange and skuzzy side trips after the runaway success of Whatever People Say I Am… and Favourite Worst Nightmare. That latest album, however, proved that the band can incorporate their freakout fixation and love of ‘90s R&B harmonies into some decidedly Alex Turner-ish stories. AM revels in the glossed-over sticky bits of your favorite nights on the town, peeling back the curtain to show how ugly the nightlife can be and celebrating it regardless. –Alex Galbraith

Sunday, November 2

AWOLNATION
3:15 p.m. ~ Ritual Stage
AWOLNATION hails from the City of Angels and will be bringing their signature sound of alternative electro rock to the Crescent City for Voodoo. Front man Aaron Bruno is no stranger to the music scene. Before the birth of AWOLNATION, he played with the likes of Home Town Hero and then later on Under the Influence of Giants. In 2011 the group released their first full-length studio album Megalithic Symphony, which contained the radio hit behemoth "Sail." "Sail" climbed the music charts and has been featured in countless commercials, movies and television programs. Known for their wide appeal and catchy brand of alt music, AWOLNATION will return to Voodoo Fest for another year of debauchery. –Taylor Schoen

Trombone Shorty
4:45 p.m. ~ Ritual Stage
Considered by many the prodigal son of the Treme neighborhood, Trombone Shorty has been leading bands since the age of six. Shorty, who performs with his band Orleans Avenue, has been gaining critical acclaim and building a loyal fan base throughout his career. His nine studio albums uniquely blur the lines of jazz, funk and hip-hop; however, these polished studio albums do not display Shorty’s true gift for improvisation and his ability to get every member of the crowd on their feet. When seeing Trombone Shorty, be prepared to be blown away by his charisma, endless energy, and virtuoso musical ability. –Jack Mccallion

Manchester Orchestra 
5 p.m. ~ Flambeau Stage
Indie rock – Oooh yeahh! Manchester Orchestra comes to Voodoo from the land of suburban Atlanta where they began in 2004 at the hands of then 17 year old Andy Hull. Going back to their roots, the band recorded their latest in an ATL home that they gutted themselves and converted into a studio. Cope, which critics have dubbed “radio-friendly rock,” features singles “Top Notch,” “Every Stone,” and the title track, “Cope.”  The record is also available on vinyl. While it’s hard to say whether the tracks are truly alternative, does it really matter? There is no doubt that across the Manchester Orchestra records, Hull delivers haunting, anguished vocals alongside hard-hitting, heavy bass. He has mentioned that this album aims to be brutal, pounding, relenting and unapologetic. Come see for yourself what Manchester Orchestra has cooked up in Cope and join fellow rockers in worshipping the music.  –Lauren Adam

The Tontons
Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m. ~ Flambeau Stage
A soulful blend of blues and indie rock, The Tontons have been working hard ever since their beginning in 2007. The band first came to the scene with the release of their 2008 EP Sea and Stars, launching their career into the international realm they enjoy today. The Houston, Texas, quartet has since released one other EP and two full-length albums, culminating in the signature sound their fans have come to adore. They have an unmistakable raw energy that emanates from the groove and is gently caressed by lead vocalist, Asli Omar’s touching voice. The sound has a hip to it, a funk that gets the body moving, while the beat goes on and the melody glides right over. The Tontons' latest release was their 2014 album Make Out King and Other Stories of Love, a passionate record that is littered with diversity, while upholding the bands authentic flavor. –Chris DiBenedetto 

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