Chicago – We sure do love us some music festivals here in Chi-town. One of the most beloved is the ever-growing Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park, which begins Friday July 18th and ends Sunday July 20th and will feature over 40 acts across three stages. Pitchfork has been independently organizing the fest since 2006, booking some of the top emerging artists from around the world. We’ve comprised a list of five new bands to see at the 2014 Pitchfork Music Festival.
Speedy Ortiz
Sadie Dupuis’ indie-grunge project Speedy Ortiz has been making noise since 2011, but their 2014 EPReal Hair officially made the Massachusetts band “loud.” Back in January, Kelly Knapp wrote: “Speedy Ortiz express themselves the way they want, while making it look like they’re barely trying, like playing music is just as easy as eating and sleeping.” Speedy Ortiz will be playing the Blue Stage on Sunday, July 20, at 1:00 p.m.
(Photo: Emma Rothenberg-Ware)
Grimes
Claire Boucher is one of our favorite Canadians. The talented twenty-six year old, better known asGrimes, is a woman of many titles: producer, singer, songwriter, director, painter, and writer. The Renaissance woman is currently working on her fourth album. She graciously gave fans a sneak peak with the electro-pop single “Go,” featuring fellow Canadian Blood Diamonds. Grimes will be playing the Red Stage on Sunday, July 20, at 7:25 p.m.
(Photo: Mac Boucher)
Sharon Van Etten
Jersey born singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten caught the attention of TV on The Radio guitarist Kip Malone moons ago, and since her debut release of Because I Was In Love in 2009, the indie-folk darling has been capturing the attention of music fans worldwide. The Brooklyn transplant recently released her fourth album Are We There. Sharon Van Etten plays the Red Stage on Friday, July 18, at 5:30 p.m.
(Photo: Dusdin Condren)
tUnE-yArDs
Connecticut native Merrill Garbus is the genius behind the afro-pop project tUnE-yArDs. Garbus creates drum loops, layered with ukulele and unique, powerful vocals. She is accompanied by bass player and writing partner Nate Brenner. 2011’s w h o k i l l received critical acclaim, and use of the song “Gangsta” in TV shows, such as Weeds and Orange is the New Black exposed tUnE-yArDs’ music to a larger audience, further elevating their success. In May, Garbus and Brenner released their third album Nikki Nack. In a recent live review, Corey Bell declared the “tUnE-yArDs are one of the most exciting musical outfits around.” The tUnE-yArDs play the Red Stage on Saturday, July 19, at 5:15 p.m.
(Photo: Holly Andres)
Schoolboy Q
LA rapper Quincey Matthew Hanley – aka Schoolboy Q – has been following in the footsteps of Kendrick Lamar. Both men have been responsible for chart-topping hits, and are pivotal in the reemergence of West Coast rap. In February, Schoolboy Q released his major label debut Oxymoron through Interscope Records. Lamar is headlining Sunday night, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he joins Schoolboy Q on stage for “Blessed” and “Collard Greens.” Schoolboy Q plays the Green Stage on Sunday, July 20, at 4:15 p.m.
(Photo: Renata Raksha)
There are so many great bands playing Pitchfork this year. It was tough picking only five, so here are some honorable mentions:
Twin Peaks – These Chicago natives have been getting rowdy with their garage since they were in high school. The dudes of Twin Peaks have since graduated, released an album, and toured with The Orwells. Twin Peaks play the Green Stage on Saturday, July 19, at 1 p.m.
Mas Ysa – Canadian Thomas Arsenault has been working as a musician, composer and visual artist in New York. His avant-garde live sets have been described as awe-inspiring. Mas Ysa is playing the Blue Stage on Saturday, July 19, at 3:45 p.m.
Hundred Waters – This experimental art-rock band became the first indie act to sign with Skrillex’s record label OWSLA in 2012. Pitchfork awarded the Florida quartet’s recent sophomore release The Moon Rang Like a Bell an 8.3. Hundred Waters play the Blue Stage on Friday, July 18, at 3:20 p.m.
There are still Friday and Saturday single day tickets available for purchase. Click here to purchase tickets for the Pitchfork Music Festival. Follow Pitchfork Music Festival on facebook and twitter and be sure to use #pitchforkfest with all your festival posts!
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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