(Photo Credit: Patrick McGettigan)
This weekend thousands gathered in Ozark, Arkansas in anticipation for the summer kick off Wakarusa music festival. With a line up that included a wide variety of artists from progressive bluegrass experts, Railroad Earth to electronic music artist Pretty Lights, the weekend was sure not to disappoint. As this year was my second go-round at Waka, one of my favorite aspects of this festival is the incredible late night set dedication it has. Every night there is music until the sun comes up, guaranteed to satisfy anybody and everybody on the after party train.
Friday night’s late night set surely did not fall short. My first stop was funky electro rock duo Ghostland Observatory in the Revival Tent. With one of the most impressive light shows around, I knew that we were certainly in for a treat. Mesmerizing lasers on cue to every beat and energy oozing off the stage made this one of the best performances at this year’s festival. A crowd favorite and highlight of the night was the rendition of “Sad, Sad, City”, which had every fan belting out lyrics while simultaneously breaking down some serious dance moves. If Ghostland’s unique Mars Volta meets Daft Punk sound doesn’t entice you, be sure to check out one of their live shows. I guarantee you the multiple laser light show will leave you hypnotized, and the stage presence will blow you away.
It took a lot to leave Ghostland's show, but a short walk away on the Outpost Stage west coast producer Tigran Mimosa was throwing down some bass heavy jams. Within five minutes of walking up to this tent, I ran into a super pumped fan screaming “I just wanna FUCK this SOUND!” Yes! Now I'm thinking shit is about to get dirty on the dance floor. It goes without question that Mimosa takes the cake on having the sexiest set at Wakarusa. He also demonstrated why so many different people with various music tastes can get down to his music. His versatility as an artist shined through with melodic dance tunes dosed with 808 drum beats, hip-hop influence, and just the perfect hint (without the overkill!) of wompy dubstep. This steamy combination had the earth bouncing and everyone grinding up on it. The set complimented his latest album Sanctuary very nicely, and also featured remixes of Khia’s “My Neck, My Back” and the Waka favorite, “Hard in Da Paint” by none other than Waka Flocka Flame. Another crowd favorite and highlight was a Mimosa original, “Drippin” off of the album Silver Lining.
This was my second time seeing Ghostland Observatory and Mimosa, and after this time, as I'm lying in my tent, sun already risen and birds chirping, I'm left with the same feelings. Holy shit that was so much fun! These guys really know how to entertain and throw a party. The combination of both of these acts as part of Friday night's late night sets added to my second great Waka experience, and left me pumped for the rest of the weekend. Even better, if you didn't get a chance to catch them together at Wakarusa, Ghostland and Mimosa have teamed up to play at the infamous Red Rocks Amphitheater next Friday, June 15th.