7 ARTISTS WE'RE EXCITED TO SEE AT OUTSIDE LANDS


by william smith

Outside Lands Music Festival is returning to San Francisco this year with a star-studded lineup featuring some of the greatest musicians of our generation, including Doja Cat, Tyler, The Creator, Hozier, Glass Animals, and many more. As the festival approaches in just a few months, here are some of the performers we’re excited to see take the stage.

Naomi Sharon:

Naomi, born and raised in Rotterdam, infuses her music with a nostalgic old-school vibe while proudly embracing her Caribbean Dutch heritage. Now signed to the OVO label and fresh off a tour with the sensational Caribbean artist Tems, I eagerly anticipate hearing her sultry sound on stage.

Bakar:

UK artist, Bakar, has been making some waves in the indie/alternative rock and R&B music scene throughout the years. His smash hit, “Hell N Back,” earned him a platinum certification and a smooth soulful feature from popular R&B artist, Summer Walker, on the remix of the song. With his eclectic and timeless sound, I know he will no doubt bring the vibes on his set.

BigXthaPlug:

With Dallas in his veins, BigXThaPlug is making significant waves in the hip-hop and rap scene. Recently, he even ventured into the country music genre with his collaborative song “All The Way,” featuring country singer Bailey Zimmerman. His powerful vocal delivery and impactful lyrics in tracks like “Tha Largest” and “Levels” are sure to energize the crowd.

Thundercat:

Los Angeles native Thundercat has been creating music that transcends time by blending elements of funk, soul, R&B, dance, and hip-hop. With popular songs like “Funny Things” and “Them Changes,” he showcases vocal talent and instrumentation that truly embody the essence of funk. Accompanied by his exceptional band, they deliver a magical, electrifying, and groovy experience that is a must-see in person.

Doechii:

The “Swamp Princess,” also known as Doechii, is set to bring the Florida heat to Outside Lands stage this year, and we couldn’t be more excited. Recently, Doechii’s career has been flourishing; she won her first Grammy for her critically acclaimed mixtape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” She delivered an unforgettable performance at the Grammy Awards and has made her mark as a fashion icon at both Fashion Week and the Met Gala. With hard-hitting lyrics, genre-bending music, and a flow and voice that keep audiences engaged, we can’t wait to see how she brings that swamp energy to the crowd this year.

Gessafelstein:

French producer and DJ, Gesaffelstein, has been pushing the boundaries of techno for years. His dark, surreal, and electrifying productions have established him as a significant force in music, collaborating with some of the biggest artists of our generation, such as The Weeknd and Lady Gaga. With larger-than-life soundscapes that feel like a fever dream, audiences can expect to be immersed in a magical trance as his set fills the space with sound.

Tyler, The Creator:

The renowned musical and fashion icon has consistently exceeded expectations in both his music and creative endeavors. Recently, he released his eighth critically acclaimed album, Chromakopia, which has dominated the charts. Now on his Chromakopia World Tour, Tyler brings a powerful and captivating energy to the stage that improves with each performance. Audiences can be assured of an unforgettable powerhouse performance whenever he steps onto the stage.

To see the other amazing performers that will be featured at this years festival and where to get tickets, visit sfoutsidelands.com.

 

OWEN COLEMAN: INTERVIEW


by kristen case

photo courtesy of owen coleman

The LA based singer-songwriter Owen Coleman blends the raw energy of classic rock hits with the melodic punch of modern pop-rock music. His voice, bright, powerful, and unmistakably his, cuts through guitar driven hooks and cinematic production to deliver songs that feel both timeless and immediate. Owen Coleman is now stepping into a new era with his newest single “Heaven's Jealous” leaning into the rawness that comes with falling in love unexpectedly. Owen discusses the creative process of “Heaven's Jealous,” balancing the evolution of your artistry, and shares what's next on the horizon. 

Congratulations on “Heaven's Jealous!” What was the creative process like and what emotions were drawn to you while working on the song? 

