9 New Bands At Lollapalooza 2015: Day 1

Lollapalooza Crowd by Sarah Hess

Chicago – The first day of Lolla was fantastic! Yes, it was pretty darn hot, but the heat was easy to forget with so much great music at your beckon. The excellent choices kept me on my feet all day, from the moment the gates opened till long after they closed, taking in an official after party at Thalia Hall. Let’s get to all the amazing new bands at day one of Lollapalooza 2015!

Mighty Oaks

Mighty Oaks live by Sarah Hess

Berlin Based Mighty Oaks started the day off at the Palladia Stage. The trio – who joined on stage with a fourth touring member – was genuinely surprised that so many people had shown up to see them, given that they haven’t broken in the States yet, but seeing as they recently toured North America with Milky Chance, news of their beautiful indie folk rock is likely spreading. Also, one listen and you’re drawn in. Talking to festival attendees, many heard Mighty Oaks and walked on over, in awe. They guys played “Back To You,” off their debut Howl, which frontman Ian Hooper noted with a chuckle, was about “generally not being an asshole.” When Mighty Oaks played “Brother,” cheers erupted form the crowd. Fans began singing and clapping along, proving America is ready for you Mighty Oaks!

Coasts

Coasts live by Sarah Hess

English indie rockers Coasts filled the lawn at the Bud Light Stage Friday afternoon. I remember when these five played Lincoln Hall with Bad Suns, not too long ago. They had just begun to get radio play here in Chicago, creating quite a buzz around them. They were excited about their growing fan base, and giddily told the crowd that night that they’d be back in Chicago for Lolla. And what a return! While fans in the audience sang along to “Modern Love,” a group of kids came running toward the stage, shouting, “Let’s go, this a good song!”

Jamestown Revival

Jamestown Revival live by Sarah Hess

Texas twosome Jamestown Revival brought a little Americana to the Pepsi Stage. At first it looked as though Zach Chance and Jonathan Clay hadn’t brought much of a crowd, but once these two began rocking out with their band, the green filled with fans who had been hiding under the trees, attempting to cool off in the shade. After some technical difficulties and a good ole joke about “that bass,” Jamestown Revival lit a fire!

Black Pistol Fire

Black Pistol Fire live by Sarah Hess

Speaking of fire, I left the Pepsi Stage early to catch Black Pistol Fire at the BMI Stage, for what I’m declaring the best set of the day! Longtime friends Kevin McKeown and Eric Owen make up this Austin slash Canadian rock duo, and while they’ve been compared to Kings of Leon and The Black Keys, these guys are a force all their own. McKeown was a pistol of energy, jumping around stage, climbing the speakers, and surfing the crowd! Owen was just as fierce with his drums. The set reminded me of discovering Royal Blood last year at Lolla, on the very same stage, and I have no doubt that this twosome will soon be selling out shows and breaking records like Royal Blood. Stay tuned for my hilarious interview with Black Pistol Fire! Until then, do yourself a favor and check these guys out.

Bear’s Den

Bear's Den live by Sarah Hess

Bear’s Den was just what the afternoon called for! After standing in the sun all day myself and plenty of others lounged around the shaded green by the BMI Stage taking in the sweet melodies and harmonies of Bear’s Den. During “Above the Clouds of Pompeii,” fans sang along at the band’s request of “If anybody does know the words that’d be sharp.”

Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes live by Sarah Hess

Well, they did it. Alabama Shakes finally managed to play Lollapalooza, and there wasn’t a drop of rain in sight. Brittany Howard was a beautiful sight though, playing a mean guitar, singing her heart out on “Future People,” “Heartbreaker,” and “Don’t Wanna Fight.” Her talent is beyond words, so I’m just going to end it here.

alt-J

alt-J by Sarah Hess for Best New Bands

These English lads impressed again. They tightly packed the Bud Light Stage, yet people still found the room to dance to “Left Hand Free” and “Every Other Freckle.” For me, perhaps the best part of the set was watching a young girl dance her heart out to “Breezeblocks.” She hadn’t a care in the world and seemed to feel the music in every ounce of her body, reminding me just how magical music festivals can be.

The Weeknd

The Weeknd live by Sarah Hess

Abel Tesfaye - aka The Weeknd – perched out above the high stage, jumping around, performing “High For This,” his words competing with the screams of excited fans, many of whom waited all day, baking in the sun. The looming question of the day was, “Would people turn out for The Weeknd with Sir Paul McCartney playing against him?” The astounding answer was yes! So many so that security was pulling people out from upfront when it began to pack too tight. Despite it all, The Weeknd was a fantastic end to the first night of the Lollapalooza weekend.

Django Django

Django Django live by Sarah Hess

The evening didn’t end with The Weeknd or Mr. Paul McCartney. As is every year, Lolla continues well into the early morning with DJ sets and after shows. London art rockers Django Django were lighting up Thalia Hall in Pilsen, with their exquisite lights and projections during songs like “Storm” and “First Light.” Perhaps most impressive though was their use of found materials for sound, from a cardboard box covered with a tambourine and duct tape to coconut shells.

There’s two more days of Lollapalooza and tons more new bands to discover. Stay tuned for more Lolla coverage!

Photos by Sarah Hess for BestNewBands.com

Sarah Hess

Sarah Hess

At the age of six, Sarah Hess discovered True Blue by Madonna. This resulted in her spending hours in front of the bathroom mirror with a hairbrush microphone, belting out "La Isla Bonita" off key. Her love for music only intensified over the years thanks to her parents; her mother exposed Sarah to The Jackson Five and had her hustling to the Bee Gees, while her father would play her albums like 'Pet Sounds' and 'Some Girls' from start to finish, during which he'd lecture on and on about the history of rock & roll. Sarah would eventually stumble upon rap and hip-hop, then punk and alternative, and fall madly in love with Jeff Buckley and film photography.

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.
Sarah Hess

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