Oceans Calling 2024
Shot by brandon Burdette
Cage The Elephant
Larkin Poe and Winona Fighter
SUBLIME
The Darkness
O.A.R. and Phillip Phillips
Hurricane Helene didn’t stop Oceans Calling from making waves this year. Although photographer Brandon Burdette had to make the difficult decision to leave the festival early to ensure the safety of himself and his family, he captured some of the best highlights from the weekend on Day 1.
The festival as a whole was marked by unmatched crowd engagement and enthusiasm for every sort of act, from the nostalgic and moody acoustic sets to the aggressive thumping bass of modern rock.
The Darkness put on a quintessential European show with iconic physical expressions and crowd engagement. At one point, lead singer Justin Hawkins flipped into a hand stand while clapping his feet to the beat of the music and leading the audience in vocal exercises a-la Freddie Mercury.
Larkin Poe had the venue enthralled in their coordinating denim ensemble and their lyrical themes that one audience member described as “women going through shit.” My favorite genre if I’m being honest. And Winona Fighter’s interpersonal familiarity combined with their energetic stage presence to create an electricity in the air of their set.
The unexpected MVP had to be O.A.R.’s trumpet player Jon Lampley, who never let his energy falter. His constant movement across the stage and audience engagement reminded everyone present that brass is not built for the background.
Even if physical attendance numbers dipped toward the end, it wasn’t for lack of talent or excitement at Oceans Calling. This weekend proved hurricanes can’t hinder fans and bands from making that kind of metaphysical magic. They carry it with them wherever they go.