It’s almost that time of year when Chicago’s Grant Park transforms into Lollapalooza, one of the most well known and respected music festivals in the world. People flock to our city from all over to experience three days of jampacked music while standing in the heart of downtown. With a skyline on one side and the Lake on the other, you can’t really go wrong. If you’re starting to plan which bands made your final cut, here are our Top 5 can’t miss new bands.

Tame Impala – Friday, Sony Stage 3:15 -4:15

These Australian psych rockers caught my attention with their debut album Innerspeaker. Having missed the opportunity to catch them live the last time they came through Chicago, I’m going to make sure to not make the same mistake at this time. Having an afternoon opening day slot might not be ideal, but I have a feeling they are going to make the most of it. This set will be a great way to start off a lazy Friday, while many are stuck in their offices.

Empires – Saturday BMI 3:20 – 4:00

Chicago-native Empires have slowly and steadily been working their way through the music scene and hopefully this Lolla set will only help them take it to the next level. An early ‘90s vibe shines through each song, and makes sense when listening to their songs. Almost always I picture myself sitting in a wood panelled basement with a group of friends drinking and just hanging on a weekend with Empires as the soundtrack. I think they will captivate a festival audience making new fans with each song.

JEFF the Brotherhood – Saturday Playstation 1:30 – 2:15

Having seen these guys a couple years back in a random room of a building to opening for Fucked Up to gracing the pages of magazines as a band to watch to now playing Lollapalooza, this is a must-see band, take a look at our album review if you don’t believe it.  If you don’t already know them its not so much of if but rather when they’ll blow up. These two brothers are extremely talented and to get a chance to see them do what they do best is highly recommended.

FIDLAR – Saturday Google Play 1- 1:45

This band has previously been named our Artist of the Week and I won’t pass up a chance to see these punk rockers preform. The energy that comes off from their recordings is contagious and I expect the crowd to be more then ready to join in on the fun. Having been known for playing house parties that would eventually get broken up, I can’t wait to see what chaos they have in store for Chicago.

Little Dragon – Sunday Perry’s 3:15 – 4:15

By the time Sunday comes around I’m usually ready to call it a wrap on fests but I have a feeling Little Dragon might give me that extra energy and dance in my step to keep me going through the day. Having caught their set not too long ago down at Bonnaroo I was really impressed and am look forward to seeing them live again. If you are looking for a dance break in the middle of your day, these Swedes are the band for you.