Fourth annual Sled Island promises to be a good time, again

By Andrew Williams

Sled Island organizers have taken a page out of headliner Girl Talk’s liner notes with this year’s programming choices.

The notes to Girl Talk’s 2006 album, Night Ripper, contain a who’s who of popular musicians — from Hall & Oats to Outkast and Tears for Fears — and represent a diverse appreciation for many different genre’s of music. The same approach has been embraced by the Sled Island staff — this years line-up demonstrates a startling depth that could not be found in Calgary before the festival debuted four years ago.

Take for example, the curators of this year’s show. Much-hyped punk and hardcore darlings Fucked Up top the list. Fresh off a huge Polaris Prize win, the band brings an extraordinary amount of energy and intensity to the festival. 

Other co-creators include the insane King Khan, who is known for his wild stage presence and his frenetic garage rock. The trio is rounded out by a duo, Quintron & Miss Pussycat. Described by Pitchfork as “utterly befuddling,” their live shows are must-sees characterized by electronic music eked out from home made instruments and live puppet shows. 

Additionally, a last-minute announcement details the addition of hip-hop legend and Wu-Tang Clan member GZA, and indie-rock duo No Age to the line-up. While it is a juxtaposition of two very different kinds of music, it proves that the festival organizers know their audience. 

Other acts to keep an eye out for are the local group Woodpigeon, the Californian three piece Why? and American rock group Melvins.

The festival has achieved success by bringing world class acts to Calgary while simultaneously high-lighting local talent, and its fourth year is set to be no different.

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