If you’re from Chicago, then you know that Lollapalooza is one of the biggest–if not the biggest–weekends of the year. There’s nothing else comparable to being able to see all your favorite artists in the heart of the city, sandwiched between Lake Michigan and the scenic downtown skyline. This year’s Lollapalooza is even more special than usual, considering that the festival will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. In honor of that, an extra day(!) has been added to the lineup, making it one of the most packed, can’t miss events of the year. Because of that, I’m sure the choices of who to see can be a bit overwhelming. Of course, that’s where we come in to help. On the next few pages, we’ve highlighted some of our picks to help guide your decision-making process and possibly influence you to check out some new talent. No matter who you end up choosing, make sure to have fun and be safe out there guys!
(P.S. Even if you won’t be partaking in the festivities this year, you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to join in on the fun. The beauty of Lollapalooza is that all your favorite artists are gathered in one location, so chances are there’s another gig in the city you’ll want to be at. You can check out the full list of aftershows over at Do312.)
Thursday, July 28th
Tennyson
Lakeshore Stage | 12:00 PM
Why: While making it into a festival for the first set often feels like a chore, Tennyson will make chugging your morning mimosas well worth it. The brother-sister duo combine creative percussion arrangements with playful, outlandish melodies creating their own futuristic take on jazz improvisation. With Skrillex, Slow Magic and Mat Zo amongst their fans, Tennyson’s unique live set isn’t one you want to miss. – Ash
Jazz Cartier
Pepsi Stage | 12:50 PM
Why: One of the many faces of Toronto’s emerging hip-hop scene, Jazz was profiled on our pages last year as part of our Hip-Hop Dojo Artist Spotlight series. Since then, the Canadian rapper’s star has only gotten brighter with the release of his mixtape Hotel Paranoia in February, followed by his most recent single, “Lil Wayne”, which was endorsed by Weezy himself. Armed with an array of raw and edgy rhymes, Jazz’s electric performance promises to provide a jolt of energy to kickstart your early afternoon at Lolla. – Baseer
Hiatus Kaiyote
Petrillo Bandshell | 2:00 PM
Why: “Underappreciated” is usually not a phrase used to describe multiple Grammy-nominated bands, but Hiatus Kaiyote is by no means as recognized as their talent would dictate. Leading the way in the future soul and nu-jazz realms, they have been immeasurably successful in outpacing their contemporaries since their formation and debut album release in 2012. For this reason, HK’s set promises to be unlike anything else you’ll hear this weekend – Dom
Bob Moses
Pepsi Stage | 2:50 PM
Why: At first glance, it might seem that Bob Moses’ stunning “Tearing Me Up” is just a groovy, deep house tune. But, seeing it played live at Red Rocks Amphetheatre gave it an entirely new meaning. It was an absolutely phenomenal show with full, live instrumentation and some of the most swoon-worthy vocals I’ve heard in a while. – Clayton
Danny Brown
Petrillo Bandshell | 4:00 PM
Why: It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say there’s no one else like Danny Brown in hip-hop. His eccentric voice, spitfire delivery and frantic flow are entirely unmatched in combination, and serve as reason enough to catch him live. Danny’s presence has been sorely missed the release of his album Old back in 2013, but he recently returned with a vengeance with a brand new single titled “When It Rain”. He’s also announced plans for an upcoming LP titled Atrocity Exhibition, so we’re crossing our fingers that we’ll hear some new material on Thursday. – Baseer
Tchami
Perry’s Stage | 5:45 PM
Why: Tchami promises to be one of the more unique acts to grace Perry’s Stage the entire weekend. The French producer brings with him his distinctive brand of future house that is guaranteed to have you on your feet and dancing in ways you never thought possible. – Baseer
Kurt Vile & The Violators
Petrillo Bandshell | 6:00 PM
Why: After releasing one of our favorite LP’s of 2015, B’lieve I’m Goin’ Down, the former War On Drugs member turned primetime festival headliner has been carefully honing an already engaging live show with backing mates The Violators. Easily some of the most transferrable music from studio to stage, Kurt Vile & The Violators’ live performance will surely be a heady and captivating way to tune in on Thursday night.- Matthew
Cashmere Cat
Bud Light Stage | 8:30 PM
Why: Norwegian wonder-producer Magnus Hoiberg is back for another summer of touring, stopping by the Pepsi Stage on Thursday evening. Get there early; Cashmere Cat tends to open his sets with a truly enchanting remake of Hudson Mohawke’s “Forever 1”.- Dom
Friday, July 29th
Day Wave
