Who to see at Pitchfork Music Festival 2023
This July, the eighteenth edition of Pitchfork Music Festival returns to Union Park in Chicago, just in time for all those indieheads growing restless in the midsummer heat. With clear skies and a stacked lineup in the forecast, I couldn’t be more excited for the days to come. While you might be coming for your favorite indie act, you’ll probably leave with a new electronic or hip-hop obsession. You really can’t go wrong wherever you end up, but here are some of the artists we’re most excited to check out this weekend.
Friday
MAVI (2:45 PM – 3:30 PM)
MAVI is an up and coming rapper from Charlotte, NC. Over the past few years he has collaborated with Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist, and he released his sophomore album, Laughing so Hard, it Hurts, last October. While his thoughtful lyricism and compelling rapping are what drew many to him, MAVI’s latest work finds him singing freely, a welcome compliment to the jazzy instrumentals and his ever improving pen. Be sure to catch his set for great vibes early Friday.
Grace Ives (3:20 PM – 4:10 PM)
Grace Ives is a rising pop singer-songwriter based out of Brooklyn. Gaining buzz after her second full-length album Janky Star, her homemade, lo-fi sound backdrops earworm melodies on top of danceable beats. With an average length of under three minutes, her songs feel like bite-sized treats that still pack a punch. Ives is definitely an artist to watch, so make sure to kick off the weekend right by catching her set Friday afternoon.
Youth Lagoon (4:15 PM – 5:10 PM)
Youth Lagoon is the project of Trevor Powers, an artist that has stayed true to his characteristic blend of introspective lyricism and dreamlike soundscapes, even while dipping his toes in a variety of musical styles. His most recent album, Heaven Is a Junkyard, emerged after an 8-year hiatus from releasing music under Youth Lagoon, a time period which spanned numerous personal battles and an injury that left him voiceless for months. In a work of mesmerizing chamber pop, Youth Lagoon’s return is an exploration of familiar themes from a voice more grounded and clear than ever before. For the immersive experience that is hearing Youth Lagoon’s mellow and contemplative music, be sure to see him perform Friday evening.
Perfume Genius (6:15 PM – 7:15 PM)
At the top of my must see list, Perfume Genius needs no introduction. His near perfect run of albums over the past decade has cemented him as one of the greats of our generation, capable of crafting spellbinding atmospheres that surround his ethereal, otherworldly vocals. Ugly Season, an album equal parts psychedelic, industrial, and ambient, is his latest project and one of my favorites of last year. But while it’s an experimental, sensual odyssey, and a must listen, his set is perhaps more likely to draw from the sound palette of 2020’s Set My Heart On Fire Immediately. The music on this album is his most recent released work (Ugly Season was completed prior), and the infectious, fuzzy, distorted tones came to life with splendor when I saw him at Thalia Hall last year. Perfume Genius is somehow always getting better and I expect Friday’s show to be nothing short of transcendent. Don’t miss it.
Alvvays (7:25 PM – 8:25 PM)
A staple of the indie scene since their 2014 self-titled debut, Canadian indie pop band Alvvays have consistently delivered certified headbangers through a signature dreamy pop filter. Their smash hit “Archie, Marry Me” still has people belting at the top of their lungs nearly ten years later, and the band reached even greater heights with their charming sophomore album Antisocialites. Their most recent release, the critically acclaimed Blue Rev, is perhaps their best work to date, packing infectious melodies and witty lyricism in what feels like a natural evolution of the band’s sound. Alvvays’s discography is brimming with tunes so energetic and grand that they practically beg for a live rendition—be sure to see them perform this weekend in what is sure to be a spectacular show.
The Smile (8:30 PM – 9:50 PM)
One of the decade’s biggest musical surprises thus far was the formation of supergroup The Smile, consisting of Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead and drummer Tom Skinner of Sons of Kemet. Last year they released A Light for Attracting Attention, their debut album and an expansion of the Radiohead universe, fusing familiar atmospheres and vocals with creative rhythms that underpin and drive the music. While the band is young, they work quickly and have already debuted a number of new songs live, so you never know what they might have up their sleeves this weekend. I’ll be looking forward to hearing “Bending Hectic,” the first song of the group’s new material to get a studio release and an epic eight minute monster. Who could ask for a better Friday night headliner?
Saturday
Palm (1:45 PM – 2:25 PM)
Palm is an art rock band hailing from Philadelphia. The band incorporates many time signature changes and math rock switch ups, promising for a fun show at the festival. Furthermore, this is likely your last chance to see the band, as they announced their breakup in June. This is their last tour and their last Chicago date, so be sure to check them out while you have the chance.
Black Belt Eagle Scout (2:45 PM – 3:30 PM)
Black Belt Eagle Scout is the performance moniker of singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Katherine Paul. Her music draws upon aspects of her own background, particularly her indigenous Swinomish/Iñupiaq heritage and queer identity. This year’s release The Land, The Water, The Sky contains beautiful reflections of nature in an album largely inspired by a return to ancestral lands. Pairing pensive, picturesque landscapes alongside classic indie rock sensibilities, be a part of Black Belt Eagle Scout’s audience for a great show this weekend.
