For Gothenburg, a city that only has around 550,000 inhabitants (or 950,000 if you count the surrounding areas), an event like Way Out West sticks out on the calendar as one of the metropolis’ biggest events.
While the festival has boasted brilliant lineups of international and local acts since its inception in 2007, WOW – much like Gothenburg – has maintained its intimacy whilst gaining global recognition.
As far as festivals go a sold out audience of 25,000 people is a rather small figure, but its small size is what sets the event apart from its European counterparts.
Held in Slottsskogen a park near the local university the atmosphere of the festival is subdued without being dull.
Each of the three stages allows attendees to appreciate the full 137 hectares of the park. There is even a duck pond in the centre for those wanting a break from the music.
WOW in the past has allowed audiences to experience acts like Prince, Kanye West, Bon Iver, Florence, The Black Keys, LCD Soundsystem, Fleet Foxes, Santigold and Pulp in a setting that enables to punters to be fully immersed in the music without having to contend with hoards of unruly people around them.
The festival has also built up a solid reputation for its environmentalism. Its decision in 2012 to cater only vegetarian food (which you can read more about below) caused some controversy in Gothenburg.
Local tabloid outlet GT gave away free sausages and meatballs outside the festival gates resulted in a Twitter dispute between organisers and GT editors.
But regardless of such controversy, WOW is an event that focuses on providing an experience that enhances the music. It’s not an event that is about selling as many tickets as possible and that is a refreshing thing to see in today’s world of mega-sized festivals.
Familiarise yourself with the visual aesthetics of WOW and the attractive Swedes by watching this video of the 2011 event.
Lineup
On their North American and European jaunt together local pop hero Robyn and Norwegian electronic masters Röyksopp will headline 2014’s Way Out West alongside the Josh Homme lead Queens Of The Stone Age and Brookyln Brooders The National.
Another pop juggernaut in Janelle Monae will perform off the back of her 2013 opus The Electric Lady, while Blood Orange will bring the R’n’B grooves and Deafheaven will amp things up a notch.
Neutral Milk Hotel will stop by on their reunion tour just as newcomers Circa Waves and Mø will perform.
Check out the full lineup here.
When and Where
The Swedish music festivities commence on the 8th and run through til the 10th of August.
Where Is It
Visa större karta
The home of Way Out West is held in the park of Slottsskogen (which translates to castle forest in English) in Sweden’s second largest city in Gothenburg. The Swedish music festivities commence on the 7th and run through til the 9th of August.
How To Get There
Return flights to Gothenburg from any major city in Australia are from $2400, cheaper alternatives to the capital in Stockholm may also be found, however flight, train, ferry or bus transfers are required.
Once in Gothenburg getting to Slottsskogen from where you’re staying should be as easy pie. From the Gothenburg Central Station you can make your way to the park by walking in about 30 minutes. Those who prefer public transport can take a tram and should hop off at either Linnéplatsen or Botaniska Trädgården.
Where To Stay
Camping is not permitted at Slottsskogen so hotel or hostel arrangements must be made. While the city’s official tourist site has some handy hotel hints of their own, we’d suggest hostels like Slottsskogens Youth Hostel, Linne Hostel and STF Vandrarhem Stigbergsliden.
How To Get Tickets
Tickets are on sale 9am February 14th local time
Full festival passes are available with the adult price being valued at $2040 Swedish Krona or approximately $351 AUD, while underage passes are worth $1740 Swedish Krona or $300 AUD.
Single day passes will be available closer to the event date with prices to be determined.
You can purchase your tickets here.
Insider Tips & Tricks/Things You Shouldn’t Miss
Along with music Way Out West features films. From music videos, short films, documentaries and drama the festival allows punters to have an entirely separate visual experience from the live music by visiting some of the cinemas around Gothenburg. Check out the film listings here.
The food at the Swedish event is a class above what you would normally get at most festivals. Catered by the award wining Restaurant Wasa Allé and Mats Nordström everything on the menu at Way Out West is vegetarian. While the festival ensures that it doesn’t want to force people to stop eating meat it hopes to debunk the skepticism around vegetarian food by offering the most scrumptious treats around.
The festival also has vinyl, merchandise and other goodies for sale whether you’re keen to window shop or hungry to let go of some cash. While art exhibitions can also be found around Slottsskogen for those looking for a breather from the music.
Stay Out West is the after party program for punters looking to kick on after the day’s festivities. With numerous gigs at various venues around the city there is plenty to choose from. More details of who will be playing where can be found on the official website closer to the festival.
For more details head to Way Out West’s Official Website
2013 Lineup
Click image to enlarge
The dual headlining acts of Neil Young and Crazy Horse, and Alicia Keys makes for a bizarre looking poster, but nonetheless fans of all music genres are catered for on this bill. Local heroes The Knife will play in support of this years Shaking The Habitual, just as James Blake, Disclosure, Phosphorescent, and Local Natives will all spruik their respective 2013 releases.
A host of incredible female musicians are also included on the bill such as Bat For Lashes, Grimes, Haim, Solange, Cat Power, Austra, and Beach House.
