Bonnaroo Recap

I don't know about you, but I've had the Bonnaroo blues lately reading all of the reviews and seeing the great photos of my favorite bands playing to music lovers alike. I mean, just look at the Bonnaroo lineup! When I started to search for any and every Bonnaroo recap I could find, I noticed something. On one hand, it was cool and exciting to read the music industry's side of things, for example Paste Magazine's list of the top 10 moments this year. On the other hand, I realized not everyone that went this year got to see all of those things; they had different experiences that aren't found on sites like pitchfork and other music sites and blogs. I decided to look at my Facebook newsfeed to see if I could get a good review there, but all I found were pictures of my friends at their campsites so I decided to interview a friend of mine, Janelle Hougland, who attended the festival to get a firsthand recap of Bonnaroo 2012.

How long have you been attending Bonnaroo?
3 years total now. 

How have your experiences there differed?
My music taste has changed, so that made it different. In the beginning I was into hip hop and things like Girl Talk, but after 2008 my music selection expanded and I knew more indie bands that were on the lineup. So over the years, I got to see more bands I knew and loved. 

Who all did you get to see this year?
Big Gigantic, Mimosa, Tune-yards, Radiohead, Bon Iver, Phish, Santigold, Temper Trap, Civil Wars, Skrillex, Ludacris, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Beach Boys, Alice Cooper, Childish Gambino, Two Door Cinema Club, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Trampled by Turtles, and The Antlers. 

Who was your favorite?
Tough decision, it's a toss up between Radiohead and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Both put on a phenomenal show. I really connected to Radiohead. Being able to see someone I've admired musically for so many years was amazing. He had an incredible light show as well that really made the show stand out among the rest. 

To someone who has never been to Bonnaroo, how would you describe it?
It's very diverse. You see people you would never think you'd see come out to listen to the same bands you know and love. You get to meet so many different people who you have so much in common with, yet are completely different. The music brings people together, it's like you form bonds with strangers. It's a nice chill getaway and the camping adds a fun aspect to the whole thing. 

What would be your biggest complaint about Bonnaroo?
Scheduling conflicts. It's so hard to see everyone you really want to see, because they play on so many different stages at the same times. I think they should move some of the good bands to the earlier days instead of putting all the big names towards the end and all at night. Some of the bands that were in tents should have played on the big stage and things like that. Also, the distance to Centeroo (where the shows are) is so far away from the campsites. You have to really prepare for Bonnaroo or else you'll miss out on a lot. 

How does Bonnaroo set itself apart from other music festivals you've been to or heard of?
Bonnaroo brings all different kinds of bands to their festival. Some really big named bands which attract long time fans, and then other small up-and-coming bands that after Bonnaroo usually get on the radar. The location is unique as well; it's in the middle of a field in Tennessee.

 After interviewing Janelle I watched a few videos from the festival myself, trying really hard not to be too bummed I missed out on it. Here's my favorite one I've found so far, a song called "Blood Bank" by my one of my favorite artists, Bon Iver.

Did you go to Bonnaroo 2012? If so, leave a comment with your favorite performances and/or highlights of your festival experience! Or you could be like me, the girl who wished she could have been there, and leave a link to your favorite performance you find online.