Outside Lands - Day 2 - Saturday 8/30/09

While the heat seemed not as oppressive, it was sunnier still as Day 2 of Outside Lands unfolded, and several acts had to play with direct sunlight beaming down. Mastodon did not burst into flames. It was a good day for heavy rock though as they, Tom Morello's Street Sweeper Social Club, and later at sundown Mars Volta took the Twin Peaks stage which is situated right at the main entrance. - Dru




One of the highlights of OutsideLands, English import Bat For Lashes played a considerably smaller stage than their usual fare. The audience arrived to the satge uncharacteristically early, waiting for nearly an hour before the band took the stage. Bat for Lashes' siren singer/songwriter Natasha Khan, took the audience through a spellbinding set, playing songs from their two releases "Two Suns" and "Fur & Gold". This is one bands to catch before they are absolutely huge. The only other US date for this tour that they are playing is a sold out show Monday the 31st, in Los Angeles. - Clovis IV


"Hey I'm alone on stage..." Deerhunter guitarist/vocalist Bradford Cox found himself all alone after a quick soundcheck and had to engage in some joking around with the crowd as he waited for the rest of the band to return. He said they all had to go to the bathroom, then said, "Oh, they're landing in the helicopter-- it's going to be just like Woodstock." - Dru
L.A.'s Dengue Fever brings together two completely unlikely components: super sweet Cambodian pop and avant garde experimentation. Lyrics are in Khmer and English and showcase the amazing artistry of Chhom Nimol, who brought the crowd to shivers despite the warm day with her sometimes ancient and otherworldly vocals. - Dru

The guests for the press conference this year were a great representation of the aspects that Outside Lands aims to bring together: not just music, but food, wine and technology, the last of which has become an integral part of listening to and following music today. YouTube is live simulcasting artists' performances throughout the festival, including several from the two main stages, all the way up to Day 2 headliner Dave Matthews Band. Festival goers could also create custom schedules from the Outside Lands web site and share them with friends via their Facebook pages, or download the Outside Lands app for the iPhone. - Dru

Words by Dru & Clovis Photos by Clovis.