MJ Lenderman (3:20 PM – 4:10 PM)
Wednesday guitarist MJ Lenderman is simply a can’t miss this weekend. While his aforementioned band has been blowing up in big ways, with one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year, Rat Saw God, under their belt, MJ Lenderman has a wealth of solo music that rivals the best of Wednesday’s output. His tongue and cheek lyricism, crunchy guitar riffs, and simply great songwriting have made him one of my favorite up and coming artists. Wednesday lives in a mixture of alt-country and heavy shoegaze, and while MJ Lenderman’s music is similar, his instrumentals tend to be lighter and incorporate a lot of slacker rock stylings, taking after the likes of Pavement and Built to Spill. If you’re a fan of any indie or alt-rock music, which, if you’re at Pitchfork, cmon… This guy is your guy.
Julia Jacklin (5:15 PM – 6:00 PM)
Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin is best known for her ability to write music that oozes raw emotion from every pore. On her three full-length albums Don’t Let The Kids Win, Crushing, and PRE PLEASURE, Jacklin explores the many shades of melancholy in experiences as common as breakups to those as niche and darkly humorous as someone getting kicked off an airplane for lighting up in the bathroom. Her most recent single, “Shivers,” is a stunning addition to her discography, a heart-wrenching, yearning ballad sure to leave you melting in a puddle of tears. For fans of the boygenius universe and general admirers of captivating songwriting, check out her set this Saturday, perhaps with some tissues in tow.
Snail Mail (5:15 PM – 6:10 PM)
Lindsey Jordan, aka Snail Mail, is a guitarist and singer-songwriter from Maryland. She is well known among indie fans for her vulnerable songwriting and warm guitar playing. Following the release of her critically acclaimed second and most recent album, Valentine, Jordan had to cancel her US/UK tour due to the discovery of vocal polyps. Luckily, she had a successful recovery, and has since been back on the road—I saw her at Gov Ball last month and am happy to report she sounds as good as ever. Be sure to catch her set this weekend for some great indie rock tunes.
King Krule (6:15 PM – 7:15 PM)
Archy Marshall, aka King Krule, is a familiar face in the indie music world, known for his brooding atmospheres and creative guitar textures. He has amassed a loyal following over the past decade, releasing five albums showcasing his unique voice as a songwriter and vocalist. His most recent, this year’s Space Heavy, stews in soundscapes comprised of only a few intriguing layers, leaving the listener with a feeling of emptiness constructed in a way only Marshall can conjure. His songs are said to come to life in new, spectacular ways when performed live, so don’t miss the opportunity to hear his unique guitar tones in person.
Weyes Blood (7:25 PM – 8:25 PM)
The music of Natalie Mering’s Weyes Blood is forever ethereal. Her soaring, lush compositions reached angelic heights on 2019's Titanic Rising and yet again on last year’s And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow. Her artistic vision is so clearly present in every aspect of her work, uniting her sound and writing, as well as every detail put into the translation to stage (something particularly exciting for Pitchfork attendees this year). Her most recent performance in Chicago was so dazzling that if felt as though Mering was leading her band in a performance as grand and mesmerizing as an opera, all the while donning a glowing heart appliqué like the one from her latest album cover. Now that Weyes Blood is bringing her magic to Union Park, get ready to transcend when you hear her play Saturday evening.
Big Thief (8:30 PM – 9:50 PM)
The musical phenomenon that is Big Thief is, in many ways, ineffable. They seem to have carved out their very own space within the indie scene, deservedly amassing heaps of critical acclaim, a cult of die-hard fans, and a couple of Grammy nominations for good measure. Their music is charged, cathartic rock music fueled by powerhouse vocal and instrumental performances. At the same time, it is deeply intimate fairytale-like narratives woven by the most delicate touch. You also can’t forget their offering of jaunty, twangy alt-country tracks that perfectly showcase the band members’ collective quirk. Ultimately, from the union of these diverse offerings emerges a unique sound and legacy that could not be mistaken for anyone else. The band’s latest album Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You was the Firebird magazine staff’s favorite album of 2022, and their new single, “Vampire Empire,” took the internet by storm through the sheer power of live footage alone. A headlining act that cannot be missed, finish the night with an experience that will stick with you long after the performance is over.
Sunday
Rachika Nayar (1:45 PM – 2:25 PM)
Brooklyn based electronic and experimental musician Rachika Nayar takes the stage early Sunday for what is sure be a spectacular set. Her music has ranged from ambient to danceable, with her most recent project, 2022’s Heaven Come Crashing, leaning into the latter. But regardless of the rhythmic underpinning, her music is consistently enchanting. Her live shows are said to lean into this aesthetic, where the stage is often smothered with smoke, uniting the audience in a one of a kind environment. Nayar is an ambitious musician and performer, and has stated she would like to emulate the obliterating power of the rave atmosphere, a place that “simultaneously takes you out of yourself, and submerges you deep within yourself.” I can’t wait to see what she has in store for her set at Pitchfork, I have a feeling it will be nothing short of transcendent.