Owen: “Thank you so much! This song idea came to me after being stuck in a writing rut for months. I’ve been making music for years and have dealt with the occasional writer’s block, but this lasted way too long. I stumbled upon this book by Rick Ruben, and he talks about how artists are antennae for creative thought. In other words, the human is a receiver for the universe’s ideas if they simply surrender to the flow and let the idea come to them. Once I unsubscribed to the belief that I’m in control, and I simply wrote whatever was in my head without overcomplicating it, I broke free of this writing rut and got back to what makes me, me. In terms of emotions while writing it, I’d say euphoria. It felt amazing to break through that spell and make something that felt meaningful to me.”

What's the story behind “Heaven's Jealous?” 

Owen: “This song is about falling in love when you least expect it. Most of my previous material has followed themes such as loneliness and nostalgia. ‘Heaven’s Jealous’ is actually one of the first ‘love’ songs I’ve released, which has been a nice change of pace in my opinion. It’s very silly, but in the past I’ve felt a bit cheesy when it comes to making love songs. I’m glad I no longer have that feeling. Love is the most powerful emotion and we all experience love in different ways. It makes sense to write about that feeling, and I plan to follow that theme further.”

When it comes to sound selection, and production of “Heaven's Jealous” it's very easy to tell that you were involved in every decision because of how carefully crafted the song is. What was the process for sound selection like, and did you ever have a specific vision for what you wanted the song to sound like? 

Owen: “On my debut album, Nowhere To Be Found, I really drowned every song in a bunch of different layers. I was drawn to a ton of different bands when I wrote that album and got a little in over my head on a few tracks. This time around, I’m straying away from creating songs that have too much going on. So, in ‘Heaven’s Jealous’ I confined myself to three instruments (guitar, bass, drums) and obviously, my voice. This allowed me to lean into the rawness and energy of the song, which is something bands like Oasis and The Beatles really perfected. They could create songs with just a few instruments, but you felt the energy they were emitting. That was the goal here.”

How have you grown through the process of creating “Heaven's Jealous?”

Owen: “I feel like I’ve grown a lot! This was the first song I’ve released in about a year, and it feels like the start of a new era for me. I am very fond of my debut album, but this new stuff I’m working on feels like the most authentic I’ve been lyrically and sonically. Writing this song felt like a breakthrough for me, I hope that doesn’t sound conceited or anything. I just feel like after being in such a rut for a while, this process allowed me to feel like myself again.”

As your personal style and music career have grown over time, how do you balance the evolution of your artistry while staying true to yourself? 

Owen: “That’s a fantastic question. I used to always be in desperation to find a ‘thing.’ Like, maybe my thing was being a mix of Harry Styles and Fall Out Boy. Or maybe I should be like The Beatles but if they were emo. It makes me laugh reminiscing on how I used to complicate things like that. The answer is simple, being authentic to yourself at all times is how you become the best artist you can be. It isn’t something you have to think about very hard. Your music is a reflection of your soul. So if you stay true to yourself, the art you create will be exactly what you’ve been trying to nail down all along.”

Drop a favorite line/set of lines you wrote in “Heaven's Jealous.” Why do you resonate with it? 

Owen:‘You’re lost in a motion cause love’s like an ocean. Deeper and deeper and if we drown, it’d still be worth it somehow’ is a line that stands out for me. When I first moved to LA, I had zero plans of being in a serious relationship. I didn’t think I had the bandwidth to support a person emotionally when my spirit was following my dream of music. But I got lucky, I found somebody who I fell deeply in love with, and it all happened so fast. Being in love for the first time feels like you’re drowning, but in the best way possible.”

What's the unusual place you have found inspiration for a song? 

Owen: “Whenever I come home from a trip, I always write a song that feels fresh. I believe traveling and experiencing new places has an effect on us as artists, or any creative person at that. Even going for a walk and paying attention to the little things on my path fills me with inspiration. As I’ve gotten older I’ve recognized that the more places I go and the more things I do, the better art I create.”

If you could only bring three records to a desert island what would they be?

