FYF is always an embarrassment of riches, and I can never believe how lucky us Angelenos are to have it in our own backyard. That said, this year’s line-up is so far beyond incredible that I actually don’t know where to start with my recommendations. I could make a hard case for you to check out pretty much every single artist that is playing this year. Many tough decisions will have to be made, but I’m here to help to the best of my ability.
Of course you’re no doubt already stoked to check out KCRW favorites Björk, Frank Ocean, Little Dragon, Solange, Iggy Pop, Anderson.Paak, Thundercat, Badbadnotgood, Angel Olsen… did I mention how incredibly stacked this line-up is? But as I am always want to do, allow me point you in the direction of some sure to be extra killer early sets, and reasons to venture off the beaten path. You can view the entire line-up, and set times here – seriously, there’s not wrong move you can make.
***Also – it MUST be noted that if FYF isn’t happening for you – well, KCRW has a free show right down the road featuring Paul Oakenfold, Mondo Cozmo, and Lo Moon… so yeah, win win!
Kelly Lee Owens/Daniel Avery
I’m probably totally cheating by listing these two brilliant producers together, but they very much work as a packaged deal. Owens emerged over the past few years as a protegee of Avery’s (she also appears on his 2013 album Drone Logic), and they share an uncanny ability to craft deep, minimal dance tracks with glorious post-punk tinges. I’ve yet to see either of them perform, but I’m expecting both of their sets to deliver some much needed cerebral cool as a respite from the July heat.
Kelly Lee Owens plays Friday July 21st in “Outer Space” at 7:45p
Daniel Avery plays Saturday July 22nd in “The Woods” at 10:00p
Jonathan Richman
No one is better at stage banter than living legend Jonathan Richman. He also integrates his classical guitar chops into his deceptively simple songs, and sings in multiple languages. Trust me, he is well worth showing up early for. And for proof of his legend status (or at least should be legend status) give a listen to the 1976 Modern Lovers record in it’s entirety immediately. I’ll wait.
Jonathan Richman plays “The Club” on Saturday at 3:30p
Slowdive
Slowdive’s new self titled record (their first in 22 years) is one of the best records of the year, and Slowdive’s live show is a sprawling melancholic dreamscape. Just think about the prospect of the band playing those excellent new songs alongside classics like “Alison,” and you’ve got the recipe for what is sure to be one of the fest’s most magical sets. Pro tip, if you find yourself deeply torn between Anderson.Paak and Slowdive I’d vote for catching the first half of Anderson, and following up with a nice Slowdive cool down.
Slowdive plays “The Trees” on Friday July 21st at 10:20p (heads up – you can get a live preview on Morning Becomes Eclectic July 19 @ 11:15a PT)
(Slowdive photo c/o: Ingrid Pop)