Photo: Emma Viola Lilja
Once a year Way Out West festival feeds the indie hearts of Sweden. And they have been doing so for the past ten years. Music lovers have cried to Bon Iver, danced their socks off to Prince (literally, in my case) and sung along to Yeezy himself.
This year’s line-up was no exception. For their ten year anniversary, Way Out West had booked legends of the likes of Morrissey, Grace Jones and PJ Harvey, as well as rising stars such as Dua Lipa, Rat Boy and Fidlar.
From the intimate club sets to the headline slots. Here are our highlights.
ZARA LARSSON
Zara Larsson has become a pop star beyond compare. Not only for creating killer tunes (that have been the soundtrack of my summer and probably yours too), but she has also become one of the main advocates of the feminist movement. Her hour long set was both a celebration of music and equality.
Larsson managed to show off some thrilling moves and vocals all while taking on important subjects, such as the endless waves of sexual assaults that have been flooding Swedish festivals this summer. Needless to say, she’s exactly what the industry needs right now.
THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS
Infinite sex appeal, James Bond-esque mystique and symphonic strings overflowed the crowd when The Last Shadow Puppets made their first Swedish visit in eight years. Though a bit woozy, Alex Turner moved majestically across the stage and with the enticing Miles Kane on his left, the duo left the crowd in awe.
Together they spawned both old and new material into world class tunes, proving they make songs that are meant to be experienced in the flesh. And with a little help from both a string quartet and members of glam-rock band Mini Mansions, the magic was enhanced.
“I’m totally wired”, Miles Kane crooned in their cover of The Falls ’82 hit. So are we, Miles. So are we.
JAMIE XX
Jamie xx and Way Out West seem to be in a growing relationship, and a beautiful one at that. Throughout the years, the humble producer has made his way from the festival’s smallest stage to its biggest.
During his set, Jamie xx combined elements of 80s house, funk and heavy guitars all while flicking through his portable vinyl collection. Let’s cherish the (possibly) last old school DJ of our time and grant him the world’s biggest stages, I say.
WHITNEY
Whitney, oh, Whitney. The only band to spill about getting drunk on Redbull Vodka and make it sound cool. Luckily they’re music is just as good as their alcohol talk. If not better.
In an interview that we did with the band during the festival (and that you will get your hands on very soon) they told us that the band is made up of seven best friends. And it shows. Whitney is a unity where each instrument lifts the others into greatness. That includes Julien Ehrlich’s celestial voice. Seeing them is like lying down on the forest ground, inhaling the magic of nature. That is as good of a grade as one can get.
Let’s not neglect the fact that some of Sweden’s most prominent musicians, including First Aid Kit and members of Peter, Bjorn and John, had made it to the band’s late night gig. Also a very good grade.
SEINABO SEY
Music is never as beautiful as when it comes with a message. When a soul genius takes a stand for the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as preaching self happiness, it can only result in magic. Seinabo Sey’s rich voice beautifully intertwined with the harmony of the orchestra, as she chanted her ever so moving lines. “Someone just told me to leave all my sorrow. If that is true, I don't know who to be”. I told you; magic.
HÖJDEN
New to the festival was Höjden, simply translated into “The height”. A scene located at the peak of the park where Way Out West is held, with the main purpose of creating intimate shows and bringing musicians and fans closer together.
When José Gonzáles took the stage the crowd were sat in the grass, conveying the feeling of being gathered around the camp fire — although Gonzáles was anything but the obnoxious guitar guy. A bit of sun and we all could have been part of the 'Moonrise Kingdom' cast. Fine, maybe not. But one can wish.
THE LIBERTINES’ LONG AWAITED RETURN TO SWEDEN
The Libertines were a bit late to their gig. 25 hours late, to be exact. Was it worth the wait? Yes. Pete and Carl took the stage in their iconic jackets and in the bat of an eye Way Out West was transcended into Camden Road and 2004 was just around the corner.
