At Union Park in Chicago, the annual Pitchfork Music Festival returns for another amazing lineup for three days in mid-July. If you’re in the area, don’t miss out on these under-the-radar groups, as well as the heavy hitters like The National, Mitski, and The Roots.
Day 1
Varied indie-rock songwriter Indigo De Souza’s second album Any Shape You Take received rave reviews as one of the most despairing, emotionally vital records of 2021.
New York City indie rock band Parquet Courts blends jagged post-punk with bright, bouncy rhythms, especially on their last two records Wide Awake! and Sympathy For Life.
Lush progressive-pop is the M.O. for Spellling, whose thrilling voice and production get extra weight from a dark atmosphere. Famous YouTube reviewer Anthony Fantano gave Spellling’s The Turning Wheel a rare perfect score.
Day 2
With their 2021 debut, Dry Cleaning quietly shocked the indie world with angular post-punk and almost entirely spoken world vocals.
Indie songsmith Lucy Dacus' meticulous, intimate music translates well to the stage, where she lets her voice soar over tightly constructed performances.
This British/Singaporean electronic musician turned in their second release just this year, a combination of spaced-out ambient music and the style known as “glitch-pop.”
Day 3
This jazzy instrumental group is a necessity to see live, with whirlwind performances of intricate music that appeals to listeners of any persuasion.
One of a handful of hip-hop acts at the festival, Noname only has one studio album but is a staple of the Chicago scene.
Another new electronic artist and singer in the indie-pop genre, Tirzah distinguishes herself with hypnotic experimental production helmed by the great Mica Levi.
Check out these Pitchfork-approved artists on all streaming services, and prepare for an amazing festival this summer!