The most common complaint about the meteoric rise of music festivals has been their commercialization. Regardless of your stance, its hard to argue that events are generally far more pleasant when there’s some room to move around and, even more so, with a scenic, temperate backdrop. For those looking for a break from the usual stress of festivals, this weekend’s Northern Nights Music Festival might be the perfect opportunity.
A few hours north of San Francisco in the gorgeous expanse that is Northern California, the festival offers a pristine setting for camping under enormous Redwoods. Its location along the Eel River lends itself to the awesomely unique option of hopping in a floaty and going for a relaxed trip downstream—something us ninjas could’ve used at this year’s blistering Coachella. Just as its more remote location might suggest, Northern Nights boasts a refreshing lineup leaning towards underground electronic and alternative genres. In addition to the music, there will also be various art exhibits, food, drinks, workshops and yoga classes.
With the live-electronic band, Beats Antique, headlining, the festival features a number of other TMN-favorite artists, which we’ve included below in our preview playlist—we’ll let the music do the talking! Don’t just take it from us, though, and make sure to check out some of the names you’re not yet familiar with.
If you’re up for the adventure, and feeling the lineup, make sure to head over to Northern Nights’s website to grab your tickets.
’Beats Antique – Roadworthy (feat Antibalas Horns)’
’ODESZA – Memories That You Call (feat. Monsoonsiren)’
’Minnesota – Float (Featuring Zion I)’
’Viceroy – The Life Feat. Penguin Prison’
’The Floozies – Love, Sex, And Fancy Things’
’DallasK – Alienz (Two Fresh Remix)’
’Giraffage – Music Sounds Better With You (Remix)’
’Mr. Carmack – another intrepidity, with evil needle’
’Lindsay Lowend – Wind Fish’
