Shaky Knees 2019 Preview

Shaky Knees

Since 2013, Atlanta has been getting in early on the festival game with the strong alt-rock of Shaky Knees, coming to Central Park Friday-Sunday, May 3rd-5th:

FRIDAY, MAY 4th

Peachtree Stage Beck, 9:25 PM – 11:00 PM Beck (QRO photos at a festival) is back! Your favorite musical non-conformist (QRO photos at a festival) broke through in the mid-nineties thanks to songs like “Loser”, “Where It’s At”, and “Devil’s Haircut” off of early records Mellow Gold and Odelay (QRO deluxe edition review), mixing white boy funk with indie-rock and experimental – as well also delivering a stripped, soulful folk side to boot. After full-lengths 2008’s Modern Guilt (QRO review) and 2006’s The Information (QRO review), he took off time to work as a producer (such as on Thurston Moore’s Demolished Thoughts – QRO review – and Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks’ Mirror Traffic – QRO review), only releasing a few soundtrack tracks (like writing for the fictional band Sex Bob-omb in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World – QRO soundtrack review) and a ‘song reader’. But he finally delivered a new studio album in 2014 with Morning Phase (QRO review) – and of course it was great. A perfect headliner for Shaky Knees (QRO headlining a festival), he comes after 2017’s release of the Grammy-winning Colors (QRO review), with his entire impressive career in tow (QRO live review).

Incubus, 7:25 PM – 8:25 PM A band that’s been more successful than you realize, for longer than you realize, is Incubus (QRO live review). Deftly balancing between styles and scenes, acceptable to the mainstream and the indiesphere, Incubus (QRO photos) come behind 2017’s eighth studio album 8. So catch Incubus (QRO photos) at Shaky Knees (QRO photos at a festival) – If Not Now, When? (QRO review).

Tash Sultana, 5:25 PM – 6:25 PM Melbourne’s Tash Sultana began her career busking on the streets, but has since vaunted into the top of Australia radio & more, thanks to only handful of singles.

Sharon Van Etten, 3:40 PM – 4:25 PM While there’s a ton of stripped songstresses out there, one of the nicer ones is Sharon Van Etten (QRO photos at a festival), who evoked the sad strains of Appalachia on her debut, Because I Was In Love (QRO review), while 2011’s Epic (QRO review) made her the Brooklyn ‘it girl’ (QRO photos in New York), and 2012’s Tramp (QRO review) got her get even more acclaim – and attention (QRO photos). She even had a star-studded show in NYC (QRO photos), where she had special guests like Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth & Aaron Dessner of The National (QRO photos at Shaky Knees ’18). She comes to Shaky Knees (QRO photos at a festival) behind 2014’s Are We There (QRO review), last year’s remastered & remixed (it was) because i was in love (QRO review), and this year’s powerful Remind Me Tomorrow (QRO review) – and appearing in Netflix’s trippy, fascinating The OA.

Also: Curtis Harding, 2:10 PM – 2:55 PM – QRO photos Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones, 12:45 PM – 1:25 PM Songs For Kids, 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Piedmont Stage presented by Ford Tears For Fears, 8:25 PM – 9:25 PM “Everybody Wants To Rule the World” – That was a major anthem of the eighties, and it can from Bath, England’s Tears For Fears (QRO photos at a festival). The new wave duo of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith had a number of hit singles during the Reagan/Bush/Thatcher years (“Mothers Talk”, “Shout”, “Head Over Heels”, “Sowing the Seeds of Love”) before splitting up at the dawn of the nineties (though Orzabal retained use of the name through the nineties). The pair reunited as the twenty-first century dawned and released Everybody Loves a Happy Ending, and now come to Shaky Knees word of their first new album in a decade-and-a-half.

Dashboard Confessional, 6:25 PM – 7:25 PM One of the founders of today’s emo movement, Chris Carrabba’s Dashboard Confessional (QRO photos) evolved out of his solo acoustic work to a full band ensemble. He comes to Shaky Knees (QRO photos in Atlanta) behind last year’s Crooked Shadows.

Liz Phair, 4:25 PM – 5:25 PM The alt-songstress Liz Phair (QRO photos) came up in the early nineties alternative music boom with her classic Exile In Guyville – and she’s still (QRO photos at a festival) the alt-nineties girl you fell in love with.

