Fort Worth, Texas, witnessed a sonic explosion at Panther Island Pavilion during the much-anticipated So What?! Music Festival. With a lineup boasting powerhouse bands like Attila, Skillet, and P.O.D. and an eclectic mix of musical talents, the three stages were set for an unforgettable experience.

Kicking off the Day 1 festivities with a bang, Day 1 Opener JNNY did a great job getting the crowd going. A few local bands definitely made a great impression on anyone who may not have heard of them. MoonstoneTX, with their vocalist Gracie, made you think of the old Paramore days. Under Currents is another local band to check out.

About mid-day Beauty School Dropouts had their time on the "Ollies Backyard" stage. After a few songs, I did my half-a-mile jog to the Main Stage named "Spikes Pit" to catch Sleep Theory. I talked to the singer earlier in the day and wanted to see their set. After a few songs from their set, I set my sights on the Monster Energy Drink tent. Free Monsters all day... and I had to take advantage of that. There was free water as well. There are a bunch of different food options as well—even vegetarian/vegan options. There was something for everyone. 

But the excitement didn't end there. Lolo and TX2 each brought their own unique flair to the festival, showcasing the diverse talent pool within the music industry. The controversial TX2 brought his hardcore emo hits. An immense amount of energy on the hot Texas day. Be sure to catch TX2 with Ice Nine Kills and In This Moment this year.

Lolo is always an amazing person to see. Her 3rd year in a row at So What and I don't think she's going anywhere anytime soon. From indie vibes to hard-hitting rock, each band left an indelible mark on the audience, proving that there's something for everyone at So What Music Festival. Running back over to Spikes Pit for the mighty Devil Wears Prada. One of my favorite bands to see live. They didn't disappoint as usual. I was able to catch most of the set until a few minutes before 3OH3 were set to hit the stage back at Ollies Backyard. You can't go wrong with a 3OH3 show. The energy is amazing. The crowd is always into it.

As the sun reached its zenith, the stage transformed into a melting pot of musical styles. Mayday Parade and Underoath headlinng on Spikes Pit, Iann Dior and Boys Like Girls on Ollies Backyard and Emery over at the Hot and Heavy stage. Unfortunately Veil of Maya was scheduled to play the headline on Hot and Heavy but they had to pull out. I personally caught Mayday Parade and Underoath. I have been an Underoath fan for a long time. They were playing the "They're Only Chasing Safety" album in full. That was a must see for me. 

Now on to Day 2, a few bands played before I was able to get inside the fest. Local band, Waiting 4 April was the first band I was able to catch. A mix of old school emo and Sleeping With Sirens, they captivated audiences with their dynamic blend of pop-punk anthems and infectious hooks. Heading back over to Spikes Pit from Ollies Backyard to catch Notions, they have that heavy hitting rap/rock sound. Vocalist Kalan made his way to the pit and moshed with the crowd for a few minutes while the band layed down some heavy riffs. Took a trip back over to the Monster Tent and up to the lounge to take a small break before Catch Your Breath took the stage. I have been a fan of these guys for a while. A little surprise visit by Vocalist Anthony of Dark Divine. Taking the stage with Catch Your Breath for their song "No Evil". As they ended their set... they sky became dark and gloomy. Sadly, this prompted the festival head to postpone the entertainment. A crazy storm hit and stopped the music for about 2 1/2 hours with a full evacuation.

An announcement was made that people could head back in. Unfortunately a few bands were not going to be able to play on this night. There is a 10pm curfew in Fort Worth on Sundays. But we did get all the headliners of each stage. Coming back in and hearing the stages being set back up. Sound checks being made. I made my way over to the Hot and Heavy stage to see one of the bands I was most excited for.

Attila brought their signature brand of metalcore madness to the forefront. With frontman Chris Fronzak leading the charge, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of headbanging and moshing, feeding off the band's raw energy and infectious enthusiasm. From bone-shaking breakdowns to blistering guitar riffs, Attila helped curb the disappointment of the rain delay.

Ending off my night with Skillet. Delivering a high-octane performance that ignited the crowd with their explosive stage presence and powerful vocals. Skillet's set was a masterclass in rock showmanship. They are always an entertaining band to see live. 

Beyond the music, the festival atmosphere was electric. Food vendors served up mouthwatering treats to keep concertgoers fueled for the day's festivities, while art installations provided a visual feast for the eyes. With a sense of camaraderie and community permeating the air, So What Music Festival wasn't just a concert; it was an experience to be cherished and remembered.

As the final notes echoed into the night sky, and the last echoes of applause faded away, one thing became abundantly clear: So What Music Festival had once again delivered a musical extravaganza for the ages. With its stellar lineup, vibrant atmosphere, and unwavering dedication to the spirit of rock 'n' roll, it's no wonder that this annual event continues to captivate audiences year after year. 

SO WHAT?! MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024