Chicago – Lollapalooza is finally upon us! You’ve been counting down the days to see your favorite bands, but what about all those new bands? Have no fear, we’re here to help. We’ve comprised a list of ten new bands to see over the weekend to help you celebrate Lolla’s tenth anniversary in Chicago’s Grant Park.
CHVRCHES
Photo: Eliot Hazel
Glasgow synth-pop trio Chvrches managed to peek the curiosity of pretty much everyone in the music business with the single “Mother We Share” off the Scottish band’s chart-topping debut album The Bones Of What You Believe. In a BNB review, Caroline McDonald wrote, “Chvrches’ live show flew way above what we envisioned it would be.” Chvrches play the Lake Shore stage on Friday from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Royal Blood
Press photo courtesy of BB Gun Press
British duo Royal Blood burst onto the scene with the hard-hitting single “Out Of The Black.” They’ve opened for The Arctic Monkeys, who are self-proclaimed fans of the garage-rockers. The boys are set to release their debut album August 25 via Warner Bros, so it’s a good bet they’ll be playing some new material at Lolla. Royal Blood play the BMI stage on Friday from 6:50 – 7:30 p.m.
Vance Joy
Press photo courtesy of Atlantic Records
Aussie Vance Joy first grabbed our attention last summer with the single “Riptide,” off the EP God Loves You When You’re Dancing. After law school, this remarkable singer-songwriter decided to follow his passion and jumped head first into music; after seeing him perform live, you’ll know he made the right decision. Vance Joy will be playing the Bud Light stage on Saturday from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Meg Myers
Photo: Catie Laffoon
This LA transplant is a must see! After being discovered by Doctor Rosen Rosen, Meg Myers signed with Atlantic Records. Her single “Desire,” off the EP Make A Shadow, is just as sizzling as her live performances. Meg Myers will be playing The Grove stage on Saturday from 2:50 – 3:30 p.m.
Fitz and The Tantrums
Photo: Nataworry Photography
These Lolla alumni have come a long way since releasing the hit single “Moneygrabber.” Last year neo-soul six-piece Fitz and The Tantrums released their sophomore album More Than Just a Dream, featuring the radio darling “The Walker.” The chemistry between Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs makes for an energetic show full of good vibes and plenty of dancing. Fitz and The Tantrums perform on the Samsung Galaxy stage on Saturday from 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Joywave
Photo: Catie Laffoon
This New York band melds punk, funk, house, and hip-hop to create irresistible indie electronic-pop. In June Joywave released the How Do You Feel? EP, featuring the hot summer dance track “Tongues.” They also teamed up with Big Data for the radio sensation “Dangerous.” Joywave will be playing the BMI stage on Saturday from 5:40 – 6:20 p.m.
Vic Mensa
Press Photo
Chicago native Vic Mensa last played Lolla with the now defunct band Kids These Days. He’s since gone solo, released the mixtape INNANETAPE, and collaborated with Chance The Rapper on the EP Street Lights. His recent single “Down On My Luck” will have you dancing all over the shady knoll. Vic Mensa will be performing at the BMI stage on Saturday from 6:50 – 7:30 p.m.
Kongos
Photo: Pamela Littky
The Kongos brothers may now call Arizona home, but the sons of singer-songwriter John Kongos spent their childhood surrounded by music in South Africa. The Kongos create unique alternative rock that features accordion and lap slide guitar. The single “Come With Me Now,” off the album Lunatic, climbed to number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. Kongos will be performing at the Palladia on Sunday from 12:15 – 1:00 p.m.
London Grammar
Press photo courtesy of High Rise PR
Seeing as London Grammar has been selling out shows left and right, this may be the perfect opportunity to see the British pop band work their magic. The trio are becoming known for their mesmerizing live shows. Songs like “Hey Now” showcase Hannah Reid’s sublime vocals. London Grammar play the Lake Shore stage on Sunday from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Chance The Rapper
Press Photo
Twenty-one year old Chicago rapper Chancelor Bennett – aka Chance The Rapper – made waves just two years out of high school with the release of his Acid Rap mixtape. BNB’s Caitlin Peterkin saw Chanceperform at Sasquatch! and declared him “one of the best showmen” at the fest. Surely his hometown performance will top the cake, and perhaps fellow collaborators and Lolla artists Vic Mensa and Childish Gambino will join Chance on stage? Chance The Rapper plays Perry’s on Sunday from 8:30 – 9:45 p.m.
Stay tuned for BestNewBand.com’s day-to-day Lollapalooza coverage. We’ll be roaming the grounds, listening to tons of new bands, and checking out an after-party or two.
Sarah Hess
After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.
You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.
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