The Joy Formidable, 2:55 PM – 3:40 PM Welsh powerhouse The Joy Formidable (QRO spotlight on) has already taken Europe (QRO photos at a European festival), Canada (QRO photos at a festival in Canada), Australia and even The States (QRO photos) by storm with expertly played opening slots alongside Passion Pit, Temper Trap, and Editors. The impressive trio (QRO interview) got a killer live show (QRO live review) to go with 2010’s killer The Big Roar (QRO review), 2013’s Wolf’s Law (QRO review), 2016’s Hitch (QRO review), and last year’s AAARTH (QRO review) – so be ready for a jolly good time (QRO photos at a festival) as the band (QRO live review) delivers! Be sure to catch killer frontwoman Ritzy Bryan as she returns to rock Shaky Knees (QRO photos at Shaky Knees ‘13) with bassist Rhydian Dafydd (QRO interview) and exuberant drummer Matt Thomas (QRO live review).

Also: Devon Gilfillian, 1:25 PM – 2:10 PM I Don’t Know How But They Found Me, 12:05 PM – 12:45 PM

Ponce de Leon Stage Yellow Days, 8:25 PM – 9:25 PM Only seventeen, and George van den Broek is already turning all sorts of heads with his soul-filled indie-rock as Yellow Days.

Oh Sees, 6:25 PM – 7:25 PM Hailing from The O.C. (the name was original ‘Orange County Sound’, then ‘OCS’, then Thee Oh Sees, then – well, you get the idea…), John Dwyer formed the band now known as Oh Sees (QRO photos at a festival) to put out his experimental, instrumental home recordings, but over seven records has morphed into a full band and a wild live show (QRO photos at a festival). Oh Sees come to Boston Calling (QRO photos at a festival) behind yet another new name and yet another new album, last year’s Smote Reverser.

The Black Lips, 4:25 PM – 5:25 PM A band better known for their live show than their records, that’s not just because of the relatively unimpressive recorded material like 2010’s 200 Million Thousand (QRO review) or 2011’s Arabia Mountain (QRO review), but also due to their crazy mishmash of genres and styles on stage (QRO live review). Atlanta’s own The Black Lips’ wild live show includes everything from nudity to fireworks – and live animals (QRO photos at a festival). Their hometown should hopefully let the boys let ‘er rip (QRO photos outdoors), but be rest assured their rabidly loyal fan base will still be crying out for more (QRO photos outdoors at a festival), as they come to Shaky Knees (QRO photos at a festival) behind 2014’s better Underneath the Rainbow (QRO review) and 2017’s Satan’s Graffiti or God’s Art?.

IDLES, 2:55 PM – 3:40 PM Bristol’s young punks IDLES (QRO live review) – even if they don’t like that title – have had two widely acclaimed records, 2017’s Brutalism and last year’s Joy as an Act of Resistance.

Low Cut Connie, 1:25 PM – 2:10 PM Catch the high-energy rock of Low Cut Connie (QRO photos at a festival), who comes to Shaky Knees behind last year’s Dirty Pictures (Part 2). Also: Taylor Janzen, 12:05 PM – 12:45 PM

Criminal Records Stage Foxing, 7:25 PM – 8:25 PM Face To Face, 5:25 PM – 6:25 PM Peach Pit, 3:40 PM – 4:25 PM Wilderado, 2:10 PM – 2:55 PM Duncan Fellows, 12:45 PM – 1:25 PM

SATURDAY, MAY 4th

Peachtree Stage Cage the Elephant, 9:30 PM – 11:00 PM With hardly a full-length album to their name, Kentucky’s Cage the Elephant (QRO photos) was snatched up by EMI Records at a low-key SXSW showcase. Following some impressive U.K. airplay, the band packed up and moved to London, where they released their first studio album in 2008. The following two years were a haze of international touring, late night TV shows, festival appearances (QRO photos at a festival) – and preparation for 2011’s Thank You, Happy Birthday, following that up with 2013’s more indie-influenced Melophobia, 2015’s Dan Auerbach-produced Tell Me I’m Pretty (which won the Grammy for Best Rock Album), and the brand-new Social Cues. They have also become a wild festival presence (QRO photos at a festival). As their blues-y rock infused live show will prove (QRO photos), elephants were never meant to be caged (QRO photos). They return to Shaky Knees (QRO photos at Shaky Knees ’14).

Interpol, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM When the Lower East Side music scene broke out at the beginning of this century/millennium, one of the biggest breakouts was neo-New Wave outfit Interpol (QRO live review) with Turn On the Bright Lights and Antics. Unfortunately, 2007 major label debut Our Love To Admire (QRO review) was a serious disappointment, leading to a hiatus (where singer/guitarist Paul Banks did his own solo thing as Julian Plenti – QRO European tour review). But 2010’s return to Matador Records Interpol (QRO review) was a return to form, and so was their live show (QRO photos at a festival), even on the festival circuit (QRO photos at a festival). Of course, the following year saw another hiatus (with Paul Banks going solo again, this time under his own name – QRO album review), but the band returned once more (QRO photos at a festival), with 2015’s El Pintor (QRO review), and last year’s strong Marauder (QRO review) with live show (*QRO live review of Marauder* release party). They return to Shaky Knees (QRO photos at Shaky Knees ’15**).