Owen: “I love this question. My answer for this would literally change depending on what day you ask me. I would have to say The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance, Time by ELO, and Led Zeppelin IV. These are three of my favorite records of all time. Each album has its own personality and flavor. I love MCR and I never get tired of their emotionally impactful material. Time is my favorite album of ELO’s because of the time travel themes and production. Lastly, I had to choose Zeppelin 4 because top to bottom it’s filled with incredible songs that I could listen to for all time. If I had the luxury of bringing a fourth album to this island, it would be The Wall by Pink Floyd because Roger Waters is a genius and David Gilmour is my favorite guitar player hands down.”

What are you most proud of upon the release? 

Owen: “I’m proud that I wrote something that feels more authentic than ever. I’m also proud of the fact that I got over that silly fear of being cheesy by releasing a love song. Love is so powerful and if anything this song has taught me to share more of my experiences pertaining to that theme.”

Lastly, are there any upcoming projects or events that fans should know about?

Owen: “I haven’t performed live in so long. I’m working on finding the right members for my band before I start playing shows again, but you can expect an LA date later this year for sure. I’m also working on more music and I’ll have another single out soon. It’s called ‘Hello Old Friend’ and it’ll be out this summer.”

 

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KHATUMU: INTERVIEW


by kaylee pickens

photo courtesy of khatumu

Looking for new music to fall in love with? Well, look no further. Khatumu (cuh-to-moo) is reimagining music one track at a time. After graduating from Yale in 2024, the rising artist made her transition to LA with several releases in tow. With tracks like, “fire drill,” Khatumu is proof that incredible lyricism is more prevalent than ever — and that it’s okay to be in your feels. The New Jersey-native gets candid about her relationship with social media and preparation for tour. In an interview with Unclear, we sat down with the singer-songwriter to talk about the birth of her artistry, new EP, and much more.

What did the birth of Khatumu look like for you as an artist?

Khatumu: “When I first started my artist project, it was, like, it was birthed, if you will, in my bedroom, and me and four walls and a guitar. I had produced all the stuff myself and, like, my logic project and all that, and now it really has become more about the community of people around me. Which also has myself sort of at the center of that, but, I think that my artist project now is something that feels although there are more people included in it, it feels like more like home and that I have that, like, my friends playing on my songs now, my friends helping me edit my songs. Like, I've created a world for myself, you know, photos and sort of like this also visual imagery alongside the audio art.”

What does this current era of artistry look like to you?

Khatumu: “I’ve been loving the banjo. I call my music electrified folk music. I think that's a really fun way to describe it.

I was in a folk band in college, and I think a lot of my music draws inspiration from that, especially since that was one of my first introductions to music collaboration. And so a lot of the stuff, a lot of the lyrics, also deal with me sort of trying to figure out young adult life as we all do, especially post grad. I'm just having fun.”

What was the creative process like for “fire drill?”

Khatumu: “It was very fun. That was one of the first songs that I wrote after coming to LA. I remember ‘fire drill’ was one of the first ones I wrote on the EP. Walking into the room and it was: the producer, his manager, manager had his dog, and you can hear the dog running around in the back of the song. It's funny. It was one of my first times doing a proper session in LA.”

You’re opening for Mae Martin in June, how are you preparing for it?

Khatumu: “You know what's funny is I don't really have any formal training on singing. My preparation is, like, I just sort of pull up. I’m just gonna live my life as vocal training. And try not to be egregious and scream.”

How would you describe yourself to someone who’s never met you?

Khatumu: “I would say I love telling stories. Even as a kid, I would always be the person at the sleepover, workshopping some sh***y ghost story that people either hated or they loved... I would say I'm a storyteller.

I would also say, I don't take myself too seriously. I wish that I had heard someone else say what I'm saying when I was younger. Just because it probably would have helped me not feel crazy.

I'm a friend. And also from New Jersey. I can't escape that.”

How do you navigate the pressures of social media and prioritize your mental health?

Khatumu: “The way that I approach social media — I make this analogy to one of my friends. I have a lot of friends in grad school right now. I approach social media almost like homework for grad school. Like, I feel like I'm doing a grad program right now, and the grad program is me making the music, and I'm working my side job to support my rent. And the TikToks are just sort of the daily reading that I have to do, you know? I post my thing and I leave, and I don't linger, and I go outside, you know? A lot of the momentum I've had is from people showing up for me via social media. And that ebbs and flows, I think in really, really drastic ways, which I think can be another impetus for mental health.”

