The First Day of Outside Lands 2024: Friday in Golden Gate Park
The first day of Outside Lands 2024, held from August 9 to 11 in the iconic Golden Gate Park, marked the start of a weekend filled with music, art, and culinary delights. Now in its 16th year, the festival kicked off on Friday with an impressive lineup ranging from rising stars to established artists. With a wide variety of music styles and performances spread across multiple stages, it was a promising start to the festival.
The Last Dinner Party: Funky Feast
The Last Dinner Party, an emerging band known for their funky and soulful sound, delivered an energetic performance that got festival-goers dancing. Their music, full of infectious rhythms and funky grooves, created a festive atmosphere that energized the crowd. From the opening with “Burn Alive” to the closer “Nothing Matters,” it was one big party.
The combination of their charismatic stage presence and their captivating music made their show a vibrant highlight on Friday at Outside Lands. The Last Dinner Party’s performance was a perfect complement to the festive vibe of the day.
Shaboozey: Rising Star in Hip-Hop
Shaboozey, the promising hip-hop artist, brought a powerful and energetic performance to the festival. With his sharp lyrics and dynamic flow, he provided an exciting moment in the festival lineup. His performance showcased his talent and passion for music, making him a standout act on Friday.
Shaboozey’s strong stage presence and the energy of his set made a lasting impression on the audience and contributed to the diversity of the musical experience on the first day of Outside Lands. The setlist delivered a rowdy blend of country flair and rock energy, with highlights like “Beverly Hills” and the crowd-pleasing “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Shaboozey’s #1 chart announcement added an extra burst of celebration to the night.
The Japanese House: Dreamy Indie Sounds
The Japanese House, the project of Amber Bain, brought a dreamy and ethereal quality to the festival with her indie-pop sound. With her unique style and introspective songs like “Sad to Breathe” and “You Seemed So Happy,” The Japanese House created an atmospheric and contemplative ambience that provided a nice contrast to the more upbeat performances of the day.
Her music, often characterized by ethereal vocals and layered production, offered a moment of peace and reflection in the festival lineup. The Japanese House’s performance was a subtle yet powerful addition to the day’s lineup.
Young the Giant: Alternative Rock with Depth
Young the Giant, the alternative rock band from California, delivered a powerful performance that struck a perfect balance between energy and emotion. With their distinctive sound and powerful songs, including “Cough Syrup” and “My Body,” the band gave a dynamic show that left the audience on the first day of the festival thoroughly entertained.
The strong vocals and energetic performances by the band members made their set a highlight on Friday. It was also nice that the band played “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter, who would be performing at the festival later on. Young the Giant’s ability to deliver an authentic and powerful live show made their performance a memorable moment of the festival.
Kevin Abstract: An Introspective Journey Through Hip-Hop
Kevin Abstract, known as a member of the alternative hip-hop group BROCKHAMPTON, brought a raw and introspective show to the festival. With his solo material, Abstract took the audience on an emotional journey through his life and experiences, exploring themes such as identity, sexuality, and self-discovery. His performance was both vulnerable and powerful, giving a voice to those who often feel underrepresented in mainstream music.
Songs like “Peach” and “Big Wheels” were met with much enthusiasm, with the combination of personal lyrics and experimental beats deeply resonating with the audience. Kevin Abstract proved that he is not only impactful as part of BROCKHAMPTON but also as a solo artist who more than deserves his place in the hip-hop scene.
Reneé Rapp: Pop with Personality
Reneé Rapp, the American pop star with a unique voice and powerful lyrics, brought a lively and personally infused show to Outside Lands. With her music often exploring personal and vulnerable themes, as in her songs “In the Kitchen” and “Too Well,” which was introduced as a song she hated, Rapp managed to touch and captivate the audience with her sincere performance.
Her charisma and strong stage presence made her performance a festive and emotional experience. Rapp’s ability to combine her personal stories with her musical talents made her set a special part of the day.
Daniel Caesar: Soulful Sounds
Daniel Caesar, the Canadian R&B singer known for his sensitive and soulful style, delivered an intimate and captivating performance. His music, characterized by soft vocals and rich melodies, provided a moment of calm and reflection on the first day of the festival. With songs like “Ocho Rios” and “Let Me Go,” Caesar immediately created a serene atmosphere that enchanted festival-goers.
Caesar’s performance offered the audience a chance to immerse themselves in the depth of his music, with a show that was both emotionally and technically impressive. His ability to forge a personal connection with the crowd added to the allure of his show.
Friday at Outside Lands 2024 was a day full of musical discoveries and impressive performances. Each of these artists contributed in their way to the rich and varied experience of the festival, setting the tone for the rest of the weekend.
Photo’s (c) Annie Lesser
