BottleRock Festival Approach
My take on how to approach the BottleRock lineup
Per usual, BottleRock has a full weekend with a great mix of artists that should provide whatever flavor you’re looking for. This will be Little33Forever’s fifth BottleRock (2016, 2019, 2023-2025). Last year was his first year going all three days. I can not express enough how family friendly BottleRock is. It really is less of a music festival and more a food and wine festival in which really really awesome music happens to be playing in the background. The schedule is out here.
Below I go chronologically through each day and highlight some great bands to see. I haven’t covered all the bands, just the bands I’ve heard of and want to check out. I suggest you take your own look at the schedule. Maybe there is a band you dig that I haven’t mentioned. If so, I’d love to hear about it.
The great news is that even in the case where you have two great bands playing at once, you can make your way across the grounds in ~10 minutes so its possible to catch competing sets.
Friday
Early on you can roam from stage to stage and catch out these awesome early day acts
2pm Beach Bunny on Verizon Stage. I dig Beach Bunny and have shared her music here before. They play indie rock songs that explore big themes like relationships, love, mental health, and our place in the world — all anchored by Lili Trifilio’s emotionally honest lyrics and catchy hooks. Check out Painkiller.
2.45pm E-40 on Jam Cellars Stage. Bay Area’s own. I’m so tempted to pull Little33Forever out of school early so we can catch him. He loves hip hop, and I think it’s super important for him to understand its roots (see: PE below). I’ve always dug E-40—his flows are wild, and they’re just so so so so catchy. Like, can’t-get-it-out-of-your-head level catchy. Check out My Shit Bang.
3.45pm MallRat and JamPad Stage. Australian singer-songwriter known for her genre-blending music that combines elements of indie pop, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. Her introspective lyrics often explore themes of youth, love, and identity, resonating with a wide audience. If you like Clairo, Lorde, or early Billie Eilish, you’ll probably like her too. I will miss her main set (see below). So check her out now. Check out Charlie.
4.15pm Remi Wolf on Jam Cellars Stage. Remi Wolf is a genre-blending pop whirlwind known for her explosive energy, quirky lyrics, and kaleidoscopic production. Her music fuses funk, soul, indie pop, and a little chaos in a way that feels both playful and emotionally raw. If you like Billie Eilish, Anderson .Paak, Olivia Rodrigo, and dig the vibe of hypercolor funk-pop with a punk spirit, you’ll love Remi Wolf. Check out Cinderella.
5pm Public Enemy on Verizon Stage. Do they need an introduction. I definitely want to make sure that Little33Forever experiences this super important band and music. Check out Fight The Power.
After Public Enemy you need to start making choices. Before Green Day (they start at 8pm) you have a handful of bands. My personal approach is to make sure that I catch sublime on the same stage Green Day is playing on. I want to see both of those bands. But, here is who you have to choose from. All great choices in my opinion. And you really can’t go wrong. I’ve never seen
6pm MallRat on White Claw Stage. See above. You can check out this artist earlier on a small stage. Take the opportunity.
6pm Sublime on Jam Cellars Stage. You know Sublime. You like Sublime. Seeing Sublime will be one of those situations where you’re like oh yeah. I know like all these songs. They remind me of…college (for me)…high school…middle school…maybe even your mid 20s (for my older readers). You’ll definitely want to check them out. On top of that they are playing the same stage as Green Day. So, win win. Check out Santeria. Heck, check out What I Got. Yes, you know these songs.
6.30pm Sofi Tucker on Verizon Stage. In another world. I would be checking out Sofi Tucker for at least a song. I think they’ll be super interesting. Sofi Tukker is a globe-trotting dance-pop duo known for their infectious energy, multilingual lyrics (often in Portuguese), and genre-bending fusion of house, jungle pop, and world music. Their songs are equal parts high-fashion runway and jungle rave—bold, playful, and made for moving your body. If you like Glass Animals, Purple Disco Machine, and Robyn, and the vibe of deep house, electro-pop, or global club music, you’ll love this band. Check out Purple Hat.
7pm Dope Lemon on Prudential Stage. I dig Dope Lemon. And this is going to be super chill music for a sunset vibe. There is a decent chance that I leave my spot after Sublime and head over and check out at least the front end of the this set. This is going to be just an excellent sunset vibe. I promise you will dig this experience. You will not even need to know any of the music or lyrics or sounds. Just grab your favorite beverage and lightly move to the groove while the sunset. If you like Tame Impala, Mac DeMarco, or Khruangbin and the vibe of hazy psychedelia, breezy surf rock, or laid-back indie grooves, you’ll dig Dope Lemon. Check out Kimosabe.