The Struts, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Everything old is new again, so embrace the unabashed glam classic-rock revival of The Struts, who return to Shaky Knees (QRO photos at Shaky Knees ’16).

Bad Books, 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM One of the more interesting alt-rock pair-ups has been Bad Books (QRO live review), which combines singer/songwriter Kevin Devine (QRO spotlight on) with Andy Hull and Benjamin Homola of Manchester Orchestra (QRO photos at Shaky Knees ‘15). After a five-year absence, they’ve returned this year with their upcoming third record, III.

Mark Lanegan Band, 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM While he first got notice fronting should-have-been-huge, “Nearly Lost You There” grunge act Screaming Trees, then found work in Queens of the Stone Age, Mark Lanegan (QRO live review) comes to Shaky Knees (QRO live review) behind everything from his latest EP, Still Life With Roses (QRO review), to anthology Has God Seen My Shadow? (QRO review).

Also: Julia Jacklin, 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM – QRO photos at a festival Songs For Kids, 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Piedmont Stage presented by Ford Gary Clark Jr., 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM Austin’s Gary Clark Jr. (QRO photos at a festival in Austin) is the latest artist to be said to be ‘bringing blues back’ – when did it ever leave? And if it did, it’s surely come back many times since then (just look at Jack White…) – but Clark (QRO live review) is certainly keeping it going, like on Austin City Limits (QRO live review on ACL) and Marvel’s Luke Cage.

FIDLAR, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Back in the long-lost eighties, punk outfits like Black Flag would prompt conflict with Commissioner Chief Daryl Gates’ pre-Rodney King LAPD – but everyone’s mellower these days, right? Not if FIDLAR (QRO photos) have anything to say about it (QRO photos at a festival), as they come to Shaky Knees (QRO photos at a festival) behind this year’s Almost Free.

Jim James, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM The main man behind alt-country stars My Morning Jacket, who played Shaky Knees three years ago (QRO photos of My Morning Jacket at Shaky Knees ’16) and a member of the Monsters of Folk, Jim James (QRO photos) stepped out solo in 2013 with Regions of Light and Sound of God (QRO review), which was just as good as your high expectations. He returns to Shaky Knees behind last year’s twin releases, Uniform Distortion and Uniform Clarity.

Also: Wallows, 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM Ruen Brothers, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM Liily, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

Ponce de Leon Stage The Dandy Warhols, 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM The Dandy Warhols (QRO photos) broke out in 1997 behind major label debut …The Dandy Warhols Come Down and hit single “Bohemian Like You”. However, like much of nineties alternative music scene, things declined after that, with post-major records like …Earth to the Dandy Warhols (QRO review) and 2012’s This Machine (QRO review) being a little… passé. However, they revived with 2016’s Distortland (QRO review) and this year’s Why You So Crazy (QRO review).

Japanese Breakfast, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM The solo project of Michelle Zauner (QRO photos at a festival), Japanese Breakfast brings Soft Sounds from Another Planet (QRO review).

Chon, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM For a different side of Shaky Knees, check out the instrumental prog rock of Chon.

Also: Jade Bird, 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM – QRO photos at a festival cleopatrick, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM Bones Owens, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

Criminal Records Stage Soccer Mommy, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM – QRO photos at a festival Pedro the Lion, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Mipso, 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM Natalie Prass, 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM – QRO photos Walden, 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 5th

Peachtree Stage Tame Impala, 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM From Perth (QRO photos at a home) in Western Australia (QRO photos at a hometown festival), comes the psychedelic rock of Tame Impala (QRO live review), touring off of 2011’s Innerspeaker (QRO review), 2012’s Lonerism, and 2015’s Currents, whose critical acclaim has won them fans across the world (QRO photos at a festival), and spots headlining a ton of 2019 festivals (QRO photos at a festival), including in their return to Shaky Knees (QRO photos at Shaky Knees ’15).

Foals, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Oxford, England’s Foals (QRO photos) still haven’t quite shaken off the backhanded compliment label of ‘internet buzz band’, even with 2010’s well-received sophomore release Total Life Forever (QRO review) or 2013’s follow-up Holy Fire, but you should really see & judge for yourself (QRO live review) as they come back to Shaky Knees (QRO photos at Shaky Knees ’14) on tour (QRO photos) behind 2015’s What Went Down (QRO review) and this year’s Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost – Part 1 (QRO review).

