Hangout Fest 2012
Young the Giant Makes It Big by Hana Frenette
photo by Pamela Litky
Y
oung the Giant has a mouthful of late night TV appearances and television sitcom shout outs. Their song “Cough Syrup” was even covered on a season three episode of “Glee.” The California quintet has been playing music together since 2004, but didn’t catch the eye of the public until they were signed with Roadrunner Records in 2009 Shortly after the bands inception in the early 2000s, the band experienced some lineup changes. Some members were still in high school; some were in college. Some stayed, and some went. When the drummer left, François Comtois, who was originally the bassist, took over as the new drummer. The band’s lineup has lived happily since. “I hated playing the bass,” François Cumtois said. “But if you stop playing the drums, people notice more.” Comtois became more comfortable with the new position of drums and has declared his allegiance. “I don’t think I’d go back to the bass,” Comtois said. Ever since the release of their selftitled album in 2010, the band has been on an endless tour of award shows, festivals and clubs. 212 1
a lot nicer when you’re doing endless driving.” The band just Interview recently finished up their tour for their latest record and is trying to focus on writing for the new record, while playing some summer festivals and a few in between shows. “As we write, we like to bring out new songs, and kind of see what people react to – the dynamics of the song with the crowd,” Comtois said. “We’re just trying to finish writing and get through the whole recording process.” Young the Giant’s self-titled “I definitely didn’t think this would debut was in the upbecome a career,” Comtois said. “We per half of the Billboard album charts, were just kind of playing hole-in-theand was listed as the third best rock wall venues before.” album of 2010 on amazon.com. One minute you’re playing the dive The band has also been busy thinkbar by your old high school and the ing up and filming their latest music next, you’re playing the MTV Music video for “Apartment,” which debuted Awards with Kayne West and Britney in April. Spears watching you. “We just wanted to make it something fun this time,” Comtois said. “It was exciting because we got to invite a bunch of our friends and have a good time.” The video takes place in a camper traveling through what looks like California, as a group of impossibly perfect looking 20-somethings celebrate a friend’s birthday. Everyone is filming everyone else, with iPhones, vintage super 8 cameras and maybe even a Polaroid or two. There is cake, laughter, and a plethora of good lighting. “We definitely kind of felt like, If this is even a semi-realistic repreokay, what the hell is going on?” sentation of what life is like on a bus for Comtois said. “It’s been so nice and Young the Giant, I probably wouldn’t we’ve been so fortunate, but it’s crazy want to go back to the van either. {in} because so many of our friends are dudes working their asses off, trying to make it, too.” With the transition from dives to the Billboard charts comes an infaSUNDAY, 1:45-2:45 P.M., mous touring legend. "LETTING GO" STAGE “Switching from van to tour bus –
"It’s crazy because so many of our friends are dudes working their asses off, trying to make it, too.” François Comtois
YOUNG THE GIANT
the myth!” Comtois said. “It is actually
Julian Marley & the Uprising
1:15-2:15 p.m. A reggae band fronted by Bob Marley's son.
Gary Clark, Jr.
The brainchild of Curt Heiny and Justin Aubuchon, Archnemesis is an electronic group that utilizes a variety of samples ranging from modern hip-hop to 20’s blues.
3:15-4:15 p.m. A blues guitarist from Austin, Texas known as much for his showmanship as his intense solos.
Shpongle
Dispatch
Mac Miller
5:15-6:30 p.m. An indie/roots band from Boston whose first studio album in 12 years will be released August 21.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
9-11 p.m. What can you say about RHCP? 65 million records sold and seven Grammy's won pretty much speaks for itself. We just keep thinking "Under the Bridge" is going sound pretty amazing live at the beach, don't you think?
CHEVROLET STAGE Tribal Seeds
12:15-1:15 p.m. A California roots/rock/reggae band currently on a tour called "Summer Vibes." Seems pretty fitting for Hangout.
Randy Newman
2:15-3:15 p.m. A singer-songwriter, arranger, composer and pianist best known for his film scores of Disney Pixar movies.
Gogol Bordello
4:15-5:15 p.m. If you saw "Everything is Illuminated" with Elijah Wood, then you know Gogol Bordello. Their sound is commonly referred to as "gypsy punk."
The String Cheese Incident (performing two sets)
6:30-9 p.m. A jam band from Crested Butte, Colo. All of the members have been known to write songs and share vocal duties. page 18
XBOX STAGE Archnemesis 11:30-12:15 p.m.
1:15-2:15 p.m. An ambient techno/trance project featuring Simon Posford and Raja Ram. 3:15-4:15 p.m. An up and coming emcee from Pittsburgh, who isn't even of legal drinking age yet.
Kaskade
5:30-7 p.m. A DJ who has remixed everybody from Britney Spears to Leann Rimes. Apparently Snooki is a fan of his work, too. But we won't hold that against him.
"LETTING GO" STAGE Futurebirds
11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. A band from Athens (Georgia, not Greece) whose sound is alt-country with a psychedelic twist. page 15
The Devil Makes Three 12:15-1:15 p.m. A trippy blend of bluegrass, old time music, country, folk, blues, ragtime and rockabilly create their signature "folk punk" sound. page 14
Heartless Bastards
2:15-3:15 p.m. A female fronted blues band that Patrick Carney of the Black Keys liked enough to help get them a record deal. So that probably means you'll like them enough to check out their set.
Dr. Dog
4:15-5:15 p.m. A veteran indie band known for their lo-fi sound and pop sensibilities. They played The Alabama Music Box in Mobile a while back with GIVERS. If you missed that show, here's your chance to make it up. And if you saw it, we bet you're going to see them again, aren't you? Because they're just that good. inweekly.net