Lucrecia Dalt (2:30 PM – 3:15 PM)
Experimental musician Lucrecia Dalt hails from Colombia but is currently based in Berlin. Her work is often ambient, incorporating textured soundscapes that scratch the brain in the perfect place. She released her latest project ¡Ay! last year, a body of work that somehow feels alien and relaxing at the same time, taking the listener through a minimal maze of winding sounds and foreign timbres. Her work often airs on the side of existential, and I am excited to see how these themes will manifest in her performance on Sunday.
Florist (2:45 PM – 3:30 PM)
Brooklyn-based band Florist makes exquisitely tender indie folk. Their 2017 album If Blue Could Be Happiness comes alive in its details, the soft sounds and quiet musings that reflect upon weighty topics like existence and grief. Their most recent release, 2022’s Florist, brings to the table a new experimentation with found sounds, complementing the narratives they share and grounding them in the surrounding physical world. With a mastery of meaningful subtlety under their belt, Florist can make you smile and cry all at once, likely without even realizing. The band is true gem, and you’ll want to check them out when they take the stage this Sunday.
Jockstrap (3:20 PM – 4:10 PM)
Progressive art pop duo Jockstrap consists of producer Taylor Skye and vocalist/instrumentalist Georgia Ellery, who is herself well-known for her position as a violinist in experimental rock band Black Country, New Road. The band took the world by storm in 2022 with the release of their debut full-length album I Love You Jennifer B, a brilliant work of experimental pop infused with glitchy and orchestral elements. Even as they push the genre’s boundaries, their music is still grounded in classic pop sensibilities, with irresistible hooks and melodies that will keep you coming back for more. Who else could create an entire song motif out of the recitation of English alphabet vowels? As is often the case, no one does it like Jockstrap.
JPEGMAFIA (4:15 PM – 5:10 PM)
A truly one of a kind artist, JPEGMAFIA has carved his own path in experimental hip-hop with disorienting yet exhilarating production and sampling. His first projects in the 2010s were more influenced by plunderphonics and cloud rap, but he has since evolved into a hip-hop juggernaut with a legion of diehard fans. His most recent project, SCARING THE HOES, was a much anticipated collaboration with Danny Brown, and is easily one of the best hip-hop albums of the year. The sampling is mind altering and the rapping somehow ties it all together. A must listen. JPEGMAFIA is one of the most exciting artists in hip-hop right now, and his live shows are a great way to get a feel for his unique energy—be sure to check him out this weekend.
Killer Mike (5:15 PM – 6:10 PM)
Hailing from Atlanta and one half of one of the past decade’s most acclaimed hip-hop duos (Run the Jewels), Killer Mike is a force to be reckoned with. While Run the Jewels blessed hip-hop fans with four records in the 2010s, Killer Mike did not release any solo studio albums after 2012, that is until this year’s MICHAEL. The record is a celebration of many of Mike’s influences and sounds from his past, incorporating pieces of gospel, soul, and funk. It is easy on the years, but like much of Killer Mike and RTJ’s work, it is brimming with social and political commentary, with some of the musical stylings also being influenced by music from the civil rights movement. Don’t miss this set for what is sure to be a hard hitting performance.
Kelela (7:25 PM – 8:25 PM)
Kelela Mizanekristos, aka Kelela, is an innovative alt-R&B artist, but leaving it at that descriptor alone would be a disservice. Over the course of her career, she graduated from releasing mixtapes on SoundCloud to receiving wide critical acclaim for her later works, including the phenomenal 2023 release Raven. She seamlessly blends elements of EDM with features of ambient music, creating expansive soundscapes which feel like being transported into another dimension. The new album is cinematic in its concept and execution, so it should come as no surprise if audiences come out of her performance spellbound. While attending your final few acts of the festival, make sure Kelela’s set is among the ones you see this weekend.
Mdou Moctar (7:45 PM – 8:30 PM)
Mahamadou Souleymane of Mdou Moctar combines traditional North African Tuareg music with modern psychedelic rock, performing some of the most jaw-dropping guitar work you may hear live. His 2021 album Afrique Victime is bursting with an astonishing level of technique, ingenuity, and passion. Souleymane does very limited touring performances in North America, and by all accounts his live performances are utterly showstopping. You’ll definitely want to carve out time this weekend to see him in his element.
Bon Iver (8:30 PM – 9:50 PM)
One of the biggest names in indie music, I couldn’t ask for a more perfect festival closer than Bon Iver. The moniker started out as a forlorn singer-songwriter project comprised solely of Justin Vernon, but over time evolved into some kind of heavenly folktronica sound collage, with Vernon recruiting a number of other musicians, turning the project into a collaborative effort and real community. I could gush about Bon Iver ad infinitum, so let me just say this—when it finds you, their music has the power to overtake you. Something about the way the songs fill the atmosphere, allowing for the release of so many pent up emotions I didn’t know I could feel at once, or that I would ever want to. And something about that experience, a deep healing, in a crowd of kindred spirits, is magic. I have never been more moved by a live musical experience in my life. Don’t leave early on Sunday.
This year’s lineup.
edited by David Feigelson.
artwork belongs to Pitchfork Music Festival.