The Pitchfork Music Festival is probably my favorite festival of the summer. This particular festival is maintained by only three stages in the West Loop’s Union Park which only seems tiny but really, it’s just as bumping and crowded (in a good way) as any other music festival. Pitchfork always draws a healthy balance of pitchfork.com darlings, big names, and smaller acts that do not disappoint.
It’s truly one of the most well-run events of the season. They’ve got port-a-potties galore! Food trucks with surprisingly good food! Well-dressed people! Not as many teenagers! Reasonable ticket prices! And of course, most importantly, the lineup is always killer.
There are so many great bands to see this year. In fact, I whole-heartedly recommend that you just go see as many acts as possible. Lucky for festival-goers, the schedule is managed in such a way that all the set times are staggered so that it is actually possible to catch every single show at some point. Yes, sacrifices must be made if you’re attempting an ambitious schedule so, for those times when you’re undecided on what to do, here are some of the acts we would recommend to our readers who plan to attend this weekend.
FRIDAY
Sharon Van Etten | Sharon Van Etten is a Brooklyn based artist who writes and performs beautiful folky love ballads that are confessional, complex, and ethereal at times. We have given her a lot of play on the site, giving away tickets left and right to her shows around the country and for good reason.
I’ve heard she can capture audiences like no other. The chance to see Van Etten is now and that’s not because she’s going to go away or something, but you’ll be sad if you miss this because for the ticket price, this act is an absolute steal.
The Ladies | If you’re in a pinch, go see one of the female acts. I’m not just saying this in order to get people to see more girl bands or just because I’m a girl. This year’s line up is just stacked with female fronted acts; Grimes, St. Vincent, FKA Twigs, Tune-Yards are only some of the talented and dynamic female artists who put on great performances no matter the venue.
Beck | Beck! Who even cares if he’s a Scientologist! This is a man who claims his nonsensical lyrics on many of his beloved albums are just fillers that were meant to be re-recored… but who cares! It’s Beck. We love this “Loser” and well, I’m just wondering why you were questioning seeing him anyway? Since Beck is the last act on the bill for Friday, you’ll have a better chance at beating the crowd outta there at the end of the night if he’s not your thing. Either way, no regrets, I’m sure.
SATURDAY
Cloud Nothings | Day Two of Pitchfork is the time to really rock out. You’ve got it all down now—a meeting spot, favorite food trucks, and a few solid sets under your belt. Now, you really want to just pay attention to the shows. You want to bang your head and sing along really loud to something catchy but that still rocks hard. Go see Cloud Nothings. These guys are pretty punk and will surely draw a fun crowd. It’s ok if you spill your beer. I just spilled mine trying to flip my hair listening to “Stay Useless” while taking a quick break from writing this article.
FKA Twigs | I really want to see FKA Twigs. When I say “see her”, I mean, actually see her. I’m a shorty, about 5’2, so I’m used to seeing all of my favorite bands by catching glimpses of them in between other people’s heads and shoulders. It’s kind of like a game, you know? But I digress…
FKA Twigs is a British singer and dancer and if her music videos are any indication of her on-stage choreography and creativity, well, I will be making it as close to the stage as possible for this act. Or at least I will find someone to let me climb on their shoulders for a while. The air is nice up there too.
The Range | The Range intertwines syncopated beats and hip hop rhythms with atmospheric twinkling mini melodies that seem to strike against the bass. No, The Range isn’t a full band and will be a guy on stage with a bunch of synthesizers and computers but hey, you’re going to Pitchfork, they inevitably book acts like this. This will be groovy and dreamy all at the same time and you will want to dance and enjoy yourself because there’s a whole lot more to go after this.
Neutral Milk Hotel | I have got to confess something… I am very late to the party when it comes to Neutral Milk Hotel. I’m pretty sure it was a deal breaker to a guy I once dated that asked me who Jeff Mangum was and I had no clue what he was talking about. I even had trouble pronouncing “Mangum.” Oops! Anyway, Neutral Milk Hotel’s fans are dedicated and I don’t feel like I know enough to truly speak about this band.
All I know is that I’m ready to experience what the fuss is all about and if you haven’t done so yet either, you can join me. I’ll be in the back to give the true fans their space, but missing this set is not an option.
SUNDAY
Mutual Benefit | If you’re going to get to the park early on any day, go for Sunday. It’s the day that sold out the quickest and carries a line up of what seems to be people’s favorite artists of the weekend. Take advantage of an early arrival and see Mutual Benefit. Trust me on this one. It will be the perfect way to ease into a full day of activity by chilling on the grass with your friends, cold beer in hand, experiencing Mutual Benefit’s super beautiful chamber folk music. Last year’s release “Love’s Crushing Diamond” was gorgeous and the first ever Bandcamp release to be named a “Best New Music” by Pitchfork.
Real Estate | Real Estate’s most recent album, Atlas is just plain gorgeous. If you’re attending Pitchfork this year and haven’t heard of Real Estate that’s a shame. It’s difficult to not instantly fall in love with their elegant song writing. I recommend these Pitchfork veterans not just because Atlas received the coveted “Best New Music” ranking, but because their laid-back style exudes the perfect soundtrack to summer and you’ll be glad you made time for this set.
Kendrick Lamar | Hey man, have you been living under a rock or something? I shouldn’t even have to recommend Kendrick but I’m going to. I can imagine that the only way to top last year’s epic final set from R. Kelly would be when Kendrick Lamar just blows everyone’s minds for this year’s closing act.
Don’t forget to check out Flatstock and the CHIRP Record Fair where you can shop for sweet posters and records in between sets. Obviously, the best selection will be available earlier on in the weekend so do what you can to make it there if you’re really jonesing for some merch at the festival.
Remember—stay hydrated, see amazing music, and have fun!
