With many boutique festivals continually growing in size and scale, the need for a festival that conforms to belonging is very much there. All Tomorrow’s Parties satiates this and much more!
Iceland has beenΒ the hub of a thriving music culture for a while now, with many of its artists and musicians pushing the envelope of alternative music styles. With that firmly established it’s only fair that it’s also the place for a developing festival culture. The sheer picturesque quality of the country notwithstanding, the general regard for good music makes it a viable option for festivals of a more modest, demure kind. That’s where All Tomorrow’s Parties comes in. An event that has keenlyΒ promoted a more intimate music culture, is all headed to be held at IcelandΒ from July 2 to 4 next weekend.
The Sherp decodes what makes All Tomorrow’s Parties the festival to be at for the quintessential music lover!
The general vibe
With festivals aiming for monstrous size and budget, All Tomorrow’s Parties, which borrows its name from a Velvet Underground song, leans towards music that veers on the post-rock, avant-garde environment, with inclusion of even popular musical artists that promise a quality becoming for a music lover. Its first edition was curated by the brilliant post-rock collective, Mogwai in UK. After having been held at Iceland in 2013, it will be returning to the quaintly arresting country once again this year.
Credits: MagnΓΊs Elvar JΓ³nsson
Credits: MagnΓΊs Elvar JΓ³nsson
Credits: MagnΓΊs Elvar JΓ³nsson
Credits: MagnΓΊs Elvar JΓ³nsson
Credits: MagnΓΊs Elvar JΓ³nsson
The 2015 Lineup
All Tomorrow’s Parties describes itself as ‘the ultimate mix tape’. And true to its nature, its artist selection has much to do with a credible song quality accompanying it. Perhaps why, the 2015 line-up is one we seriously comment for the characteristic inclusion of names.
The Sherp picks out its recommendations!
Iggy Pop
There is not much to be added to the already overflowing legacy of the famed American rock star. Having been the vocalist of punk favourites The Stooges, Iggy Pop has amassed a reputation of great individual style. What gets us really excited though, is the chance to catch the artists live at the intimate settings of All Tomorrow’s Parties.
Belle and Sebastian
Belle and Sebastian have performed at various major festivals this year, but for the style that they’re most wont to, All Tomorrow’s Parties seems to put together the perfect setting to enjoy. Their wistful indie pop can be best enjoyed at the affectionate festival.
Drive like Jehu
This American post-hardcore band only got back together last year after two decade of eponymous absence from the music scene. Their elaborately orchestrated music was responsible in them being hailed as a band to watch out for, and thus, this reunion at the festival will be one to look out.
Swans
Swans, for a while, has been experimenting with post rock like few bands of our time, and their ambient, structural music will be a much needed figure at All Tomorrow’s Parties. In their more than three decades of formation, and re-formation, they’ve assembled a music collective worth hooting for.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
This Canadian post-rock arrangement has gained considerable recognition over the past few years, with none of it affecting the band’s core indie style. Their dark ambient sound finds many takers among ardent lovers of the post-rock genre.
Run the Jewels
This hip-hop duo is a favourite at our office, and thatβs all because of their highly unique and distinctive sound which has seen them steadily rise up the ladders of fame monstrosity. This year, theyβve been a regular at most festivals, including Coachella, and seem like a tour de force to reckon with.
For music lovers wishing to attend a stripped-down, no-hassle festival that boasts of qualitative line-up names and a candid quality, this is the festival you must be at!
Credits: AnΓta EldjΓ‘rn
(all images sourced: ATP Iceland | credits given as mentioned)