This weekend, August 11-13, San Francisco’s annual music festival Outside Lands returns to celebrate 15 years. This year’s top headline acts features Kendrick Lamar, Zedd, and Janelle Monáe on Friday, Foo Fighters and Lana Del Rey on Saturday, and Odesza, The 1975, and Megan Thee Stallion on Sunday. Along with the amazing music, Outside Lands will offer the best in local food and drinks with Wine Lands, Beer Lands and the Taste of the Bay featuring over 95 restaurants. New to the festival is another area called Dolores’ that is an open-air dance club celebrating the queer and trans communities and the DIY spaces. So with all the activities and stages to enjoy at the iconic location of Golden Gate Park, it’s guaranteed to be an exciting weekend at Outside Lands. Alongside the big names performing at the festival, we’ve got lots of great established and emerging artists worth coming early for and dance along to throughout the weekend.
Matt Hansen – Friday Aug. 11th
Local artist Matt Hansen blends multiple genres from folk to rock to create his own signature style. Influenced by Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, and John Mayer, Hansen’s music is clever and reflective.
King ISIS – Friday Aug. 11th
Afro-futuristic musician, King Isis, combines their haunting vocals and addicting fusion of alt-rock and boho indie with gritty lyrics. From the East Bay, King Isis is an Oakland native who has successfully created a space for others in the alternative scene.
Samia – Friday Aug. 11th
With her self-aware, brilliant lyricism and gentle vocals, it’s no wonder singer-songwriter Samia has gained a unique connection with her fans. Her sophomore album, Honey, elevates Samia’s potential as a rising artist.
Monolink – Friday Aug. 11th
German electronica musician and producer Monolink left Berlin’s DJ scene to pursue his own style consisting of ambient and techno genres. Under Darkening Skies, Monolink’s second album, centers on matchless hypnotic rhythms and passionate, melodic vocals influenced by Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.
Ethel Cain – Friday Aug. 11th
Alternative singer-songwriter Ethel Cain is known for raw, raspy vocals on her Southern gospel and rock influenced tracks. Her full-length debut album, Preacher’s Daughter, was released last year.
midwxst – Saturday Aug. 12th
Rapper midwxst offers a mix of hyperpop, emo rap, and hip hop to the ever-growing genre. His first album, Secrets, released in 2020, was influenced by Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean, and Porter Robinson.
TOPS – Saturday Aug. 12th
Formed by Jane Penny (vocals, keyboard), David Carriere (guitar), Riley Fleck (drums), and Marta Cikojevic (keyboard), this Canadian band blends soft rock with danceable pop melodramatics reminiscent of the 80s. Channeling this energy on their fourth album, I Feel Alive, the band embraces Penny’s alluring voice and lighthearted synths.
Wednesday – Saturday Aug. 12th
American rock band Wednesday thrives off of their country upbringing to enrich lead singer’s Karly Hartzman’s rich lyricism on simple suburban life. Their fifth record, Rat Saw God, centers on this simplicity and the quiet longing felt by not only Hartzman, but the country as a whole.
Alvvays – Saturday Aug. 12th
![Alvvays - Pharmacist [Official Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eH5mqLjwg6U/0.jpg)
Canadian indie pop band Alvvays gained traction for their hit singles “Archie, Marry Me” and “Adult Diversion” from their self-titled debut album. Last year, the band released their third studio album, Blue Rev, with its shoegaze, power pop, and punk influences.
VNSSA – Saturday Aug. 12th
After seven years as a DJ, techno artist VNSSA began to release her solo music in 2018. Her single, Rave Party, offers a unique electronic sound to the house-techno genre with a hint of disco.
Grace Ives – Sunday Aug. 13th
With her second album, Janky Star, Brooklyn-based songwriter Grace Ives used her love for synth-pop to create a relatable record on self-acceptance. Lead single, “Lullaby,” captures the irresistible, fast-paced tone of Ives’ life and her magnetic charm.
Holly Humberstone – Sunday Aug. 13th
English singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone’s flawless melodies and genuine storytelling have definitely cemented her as a rising star. Her debut album, Can You Afford To Lose Me?, displays her authenticity and tenderness.
Inhaler – Sunday Aug. 13th
Consisting of Elijah Hewson (vocalist, guitarist), Robert Keating (bassist), Josh Jenkinson (guitarist), and Ryan McMahon (drummer), this Irish rock band caught everyone’s attention with their second album, Cuts & Bruises. With their fanbase reaching new heights over the past year, the band maintains their steady, rock sound in this new era.
Paper Idol – Sunday Aug. 13th
L.A.-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Paper Idol combines dance music and alternative indie. His relatable lyricism shines through on track “The Playground” off of his debut album of the same name.
ISOxo – Sunday Aug. 13th
San Diego-native ISOxo gained his spot in the bass music scene after the release of “Stinger” in collaboration with RL Grime. Following this hit, ISOxo’s debut EP, Nightrealm, lead to a sold-out headline tour and fans ready for what’s next.