By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Santa Monica, California is preparing to host a significant new addition to the global music festival circuit this fall. The inaugural Ocean Way Festival has been officially announced, bringing a high-profile roster of talent to the iconic sands of one of the world’s most famous coastal cities. Scheduled to take place on September 26 and 27, the event aims to merge the relaxed atmosphere of a beachside retreat with the high-octane energy of a major metropolitan music summit. Headlined by Las Vegas rock icons The Killers and rising British soul sensation Olivia Dean, the festival represents a strategic expansion for its organizers and a cultural milestone for the city of Santa Monica.
The festival is being produced by Goldenvoice, the powerhouse promotional firm behind the world-renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach. While Goldenvoice has frequently been a lightning rod for industry scrutiny—ranging from legal battles over "radius clauses" that limit where artists can perform to public debates regarding the political affiliations of its parent company’s leadership—the firm’s ability to curate diverse, top-tier lineups remains undisputed. With Ocean Way, Goldenvoice appears to be leaning into a more curated, boutique experience compared to the sprawling expanse of the Indio desert, utilizing the natural beauty of the Pacific coastline as a primary draw.
The choice of headliners reflects a blend of established stadium-filling power and contemporary critical acclaim. The Killers, led by the charismatic Brandon Flowers, bring two decades of hits to the Santa Monica shore. Known for anthemic tracks like "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me," the band has evolved from their post-punk revival roots into one of the most reliable live acts in the world. Their presence at Ocean Way suggests a festival that prioritizes high-energy, sing-along performances capable of resonating across generations.
Contrasting the rock-and-roll bravado of The Killers is Olivia Dean, whose ascent in the music world has been nothing short of meteoric. The London-born singer-songwriter has captured hearts with her vulnerable lyricism and a voice that seamlessly bridges the gap between classic soul and modern pop. Her debut album, Messy, earned a Mercury Prize nomination and solidified her status as a premiere vocal talent. Her inclusion as a top-billed artist at a major U.S. festival marks a significant step in her international career and provides a soulful, melodic counterweight to the weekend’s louder offerings.
Beyond the primary headliners, the bill is bolstered by a remarkably eclectic selection of artists. Jack White, the restless architect of modern garage rock and co-founder of The White Stripes, is set to bring his virtuoso guitar work to the stage. White’s performances are famously unpredictable and visceral, ensuring that the rock contingent of the audience will have much to celebrate. Joining him is the Houston-based trio Khruangbin, whose predominantly instrumental blend of psychedelic rock, surf music, and global funk has made them a staple of the festival circuit. Their chilled-out, atmospheric sound is arguably the perfect soundtrack for a festival located literally on the beach.
Adding a layer of Southern California nostalgia to the event is the appearance of Sublime. The band, which played a pivotal role in defining the ska-punk and reggae-rock fusion of the 1990s, has seen a resurgence in interest. With Jakob Nowell—son of the late Bradley Nowell—stepping into the role of frontman alongside original members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, the performance is expected to be a sentimental and high-energy tribute to the band’s Long Beach roots, located just a short drive down the coast from the festival site.
The mid-tier of the lineup is equally impressive, catering to fans of indie rock, electronic music, and neo-soul. Alvvays, the Canadian indie-pop darlings known for their shimmering melodies and witty songwriting, will bring their critically acclaimed sound to the shore. Meanwhile, the Australian outfit Hiatus Kaiyote will offer their complex, "poly-rhythmic" brand of future-soul, a genre-bending experience that has earned them fans like Erykah Badu and Drake.
Electronic music enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy with sets from SG Lewis, whose disco-infused house music has made him a favorite in the UK and beyond, and a highly anticipated DJ set from the veteran synth-pop group Hot Chip. The lineup is further rounded out by the soulful sounds of Durand Jones and the Indications, the vibrant house beats of Blond:Ish, the "nu-disco" vibes of Poolside, and the emerging talent of 54 Ultra.
The festival’s location is a character in its own right. Spanning the beach between the historic Santa Monica Pier and Bay Street, the venue offers an unparalleled backdrop. This specific stretch of sand is synonymous with California surf culture and tourism, providing a natural amphitheater where the sound of the waves meets the roar of the crowd. The festival takes its name from "Ocean Way," the street that served as the original home for Ocean Way Recording. Founded by the legendary Allen Sides, Ocean Way Recording became one of the most respected studio complexes in the world, hosting everyone from Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles to Radiohead and Dr. Dre. By adopting this name, the festival pays homage to the deep musical history of the Los Angeles Westside, connecting modern performances to a legacy of sonic excellence.
Local leadership has expressed significant enthusiasm for the project. Caroline Torosis, the Mayor of Santa Monica, highlighted the festival as a cornerstone of the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts. In an official statement, Torosis noted that the city is currently navigating a "renaissance," positioning itself as a premier global destination while simultaneously fostering a sense of community. "The city is welcoming the world to its shores, and Ocean Way Festival is how we’re making sure our own community is at the center of it," Torosis stated. The festival is expected to provide a substantial economic boost to local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to retail shops along the Third Street Promenade, as thousands of fans descend upon the area.
However, organizing an event of this scale in a densely populated coastal area is not without its challenges. Goldenvoice will have to navigate the logistical complexities of environmental protection, noise ordinances, and traffic management in a city that is already a magnet for weekend visitors. The "renaissance" mentioned by the Mayor likely refers to the city’s efforts to bounce back from the economic shifts of the past few years, using large-scale cultural events to reclaim its status as a vibrant hub for the arts.
For music fans, the Ocean Way Festival represents a new alternative to the increasingly crowded autumn festival calendar. By choosing late September, the organizers are capitalizing on the "second summer" weather often enjoyed by Southern California, offering a cooler, more temperate experience than the blistering heat of the Coachella Valley in April. The combination of a world-class lineup, a historic name, and a breathtaking venue suggests that Ocean Way is not intended to be a one-off event, but rather a permanent fixture in the musical landscape.
As the dates approach, anticipation is building for what many hope will be a seamless integration of Santa Monica’s natural beauty and the cutting edge of modern music. Whether it is the anthemic rock of The Killers, the soulful intimacy of Olivia Dean, or the nostalgic rhythms of Sublime, Ocean Way Festival is poised to deliver a diverse and memorable experience. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of live music to transform a landscape, turning a familiar stretch of sand into a temporary temple of sound and celebration. In the heart of Santa Monica’s rebirth, Ocean Way may very well become the new standard for the urban beach festival.
