Shaky Knees Music Festival has become a cornerstone of the rock ‘n’ roll festival circuit, celebrated by USA Today and Rolling Stone. This year, discover the hidden gems on the smaller stages that you won’t want to miss.
The main stages at this year’s Shaky Knees Music Festival are full of rock ‘n’ roll icons like Weezer, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, The Offspring, and Billy Idol, along with indie rock favorites such as Arcade Fire, Dinosaur Jr., and Waxahatchee.
But don’t underestimate the smaller stages—they’re filled with talent. Just because a band’s name is in smaller font on the lineup doesn’t mean they rock any less hard.
This year’s festival has a diverse lineup from top to bottom, and the smaller stages offer great sight lines, incredible sounds, and the chance to experience bands up close before they become the next big thing.
Here are 10 underrated bands you won’t want to miss at Shaky Knees 2024.
Get ready to discover your new favorite acts!
Shaky Knees 2024: 10 bands/artists you don’t want to miss
Fazerdaze
Fazerdaze is the musical project of Amelia Murray, a New Zealand artist known for blending dreamy ethereal pop with the fuzzy textures of shoegaze. Her debut album, “Morningside,” released in 2017, achieved both critical and commercial success, driven in part by the indie hit single “Lucky Girl.” After a five-year hiatus, she returned with the 2022 EP “Break,” which nods to lofi bedroom pop while also drawing inspiration from 90s guitar tones. In 2023, Fazerdaze released two new singles, further showcasing an ability to seamlessly merge different elements of pop and shoegaze into well-crafted and moving tunes.
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Set time: Sunday May 5, 2024 – 12:30 PM at Peachtree Stage
Men I Trust
Men I Trust is an indie band from Montreal, known for their dreamy blend of synth-pop and smooth electronic elements. Producer Dragos Chiriac and bassist Jessy Caron formed the band in 2014, bringing on Emma Proulx as lead vocalist in 2015. Their music combines airy, melodic vocals with relaxed electronic beats, creating a soothing, introspective atmosphere. The band achieved a breakthrough with their 2019 album “Oncle Jazz,” featuring 24 tracks, including hits like “Tailwhip,” “Show Me How,” and “All Night,” which embody their laid-back style. Men I Trust’s ethereal sound and captivating live performances made them a standout at last year’s Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza festivals.
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Set time: Sunday May 5, 2024 – 3:45 PM at Peachtree Stage
benches
Benches are an indie-rock band from Southern California, formed in 2014 while the members were still in middle school. They describe their sound as “Bench-Rock,” a constantly evolving style that incorporates a range of influences from 90’s Britpop to 2000’s New York indie rock. Fronted by Anson Kelley, Benches has opened for well-known bands like Foster The People and Ultra Q, amassing over 245,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. If you’re looking for a unique band that blends indie rock with fresh, innovative elements, Benches is a must-see at Shaky Knees.
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Set time: Sunday May 5, 2024 – 12:00 PM at Piedmont Stage
Blondshell
Blondshell is the stage name of Los Angeles-based indie rock musician Sabrina Teitelbaum. She debuted in 2022 with the single “Olympus,” quickly gaining recognition for her distinctive alternative, grunge rock sound. Blondshell’s music has earned acclaim from Rolling Stone and the New York Times, and she has played at major festivals like Primavera, South by Southwest, and Austin City Limits. Her self-titled debut album, released in 2023, received almost universal praise and drew comparisons to Snail Mail and Indigo de Souza.
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Set time: Saturday May 4, 2024 – 1:15 PM at Piedmont Stage
Wine Lips
Wine Lips, a garage punk rock band from Toronto, have made big strides since their formation in 2015. Their self-titled debut album led to tours across North America and even Hong Kong and China. In 2019, their second album, “Stressor,” received rave reviews and wide critical acclaim. Their third album, “Mushroom Death Sex Bummer Party,” recorded during the pandemic, gained millions of streams. The latest album, “Super Mega Ultra,” continues their high-energy psych garage punk vibe. Catch them at the Criminal Records Stage for an up close view of the frenetic wonder of Wine Lips.
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Set time: Friday May 3, 2024 – 3:45 PM at Criminal Records Stage
Mali Velasquez
Mali Velasquez is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter who moved from the Texas panhandle to the lush hills of Tennessee, bringing a raw edge to her indie rock sound with a touch of folk. Her debut album, “I’m Green,” delves into the challenges of young adulthood, revealing a voice that’s both delicate and powerful as it explores themes of grief, self-discovery, and healing. Catch Mali Velasquez live on the Criminal Records Stage at the Shaky Knees Music Festival before she embarks on her UK and European tour.
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Set time: Friday May 3, 2024 – 12:45 PM at Criminal Records Stage
Maserati
Maserati is a band from Athens, Georgia, recognized for their blend of post-rock and experimental music. Founded in 2000 by Coley Dennis, Matt Cherry, Steve Scarborough, and Phil Horan, they quickly gained a following in the underground music scene. Their debut album, 37:29:24, self-released in 2000, paved the way to a record deal, leading to a series of successful albums and extensive touring in the U.S. and overseas. Maserati continues to evolve, with their latest album, Enter the Mirror, released in 2020, marking 20 years of innovative and experimental rock music.
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Palace
Palace, a British alternative rock and blues-rock band from London, is known for their relaxed, late-night atmospheric sound featuring lush guitar work and soulful vocals. Originally a four-piece formed in 2012, they transitioned to a trio by 2017. Their debut EP, “Lost in the Night,” was released in 2014, followed by the successful full-length album “So Long Forever” in 2016, which led to numerous sold-out shows on their American tour. Their latest album, “Ultrasound,” was released in 2024. Catching Palace on the Criminal Records stage is an unbelievable opportunity.
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Arcy Drive
Arcy Drive, the infectiously fun alternative rock band from Northport, New York, had a massive year in 2023. They rocked Lollapalooza, toured thousands of miles in their 1989 Toyota van alongside acts like Spacey Jane, Goth Babe, and Briston Maroney, and released an EP titled Beach Plum. Arcy Drive is gearing up for another big summer with shows at Shaky Knees, Landlock Fest, and the Governor’s Ball. This energetic band is known for their electrifying live performances and is definitely worth the trip to the Ponce de Leon stage.
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Chicano Batman
Chicano Batman is a Los Angeles-based band that formed in 2008, known for their unique blend of psychedelic soul, funk, indie, and Latin rock. They’ve played at major festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo, and recently headlined at the Hollywood Bowl. Their latest release, “Notebook Fantasy,” offers a funky, freewheeling journey through the styles they’ve masterfully combined over the years. Look forward to a high-energy performance and plenty of style from Chicano Batman at this year’s festival.
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Shaky Knees Music Festival 2024
The Shaky Knees Music Festival takes place May 3-5 in Atlanta’s Central Park. The three day general admission and VIP passes are sold out, though select one-day passes are still available. You can view all available tickets here.
You can check out the festival schedule here.
Here is the full lineup of this year’s festival:
