How I Found Myself in the Mosh Pit- Riot Fest 2023 Review
By: Payton Case
Have you ever found yourself stuck in an existential crisis? My answer to help cope with that dread is to treat yourself to a live show. After going through a first love kind of heartbreak, I realized I had no idea who I was anymore. Taking some time off of work, I decided that it was time to get reacquainted with myself. I decided to do the thing that scared me the most: go to a music festival alone. What better way to get acquainted with yourself than being surrounded by music you love? I must say, it was the best decision I could have made.
Riot Fest, the festival in question, has been going strong for a solid 18 years after getting started in The Congress Theater in 2005. Because of the festival’s growing fan-base it has since moved to the southside’s very own Douglass Park. Riot Fest is known for being a haven for rock, punk, and alternative music fans alike. This year, it took place on September 15-17, with legendary headliners like Foo Fighters and The Cure, it’s not hard to see why this festival is so recognized.
Day one of the festival started like any other summer day as of late: undeniably hot and full of sun. Walking through Douglass Park welcomed scenic views; full of trees just starting to change for the season, and pathways beside glittering ponds. It seemed an unlikely venue for a hardcore music festival.
Once inside, my first stop for the day was the Radical Stage for Hawthorne Heights. JT Woodruff was so excited to be back in the “L.A. of the midwest”, and to be performing at Riot Fest for the first time. They played nostalgic hits like “Pens and Needles” and “Ohio is For Lovers” (My little emo teen heart was screaming!). During “Dandelions” the crowd couldn’t help but follow Chris Popadek’s rhythmic lead. The intensity of Popadek’s drumming drove the crowd into such a frenzy. The energy was exciting and definitely contagious. The band from Ohio made the heavy heat of the day even heavier, but in a way that drove the crowd thirsty for more of their set. Hearing this group live was truly healing for my inner teen, and that’s when I realized how impactful this weekend was going to be.
The band to follow up H.H. at the Radical Stage was pop-rock group The Wrecks. The west coast pop-style of music made for an animated set. Nick Anderson, band frontman, was a blur on the stage with his energy. The crowd kept up the intensity by moshing and crowd surfing the entire set. Playing hits like “Favorite Liar” , “Fvck Somebody”, and “Out of Style” the stage felt like a giant middle finger to your favorite ex. You never know how much you need to yell with a group of strangers until it’s happening. To say it was a cathartic experience would be an understatement.
All the way across the venue at the Rebel Stage was an unpredictable favorite of the day, Just Friends. A major switch up with the vibes here. The pop-funk-rock group is the exact group I’d add to my dream blunt rotation. Leads Sam Kless and Brianda Goyos Leon’s chemistry was completely undeniable. Leon’s crisp vocals mixed with Kless’s abrasive tone made a great contrast. Add the funky instrumentals and you’ve got a band that can groove you into the best mood imaginable. With songs titled “Zaza In The Sun :-)” how could it not be a good vibe? They were not only amazing talents to witness, but had the funniest stage presence I’ve ever seen. It felt like I was watching a few of my closest friends at a karaoke bar. They kept it fun and intimate for the crowd. Kless even stopped to share that his first ever concert was Foo Fighters, and to be playing at the same festival as them was such an honor. I honestly can’t wait for this group to get the major blow up they deserve.
At this point in the day there was a nice gap of time where I had nowhere to be. I hit up the food area and devoured a walking chicken taco, and some much needed Italian ice. One of the things I give major props to Riot Fest for is the inclusivity in their food and drink options. Following the break-up (and some poor decisions) I decided to be sober for a while. I was really worried I’d have nothing fun to drink the whole weekend. It was the only thing I wasn’t looking forward to going into the festival. But the creators of riot fest thought ahead and made a seltzer that does it all. Riot POP! was made to have options with different alcohol percentages, CBD, or even non alcoholic. After asking the bartender about it, Riot POP! was created to cater to the growing sober scene in the alt community. I was able to join in the fun of carrying a n/a seltzer without feeling singled out. An added bonus is it actually tasted incredibly delicious. A major win for my sober friends attending.
Walking around people watching and waiting for the next set, I wound up running into some mutuals, Allesandra and David. After catching up a bit it turned out we had the same setlist schedule. They adopted me into their group, and we set off on our little adventure. The next two acts up were Bayside and Say Anything.
A quick word from your local Emo Mom, Allesandra: Things You Better F*cking Bring:
“1.) You always want to bring a portable charger. You never know when a homie will need it. Plus, having your phone die mid recording sucks bad. 2.) Sunscreen! Sunscreen! SUNSCREEN! You’re way too pale to go without. 3.) Drink some f*cking water. Hydrate or Die-drate.”
Back to your regularly scheduled reading.
The sets played by Bayside and Say Anything felt like a fever dream. Another set of artists I had been fiending to see ever since I was a middle schooler. Bayside’s punk rock set made for a good head-banging session with songs like “Montauk”, but turned to feel deep-seated with “Don’t Call Me Peanut”. Bayside’s lyrics for the last song mentioned made me surprisingly emotional. With words like, “Well I may have your heart, he has your body” it hit me in the gut. As foolish as it sounds I wanted to cry. I looked around at the faces around me as Bayside sang that phrase and knew I wasn’t the first or last person to feel like this. It was the first time since the breakup I didn’t feel alone. I often forget the sense of community that follows going to events like this. It was nice to feel small again.
With the emotional turmoil I was feeling with the Bayside set, Say Anything switched up the mood fast. Max Bemis’ self deprecating humor in between songs made him a relatable individual and made for a good laugh. Bemis’ songs matched that energy well. Songs like “Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too” and “Every Man Has A Molly” have a candid feel to them. The band’s songs say what I feel like we are all afraid to say, but definitely all think in certain situations. I know personally I’ve been so bored while “talking” to someone I let them get off on the phone while I’m doing something mundane. “Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too” explores that exact experience. I love that they sing about such “taboo” experiences that make you feel like kind of an asshole, but still things we universally think about and possibly do. Yelling alongside Bemis and the crowd was a care-free and just plain fun time. It was nice to listen to music that reminds you not to take yourself too seriously, or life for that matter.
Now that Say Anything gave their bows it was time to find our spots for Foo Fighters. Thankfully the Roots and Riot stages were right next to each other. So, while we got amazing spots for Foo Fighters at the Riot stage we could see Turnstile clear as day at Roots.
My friends maybe knew one song of Turnstile’s. It was so fun to watch them grow into new fans of the hardcore punk group. I was able to see the band earlier this year for my best friend’s birthday, and being able to pass on the knowledge she taught me felt so full circle. Brendan Yates on stage is an indescribable experience. He has a smooth voice and intense range that captivates audiences. Yates’ voice contrasts so incredibly well with the intense nature of the instrumentals. Watching Daniel Fang on drums was awning, none of us could take our eyes off of him. Mouths agape and everything. I was captivated the whole time the band was on stage.
The lighting design for their set was also such a stunning sight. With this being the first group to start as the evening set in you could really appreciate the stage lighting. It stayed soft for the more atmospheric songs like “ALIEN LOVE CALL”, and turned into an intense strobe for hardcore hits like “HOLIDAY”. It’s amazing to see just how far this band has come. Not too long ago they were playing small intimate shows where people would do flips off the stage while they performed. Now, they’re headlining a renown festival with legends of the genre. Can’t wait to see what becomes of this group.
As Turnstile left the stage there was only one band left for the evening, Foo Fighters. I was exceptionally nervous to see this group. Not only was I a new fan and felt a bit like a poser, but this was my ex’s all time favorite band. Before him I had known their staple songs “Everlong” and “Monkey Wrench”, but since him I had grown a deeper appreciation for the band. My goal for this set was to make a new memory with the group. To no longer have them strictly associated with a person, and it couldn’t have been a better call. Being able to watch such an established group of people felt like a once and lifetime opportunity. With members from groups like Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes it made for the perfect melting pot to produce some of the best rock to influence recent generations. The musical range Foo Fighters has in its arsenal made for a three hour show everyone loved. From breaking out hardcore sleeper hits like “White Limo”, to all time rock favorites like “Best of You”. It was a must see event. Grohl gave his all on stage, and to see someone of his caliber was amazing.
I had heard that he was a very talented man, but seeing him shred was unreal. He is so confident in his talents that he makes it look so easy on stage. I remember in an interview he did on Hot Ones he mentioned the recording process for the band. Explaining that they’ll do one, maybe two, recordings for songs because he likes the raw and imperfect sound music can have. When I first heard that I didn’t believe it at all. After their performance though, I can see why they only need that many takes. Each member is a master in their craft, and their energy was infectious. You can just tell they have an unbeatable bond on stage, and feel the joy they all have playing together. That made the experience even better. At one point, during the dedication to late drummer Taylor Hawkins, the whole park fell quiet as Aurora played through the speakers. This alone proved to me just how much they cherish playing together.
I left this show with a great new appreciation for Foo Fighters, and experienced some of my new favorite songs in a way I never thought I would. I’m honestly so grateful to my ex for breaking me the way he did. Without it I never would have pushed myself to go to Riot Fest (or worse, I would've gone with him). I wouldn’t have experienced the bands I did, found new music to love or refall in love with. As the weekend progressed, I felt a deeper appreciation for being alone in this time of my life. Riot Fest welcomed a lone music lover with open arms and didn’t make me feel alone. The kind strangers easily turned into new friends as we all had at least one thing in common. This music festival brought so many walks of life together to show their love for the alternative music genre. If you’re ever in the market to see some memorable live music, and mid September rolls around, grab your wallet and buy those tickets. Whether you’re going alone because none of your friends like this music, you’re going through a break up, or have a fun group of mates. You’re guaranteed to have an undeniable experience, and maybe discover a thing or two about yourself in the process. Thank you, Riot Fest!