Best Escape
After a quick subway & ferry ride, I found myself on Governors Island, the beautiful and unexpected location of this year’s Escape Music Festival, held October 11-12. A foggy lower Manhattan made up the backdrop, with a sandy tropical theme making up much of the details. Although it was typical October weather in New York, Escape Fest created an atmosphere perfect for just that: to Escape. There were moments when I forgot I was still technically in Brooklyn, and that the hip people on the Island probably looked just as look walking the streets of the city as they did lounging in the sand on the second day.
Beanies and beach balls were a common site over the two days, with festivalgoers eager to see acts like Girl Talk, Moby, and Placebo. Not to mention the DJs who played the cozy Ibiza Elrow jungle-themed tent like Technasia, Moon Boots, and STRFKR. The Russian new wave act Tesla Boy would win best dressed, in cool Beatles-esque black suits.
The performances by Yeasayer on the first day and the energetic ASTR during sunset on the second made it more than worth the trip. Ra Ra Riot was my personal favorite performance, partially for their ties to Syracuse. I was able to get a quick update from bassist Mathieu Santos about the future of the band, and I’m happy to report that although the group has taken a break from touring, they have recently started work on their 4th studio album.
‘Unexpected and entertaining’ is how I would describe Escape Music Festival, with a lineup that set out to cater to an eclectic audience. In only its first year, Escape promises to be a quick common name.
-Madison Schleicher