7.15pm Remi Wolf on Jam Pad. See above. You’re hanging out between Sublime and Green Day, you may as well check out Remi Wolf on the Jam Pad. It will be a small stage and a super short set with a convo, but something to pass the time.
At 8pm you have a choice. The classic pop punk band Green Day or Indie DJ Kaskade. I am going with Green Day. Put feel free to choose your own adventure. If you’re not feeling strongly about either, I would suggest planning on checking out both.
8pm Green Day on Jam Cellars Stage. I think the main draw here is Green Day. I have never seen them. I have heard from multiple sources that they are outstanding live. I have heard that similar to the Pearl Jam experience, you’ll be surprised how many songs you know that spread across various parts of your life. Check out Basket Case.
8.15pm Kaskade on Verizon Stage. Kaskade is a pioneering American DJ and producer known for blending melodic house, deep house, and progressive EDM into emotionally resonant, dancefloor-ready tracks. His music often features ethereal vocals, uplifting builds, and a sense of warmth that sets him apart from more aggressive EDM artists. If you like Calvin Harris, Deadmau5, or ODESZA and the vibe and sound of chill house, festival anthems, or sunset beach sets, you will probably be into his music. Check out Escape.
Saturday
Saturday is a jam packed day (no pun intended). Buckle-in and Buckle up. Make sure you get plenty of rest on Friday night. The day starts early and there is really much time for breaks. Lots of bands to see and plenty of movement.
Some awesomeness starts early:
1.45 Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory on Jam Cellars Stage. Sharon Van Etten is like an indie singer-songwriter rock god. Her songs are introspective and her voice is amazing—rich, emotional, and capable of both aching vulnerability and fierce defiance. If you like Angel Olsen, Big Thief, or Phoebe Bridgers and the vibe of moody indie rock, dark synth-pop, or raw Americana, you’ll dig Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory.
But, quickly follows a hard decision to make. Read below for my take on your choices…My take, I am likely going to try to check out both. I just need a taste of both of these artists, so this could work out well.
2.45 Bob Schneider on Prudential Stage. Circa 2001, I was figuring out what my musical (and my broader) identity was. I was really intrigued by singer-songwriters that I felt had something interesting to say in a poetic way. That’s when I discovered Bob Schneider—an Austin-based artist whose music blends folk, rock, funk, and pop with lyrics that could be cheeky, vulnerable, or downright profound, often all at once. I bet he has at the very least a weathered and well earned stage presence. If you like Ben Folds, David Gray, or Rhett Miller and dig the vibe and sound of alt-pop, funky acoustic rock, or thoughtful singer-songwriter types of music, you should choose this set. Check out Big Blue Sea.
2.45 Lauren Mayberry on Verizon Stage. I love CHVRCHES and I was all over their 2021 album Screen Violence. Lauren Mayberry is the lead singer for this group and in 2024 dropped an underrated and underlooked by me album Vicious Creature. She writes songs that always have a great hook and danceable vibe while she sings soul crushing songs questioning her place in the world and in the relationships she’s in. It's synth-pop you can cry to, scream to, or dance through heartbreak with. If you like Robyn, Caroline Polachek, or Tove Lo—or dig the vibe and sound of cathartic electro-pop, emotionally raw indie, or darkwave-adjacent bangers—you'll like this set. Check out Something In The Air.
After this there is a bunch of stuff before the closers. It’s sort of a choose your own adventure with music. Here is my take on the highlights:
4.15 Donovan Frankenreiter on Jam Pad. I suspect this will be interesting. But, this not the main set. I honestly am not sure what you’ll get here. But it should be interesting. Check out Free.
4.15 Kaelo on Verizon Stage. I am not super familiar with this band, but I dig a couple of their songs. KALEO has this sorta soulful energy that goes deep inside of you and pulls the core of the blues out of you. Their sound is gritty, emotional, and just big in all the right ways. JJ Julius Son’s voice can whisper one second and absolutely tear through you the next, and the band rides that wave with huge guitar moments and haunting quiet ones too. If you’re into Hozier, The Black Keys, or Kings of Leon—or if you vibe with smoky blues, epic rock ballads, or moody road trip anthems—you’ll want to catch this set. Check out All the Pretty Girls. I’ll be here for the full set.
4.45 4 Non Blondes on Jam Cellars Stage. Lots of people will want to dig this song if only to hear and sing along to What’s Up. I’ve never really been into this band, but I think it will be a fun set. That being said, I probably won’t be here.
