It’s the twentieth anniversary, the lineup is stacked, and maybe you’re overwhelmed. That’s ok. This year’s Voodoo Music + Arts Experience is a heavy-hitter.
If you’re in between some of your favorite artist’s sets, or are just looking to explore something new, our editors have compiled their top ten must-see performances.
Rufus Du Sol
The Australian three-piece closes out the South Course Stage Friday at 8:30. Their live, mellow-house blend gained critical acclaim with their 2016 album Bloom. Festival performances at Electric Forest and Austin City Limits made fans fall in love with their lush, orchestrated live performances. Throughout this year, they released a stream of singles in anticipation for their newest album Solace, which was released last Friday. How perfect is that?
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ge8lQfig9Y]
Arctic Monkeys
The indie-rock icons close out the Altar Stage on Sunday at 7:30. Their swaggering vocals and neo-punk beats made their debut album – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not – the fastest selling debut album in British history. Their latest album broke the group out of a five-year hiatus after 2013’s epic AM. Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino finds the British gents picking up right where the left off, cheeky dance-floor rockers with the musical precision to back it up.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71Es-8FfATo]
Clozee
The French producer has slowly gained steam on stages across the globe. Both of her Electric Forest performances this year blew us away. She’s also planning two Voodoo performances: one on Sunday at 2:45 at Le PLUR and one at 4 in the Toyota Music Den. Her debut LP Evasion was just released by Midnight Escape Records. Her worldly sound draws inspiration everywhere from traditional Japanese music to glitch-hop.
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Boogie T.Rio
If you don’t see Boogie T. then you haven’t really done New Orleans right. His latest project, the Boogie T.Rio, is a marriage of his riddim-style DJ sets and traditional blues and jazz roots. They debuted during weekend two of Electric Forest this year after a massive storm threatened cancellation. With Andriu Yanovski and Frank Castroon accompanying, this hometown performance shouldn’t be missed. Check them out Sunday at 5 on the Le PLUR Stage.
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Tipper
If you missed the big Tipper-tina’s event in Nola earlier this year, the Voodoo gods have granted you a second chance. The British producer Dave Tipper began experimenting with drum’n’bass in the late 90’s. In 2005, he paved the way for downtempo glitch-hop with his label Tippermusic. Loyal fans know him for his outstanding live production quality and wildly intricate visuals. His performance on Sunday at 7:30 at the Le PLUR Stage is the perfect ending to a swampy Halloween weekend.
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ODESZA
It’s been a LONG three years since the ODESZA boys played in the Big Easy, and what a three years it’s been. Since their headlining show at the Joy Theater, the duo went on to international stardom; they released their third studio album “A Moment Apart” late last year, and followed that success with a 30+ international tour. This is their first time playing Voodoo, and we promise you won’t be disappointed.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqK0pqV-c9c]
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Rainbow Kitten Surprise boasts high-energy shows and mystic lyrics. They hail from the mountains of Boone, North Carolina. The band’s rise to fame is proof of its ability to captivate and connect with fans. While RKS isn’t the only rock band on this year’s lineup, they’re powerful enough to go big or go home.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMINv5ggLww]
Marilyn Manson
Why do you need to see Marilyn Manson? Because it’s Halloween, for Heaven’s sakes. Does anything else scream Halloween like a Marilyn Manson set? That’s a question we’ve been debating for some time now. The prince of darkness recently postponed most of his fall dates due to a fall during a live show. Voodoo is one of the first times fans will see him this October.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUvVdTlA23w]
Sofi Tukker
You absolutely can’t miss Sofi Tukker during the 2018 Voodoo Music + Arts Experience. You probably know their music from their massive single “Best Friend,” which was featured on several Apple commercials. The energy-filled duo came together in college at Brown University in Rhode Island, and it’s been nothing but success since. Blending house music with elements of Brazilian bossa nova, Sophie’s sound is unlike anyone else on this year’s lineup. They provide an hour packed of fun, high energy, and unique beats.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vx7MTU-UVE]
The Revivalists
Let’s face it, you need to go see The Revivalists at this year’s Voodoo. The band is a local favorite, and the perfect artist to play our longest-running music festival, not counting Jazzfest. The band just released a new single, and a tour to support their forthcoming album, which is set to hit streaming services in early November.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHdkkYJypb0]
Who are you most excited to see at this year’s Voodoo? Let us know in the comments!