EDITED AND PUBLISHED August 5, 2025 BY BRADY GOODMAN-WILLIAMS
WRITTEN BY Emma Kopelowicz & Brandon Taraku
It’s almost time to return to the foggy cypress and oak groves of Golden Gate Park for another magical weekend at Outside Lands.
The Bay Area’s acclaimed festival has always been one of our favorites, and this year’s lineup has us extra hyped to make the trek up the coast. Some of the star-studded headliners include Tyler, The Creator, Jamie xx, Doechii, Hozier, and Gracie Abrams, so everyone’s taste is covered. While this year’s strong headliners are certainly the main attraction, there are plenty of names in the small(er) print worth checking out, from rising alt-rappers to disco electro-pop bands.
If you’re planning to head up to the Bay from August 8-10 or simply looking for a playlist refresh, consider adding these artists to your set schedule/queue.
Stage: Panhandle
Time: Sunday, 4:30-5:10pm
Queens-born hip-hop artist Lexa Gates is one of the most refreshing voices in the game right now. You may have come across the New York rapper’s viral promotional stunt for her 2024 album, Elite Vessel, where she locked herself in a glass box in Manhattan's Union Square for 10 hours. Theatrics aside, Gates’ compelling flow and sharp songwriting hold their own and even won her a co-sign from SZA. We have a feeling the New York rapper’s career is about to skyrocket, so be sure to catch her before she graduates to an even bigger stage next time.
Stage: Sutro
Time: Sunday, 12:50-1:30pm
Baltimore-born, London-based singer and producer Marcus Brown, better known as Nourished by Time, creates music that bridges the new wave and electro-funk of the ’80s with the synth-pop and alt-R&B of today. His retro-inspired tracks sound anything but dated as he fuses uptempo hi-hat beats with distorted guitars and layered, off-kilter vocals. His music is perfectly suited to blast out of the speakers at a roller rink or bump in a club basement – but we’re sure the towering cypress trees of Golden Gate Park will also make a great backdrop for his hazy, danceable tracks.
Stage: Panhandle + Dolores (DJ Set)
Time: Friday, 6:10-6:50pm + 7:30-8:30pm
Despite only having a handful of singles and EPs released, Fcukers are one of the buzziest groups in electronic music right now. In only a few short years, the NYC duo has reinvigorated New York and London’s nightlife scenes with their house and trip-hop-laced beats, which they’ve spun at a series of exhilarating sold-out parties. The likes of Julian Casablancas, Beck, and Clairo have attended their buzzy underground shows, and fortunately, you’ll be able to experience their frequency at Outside Lands this year.
Stage: Sutro
Time: Friday, 12-12:50pm
LA-based Latina/Filipina indie dream pop duo The Two Lips were recently added to the Outside Lands lineup, and we couldn’t be more excited to see these talented artists getting their flowers. Since forming in 2023, Jewlz and Andrea, who happen to be best friends, have been crafting the kind of whimsical, twinkling bedroom pop that feels like falling hopelessly in love. Even though the pair has only released a smattering of singles, we’d be content listening to these two harmonize while singing the phonebook.
Stage: Panhandle
Time: Sunday, 1:25-2:05pm
This retro pop-funk-electronic band from Chihuahua has been captivating international audiences with their electrifying, nostalgic sound since 2015. From basements in Mexico to festival stages, Midnight Generation has been steadily plotting a global takeover one funky bassline at a time. If you’re a fan of Daft Punk and Dabeull, you’ll be instantly hooked on Midnight Generation’s disco-inspired tracks. We recommend making your way over to their set on Sunday for an early afternoon dance break that will start your day off on the right foot.
Stage: Twin Peaks
Time: Sunday, 2:10-2:50pm
Dutch-Caribbean singer-songwriter Naomi Sharon’s musical palate is as expansive as her vocals. Blending R&B, neo-soul, and a touch of Afrobeats, the OVO signee’s sound feels both familiar and refreshing. Her warm, breezy voice often draws comparisons to Sade, but the tranquil, almost trance-like production of her music puts her in a lane of her own. We’re sure her performance at Twin Peaks will be an emotional, cathartic experience for longtime listeners and new fans alike.
Stage: Sutro
Time: 1:20-2pm
Hailing from Ireland, this indie rock trio is putting their emo spin on the post-punk shoegaze revival we’ve been experiencing in recent years. After releasing a series of strong singles and EPs since 2020, the band came in swinging with their debut LP, MADRA, last year. Their moody, bass-heavy tracks are laden with gritty guitars and lamenting lyrics that hit like gut punches. Prepare yourself for a rollicking show that may include a bit of moshing and lots of screaming.
Stage: Sutro
Time: Saturday, 12-12:30pm
Brothers Benjamin and Conor McCarthy from Cape Town build their irresistibly funky grooves on analog synths, vintage drum machines, and rhythm guitars. The electronic dance-rock duo specializes in nostalgic, hypnotic disco numbers that have a distinctly modern edge. You’ll find bits of South African bubblegum synths, ’80s Nigerian disco riffs, and flecks of modern dance-pop in their mostly instrumental discography. Their set is bound to be a continuous dance party, so stop by if you want to get your body warmed up for the rest of the day.