5pm Sasami on White Claw Stage. This is going to be weird. Sometimes loud. Sometimes quiet. Sometimes harsh. Sometimes gentle. It could possibly mess up your wine vibe on a Saturday afternoon. Sasami makes music that feels like it shapeshifts—sometimes it’s dreamy indie rock, other times it’s full-on metal rage, and somehow it all works. She used to play keys for Cherry Glazerr, but her solo stuff is way more experimental, raw, and emotionally intense. If you combine the most extreme versions of Mitski, Nine Inch Nails, and PJ Harvey—or if you dig the experimental forms and vibe of shoegaze, doom metal, and avant-pop—then you may want to check out this set. I will at least make a fly by. Check out I’ll Be Gone.
6.15 Benson Boone on Jam Cellars Stage. Little33Forever is excited about this set and I am too. You’ll know his songs. They play him on the hits stations. Benson Boone is like the kid who snuck into the pop game through the back door of TikTok and then proved he belonged there with giant hooks and big emotions. His voice has that clean, soaring thing going on—think earnest ballads with just enough edge to feel modern, not cheesy. If you dig the poppy versions of Lewis Capaldi, Dean Lewis, or Sam Smith, or the vibe and sound of OneRepublic, James Bay, or Imagine Dragons, you'll like this set. Check out Beautiful Things (over 2B listens on Spotify).
7.15 G. Love and Donovan Frankenreiter on Prudential Stage. Catching Donavon Frankenreiter and G. Love live at a festival is like stumbling into the coolest backyard hang ever—good vibes, slick harmonica solos, beachy guitar riffs, and two guys just having a blast on stage. It’s all sunshine-y grooves, chill stories, and that sweet mix of surf rock, blues, and laid-back hip-hop that makes you wanna kick off your shoes and dance in the grass. Feels more like a jam with friends than a concert. If you’re into Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, or Sublime, or dig the vibe of acoustic hip-hop, surfy folk, or funky chill-out sessions, you’ll definitely be into this set. This is the reason you go to festivals is to see people chilling on stage. IMO this should be the place to be as the sun sets. This is why you go to festivals. So you can see stuff like this. Check out Rainbow.
Sure. You’re going to go to JT. But, you do have options please see below.
8pm Ice Cube on Verizon Stage. I know my readership. They are going to JT. I am going to be at JT (see previous historical mentions of love of pop music). But, do at least consider how awesome it will be to sing It Was A Good Day with all your friends. And he’ll play some N.W.A. stuff. But, know this, he closes with that song. So, maybe try to time it right. Cube will put on a show. The JT stage is going to be bonkers packed. If you’re not at all enjoying JT, go check out Ice Cube. He won’t disappoint you.
8.15pm Justin Timberlake on Jam Cellars Stage. You know this dude is. He brought sexy back. He is a performer. A legit and total performer. I will be getting my JT on. I will be dancing. I will be standing there and letting JT just entertain me. I can not wait for this set. I am seriously legit super duper pumped for this set. Its going to be so awesome.
8.45pm Trackstar the DJ (of Run The Jewels) vs. The Emo Night Tour on White Claw Stage. Honestly, I have no idea what this is. But, it sounds awesome. I love RTJ. I have always wanted to check out an emo night. I think this will be interesting at the least. And hopefully it goes past JT.
Sunday
Sunday should be a chill day. Not a lot of tough choices and you can sorta chill in one spot or move around if you feel the need.
2.30pm Vacations on Verizon Stage. I dig Vacations. You haven’t heard of them unless you listen to purely indie rock radio. Even then, they don’t get a bunch of buzz. But they make great music that will work super well at this festival. Their music totally fits the BottleRock Vibe. Vacations make laid-back, reverb-soaked indie rock that feels like drifting through a dream on a warm summer day. If you like The Shins, Band of Horses, or early Coldplay or dig the sound and vibe of Mac DeMarco, Beach Fossils, or mellow Tame Impala, you'll dig this set. Check out Midwest.
3.45 The National Parks on Jam Pad. See below for a fuller description. If you’re early for Goose, check them out before the Goose set.
4.15 Goose on Jam Cellars Stage. This is going to be awesome. Goose is awesome. I am totally looking forward to this set. And so early in the day. This is going to be great. If you don’t know Goose; they are insanely talented jam band that feels like the younger cousin of Phish—tight musicianship, big improvisational swings, and a deep love for stretching songs into new territory. Their shows are full of unexpected turns, blissed-out builds, and grooves that somehow keep evolving without ever losing the thread. In addition to Phish, if you like the music of My Morning Jacket, Umphrey’s McGee, or Tedeschi Trucks Band, or the vibe and sound of LCD Soundsystem, The War on Drugs, or Grateful Dead, you’ll probably find a lot to love here. If you dislike Phish, don’t let the Phish nod turn you off. They for sure are not Phish (as any Phish head will tell you), so give them a try. Check out this live (20 minute!!) version of Hungersite.
