TVD Live Shots: Pitchfork Music Festival, 7/15

WORDS AND IMAGES: HAYLEY PARKER | 1:50PM: Did I just step into a dream? The rain has cleared and Ethel Cain’s angelic voice rings out across Union Park. Pitchfork Music Festival 2022 is back, baby!

2:16PM: Is it too early for dinner? There’s an impressive line up of food options this year including fair favorites, the classic Island Noodles and “farm to fest” options for every appetite.

2:30PM: Philadelphia locals Spirit of the Beehive serve a side of chill vibes along with a standout performance, getting the early crowd buzzing from the first note.

2:45PM: Word is Tkay Maidza has dropped out, replaced by the stunningly talented Monaleo.

2:50PM: 5 minutes late to a 15 minute set, the audience is getting antsy, with chants drifting in and out.

2:56PM: The schedule might have been off but the vibes definitely weren’t! An emotional Monaleo takes the stage, thanking the audience for their warm welcome and playing their viral hits. She goes between being sassy and fierce to shy and softly spoken in a matter of seconds, and the crowd is hanging on every word.

3:20PM: Rapper Wiki takes the stage. I’m not one for rap music usually, but this guy wearing an Oscar the Grouch tee has captivated both myself and the entire audience. If they weren’t fans of him before, they definitely are now.

4:00PM: I make my way through the crowd intensely watching Wiki and overhear “Wait… this dude’s white? He’s mad talented.”

4:15PM: Remember how I said the rain cleared? It’s back, and with vengeance. Indigo De Souza won’t let that stop her though, singing melodies that force the rain poncho filled audience into a hypnotic dance.

5:10PM: The rain sticks around for the entirety of the set, but somehow it makes the singer’s moody lyrics hit that much deeper.

5:15PM: Tierra Whack has entered the chat. She begins engaging the audience with a call and response, with them eagerly singing back. One fan catches her attention, as she invites him on stage to sing with her.

7:00PM: Dinner break! Goddess And The Grocer is offering vegetarian burgers alongside and from the second I saw it, I knew it was calling my name.

7:51PM: A pit full of photographers and a crowded audience waits at the Blue Stage, the smallest of the three this year. Amber Mark where art thou?

8:10PM: Making the stage her home, Amber is twirling, jumping, and taking the crowd on a journey through her R&B lyrics. (Is her skirt a paid actor? The garment somehow moves just enough with every gesture she makes.) Exuding cool girl energy, I reluctantly leave the crowd to make my way over to the headliner of the night.

8:30PM: Where did all these people come from!? A packed crowd of eager The National fans wait.

9:50PM: If you haven’t listened to them before; you’re missing out. One of those bands you want to close your eyes, sway and absorb the music, the Ohio natives have been around since 1999 and it shows. Closing their set with their hit “Terrible Love,” the crowd made their way home through the rain soaked Union Park. That’s a wrap on Day 1!

ETHEL CAIN