Voodoo 2014’s lineup as eclectic as ever

Once again, the Voodoo Experience has managed to break from the homogeneity that has overtaken the US mid-major and major festival over the last half-decade. Once again, the lineup looks almost nothing like the local Halloween weekend festival’s peers and has distinguished itself as a risk-taking and one-of-a-kind event on a crowded landscape. Headliners across the top include such heavy hitters as Outkast, Foo Fighters, Skrillex and Arctic Monkeys. Below the top shelf lists an amalgamation of artists/genres that reads like an über-eclectic tastemaker’s playlist on shuffle.

Here are a few first impressions and exciting mid and lower card acts that got our attention:

THE HEADLINERS

– Sure it may be at the tail end of their globe-trotting mega festival tour, but anyone with a pulse in the Southeast will surely be excited to catch Outkast and their unique brand of Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. Hopefully the Halloween headliner.

– After making their mark with a much buzzed-about show at Preservation Hall last month, Foo Fighters will return in support of their upcoming album (part of which was recorded at the Hall). A guest-heavy set is to be expected here.

– Perhaps he’s established the same reputation in every city due to an incessant touring schedule over the last three-plus years, but Skrillex appears to have made New Orleans one of his signature stops during his impressive ascent to superstardom. Sonny Moore appeared at Voodoo and BUKU fest in 2012, headlined The Sugar Mill in 2011 and returns once again to City Park this October.

THE MID AND UNDERCARDS

– The inclusion of Slayer should lure in a large contingent from the metal crowd and the legendary thrash band fit the macabré vibe of Voodoo fest to a T. Hoping for a Halloween slate for this one as well (just not opposite Outkast).

– Booka Shade DJ set: It’s rare to see US dates for this German house DJ duo and it’s good to see a more “old-school” act getting their due amongst the EDM bookings. They’ll do well to appease both young and older audiences on the Le Plur Stage.

– The Melvins help to fill the grunge void and, having seen what they can do at a midday festival set a few years ago, this is a can’t miss set for anyone with an appreciation of any of the bands they influenced (Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, Mastodon to name a few).

MORE ARTISTS TO WATCH

Death From Above 1979
GIVERS
Red Baraat
Wild Cub
Wild Feathers
Royal Teeth
Benjamin Booker
Sturgill Simpson
Quintron and Miss Pussycat
As-yet-announced local acts!

See you in City Park on Halloween!