SHAKY KNEES 2023: Preview, Guide, & Vote On Toughest Choices

The 2023 Shaky Knees Music Festival is almost upon us, and we are ready to celebrate the official 10th Year Anniversary of our favorite festival. By now, you probably have your tickets and we know the headliners (The Killers, Muse, and The Lumineers), the Late Night Shows, and official schedule. Now we can officially start planning our 2023 festival in Midtown Atlanta for what should be another stellar year of the fest.

This year Shaky Knees is taking place the first weekend in May, May 5-7th, and once again in Central Park in Midtown. Just like the last few iterations of Shaky at Central Park, there will be the same four stages: the largest stage with the headliners on the baseball field, Peachtree Stage and then next to it on the field above, the Piedmont Stage. On the other side of the festival grounds, a fairly easy walk, is the Ponce De Leon Stage under the canvass on the asphalt. Just above Ponce is the smallest stage in the shade of trees, the Criminal Records Stage. If you are looking to stay out of the sun, while being close to the stage, the Ponce/Criminal Records side is your side. Plus some of the wildest sets of the festival typically occur on these two stages, making it the place to be more times than not. But don’t fret if you have an affliction with the sun, there is plenty of shady spots where you can still enjoy the music on the other two stages. Or maybe try VIP, there’s more perks with those tickets.

*Update: This year’s festival map has been released with a few little changes. The Ponce Stage has been pushed further back, possibly off the asphalt onto grass. Maybe…which would be similar to the first year Shaky had the festival at Central Park, but that year there were actually two stages next to each other in that area. It’s unclear if the Ponce Stage will be under tent though like it has these last few years at Central Park.

The other major change to this year’s map, there will only be one entrance this year instead of the usual two. You will enter at 395 Piedmont Avenue over by the Civic Center and Box Office. This is on the side of the Criminal Records and Ponce Stages, so if you are trying to rush to catch a set at Peachtree or Piedmont, give a few extra minutes of walking. The good news is even though there is only one entrance, SK has promised more lanes and more mags than the fest had between the two entrances last year. So this shouldn’t add time to get into the fest. You may still exit onto North Avenue though, just no entrance.

For the majority of the Shaky Knees schedule, there will typically be two artists playing on each side of the festival grounds simultaneously: Peachtree/Criminal Records or Piedmont/Ponce stages, except for the headliners on the Peachtree Stage, no conflicts there. The schedule for each day is now out, so now we can start mapping out how we are going to jump around from stage to stage, and which sets to catch.

But before we do that, don’t forget to factor in the just announced Late Night Shows. Got a conflict in the Shaky schedule between two artists you really want to see? Maybe they are playing a Late Night show. These are separate tickets from the festival, occurring at venues around Atlanta (The Masquerade, Center Stage, Terminal West, and The EARL), so even if you aren’t going to the actual festival you can go to these shows. If you are going to the festival and want to maximize your festival experience, we highly recommend keeping it going at one of these Late Night Shows. Doors for most of these shows on Friday and Saturday open at 11pm, while some artists may not start till after midnight though, so prepare accordingly. Which Late Night Shows are on our radar? Check out our SHAKY KNEES 2023: Late Night Shows To Catch. A lot of these shows are already sold out, so if you want a ticket, get on it now.

Now let’s dive into the schedule of the actual festival. Which artists are up against who at each time slot? Which time slots do we see as the toughest choices? What are our picks to catch for each slot? More importantly, who are you planning to catch at each slot. We will give you our thoughts, you vote for yours.

Here’s how we are doing it: we give our pick, and then a confidence level on the pick of 1-5, 1 being “could really go either way”, 2 and 3 being a sliding scale of not feeling to strongly about the pick, to 4 being “damn I’d really really love to see the other artist also but have to see this pick”, to 5 being “no doubt, this is where to be”. It’s pretty much a scientific scale, so here we go.

FRIDAY, MAY 5TH – SHAKY KNEES 2023 DAY 1

MATT MALTESE or MOM ROCK

OE’S PICK: MOM ROCK

Indie pop/rock with a little chamber pop from Canadian singer/songwriter Matt Maltese or Austin power pop/alt rockers Mom Rock who were crowned Rolling Stone’s 2022 Hot Band.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 1

CHARLOTTE SANDS or ARLIE

OE’S PICK: ARLIE

Pop punk alt-pop songwriter Charlotte Sands or rising indie pop band Arlie. Toss up.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 1

LOVEJOY or GRINGO STAR

OE’S PICK: GRINGO STAR

The “only indie rock band with a double kick pedal”, Lovejoy out of Brighton, or beloved locals Gringo Star. While they may be from Atlanta, Gringo Star’s indie rock band brings plenty of British Invasion rock to their garage/psych sounds.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 5

SPACEY JANE or COPELAND

OE’S PICK: SPACEY JANE

Out of Fremantle in Western Australia, Spacey Jane has been blowing up on that side of the world since their 2020 debut album. Now the indie rock band brings their festival ready music to take the states by storm. Or maybe moody, emo/alt rock stalwarts Copeland is the move.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 5

CAUTIOUS CLAY or ILLUMINATI HOTTIES

OE’S PICK: ILLUMINATI HOTTIES

There’s the smooth sounds of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cautious Clay who fuses R&B, hip-hop and indie pop or LA indie rock punks Illuminati Hotties, led by the stellar Sarah Tudzin. Going with the hype set by the Illuminati Hotties.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 4

SURF CURSE or DIGABLE PLANETS

OE’S PICK: DIGABLE PLANETS

*OE Toughest Choice – Honestly this shouldn’t be that tough of a choice. Digable Planets coming together to perform Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space), their seminal debut album released in 1993 at Shaky Knees? When “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” comes on, damn, it’s going to feel right in every way with this influential old school hip hop at our favorite rock fest. But Surf Curse has got something worth catching also. Riding the wave of a song they wrote as 18 year olds in 2011 that really blew up in 2020, garnering millions upon millions of streams, “Freaks” is a really good punk/surf rock song. We already know the band is damn good live, but they’ve capitalized on that success since with new music that also quickly caught on to the streaming sites. It should be a really fun afternoon set on the Piedmont Stage, but….Digable Planets is going to have to be the move on this one..

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 4

GROUPLOVE or BE YOUR OWN PET

OE’S PICK: GROUPLOVE

*OE Toughest Choice – Grouplove’s electro indie pop has been rocking audiences since at least 2011. We KNOW they put on a fun and energetic set, we even seen it at past Shaky Knees. Plus the band is practically local to Atlanta at this point. Double bonus. Then there is also early 2000’s critical darlings Be Your Own Pet that recently reunited for a run of shows. The Nashville garage punks only released two albums, but their music left a lasting influence many artists these days. Tough choice that you really can’t go wrong with.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 3

MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA or PLACEBO

OE’S PICK: MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 5

No doubt here. Sure Placebo has made a mark in rock history, but we are talking about Manchester Orchestra who also have a long storied career at this point, while also clearly still being at the top of their game. And oh yeah, Atlanta claims this band, one of the best bands going right now. Not only was 2021’s The Million Mask of God one of the year’s best albums, but they’ve also released a stellar EP, The Valley Of Vision, a little departure from their normal rocking formula, but still Andy Hull doing Andy Hull things. Either way, Manchester Orchestra is a live band first, and with six plus albums of beloved songs to pull from, this is a can’t miss set.

GRETA VAN FLEET or PEACHES

OE’S PICK: PEACHES

When Greta Van Fleet played Shaky Knees in 2018, they were just then really starting to blow up. Now they are more than on their way to being one of the biggest rock bands in the world, just like they said they wanted to do in 2018. The live show then was pretty tight, now they are grizzled vets and should put on a heck of a live show. But we’ve heard that record before somewhere. Want something different, sexually charged, outrageous, and liberating, look no further than the icon herself, Peaches. Prepare for a show.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 4

YEAH YEAH YEAHS or CYPRESS HILL

OE’S PICK: YEAH YEAH YEAHS

Cypress Hill performing Black Sunday should absolutely be Insane in the Brain, but it’s the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Karen O. Can’t miss this. Not only are they indie rock legends at this point since their early 2000’s start, but last year they also released Cool It Down, their fifth album overall and first since 2013. It wasn’t just new music from the band, it was easily one of the year’s best, showing the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are still on top of the game, and those songs should make for a magical set.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 5

SATURDAY, MAY 6TH – SHAKY KNEES 2023 DAY 2

TANUKICHAN or DAISY THE GREAT

OE’S PICK: TANUKICHAN

Tanukichan just released her sophomore album GIZMO, showing the San Fran band to be a rising indie pop artist with a dreamy sound which should make for a great early set. Or if you want to take your early indie pop sounds up a notch with a little more energetic beats, head on over to the Ponce stage for Brooklyn’s Daisy the Great.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 5

OLIVIA JEAN or ME ND ADAM

OE’S PICK: OLIVIA JEAN

Jack White proposed to, and then married Olivia Jean onstage last year. Need I say more? She also rocks mixing everything from surf, punk, girl group harmonies and just pure rock ‘n’ roll. Or head over to the Criminal Records stage for Austin duo Me Nd Adam’s lively uplifting party rock.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 4

CAFUNÉ or RICKSHAW BILLIE’S BURGER PATROL

OE’S PICK: RICKSHAW BILLIE’S BURGER PATROL

TikTok sensations Cafuné should get the crowd moving with a danceable indie pop sound. But maybe you are looking for something a little louder, you know the kind of set that may bust eardrums. Hello to the fuzzed out rockers out of Austin, Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 4

BEACH WEATHER or SUNFLOWER BEAN

OE’S PICK: SUNFLOWER BEAN

It’s all pineapples, sex, drugs, etc. for Beach Weather. The alt rock band out of Massachusetts, recently released their full length debut album, and have been blowing up the last few years. Then there is Sunflower Bean, which seems like yesterday they were the hot up and coming indie darlings out of the NYC. Last year Sunflower Bean released their third full length, as they continue to explore and hit on their expanded indie rock sound. Pop, punk, psych, glam, Sunflower Bean pulls from it all and should put on a stellar Shaky Knees set.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 5

WILDERADO or SHAME

OE’S PICK: SHAME

This is the Idles set of the 2023 Shaky Knees, since Idles isn’t playing this year. But if you hit those sets at past Shakys, you know what I mean. Shame though, isn’t just another punk / post punk band out of London, another Idles, they are their own force. They’ve continued their exploration of all sides of rock music on their just released album Food for Worms, which is sure to land on everyone’s end of year lists. Really good. Can’t miss set. Or maybe you are looking for something a little less forceful, a little more good time vibes, then Wilderado has you on the Piedmont Stage.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 5

SUKI WATERHOUSE or HEARTLESS BASTARDS

OE’S PICK: HEARTLESS BASTARDS

*OE Toughest Choice – Honestly at first look this seemed pretty obvious. Suki Waterhouse played Shaky Knees in 2021, so done that already. She was good, really good sound. Now the model/actress has released her debut full length album via Sub Pop in 2022, and she has continued to release singles since. Just listen to her late 2022 single “Nostalgia” for how engulfing her music can be. That song certainly was when I saw her open for Father John Misty late last year. Suki Waterhouse is not only playing in a giant classic rock band on TV (Daisy Jones & The Six), but she’s also working towards making that happen in real life. Then there is my initial pick, Heartless Bastards. The blues/garage rock band has garnered plenty of accolades since releasing their debut in 2004, with their sixth album coming in 2021, and showing the band still in top form. Yet it never seems like they totally get their due for how great of a band they’ve been. Frontwoman Erika Wennerstrom is one of the best, and the power of their songs can’t be denied while rocking the live crowds. Tough choice here and not a wrong pick honestly.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 1

FUTUREBIRDS or JOEY VALENCE & BRAE

OE’S PICK: FUTUREBIRDS

Futurebirds have long been one of Athens, Georgia’s best, rocking stage around the country including all the fests. Time to add Shaky Knees to their list. The birds will fly high on this afternoon as these country boys know how destroy a live show with their cosmic space rock. Or you could go to the opposite spectrum with the indie hip-hop of Joey Valence & Brae. While they have been blowing up lately, they still have yet to release their debut full length, yet it’s that modernized throwback sound to 80s/early 90s hip hop that has struck a nerve. Little bit of Beastie Boys in there, so that should also be a good set.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 5

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM or BABE RAINBOW

OE’S PICK: BABE RAINBOW

New Jersey’s own punk folk rockers The Gaslight Anthem led by Brian Fallon have officially reunited and are working on new music, which should make for an exciting set on the Peachtree Stage. But I’m going surfing at the Criminal Records stage with Babe Rainbow who is bringing the good vibes all the way from Australia. Babe Rainbow brings world music influences to their stoner pop topped by neo-psych and just know how to put on a good show with their smooth sounds.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 5

311 or THE FRONT BOTTOMS

OE’S PICK: 311

Enjoy the 90’s nostalgia with 311, or rock out with emo folk punk of New Jersey’s The Front Bottoms. Could go either way on this one, but I’m thinking 311 could be good as the fest it’s the golden hour….

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 2

THE MARS VOLTA or SOCCER MOMMY

OE’S PICK: SOCCER MOMMY

Honestly this isn’t an easy choice. If you love concept albums, experimental progressive rock, energetic live sets, and Omar Rodríguez-López, well you have see the reunited The Mars Volta. Damn, did I just change my vote? Then there is Sophie Allison, aka Soccer Mommy, who’s been a buzzed about singer songwriter in the indiespheres the last few years. Not only is the Nashville product a great songwriter, she can hit on everything from indie pop that will get you moving or fuzzed out rock.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 3

TENACIOUS D or PHANTOGRAM

OE’S PICK: TENACIOUS D

*OE Toughest Choice – This is an easy one right? Tenacious D all the way. Really even if you don’t care for the music, you want to see Jack Black and Kyle Gass. Why wouldn’t you? But oh yeah, technically, these dudes can f***king play, this ain’t no gimmick. And yes, these dudes put on a hell of a show, see SK18. But then again, it does suck that Phantogram is at the same time. This pop duo was all the indie pop rage back in the day, eventually graduating out of their indiehood into the big time. And no, I don’t mean that in a negative way, they grew and made it the right way. Honestly it should be a pretty magical 8:30pm set. But also Tenacious D.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 4

SUNDAY, MAY 7TH – SHAKY KNEES 2023 DAY 3

SONGS FOR KIDS or ANNA KRAMER & EASY NOW

OE’S PICK: BOTH

This one really isn’t about the voting. Just pointing out here that Songs For Kids start each day of Shaky Knees on the Peachtree stage, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see your favorite musician from the fest joining them on stage. You should get there early and support this great non-profit. Sunday is the only day another stage has an artist up and starting at the same time as songs for kids. On the Criminal Records Stage Sunday morning is a local Atlanta artist you should catch: Anna Kramer & Easy Now. You may know Anna from her solo work, or her multiple other bands including Shantih Shantih and Nikki & The Phantom Callers. She should put on a great early set.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 1

WATER FROM YOUR EYES or TRASH PANDA

OE’S PICK: WATER FROM YOUR EYES

You really can’t go wrong for this early set. There’s Brooklyn indie pop duo Water From Your Eyes, who’s brand of weirdo pop with their tongue-in-cheek humor will have you dancing. Or you could hit the Ponce stage for Trash Panda, a local Atlanta band that’s been on the up and up since releasing their debut EP in 2016 and album in 2018. Hitting everything from neopsych to pop to party rock, Trash Panda’s indie rock should be a soulful set that will have the crowd singing along.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 1

PUMA BLUE or NRCSSST 

OE’S PICK: NRCSSST 

Another early set you can’t really go wrong with. Currently based between London & Atlanta, Puma Blue is the alias of singer/songwriter & producer Jacob Allen, who blew up in London, and now worldwide for his falsetto, sensual grooves and haunting ambience. Or there is Taipei Houston, featuring Myles and Layne Ulrich. You might have heard of their dad Lars? It should be a great set for the band that released their debut album in November.

*UPDATE: Taipei Houston had to drop out and has been replaced by Atlanta’s own NRCSSST, the brainchild of Stephanie Luke, from The Coathangers, and Dan Dixon of PLS PLS/Dropsonic. NRCSSST brings a synthy punk sound that should resonate well at Shaky Knees and put on one hell of a set.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 1

SUN ROOM or THE RIES BROTHERS

OE’S PICK: SUN ROOM

Originally a quarantine project, So-Cal’s own Sun Room is now set to rock the Shaky Knees stage. Having only released a few EPs and singles, the first genre label you usually see mentioned is surf rock, but it’s really not just that, bringing in a myriad of rock influences. Garage rock or whatever you want to call it, this should be a great set from rising Cali band. Or you could go for something a little more poignant from singer/songwriter Wunderhorse. While Wunderhorse is newer to the scene with one album, Jacob Slater isn’t new to the stage having previously fronted a hot young London post punk band on the verge of blowing up, Dead Pretties. Then Slater was known for his wild performances on stage, but the band disbanded after only a few singles. Now he’s gone completely opposite with Wunderhorse and these songs about youthful emotions, but still he knows how to work the stage…

*UPDATE: Wunderhorse had to drop out and has been replaced by The Ries Brothers from Tampa, Florida. The duo brings a blend of rock, blues, funk, and reggae

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 5

SNAIL MAIL or OFF!

