Lineups for major music festivals often boast 100+ artists, which although in theory is a great concept, can end up being overwhelming and frustrating when you realize the impossibility of seeing every act on the bill. San Francisco’s Treasure Island Music Festival, a collaboration between Noise Pop and Another Planet Entertainment, provides one of the few exceptions to this conundrum electing to go with fewer artists and alternating sets at only two stages. Having attended last year, we found this to be a genius, albeit seemingly obvious, solution making the experience far more relaxed for festival-goers without sacrificing any quality in the music. Aside from the unique arrangement, the backdrop of Treasure Island overlooks both the Bay and Golden Gate bridges and has one of the more stunning sunsets the Bay Area has to offer. For anyone who will be attending this year, we also highly recommend checking out the non-stop Silent Disco stage courtesy Silent Frisco.
To help you all prepare for what should be an amazing weekend of music, we’ve put together a massive playlist including every single artist on the TIMF lineup because, with no overlapping sets, you will actually have the opportunity to see them all. Whether you’ve already got your ticket, are still on the fence or can’t make it this year, we hope this serves as a fun, introduction to a dynamic collection of musicians. One and two-day passes for Treasure Island Music Festival are still available so, if you like what you hear below, grab your tickets HERE.
Day 1:
Painted Palms, Noon @ Bridge Stage.
Sounds like: San Francisco-based, psychedelic pop.
Anna’
Tobacco (of Black Moth Super Rainbow), 12:40PM @ Tunnel Stage.
Sounds like: In his own words, “I want to make you feel paranoid in a good way.”
MUST-SEE: Ratking, 1:10PM @ Bridge.
Sounds like: Gritty, high energy New York hip-hop.
MUST-SEE: XXYYXX, 1:50PM @ Tunnel.
Sounds like: An evil beat genius and production prodigy particularly adept with R&B samples.
MUST-SEE: MØ, 2:35PM @ Bridge.
Sounds like: Electro-pop paired with beautiful female vocals.
Ana Tijoux, 3:20PM @ Tunnel.
Sounds like: A female Chilean emcee with an impressive flow and a powerful message.
MUST-SEE: Jungle, 4:05PM @ Bridge.
Sounds like: Soul and funk with a hint of electronic for the biggest dance party at TIMF.
MUST-SEE: Ryan Hemsworth, 4:50PM @ Tunnel.
Sounds like: A broad range of intricate electronic production.
「Every Square Inch」(with Qrion)’
Janelle Monae, 5:35PM @ Bridge.
Sounds like: Psychedelic, electronic R&B from an incredibly talented artist.
Classixx, 6:25PM @ Tunnel.
Sounds like: Nu-disco with a splash of house.
Zedd, 7:15PM @ Bridge.
Sounds like: Highly produced EDM.
St. Lucia, 8:15PM @ Tunnel.
Sounds like: Indie electronic soundscapes with soaring vocals.
MUST-SEE (duh): Outkast, 9:05PM @ Bridge.
Sounds like: Legendary hip-hop from a duo that whose performances have only been improving since launching their reunion tour. (see our ideal Outkast setlist)
Day 2
MUST-SEE: Cathedrals, Noon @ Bridge.
Sounds like: San Francisco big-room indie rock.
Bleached, 12:40 @ Tunnel.
Sounds like: Lo-fi surf pop.
White Denim, 1:20PM @ Bridge.
Sounds like: Lo-fi, dynamic indie rock.
MUST-SEE: Asgeir, 2PM @ Tunnel.
Sounds like: Beautiful Icelandic folktronica. Asgeir has broken records in Iceland as the fastest-selling artist of all time.
MUST-SEE: BANKS, 2:45 @ Bridge.
Sounds like: Melancholically gorgeous female vocalist with minimalist electronic production.
The Growlers, 3:30PM @ Tunnel.
Sounds like: Creative alternative rock.
The New Pornographers, 4:15PM @ Bridge.
Sounds like: Power, far-out pop.
MUST-SEE: Chet Faker, 5PM @ Tunnel.
Sounds like: Electro-soul at its finest.
MUST-SEE: TV On The Radio, 5:50PM @ Bridge.
Sounds like: Veteran pioneers who meld rock, funk and electronica.
Poliça, 6:40PM @ Tunnel.
Sounds like: Synthy, catchy magic with unique vocals.
MUST-SEE: Alt-J, 7:30PM @ Bridge.
Sounds like: Not many things you’ve ever heard of before. Epic harmonies, unconventional melodies and occasional electronic elements.
MUST-SEE: Washed Out, 8:30PM @ Tunnel.
Sounds like: Ethereal chillwave that is surprisingly energetic live.
MUST-SEE: Massive Attack, 9:20PM @ Bridge.
Sounds like: Trip-hop pioneers.
