Special Thanks to our Voodoo Writer/Contributor James Antin!

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience 2016 takes place this Halloween Weekend, October 28-30. New Orleans’ premiere music festival has made its name by attracting some of the largest headliners from all over the world year after year. However, some of the best acts and memories you could have from next weekend’s adventures might lie beneath the behemoth headliners, such as The Weeknd, G-Eazy, Tool, Die Antwoord, STS9, Arcade Fire, etc.

So without further adieu, we present to you the five artists you want to take the time to see next weekend that may not be during primetime or on the main stage.

MuteMath

I saw the New Orleans formed alternative rock group only once at Wakarusa in 2013. You can hear influences from psychedelic rock, to jam bands and everything in between in their music. Their ridiculously talented drummer,Darren King (check out minute 3:03), has left one of the most lasting impressions on me as any artist has. Before the show, he duct taped huge noise canceling headphones on his head, poured water all of his drum set, then proceeded to close his eyes for the entire length of the show. His raw emotion and energy were something I’ve never seen after that night on stage. What they have in store for the audience next weekend, I’m not sure. One thing I do know, though, is that I would make sure I’m in that crowd

Beats Antique

They’ve been described as experimental world fusion and electronic music, but that undersells them drastically. Their music ability alone would make them a world class act, but their creativity doesn’t stop there. Their live shows are a part circus, dance act, theater, show, and fully entertaining. Their unique approach has made them a staple in the festival circuit around the world. They are recently coming off a headlining performance at Symbiosis, a transformational festival in California, known as Please don’t miss the chance to see one of the most creative, fun, and unique groups in the scene right now.

Oh Wonder

One of my favorite and most addictive songs of the year have come from the London-based alt-pop duo, Oh Wonder, in the beautiful form of Technicolour Beat. The two seem to be a match made in heaven. Their voices compliment each other perfectly, and their production can be compared to the smooth, calming vibes of James Blake or The xx. With this recipe, they have been able to top HypeBeast’s charts time after time and make their mark on the music scene. Follow the melodic chill vibes all the way to their set at 4:30 pm on Saturday at the South Course stage.

Bob Moses

Described as, “Occupying the fertile ground between organic band land and an all-electronic production project, Bob Moses draw on the two poles to vividly resonate across both,” it’s clear that the Vancouver natives present something new to the electronic scene and even to the whole music landscape. Their fresh and bold take on music is a perfect example of where the music world is going right now = uncharted territory. As the industry is changing and evolving faster than ever, Bob Moses is a perfect manifestation of this change. Their music can’t be defined, but it provokes emotion from the listener. Their music is complex, yet subtle and often encompass heartfelt, i.e. poetic lyricism in a genre which has lived in a world with lyrics for decades. Willing to dive deep into musical exploration? If so, treat yourself to this genre-defying act early Sunday morning. It might be exactly what you need after a Saturday night full of headbanging to Excision or watching the in-your-face, don’t give a f*ck Die Antwoord.

Lunice

The Montreal native, formerly one-half of the electronic group TNGHT with Hudson Mohawke, combine electronic and rap instrumentals together effortlessly. Some of it can be called trap, but no generic gimmicky sounds come from this young man. He instead pushes the genre forward, and you can see and feel why instantly during his live shows. He’s toured with the trap god himself, RL Grime. Find him next Friday, early at the Le Plur Stage and find out for yourself what makes him unique.
While headliners can entice fans from far and wide to the festival and are a great way to close out the end of the night, don’t limit your festival experience. Try to make it out to some lesser known acts earlier in the day, and you might just find yourself pleasantly surprised (plus the crowds will be much more manageable and enjoyable). Grab your tickets here. As always stay safe, have fun, and keep it weird New Orleans.

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