Samsung Stage | 12:45 PM
Why: Unless you’ve been a complete stranger to the pages of TMN over the past few years, you’ve more than likely come across lo-fi indie-pop darlings Day Wave. Since evolving from the slick electro-pop duo Carousel, comprised of Jackson Philips & Kevin Friedman, to now a complete four-piece ensemble, Day Wave has been the vehicle for which the rest of the world has truly begun to recognize their talents. Most recently the So-Cal based troupe released the Hard to Read EP and have been touring vigorously in its wake. Expect a dialed in, intimate set. – Matthew
Saba
Pepsi Stage | 12:50 PM
Why: Many of you out there probably recognize Saba for his collaborations with Chance The Rapper on songs like “Angels” and “Everybody’s Something”, but the Westside Chicago native has been making a name for himself locally for quite a few years now as the leader of the Pivot Gang. Pivoting his success into a coveted spot on the Lollapalooza lineup, Saba looks to impress the hometown crowd with his early Friday afternoon set. – Baseer
Joey Purp
Perry’s Stage | 2:30 PM
Why: A member of Chicago’s SaveMoney crew, Joey Purp has been featured on our pages as far back as 2012. After four long years, this past May Joey released iiiDrops, the well received follow-up to his debut project, The Purple Tape. Joey’s street-savvy rhymes are unapologetic and defiant, and we expect him to bring that same attitude to his life performance on Friday. – Baseer
Lettuce
Petrillo Bandshell | 3:45 PM
Why: In 2016 it’s safe to say the resurgence of funk is in full effect with acts across genres repurposing its distinct groove to birth entirely new vibrations. Lettuce, however, are a funk band in a more traditional sense—a 6 piece who absolutely jam out. Even still, they don’t shy away from experimentation with electronic soundscapes making for an enthralling show and a perfect one to prepare for Big Gigantic and GRiZ. – Ash
RÜFÜS DU SOL
Pepsi Stage | 4:00 PM
Why: In what will undoubtedly be one of the show-stealing performances of the weekend, Rufus has a sound that was tailor made for live performances. With the recent release of Bloom and a slew of remixes under their belt, Rufus will be setting the bar high with soothing, ambient tunes. PS: stick around for the live extended version of “Innerbloom”. – Dom
Frightened Rabbit
Lakeshore Stage | 5:00 PM
Why: Veterans on the scene, Frightened Rabbit will be appealing to the counterculture fans with their catchy indie rock set. Although they had been quiet for quite some time – since the 2013 release of Pedestrian Verse – their fifth studio album Painting of a Panic Attack has been out for a few months and will surely be making heads bang at the Lakeshore stage. – Dom
JAHKOY
BMI Stage | 5:40 PM
Why: We’ve been following JAHKOY since the release of his Dying To Live Forever mixtape in 2014, back when he was a rapper known as Raheem. Since then, the Toronto native’s undergone somewhat of a rebirth, releasing music under his given name and focusing more on a future-inspired R&B/pop sound. Clearly the new formula’s worked for him, as he recently signed a deal with Def Jam and looks to make waves during his performance Friday afternoon. – Baseer
M83
Samsung Stage | 6:00 PM
Why: I’ve said this once, I’ll say it 1,000 times more. If you haven’t seen M83 live, you need to do so as soon as possible. This band was built to play live. It’s absolutely mesmerizing watching them. Even if you’re not a huge fan of their music, put their show on your list. You. Will. Not. Be. Disappointed. – Clayton
GRiZ
Perry’s Stage | 7:15 PM
Why: In the realm of electronic music, few artists have done a better job of carrying on the funk tradition than the sax-wielding GRiZ, whose “future funk” combines the enormity of electronic bass music with big-band funk of the 60s and 70s. His sets are a seamless and intertwined combination of bass-heavy takes on classic funk, soul & jazz tunes, some near-exclusively dubstep interludes and his next-level solo material. Not to mention, GRiZ often busts out his trusty saxophone, completing his distinct style and taking the performance aspect to greater heights – Ash
A$AP FERG
Pepsi Stage | 7:45 PM
Why: If you saw his A$AP Mob cohort Rocky at Lollapalooza 2015, you should already know you’re in for a real party. While Ferg was the only notable member missing from last year’s festivities, we expect his set to be just as insane, if not even more so. A$AP Ferg knows how to cater to a crowd, and we’re excited to hear some of our favorite cuts from his recent album, Always Strive And Prosper. Plus, we wouldn’t be surprised to see another apperance from the entire A$AP Mob. – Baseer
Saturday, July 30th
Dua Lipa
Petrillo Bandshell | 2:00 PM
Why: The British songstress has charmed us with a string of solid singles like “Hotter Than Hell”, “New Love”, “Last Dance”, and “Be The One”. Those songs have propelled her onto the radar of indie pop fans everywhere, making her an intriguing act to catch early on in the afternoon on Saturday. – Baseer
