Way Out West Day 3: Linn Koch-Emmery, André 3000, Wednesday, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Fever Ray (10/8/24)

It seems to be a recurring theme of festivals I’ve been to that the day three line up offers little that I desperately want to see. And so it was with, after Days one and two had already given me my moneys worth the final day was set up for a day of hopefully discovering something new. And if I didn’t the festival site was still an enjoyable place to be.

Having scoured the Way Out West app for acts that looked like I might enjoy them, first up in the early afternoon sunshine was Swedish singer-song writer Linn Koch-Emmery. Her pop-rock anthems definitely opened up the day in a positive fashion and marked her out as an act to check out when I got home. Unfortunately, what I didn’t realise at that point, was that her set was to be the highlight of the day.

Now just for a moment imagine that you’re André 3000. Imagine you’re playing to a field full of Swedish music fans on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Imagine you’ve got all if Outkast‘s back catalogue. Imagine how much the place would kick off if you played Hey Ya.

Imagine instead you spend seventy minutes just chilling out and playing flute improvisations instead.

Fortunately I was aware of the New Blue Sun project he is currently involved in, but watching the numbers of fans departing the main stage during the set I suspect many came hoping for some classic hip hop. Was I converted to the world of improvised flute jazz by the end of the performance? Let’s just say for now I’m going to have to say it’s not quite my thing.

Having had more than my fill of flutes I made an aborted attempt to see Icona Pop only to find the tent stage they were to perform in completely packed in advance of them starting. Instead I trekked across the festival site to catch Wednesday and a fairly entertaining slice of slacker rock.

Still in my spirit of trying out new things next up was New Orleans based Hurray for the Riff Raff. With the sun still shining on the late afternoon crowd their country and western infused folk was a pleasant enough if not highly memorable way to spend an hour.

Whenever I’d asked the locals who to see, each and every one said Fever Ray, which seemed like enough of a recommendation to join the crowd at the main stage to see what had been dubbed as a special comeback show. Whilst their goth inspired aesthetic was interesting, it turns out that experimental ambient trip hop (wikipedia’s description, not mine) isn’t quite my thing, so after three songs I decided to slip away.

And that was that… whilst I’d half planned on sticking around to see The National close the festival a combination of tiredness, not being overly fused in seeing them and having a long journey up to Oslo the next day persuaded me that I was better off turning in for the day.

Despite a slight underwhelming day three, Way Out West had in many ways been what I’d always imagined a festival should be. A good solid line up, a picturesque setting, friendly people who were there for the music and just a general sense of happiness and well being.

Which just leaves the single question of what other hidden gems of musical festivals are there scattered around Europe. Feel free to leave any recommendations or experiences in the comments!