5.15 Flo Rida on Verizon Stage. As you know I am a hip hop fan. I am especially a fan of mid aughts hip hop and this fits the bill. How much fun will it be to dance along to Low with a bunch of folks in their 40s. Can we all get that low and still get back up? Maybe lets do some stretching before this set. Yoga? Anyway, word to the wise, Flo Rida tends to open with Low and follow it with Right Round. So be there early or don’t show up at all. I repeat, be there early to get to dance to Low.
5.30 Vacations on Jam Pad. If you’re skipping Flo Rida to be at Jam Cellars for Khruangbin might as well check out Vacations again.
6.15 Khruangbin on Jam Cellars Stage. I’ll be honest. I do not often dig on bands that are almost entirely musical with no or very limited vocals and whatever vocals are there exist primarily as another soundscape to add to the overall vibe. But, I like a full six songs by this band. And they’ll be playing at 6.15. Perfect time to grab a beer and a pizza and chill on your blanket. This band was made to play BottleRock. If you’re not familiar, Khruangbin makes music that feels like a slow-motion sunset—groovy, hypnotic, and dripping in vibe. It’s mostly instrumental, with just enough vocals to pull you in, blending global funk, surf rock, soul, and psychedelia into something totally their own. If you like Tame Impala, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, or Menahan Street Band, or the vibe and sound of vintage soul, Thai funk (think American GI’s coming over to SE asia in the 60s and 70s with their motown and funk records, mixed with the traditional music, giving it a funky vibe), or dubby chill-out grooves, you will certainly enjoy this set. Check out A Love International.
7.30 The National Parks on White Claw Stage. This band is getting a ton of buzz. The National Parks make big, soaring folk-pop that feels like it was made for singing along under the stars. Their songs are full of heart, with rich harmonies and that anthemic energy that just lifts you up. If you’re into The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, or The Head and the Heart—or you dig the sound and vibe of Fleet Foxes, Lord Huron, or Ben Howard—you’ll love this set. Yes. Yes. They sound like Fleet Foxes. This will be an excellent sunset set. Anthemic with lots of ohs and ahs and probably some clapping along. It will be a rousing sunset set. Check out As We Ran.
For your final show, you have two pretty amazing choices. For me its an obvious choice. Noah Kahan is probably my favorite new artist of the 2020’s (acknowledging Zach Bryan battles for that spot too). But, Cage the Elephant will put on an excellent show too.
And here’s the thing. If you don’t know Noah Kahan at all, I’d suggest going to Cage. Noah Kahan’s set will probably feel profound if you’ve cried to him in your car. If you haven’t, it might feel like you missed the prologue. Cage the Elephant is a no-prerequisite party—you just show up and let loose. If you don’t know Noah Kahan’s stuff, his set might feel a little like walking in on someone else’s therapy session—you get the vibe, but you’re not totally in on the emotional backstory. Cage the Elephant, on the other hand, is built for big, sweaty, singalong moments. Even if you don’t know a single lyric, you’ll be bouncing with the crowd by the second song.”
8.15 Cage the Elephant on Verizon Stage. While more of the 2010’s than the early aughts, this band will remind you of the glory days of early indie rock. Cage the Elephant is straight-up wild—in the best way. Their sound's a messy mix of garage rock, bluesy riffs, and big sing-along choruses that somehow all just work. If you dig bands like The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys, or Kings of Leon, or you're into the vibe of scrappy rock 'n' roll, sweaty basement shows, or early 2000s indie bangers, you’ll dig this set. Check out Cigarette Daydreams.
8.15 Noah Kahan on Jam Cellars Stage. I love Noah Kahan. I will be singing along to every song. Or rather, I will be trying to sing along through what will surely be tears and potentially full on weeping. Noah Kahan writes songs that feel like voice memos from your therapist—raw, honest, a little messy, but exactly what you needed to hear. He sings about mental health, small towns, family shit, and all the stuff most people are too scared to say out loud—and the crowd screams every word like it’s church. It’s emotional, it’s cathartic, and it’s somehow both sad and euphoric at the same time. Noah Kahan is a mixture of early Bon Iver, peak Lumineers, and the emotional gut-punch of Phoebe Bridgers—if you’ve loved artists like those and cried along with their anthemic songs, you’ll probably dig Noah Kahan, but I suggest you get up to speed on the music beforehand. Here are a few songs he’ll likely play: Dial Drunk, All My Love (oftentimes dedicated to the children of divorce, so get ready for that one if you have your child of divorce with you), Northern Attitude, and, of course, Stick Season.
Well thats it. If you’re there, I’d love to meet up. Please comment or DM me and we can connect at the festival.
