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Must-Hear Tracks from the Biggest Music Festivals Around the World
Under the banner of live music, music festivals bring together fans, artists, and cultures with an unrivalled electric energy.
10 November 2024
Every major festival, from Coachella's desert soundscapes to Glastonbury's muddy chants, has signature songs that capture the spirit of the occasion and endure in popular culture. This playlist features songs that have become festival classics and transports you to some of the largest music festivals in the world. Every song captures the distinct spirit of the festival, transporting you to the crowd and allowing you to feel the beat.
Tame Impala – “Let It Happen” Festival: Coachella (California, USA)
Tame Impala's "Let It Happen," a Coachella mainstay, encapsulates the psychedelic aspect of the event. Amid the festival's expansive grounds, the track's throbbing synths and Kevin Parker's mesmerising vocals create an immersive, evocative experience reminiscent of a desert sunset.
David Bowie – “Heroes” Festival: Glastonbury (Somerset, UK)
There have been some iconic performances at Glastonbury, and Bowie's version of "Heroes" will never be forgotten. Glasto's audience, who come rain or shine to honour music and its ability to unite people, finds great resonance in this anthem of resiliency and solidarity.
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright” Festival: Bonnaroo (Tennessee, USA)
Particularly at festivals like Bonnaroo, where it resonates with audiences that are fervent about social change, Kendrick's stirring song "Alright" has evolved into a hymn of resiliency. The crowd is energised by the track's intense performance, which fosters a sense of unity.
Florence + The Machine – “Dog Days Are Over” Festival: Lollapalooza (Chicago, USA)
Florence Welch transforms any crowd into a harmonising choir with her soaring vocals in "Dog Days Are Over." Fans are left feeling elated and connected in the moment by the song's joyful, free attitude, which perfectly defines the spirit of Lollapalooza.
Daft Punk – “One More Time” Festival: Ultra Music Festival (Miami, USA)
At Ultra, "One More Time" by Daft Punk is a legendary anthem that perfectly encapsulates the beat-driven, joyful charm of electronic music. This song is the ideal reminder of Ultra's commitment to dance culture and perfectly captures Miami's never-ending party vibe.
Radiohead – “Creep” Festival: Reading and Leeds (UK)
The eerie performance of "Creep" by Radiohead, who are well-known for their memorable Reading and Leeds performances, moves festival attendees. This song creates a memorable shared experience by highlighting the festival's unfiltered, reflective side.
OutKast – “Hey Ya!” Festival: Coachella (California, USA)
"Hey Ya!" was brought to life by OutKast's incredible Coachella performance in a way that only Coachella could. The song is a fan favourite and will always be connected to joyful, pure dancing because of its catchy beat and André 3000's powerful energy.
Arctic Monkeys – “Do I Wanna Know?” Festival: Rock en Seine (Paris, France)
"Do I Wanna Know?" by the Arctic Monkeys perfectly encapsulates the sombre, elegant energy of Paris' Rock en Seine. The song gives the French festival scene a hint of Brit-rock charm and sounds equally at home in a large festival environment as it does in a gritty rock venue.
Billie Eilish – “Bad Guy” Festival: Austin City Limits (Texas, USA)
"Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish has gained international acclaim and is a mainstay at Austin City Limits, where her edgy, genre-bending style strikes a deep chord with a wide range of listeners. The song is a must-hear at every contemporary event due to its catchy pace.
The Rolling Stones – “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” Festival: Isle of Wight (UK)
Legends like The Rolling Stones have performed on the Isle of Wight, and their rendition of "Satisfaction" is as classic as it gets. Rock royalty and devoted fans come together year after year at this legendary UK event, and the track's rebellious energy captures its history and freedom.
This playlist is a voyage through the spirit of some of the biggest music festivals in the world, not just a collection of songs. Every song takes you to a different festival stage, encapsulating the energy, the audience, and the music that characterise these legendary events. These tunes will immerse you in the global language of music, whether you're prepping for your next event or thinking back on previous encounters.