Grouplove, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM In 2012 rock collective Grouplove (QRO spotlight on) have had two of the most enjoyable recent hits, “Tongue Tied” (QRO video) and “Colours” (QRO review) from the debut Never Trust a Happy Song (QRO photos at a festival). Live, they take it to another level (QRO live review), with a massive spectacle (QRO photos outdoors at a festival), and can even persevere in the rain (QRO live review in the rain) or on television (QRO live review at TV taping). The band (QRO interview) followed that up in 2013 with Spreading Rumors (QRO review) and tour (QRO live review), and singles like “I’m With You” and “Shark Attack” (QRO review). Then lead singers Hannah Hooper & Christian Zucconi (QRO interview with both) had a child, Willow – who has accompanied them on tour (QRO live review) behind 2016’s Big Mess (QRO review).

Electric Guest, 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM In 2012, Los Angeles’ Electric Guest (QRO photos in Los Angeles) blew up, including appearing on MTV’s list of ‘Artists to Watch’ – and Outside Lands. Now the, yes, electric band (QRO photos at a festival) returns (QRO live review), behind 2017’s sophomore record Plural.

Rayland Baxter, 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM Son of Bob Dylan favorite Bucky Baxter, Nashville’s Rayland Baxter (QRO photos at a festival) comes to Georgia behind 2015 third full-length, Wide Awake. Also: Illiterate Light, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM

Piedmont Stage presented by Ford Maggie Rogers, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM Maryland’s Maggie Rogers (QRO photos at a festival) broke out when her single “Alaska” was played to Pharrell Williams at an NYU master class. She’s since become a big name in her own right (QRO photos) with this year’s full-length debut Heard It In a Past Life.

Phosphorescent, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Alt-country/indie-folk has been booming, especially on the festival circuit, so there’s gonna be a slot for Athens, Georgia-by-way-of-Brooklyn, NY (QRO photos outdoors at a festival in Brooklyn) Phosphorescent (QRO photos outdoors). After playing Europe (QRO European tour review) & America in 2013 behind the Muchacho, they’re less jam & more touch than their contemporaries, and love to play outdoors (QRO photos outdoors) and at festivals (QRO photos at a festival). They return to Shaky Knees behind last year’s C’est la vie.

HONNE, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Bow, London electronic duo HONNE (QRO photos) come down to Atlanta behind last year’s sophomore release, Love Me / Love Me Not.

Welshly Arms, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM Cleveland’s blues-rock outfit Welshly Arms (QRO photos at a festival) come to Shaky Knees behind 2017’s hit song “Legendary” (which has been used in promos of everything from WWE to Quentin Tarantino to Cleveland Indians to Sense8).

Also: The Nude Party, 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM – QRO photos at a festival Songs For Kids, 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Ponce de Leon Stage Tyler Childers, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM – QRO photos at a festival Calpurnia, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM The Murlocs, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Slothrust, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM – QRO photos The Blue Stones, 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM

Criminal Records Stage Deerhunter, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM No one was more prolific in 2008 than Deerhunter’s singer/guitarist Bradford Cox (QRO live review), who not only put out the well-received Microcastle (QRO review), but also included a second disc of all-original bonus material, Weird Era Cont. (QRO review) – and oh, yeah, released a solo record (as Atlas Sound – QRO live review), Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel (QRO review) that beat ‘em both. And, after a hiatus & Atlas Sound’s Logos (QRO review), 2011 saw Deerhunter (QRO photos outdoors) reach even higher thanks to Halcyon Digest (QRO review) – and in 2013 they followed it up with Monomania (QRO review), a more garage-rock record – and show (QRO photos at a festival), including at festivals (QRO photos at a festival). Known for electric shows whether as the Sound (QRO live review) or with Deerhunter (QRO live review outdoors), Cox & Deerhunter (QRO photos outdoors) have been as prolific with the festivals (QRO photos at a festival). They play Shaky Knees (QRO photos at a festival), after 2016’s Fading Frontier (QRO review) and this year’s Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared? (QRO review).

CAAMP, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Ohio’s CAAMP make beautiful folk music.

Lucy Dacus, 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM Norfolk’s Lucy Dacus (QRO photos) has fans from Senator Tim Kaine to her fellow members of boygenius, Julien Baker & Phoebe Bridgers.

Also: Demob Happy, 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM The Inspector Cluzo, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM