Shaky Knees Music Festival is back for the 11th year with the 2024 edition almost upon us! The lineup has been out, the location confirmed back at Central Park in Atlanta, and now both the schedule and the Late Night Shows have been announced, leaving only one thing to do: it’s time to start planning out each day.
Like the past couple of years, the 2024 Shaky Knees Music Festival will feature 4 stages with only 2 stages going at a time (mostly) on opposite sides of the festival grounds. There is the Peachtree and Piedmont stages on one side, and the Ponce de Leon and Criminal Records stages on the other side. So it will pretty much be an artist on Peachtree and Criminal Records stage at a time, and then an artist at Piedmont and Ponce the other times. The headliners perform alone each night on the Peachtree Stage, while each day is kicked off by Songs For Kids Foundation on that stage, a worthy cause to get there early and usually some nice surprises.
As far as headliners go, this could perhaps be the biggest headliners the festival has ever had. Noah Kahan’s ascent in the industry in the last few year’s has been astonishing, and it seems he is headlining almost every festival in 2024. Weezer will no doubt have fans old and new singing along to everything off the Blue album and more, and the Foo Fighters are back for a second time at the festival as that gives Shaky Knees two of the biggest and most consistent rock bands from their beginnings in the 90’s to today.
Of course, the headliners are no brainers, but it’s the rest of the schedule where the tough decisions have to be made. Whether you want to camp out for a spot up front for a certain band, or you want to catch as many artists as possible, now is time to start thinking about those decisions to plan out your festival weekend. Luckily, Shaky Knees also has the Late Night Shows occurring after the festival is over on Friday and Saturday nights at venues around Atlanta, giving you an additional option to catch some of the artists should you run into a major conflict within the schedule. These are separate tickets from the fest, and most of them are “officially” sold out already, but tickets can be had to keep the party going late into the evening.
So what will the Shaky Knees 2024 agenda be for you this year? Let’s break it down below with a look at each time slot. We will give our pick, vote on yours and let everyone know who you think they should catch too. *Note: as the last few years have shown us, there could still be changes to the lineup and/or schedule, please keep an eye on the Shaky Knees official channels for any changes, we will try to update this if changes arise.
FRIDAY, MAY 3RD – SHAKY KNEES 2024 DAY 1
LINKA MOJA or MALI VELASQUEZ
Linka Moja brings introspective lyrics, emotive vocals, and jagged guitars over her live cut EP and singles as she works toward her debut album. It was a bold encounter at a Kelly Slater surf camp as she put herself out there in front of Jack Johnson and Eddie Vedder that kicked this all into high gear as she prepares to take the Peachtree Stage. Cool story!
Or over on the Criminal Records Stage is Nashville singer/songwriter Mali Velasquez, who released her debut album in October. Rooted in indie folk, Velasquez brings a tenderness to her lush and raw folk rock sounds.
OE’S PICK: MALI VELASQUEZ
Confidence Level: Neutral – No strong feelings either way
AX AND THE HATCHETMEN or WINONA FIGHTER
Ax and the Hatchment is a party rock band that brings high-energy riffs and should be an electrifying performance on the Piedmont Stage. Expect them to get the crowd dancing.
Or if you’re looking for catchy melodies and empowering lyrics, Nashville punks Winona Fighter is your band on the Ponce Stage. Their brand of indie rock is perfect for singing along and fist pumping.
OE’S PICK: WINONA FIGHTER
Confidence Level: Neutral – No strong feelings either way
ODIE LEIGH or RAY BULL
Odie Leigh is a rising star in the Americana scene. Her soulful vocals and introspective lyrics will leave you wanting more. This one just feels like one of those early sets where you are passing the Peachtree Stage only to be stopped in your tracks by the voice coming off the stage. One of those just really really nice afternoon sets.
Of course if you are looking for something a little bit more, say upbeat, for your afternoon, then hit the Criminal Records Stage for Kid Kapichi, a British band known for their infectious beat-punk and lively stage presence. Potential for a wild set here.
*UPDATE: Kid Kapichi had to drop off and has been replaced by Ray Bull, an alt rock duo from Bushwick who should bring a nice sound to the Criminal Records Stage.
OE’S PICK: ODIE LEIGH
Confidence Level: Neutral – This one really depends on what you are looking for
LATE NIGHT DRIVE HOME or MASERATI
Late Night Drive Home offers a dose of melancholic indie rock, perfect for a late-night cruise with the windows down for what should be a nice set on the Piedmont Stage.
Unfortunately PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS just announced they had to drop off the lineup and cancel their US tour due to visa issues, so this one is TBD until a replacement is announced.
*UPDATE: PIGS has now been replaced by Maserati, an Athens, Georgia band who formed back in 2000, and known for their powerful blend of post-rock and experimental music, creating a captivating live experience that should be a worthy replacement.
OE’S PICK: MASERATI
Confidence Level: Neutral
DEL WATER GAP or WINE LIPS
On the Peachtree Stage, we’ve got Del Water Gap, who blends folk and Americana influences to create a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
Meanwhile, over on the Criminal Records Stage, Wine Lips is a rock band that will deliver a high-octane performance filled with fuzzy guitars, driving rhythms, and charismatic vocals. Having seen Wine Lips live in the past, there’s no doubt this will be a stand out set whether you knew them previously or this is your introduction.
OE’S PICK: WINE LIPS
Confidence Level: Easy choice here
METRIC or POND
Metric is a Canadian alternative rock band known for their catchy hooks, soaring vocals, and intricate guitar work. They are ready to bring their electrifying live shows to Piedmont Stage that should be a joy for any indie rock fan.
Pond finally makes their Shaky Knees return after not being able to make it last year due to visa issues. Pond is an Australian psychedelic rock band that will take you on a mind-bending trip with their swirling guitars, pulsating rhythms, and out of this world melodies. When Pond first played Shaky Knees (2017), their set at the little amphitheater at Centennial Park still sticks out as one the favorite SK sets ever.
OE’S PICK: POND
Confidence Level: Easy choice here
THE REVIVALISTS or PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS
Get ready to dance and sing along as the high-energy band, The Revivalists, ignites the Peachtree Stage with their genre-blending grooves and infectious positive vibes.
Head to the Criminal Records Stage for what should be a wild, stand out set. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets are an Australian psychedelic rock band that blends elements of garage rock, krautrock, and space rock to create a truly unique and mind-bending sound. This one should go hard.
OE’S PICK: PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS
Confidence Level: Easy choice here
YOUNG THE GIANT or ALL THEM WITCHES
Young the Giant is an alternative rock band known for their anthemic choruses, soaring vocals, and energetic live shows. They’re sure to get the crowd moving at Shaky Knees on the Piedmont Stage.
All Them Witches are a psychedelic rock band that creates a heavy and atmospheric soundscape with their sludgy guitars, driving rhythms, and haunting vocals. They were a stand out set for us at the 2021 Shaky Knees, and we expect the same this year. There’s just something about their drony, fuzzy, ear blowing psych rock that’s hard not to love.
OE’S PICK: ALL THEM WITCHES
Confidence Level: Easy choice here
INTERPOL or SWITCHFOOT
This iconic post-punk band, Interpol, creates an atmosphere that surrounds your ears with their moody, guitar-driven sound and Paul Banks’ baritone vocals that should be high up on any indie rock fans list. See ya at the Peachtree Stage.
Switchfoot is a rock band known for their uplifting lyrics, soaring vocals, and positive message. Their energetic live shows are perfect for fans who want to sing along on the Criminal Records Stage.
OE’S PICK: INTERPOL
Confidence Level: Easy choice here
ARCADE FIRE or YVES TUMOR
As indie rock icons, Arcade Fire’s euphoric live show combines grandiose anthems, powerful instrumentation, and thought-provoking lyricism for an transcendent musical experience. And yeah, plenty of tunes to get those hips moving also.
Yves Tumor is an experimental artist who blends elements of electronic, rock, and hip-hop to create a unique and genre-bending sound. Expect a challenging and thought-provoking performance on the Ponce Stage.
OE’S PICK: ARCADE FIRE
Confidence Level: TOUGH Choice – Would like to see both full sets
SATURDAY, MAY 4TH – SHAKY KNEES 2024 DAY 2
THE INSPECTOR CLUZO or BEEN STELLAR
The Inspector Cluzo are a blues-rock band that will get you moving with their soulful vocals and electrifying guitar riffs on the Piedmont Stage.
Been Stellar is an indie rock band that will deliver a catchy and melodic set filled with shimmering guitars and introspective lyrics. There’s been some underground buzz coming out of NYC on these guys. Excited to see what it’s all about on the Ponce Stage.
*UPDATE: Been Stellar’s set is now from 11:55am-12:30pm.
OE’S PICK: BEEN STELLAR
Confidence Level: Easy choice here
LIDO PIMIENTA or FRIDAY PILOTS CLUB
Lido Pimienta is a Colombian musician who blends electronic music with traditional Colombian rhythms to create a unique and infectious sound. This should be a set that gets the Peachtree Stage moving early.
Friday Pilots Club is a pop-rock band known for their catchy hooks, high-energy live shows, and party anthems. They’re sure to get the crowd singing and dancing under the trees of the Criminal Records Stage.
OE’S PICK: FRIDAY PILOTS CLUB
Confidence Level: Neutral – Both sets could have their moments
BLONDSHELL or POOL KIDS
Blondhshell is an indie rock artist known for her raw energy, catchy hooks, and unapologetic lyrics that has blown up over the last year and half or so with the release of her debut album. Expect a powerful performance that should rock the Piedmont Stage.
Pool Kids are a math rock / emo band from Tallahassee, Florida that should rock the Ponce Stage with big, emotive lyrics that will have the crowd jamming along.
OE’S PICK: BLONDSHELL
Confidence Level: Easy choice – Time to see what the hype is all about with Blondshell
GRACE CUMMINGS or TIGERCUB
Grace Cummings is an Australian singer-songwriter with a powerful voice and a knack for crafting introspective and emotionally resonant songs. With her out of this world vocals and spontaneous songwriting, this live performance on the Criminal Records Stage is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Tigercub is a three-piece band out of Brighton, known for their distorted guitars and swirling vocals. Their energetic live shows are a must-see for fans of alternative rock.
OE’S PICK: GRACE CUMMINGS
Confidence Level: Mid – This feels like the way to go
DEXTER & THE MOONROCKS or QUARTERS OF CHANGE
Dexter & The Moonrocks are a blues-rock band that will get you moving with their soulful vocals and electrifying guitar riffs. Listed as “Western space grunge”, this should be a good afternoon show on the Piedmont Stage
Quarters of Change is a band that brings hybrid of nineties-style hooks, spacey rock soundscapes, and seventies grooves to create a unique and powerful alternative rock sound that should get the Ponce Stage going.
OE’S PICK: DEXTER & THE MOONROCKS
Confidence Level: Neutral – Could go either way here
HOLLY HUMBERSTONE or BAD NERVES
Holly Humberstone is a rising star in the indie pop scene, known for her introspective lyrics and soaring vocals, this should be a breezy set on the Peachtree Stage.
Bad Nerves are a punk rock band that will deliver a high-energy set packed with catchy hooks and raw emotion. You got to think this will be one of those Criminal Records Stage sets that really catches fire. Expect to see crowd surfing going strong.
OE’S PICK: BAD NERVES
Confidence Level: Easy – Go for that energy, and this set is sure to have plenty
CHICANO BATMAN or MICROWAVE
Chicano Batman is a psychedelic rock band that blends elements of surf rock, soul, and Latin music to create a unique and infectious sound. This is definitely one of those Piedmont sets that should have the crowd grooving all the way to the back.
Microwave is an emo band from Atlanta! Known for their dark and atmospheric sound, introspective lyrics, and passionate vocals, Microwave should put on a cathartic experience on the Ponce Stage.
OE’S PICK: CHICANO BATMAN
Confidence Level: TOUGH CHOICE – Could go either way here, definitely plenty of reasons to want to catch both.
ROYAL BLOOD or DEAD POET SOCIETY
Royal Blood is a British rock duo that creates a massive sound with just drums and bass guitar. Their innovative approach and powerful live performances have made them one of the most exciting bands in rock today. No doubt Royal Blood with take the Peachtree Stage by storm.
Dead Poet Society is an alternative rock band with arena ready alt sounds ready to rock the Criminal Records Stage. Their dark and atmospheric sound should provide for a big late afternoon set on the small stage.
OE’S PICK: ROYAL BLOOD
Confidence Level: Mid – Could go either way, both should rock
THE OFFSPRING or SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE
Now this is a nostalgia act! The Offspring is going to bring their pure adrenaline and attitude to the Piedmont stage with an arsenal of anthems like “Self Esteem” and “Want You Bad”. The Offspring will be one to see as you suddenly remember how much you loved those hits.
Sunny Day Real Estate is a pioneering emo band whose set will be filled with their classic anthems and soaring melodies on the Ponce Stage.
OE’S PICK: THE OFFSPRING
Confidence Level: Mid – Could go either way, both should rock
GIRL IN RED or PALACE
Girl in Red is a rising indie pop/rock artist that has amassed millions of streams. Girl in Red should bring her vulnerable, relatable songwriting to life with a captivating live energy that connects with audiences on the Peachtree Stage.
Palace is an indie pop band known for their swirling guitars, layered vocals, and dreamy soundscapes. Prepare to be taken in by their atmospheric live show on the Criminal Records Stage.
OE’S PICK: PALACE
Confidence Level: Neutral – Could go either way
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE or MIIKE SNOW
Led by Josh Homme’s commanding presence, QOTSA delivers a heavy, groove-laden live show, with mesmerizing riffs and a dark, trippy atmosphere. No doubt Queens of the Stone Age will rock the Piedmont Stage, taking you right into Weezer’s set.
It’s nice to see Miike Snow back! This enigmatic indie rocker crafts an immersive experience, combining atmospheric soundscapes with his entrancing vocal delivery for a hypnotic live journey that should no doubt have the Ponce Stage dancing.
OE’S PICK: QOTSA
Confidence Level: Tough Choice – Tougher than it should be anyways. But Miike Snow is like a nostalgic trip, not as far back, but back to the heydey of indie in the 2000’s-2010s.
SUNDAY, MAY 5TH – SHAKY KNEES 2024 DAY 3
BENCHES or CERTAINLY SO
Benches are an infectious young indie rock band from SoCal that will create a hazy and hypnotic soundscape with their shimmering guitars and ethereal vocals on the Piedmont Stage.
Certainly So is a feel good indie rock band out of Nashville that combines elements of indie rock, pop and folk, to create a sound that is both catchy and atmospheric. They should have the Ponce Stage grooving right along.
*UPDATE: Certainly So’s set is now from 11:45am-12:30pm, while Benches stays the same as above.
OE’S PICK: CERTAINLY SO
Confidence Level: Neutral – Really could go either way here
FAZERDAZE or ERIC SLICK
Fazerdaze is a sort of psych pop band out of New Zealand that will take you on a journey through swirling guitars and pulsating rhythms. There is plenty in the Fazerdaze repertoire to get the Peachtree Stage going.
Eric Slick is a singer-songwriter and drummer for Dr. Dog. With Dr. Dog not really doing live shows any more, Eric is back with his solo work and an upcoming album. Slick should deliver a soulful performance filled with introspective lyrics and catchy melodies to the Criminal Records Stage.
OE’S PICK: FAZERDAZE
Confidence Level: TOUGH Choice – It almost feels like blasphemy picking against a Dr. Dog member, considering their long history with the fest. But leaning slightly to Fazerdaze here.
ROYEL OTIS or ARCY DRIVE
The Australian guitar-pop duo Royel Otis has to be one of the best young bands on the lineup. Over their 3 years together, releasing singles and EPs, before finally releasing their debut album in February that seemingly felt like every single song was a standout single, this should be quite the fun set that shows off the band’s melodic, pop-inspired woozy psych. Really they cover a wide range of alt rock, swirling it all together for something that’s uniquely theirs. And then there’s that cover of “Murder on the Dancefloor”, this is a set that should have the crowd dancing nonstop.
Arcy Drive is a four piece indie rock band out of Northport, New York, known for their alternative style of “Attic-Rock”. Arcy Drive is a foot-stomping folk band that will deliver a powerful performance packed with soaring vocals, shredding guitars, and pounding drums on the Ponce Stage.
OE’S PICK: ROYEL OTIS
Confidence Level: Easy Choice
NOVA TWINS or LAMONT LANDERS
Nova Twins are a genre smashing, British alternative rock duo known for their powerful vocals, heavy riffs, and powerful lyrics. This should be a big energy, noise pop fest on the Peachtree Stage.
Lamont Landers is a singer-songwriter out of North Alabama who will bring a touch of Americana and soul to the Criminal Records Stage. With the band bringing their joyful noise of Soul, Funk, and R&B, alongside Landers lyrics and vocals, this could be a great mid afternoon set.
OE’S PICK: NOVA TWINS
Confidence Level: Mid – Nova Twins could be the spectacle to see though
THE STRUTS or LOVELESS
The Struts are a British rock band that combines classic rock influences with a modern edge. Their high-energy live shows are full of catchy hooks and anthemic choruses that has made the band known since they first burst onto the scene as a “live band”. Which means this should be a big ole good time on the Piedmont Stage!
Loveless is a pop punk/alt rock duo that will create a wall of sound with their distorted guitars and swirling vocals. It should be an atmospheric set on the Ponce Stage.
OE’S PICK: THE STRUTS
Confidence Level: Easy Choice – The Struts just know how to put on a heck a live set ya know?
MEN I TRUST or CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM
It’s truly amazing what Men I Trust have done, amassing millions of streams, sold out shows across the globe, and they did it literally all themselves, from the tours to the PR, they are indie to the core and doing it their way. What a way. With their dreamy indie pop/R&B sound and atmospheric live show, Men I Trust should provide perfection when it comes to mid to late afternoon Sunday set. Heavy heavy sun drenching grooves.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is a young blues prodigy who will blow you away with his virtuosic guitar skills and soulful vocals on the Criminal Records Stage. This should be a good one if you LOVE guitar talent.
OE’S PICK: MEN I TRUST
Confidence Level: Easy Choice – Having seen Kingfish open for Vampire Weekend, it feels wrong to say easy here, but Men I Trust are just so damn good.
WAXAHATCHEE or DINOSAUR JR.
Waxahatchee is an indie rock singer-songwriter known for her introspective lyrics and raw emotional honesty, whether it be her grungier, noisier indie rock side, or with her more folk roots that she’s been exploring lately. With a just released brilliant new album out, and now a plethora of beloved material to choose from, Waxahatchee is a must catch on the Piedmont Stage.
Then again Dinosaur Jr. is on the Ponce Stage as they bring a blistering set of ’90s alt-rock greatness with J Mascis and co. tearing through their iconic fuzz-drenched riffs and melodies. That’s kind of hard to miss.
OE’S PICK: WAXAHATCHEE
Confidence Level: TOUGH Choice – with Waxahatchee being on an album cycle, and a good one at that, it’s hard not see one of indie music’s current greats.
BILLY IDOL or KEVIN MORBY
The iconic rock legend Billy Idol still brings his signature sneer and rebellious spirit to electrifying live shows that will have you singing along to classics like “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell.” It’s definitely hard to miss the extreme great nostalgia that will occur on the Peachtree Stage, and we can attest that Billy still brings it.
On the otherside though is Kevin Morby on the Criminal Stage. Morby is an indie rock singer-songwriter with a melancholic, yet beautiful sounds that captivate with lyricism and his baritone vocals. While Morby is beloved and critically acclaimed, honestly he probably hasn’t fully gotten his due for how consistently great he has been over 7 studio albums and more. And at Shaky he gets to compete with a legend, but for those that hit the forest of the Criminal Stage, there’s no doubt you will be rewarded.
OE’S PICK: KEVIN MORBY
Confidence Level: TOUGH Choice – Definitely want to see Morby live, but it’s hard to miss how fun Billy Idol’s set will be.
PORTUGAL. THE MAN or MATT AND KIM
Portugal. The Man are an alt-rock group that delivers an unforgettable experience, blending psychedelic rock, pop, and emotion-packed lyrics over a groove-driven sound that comes alive on stage. Long known as another “live band”, they’ve rocked the Shaky Knees stage a few times over the years with memorable sets, and their set on the Piedmont Stage should only cement their legacy as one of the great bands to play SK multiple times.
Matt and Kim are an indie-electro duo known for their high-energy live shows, infectious dance beats, and playful stage presence. I didn’t catch their whole set when they played SK in 2018, but what I did I can tell you it’s WILD over there, props, blow up dolls, confetti, just pure madness and a good time. You got to think their Ponce set this year will be no different.
OE’S PICK: PORTUGAL. THE MAN
Confidence Level: TOUGH Choice – Both artist are known for their live shows, which makes missing one or the other hard. You certainly can’t go wrong though, just really comes down to preference.
THE HEADLINERS: NOAH KAHAN, WEEZER, or FOO FIGHTERS
Per usual, there are no conflicts against the headliners each night at Shaky Knees. The headliners will close each night on the Peachtree Stage with Noah Kahan on Friday, Weezer on Saturday, and Foo Fighters shutting down the 11th edition of the festival on Sunday night. Which headliner are you most excited about at Shaky Knees Music Festival 2024?