Tory Lanez
Pepsi Stage | 2:50 PM
Why: Tory Lanez has been a fixture on our pages for quite awhile now, but his career has really blown up since the release of his platinum single “Say It” around this same time last year. Fast forward to today, and the Toronto native looks to be one of the more dynamic performers to hit the Pepsi Stage on Saturday, bringing with him a unique blend of quick-witted rhymes and tremendous singing chops that are sure to please the crowd. – Baseer
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats
Petrillo Bandshell | 3:45 PM
Why: Admittedly, I have a soft spot for these guys, considering they come out of my home state. That aside, they’re an absolute blast to watch live. If “S.O.B” doesn’t make you want to throw down some beverages and start dancing, I don’t know what will. – Clayton
Alina Baraz
Pepsi Stage | 4:00 PM
Why: Fans of the Urban Flora EP can catch this beautiful vocalist live mid-day on Saturday. While the international duo (Alina Baraz and Galimatias) will not be teaming up in Chicago, the L.A. based Baraz will certainly give a performance soulful enough to turn the heads of passersby. – Dom
Big Grams
Samsung Stage | 4:15 PM
Why: We still have to pinch ourselves to make sure we’re not dreaming whenever we see this combination together. Big Grams unites two of our favorite acts on the planet, Big Boi and Phantogram, making it one of the hotly anticipated sets of the weekend. Along with material from last year’s self-titled debut EP, we also expect to hear both acts dive into their own respective catalogs as well. – Baseer
Jack Garratt
Pepsi Stage | 5:15 PM
Why: Our TMN Resident Artist for the month of March last year, you’d be hard pressed to name an artist with more talents than Jack Garratt. A gifted singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Jack is fresh off the release of his debut album Phase, where he handled nearly all of the vocals, lyrics, instruments, production and mixing himself. Now, translate that to a live stage and you have yourself one hell of an experinece. – Baseer
Jane’s Addiction
Samsung Stage | 6:15 PM
Why: Perhaps the younger attendees were scratching their heads at Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell’s most notable music project Jane’s Addiction listed in giant font between Disclosure & The Chili Peps, but rest assured, JA is one of the most influential and storied alternative acts on Lolla’s 2016 bill. Of course, they play every year, but there’s something about the prospect of hearing “Jane Says” and the “Mountain Song” amongst swaths of candy-kids and festy bro’s that really tickles this writer’s fancy. Go learn yourself some history with Jane’s Addiction. – Matthew
Grimes
Lakeshore Stage | 7:30 PM
Why: You’re probably already familiar with Grimes’ music but you haven’t truly experienced it until you’ve seen her prance the stage seamlessly jumping from instrument to instrument. With an unrivaled stage presence and the same DIY attitude she approaches her music with, Grimes’ performance is guaranteed to get you dancing. – Ash
Disclosure
Bud Light Stage | 8:30 PM
Why: Currently one of the most influential duos in UK garage and electronic music, Disclosure are an absolute must-see if you have not caught them live before. If you loved last year’s Caracal as much as I did, trust me when I say those album cuts sound even more crisp in person than they do in your own speakers. If you’re looking for the perfect end to your Saturday night, you can’t do much better than grooving the night away to some amazing house tunes. – Baseer
’Disclosure – Superego (ft. Nao)’
Vic Mensa
Pepsi Stage | 9:00 PM
Why: Two years ago, Vic Mensa was stuck on the Lakeshore stage, with a pretty sizable horde of fans compacted together trying to catch a glimpse of their hometown hero. That won’t be a problem anymore, as Vic headlines the Pepsi Stage to close out Saturday’s festivities. Since then, Vic has gone on to sign to Roc Nation and collaborated with the likes of Kanye West and Skrillex while preparing for the release of his major label debut. If you’ve ever seen Vic live, you know he leaves it all on the stage, so this is one performance you will not want to miss. – Baseer
Sunday, July 31st
Låpsley
Samsung Stage | 12:45 PM
Why: Låpsley was long a staple in our Sunday Night Soul series, largely because of her gorgeously angelic vocals, but also because of her astonishing ability to embed herself in pockets of eerie instrumentation and breathe life into them in ways unimaginable. We spent quite a few years eagerly anticipating her debut album, Long Way Home, which she finally delivered to us earlier this Spring. Låpsley’s soothing melodies are likely to serve as the perfect way to open up your Sunday at Lolla. – Baseer
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