Yep, everyone’s been hanging out in Brooklyn without you: but this time it’ll be for the Northside Festival, New York’s 400-band-strong indie spectacle. You can see new headliners like the explosive noise pop pair Sleigh Bells and Zola Jesus (think Florence And The Machine with a techno feel). Or perhaps syrupy-slow rock duo Best Coast is more your speed, or Heems (known for being in Das Racist, should also be known for cunning videos like “Sometimes” and “Soup Boys”). Fellow headliners Run The Jewels, featuring El-P and Killer Mike’s Atlanta hip-hop sound, and The Very Best, a Malawi-influenced pop group, will also be coming to New York. Some of the bands require a festival pass for their shows, but plenty of free performances will also be held at McCarren Park.
Northside’s also big on audience participation—this year’s film lineup will now be entirely user-submitted. The website is also accepting submissions for its Williamsburg art walk tradition, covering Bedford Avenue with accepted exhibitors.
Additionally, speakers like Tina Roth Eisenberg of Switzerland design company Swissmiss and Zoe Chase of This American Life will be in attendance.
Go anytime between June 8-14 (for just music, June 11-14) if you’re looking for a less mainstream Coachella, hopefully with less flower crowns.