What are your thoughts towards collaborating with fans on merch designs through Softside?

Khatumu: “Oh, what are my thoughts on that? My thoughts are I think it's the coolest thing literally ever. I think that's such an awesome way to collaborate with an artist. I remember, I posted about this on Instagram once, and there was a girl there who was underage [and couldn’t attend the show]. I met a few of my fans in a park that were all under 21 and I received this orange sweater. It had stitched cowboy boots on it, and my name, and it was literally the coolest thing ever.”

Anything else you’d like to share?

Khatumu: “I personally think that the EP is really worthwhile, especially for people who feel like they're going through transition periods of their life. The title of the EP is Free Therapy. I think it would have really helped me a few years ago. And so, maybe there's someone that would help. Maybe more than someone.”

 

FIND KHATUMU ONLINE

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SOUNDSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS


by chantel malin

Soundside Music Festival will return to Bridgeport, Connecticut, for its fourth year on September 27 - 28, 2025. Since its inception in 2022, the festival has made waves as Connecticut’s largest annual music festival, and has turned Fairfield County into a destination for touring acts of all sizes. Taking place at Seaside Park alongside the namesake Long Island Sound, the festival has hosted upwards of 30,000 fans in past years — and with this year’s bombshell lineup, 2025 is sure to be just as successful.

Headlining on Saturday are international touring artists The Killers and Weezer (including Connecticut’s own Rivers Cuomo!); Sunday will feature everyone’s favorite Irishman Hozier as well as East Coast heroes Vampire Weekend. A few of the other 16 artists to hit the stage include Djo, the musical project of Joe Keerey of Stranger Things fame; rapidly-ascending British rockers The Last Dinner Party; Westport native Chelsea Cutler; as well as Japanese Breakfast, Inhaler, Gigi Perez, Remi Wolf, Rachel Chinouriri, and more.

Tickets are already on sale with layaway plans starting at just $25 for a weekend pass. Prices range from $170 - $455 for single day passes and $255 - $805 for two-day passes. Ticket options include regular GA, GA+, elevated bleachers siting, and luxury VIP packages. Discounts are available for military, first responders, medical services, and educators, as well as for residents of Bridgeport (zip codes 06604 - 06610). The festival layout will include just one stage, meaning there will be no set conflicts, allowing attendees to see every single artist on the lineup if they so choose.

Tickets are sure to go quickly; get in the know and purchase your own at soundsitemusicfestival.com and make sure to follow their Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date! 

Get familiar with the lineup with the festival’s official playlist.

 

GET READY FOR HIGH WATER FESTIVAL


by joanna barronton

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at High Water Festival, happening April 26th and 27th! This epic event will transform North Charleston’s Riverfront Park into a vibrant hub of music, art, and energy, where artists and music lovers unite for two days packed with non-stop dancing, singing, and pure joy. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic — it’s going to be an unforgettable experience!

With an eclectic lineup featuring the likes of Lord Huron, The Backseat Lovers, Arcade Fire, Easy Honey, Gigi Perez, and flipturn, this weekend promises a sonic journey like no other. From indie anthems to fresh new sounds, get ready for a soundtrack that’ll keep your heart racing and your feet moving all weekend long! 

High Water’s Beyond the Music experience offers more than just killer tunes — it’s a vibe all its own. For the 21+ crowd, there are plenty of refreshing drink stations to keep the spirits high, plus engaging activities where you can score fun prizes. And don’t miss the booth for The Green Heart Project, a heartwarming initiative that cultivates garden-based experiential learning to teach students and the community about growing food and connecting with the earth. It's all about good music, good vibes, and giving back!

High Water Fest is set to light up Charleston this weekend with unbeatable energy, unforgettable performances, and nonstop fun! It’s the ultimate celebration of music, community, and good vibes — so grab your crew and don’t miss out on one of the most exciting events of the season!