OE’S PICK: SNAIL MAIL

Really this timeslot is about two total opposites, depending on what you are in the mood for. Lindsey Jordan, aka Snail Mail, has been getting a ton of indie buzz since released her debut as a seventeen year old in 2018. Since then she has released another full length in 2021, with more of her beautiful, striking lyrics over her indie pop sound, and has a huge loving fanbase. Or if you are ready to get a little wild, head on over to the Criminal Records Stage for hardcore punk supergroup Off! who released their first new album last year since 2014. There really isn’t a wrong answer here.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 1

LIVE or POND

OE’S PICK: POND

Sure I’d love to join you in your 90’s nostalgia with Live. Lightning Crashes and all that would be pretty cool. But if you saw Pond previously at Shaky Knees (2017), you already know why they are the pick. That set at the little amphitheater at Centennial Park still sticks out as one the favorite SK sets ever. Frontman Nicholas Allbrook was on fire, and I’m here for every moment of it. Plus Pond is making the trek from Australia, so it’s not like we get to see them every year. And as you may know, the members of Pond are regular touring members of Tame Impala, so expect the psych pop production to be on point.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 5

FUTURE ISLANDS or THE AQUADOLLS

OE’S PICK: FUTURE ISLANDS

When Future Islands comes to town, you go see them. No questions, just do it. Frontman Samuel T. Herring is one of the best in the business and leaves every ounce of emotion and energy he’s got on that stage. Synth pop at it’s finest with a growl like no other. Or you could hit the Criminal Records stage for Cali’s The Aquadolls, though no offense to them, it was going to be Future Islands no matter who else was playing.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 5

FATHER JOHN MISTY or THE BLACK ANGELS

OE’S PICK: FATHER JOHN MISTY

*OE Toughest Choice – This timeslot hurts a little. Father John Misty is another one of those, if he is in town, you go see him live, no questions. Did that back in October in fact, and yes Josh Tillman is still at his crooning best. In fact, at the time, I said if FJM was playing in my city the next two weeks, I’d go see every single show, so this set can’t get here soon enough. No one does it like Father John Misty. The Black Angels though aren’t far off either though. These psych rock gods have done it previously at Shaky Knees and continue to put on a hell of a show every single time. So yeah, these two sets need to be spread out, must see both. Sad face emoji.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 4

HOZIER or FIDLAR

OE’S PICK: FIDLAR

Here’s two polar opposites. You can go to church with Hozier, or get wild with punk/garage rockers Fidlar. Thinking wild may be the move here.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 4

THE FLAMING LIPS or THE WALKMEN

OE’S PICK: THE FLAMING LIPS

*OE Toughest Choice – Another timeslot that just isn’t right. While The Walkmen reunion would be an easy choice against most of the lineup, The Flaming Lips are playing Shaky Knees for the first time. And not only that, they performing their beloved album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots for what should be a very special Shaky Knees set. Can’t wait to see the stage setup. That The Walkmen Late Night Show at Terminal West on Saturday night is sounding pretty good to fix this problem.

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 4

THE HEADLINERS

THE KILLERS or MUSE or THE LUMINEERS

OE’S PICK: THE KILLERS

Which headliner will rule this Shaky Knees Fest? The Killers have never played SK, and neither have Muse. They both should also have a hell of a production set up to blow the minds of SK. Then on Sunday, you have folk heroes The Lumineers making their way back to Shaky Knees since the very first iteration of SK back at Masquerade Music Park. Ah, that cold cold rain during that set….

Confidence Level (Scale 1-5): 1

THE FOOD

Relive last year’s Shaky Knees Fest with our 2022 coverage before hitting this year’s fest!

*Check out our SHAKY KNEES 2022: The Friday Edition – Day 1 Review here

*Check out our SHAKY KNEES 2022: Friday, Day 1 Photo Galleries here

*Check out our SHAKY KNEES 2022: The Saturday Edition – Day 2 Review here

*Check out our SHAKY KNEES 2022: Saturday, Day 2 Photo Galleries here

*Check out our SHAKY KNEES 2022: The Sunday Edition – Day 3 Review here

*Check out our SHAKY KNEES 2022: Sunday, Day 3 Photo Galleries here

*Check out our SHAKY KNEES 2022: From The Photog – Top 14 Sets here