Hangout 2018 Lets It All Hang Out
Hangout Music Festival has been rocking the beaches of Alabama since 2010, and they have continued to deliver star-studded performances. This year is no different. Even before Goldenvoice, the company behind Coachella, began collaborating with them in 2015, they were drawing such headliners as the Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Jack White. Now, in their eighth consecutive year, they are bringing back some previous stand-out performers who have continued to pave names for themselves. These include but are not limited this year to The Killers, Kendrick Lamar, Foster the People, Slightly Stoopid, and Portugal. The Man.
The broad selection of artists that Hangout has continued to deliver is sure to bring with them the same vibe of collective camaraderie that has merged such genres as rock, indie, hip-hop, and EDM. In this way Hangout 2018 has shown the importance of bringing together and introducing people to a wide variety of artistic expressions. Friday, May 18th, is by far my favorite lineup, what with The Killers, Portugal. The Man, and Cold War Kids bringing in strong indie-rock performances.
Much more of interest, though, is going to be Pussy Riot, who have been making their way through the U.S. in their 2018 tour. Noted for their political hijinks and opposition to totalitarian-like government (read: Putin and Trump), this should not be missed by anyone attending the three-day festival. The Chainsmokers will be headlining the Saturday performances along with other notable electronic musicians such as Logic and dance sensations Halsey and St. Vincent. Sunday will bring the festival to a close with such high-profile returning head-liners Kendrick Lamar, Foster the People, and Slightly Stoopid.
What I couldn’t help but notice out of this spectacular lineup was the social critique. Be it from the “vernacular authenticity” (so described by the Pulitzer awarding committee) of Lamar’s lyricism to the more abrasive antics of Pussy Riot, there seems to be a sense of opposition for this year’s performances. Opposition need not always be direct, and one can’t help but recall the bullets to be outrun by Foster the People’s runaway hit “Pumped up Kicks.”
Although there are plenty of dance and rhythmic sensations running throughout the festival, note this verve of resistance. If music does anything, it is bring to the fore uncomfortable truths and makes them palatable so that we can bridge differences and share in the experience. The vast artistic talent represented by this year’s Hangout should be enjoyed for its aesthetic as we do with all music. But don’t be weary of having important conversations by allowing the music to open up spaces wherein we can relate to each other and bring together not just differences in genre but politics as well. Don’t be afraid to let it all hang out at this year’s Hangout Music Festival.
Need more? How about the Thursday Kick-Off Party?
