Aftershock Festival: Preceding Chaos on American West Coast

As the warm weather of Australia’s summer music festival season begins to wane, all eyes are on the United States, where they are right in the thick of their own festivities. It fills us with excitement to announce that Wall Of Sound will be making its way to the US at the end of the month to cover the colossal Aftershock Festival on the West Coast.

This epic four-day celebration in Sacramento, California, will bring together Aussie bands like Northlane, SPEED, and Sick Puppies alongside daily headliners blink-182, Deftones, KoRn, and Bring Me the Horizon, along with a multitude of heavy hitters from the alternative music scene. The anticipation is palpable as we gear up to witness how America handles the festival scene.

In preparation for our arrival, we had the chance to speak with Danny Wimmer Presents’ CMO Chamie McCurry to gain insight into the process of organizing these massive events each year, as well as to discuss the unforgettable moments that have left a lasting impression on the team and what they look for in Australian bands.

When booking international acts, the team looks for artists who have a global impact, not just in the US. Australia has emerged as a hotbed for heavy music, particularly in the metalcore genre, with a wave of talent that cannot be ignored. The team at Danny Wimmer Presents sees immense potential in many Australian bands, with some even being earmarked as future headliners for their festivals.

Danny Wimmer Presents is responsible for various US festivals like Aftershock, Inkcarceration, Louder Than Life, and Welcome to Rockville, and maintaining a fresh and exciting lineup that appeals to a niche music fan base can be challenging. However, the team’s goal is to create special moments that fans won’t want to miss, year after year. Rock and metal music continue to thrive in America, and the team sees themselves as ambassadors supporting that growth.

As for standout acts in the lineup, while everyone on the team has their own personal preferences within the rock and metal spectrum, booking unexpected acts across subgenres is what makes a festival truly remarkable. These acts may not always be on fans’ radar, but they contribute to making the festival a must-see event.

While Turnstile is expected to deliver a standout performance at the festival, with over 125 bands on the lineup, every artist is anticipated to bring their A-game to make the event unforgettable. The excitement doesn’t just revolve around headliners, as every slot on the lineup is viewed as crucial to delivering an exceptional experience to fans.

Apart from the music, Aftershock offers first-time attendees in Sacramento a host of other attractions to enjoy. The city is known for its food scene, especially in Midtown, and there are exciting after-show events in the works for festival-goers. Keeping an eye on the festival’s website for updates is highly recommended.

Memories from previous Aftershock Festivals are cherished by the team, as each year brings its own unforgettable moments. The stunning setting of Discovery Park in downtown Sacramento adds to the festival’s ambiance, creating new memories that will stay with fans and the team for years to come.

In a lighthearted moment, the idea of a charity jelly wrestling competition among headliners blink-182, Deftones, KoRn, and Bring Me the Horizon is entertained, with the conclusion that the fans would be the true winners in such a spectacle.

With the Aftershock Festival fast approaching on October 2-5, there’s an undeniable excitement in the air. Make sure to grab your tickets and be part of the chaos in Sacramento, California.