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Pitchfork 2019 Recap: Saturday, July 20th
The second day of Pitchfork Festival started off with the same sweltering heat as day one, but a fair amount of festival goers showed up as gates opened to take in the full day of music. The forecast showed continuous sunny skies all day to accompany the heat, but the fest ended up being suddenly evacuated around 5PM by a storm that came out of nowhere. The festival organizers were able to make the call just before torrential downpour hit the park, and most attendees were able to seek shelter in nearby bars and restaurants. Unfortunately, Kurt Vile and Freddie Gibbs sets were cut during the storm, but the festival did reopen after an about an hour of downtime, continuing the night with good weather. Despite the evacuation, day two still proved to be a great day with plenty of highlights. Read about my favorite Saturday moments below!
Lillie West of Lala Lala
Lala Lala, the project of songwriter and musician Lillie West, opened the second day of the festival with the same all-star band roster that had performed the night prior at Metro, which included V.V. Lightbody, KAINA, Sen Morimoto and Nnamdi Ogbonnaya playing alongside West. Despite having the first set of the day, the heat, and the fact that they were coming off playing a late show the night prior, the entire band sounded as flawless and refreshed as ever. The early day crowd listened intently, even during some of the quieter moments of the set, like the performance of “Scary Movie." Lala Lala’s set also included a cover of “Slip Away” by Perfume Genius, who has also previously performed at Pitchfork Festival. Lala Lala has continuously been one of my favorite bands to see play around the city, but this set was my favorite from them to date.
Ric Wilson with the Lane Tech marching band
Ric Wilson kicked off the Red Stage for the second day, and his set was hands down my favorite of the day, if not the entire festival. Wilson’s set had literally everything you could want from a festival show; an interactive dance party, guest appearances, and a positive message. The Chicago based artist immediately let the crowd know that he doesn’t tolerate any hate by starting his set with a call and response chant where to told the crowd “no racist, no sexist, no homophobic, and no bullshit” behavior would be tolerated here. The positive vibes continued as Wilson danced across the stage with a beaming smile. A few songs into the set, the first guest appearance came from collaborator and Pitchfork Festival alum, Kweku Collins, who played the festival last year. The energetic performance also featured an appearance from the Lane Tech marching band. And finally, Wilson closed out his set with everyone in the crowd participating in a Soul Train style dance off, which left everyone walking away with a smile on their face to enjoy the rest of the festival.
Jay Som performing at the Blue Stage
After taking a break to cool down, I moved over to the shaded Blue Stage to catch an afternoon set from Los Angele’s Jay Som. The singer’s dream pop tunes provided the perfect mid-day, chilled out set for festival goers, acting as a retreat from the chaos of the festival and the blistering heat. Jay Som and her band played through trusted favorites like “Baybee” and “The Bus Song” as the audience echoed the words back to the singer. The festival set also included a couple of new ones from the upcoming album Anak Ko, out later this summer via Polyvinyl Records.
Austin Brown of Parquet Courts
Parquet Courts played next on the Green Stage, and they brought tons of energy along with them. It took mere seconds into the band’s first song of the set for the crowd to get amped up and start moshing, even with everyone being drenched in harsh sunlight. Starting at 4:15pm, Parquet Courts’ set took place during the day’s sweet spot, when more and more people decided to start showing up. The band’s uptempo rock tunes like “Master of My Craft” and “Total Football” were perfect for setting up the tone of the evening ahead. Unfortunately about 15 minutes before Parquet Courts’ set was slated to end, they made an announcement to the crowd that weather conditions might cut them short. After playing the title track of their 2018 album Wide Awake, festival goers were asked to calmly evacuate the site and find shelter. While it might have been cut short, the part of Parquet Courts’ set that we did get to experience was definitely a highlight of Saturday.
Following the evacuation of the festival and the downpour of rain, the park opened back up around 6:30PM for sets from Stereolab and Belle & Sebastian. As both of these bands played their sets, the sun once again shone down on Union Park and all was right— almost giving the feeling that it was a completely different day.
The Isley Brothers closing out the second night of Pitchfork
Before long, the sun began to set on Saturday, and it was then time for the legendary Isley Brothers to close out the night. Their spot on the festival lineup seemed a little out of place between more contemporary pop acts HAIM and Robyn, who bookended the weekend as the other headliners. However, when the brothers and their live ensemble made their way onto the stage to “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince playing as their introduction song, it was clear that we were all in for a show. As the band began their set of throwbacks, even the younger audience members who might have been unfamiliar with the group’s music could recognize bits of the songs that have been sampled by other artists. The Isley Brothers instantly had the audience moving along to their soulful music, and onstage, they had extravagantly dressed backup singers and dancers to accompany them.
More photos of Saturday featuring Lala Lala, Ric Wilson, Jay Som, Parquet Courts, Stereolab, Belle and Sebastian, and the Isley Brothers
Stay tuned for more Pitchfork Festival coverage
Live Recap: Doubleheader From Lala Lala and Grapetooth Celebrates Chicago and Collaboration
After the last set at Union Park on Friday, music fans made their way to Metro for a double-header Pitchfork aftershow with Lala Lala and Grapetooth. The night started with a DJ set from Title TK, who had the crowd dancing as they settled in for the night and waited for Lala Lala to take the stage.
With the crowd warmed up, Lillie West and her bandmates began their set around 10:30, filling the room with dreamy melodies and captivating harmonies. West has always been at the center of Lala Lala and toured with an array of different musicians, but her band roster for Pitchfork weekend included some of the best musicians based out of Chicago at the moment—including V.V. Lightbody, KAINA, Sen Morimoto and Nnamdi Ogbonnaya. As the group played through songs from Lala Lala’s 2018 album The Lamb, the dynamic and multi-faceted nature of West’s songwriting was showcased. Songs like “Scary Movie” and “See You at Home” took a step back and slowed things down, with the latter featuring Sen Morimoto on saxophone. “Spy” and “Water Over Sex” built up the energy and momentum, creating a juxtaposition between the smoother, more subtle songs of the night.
By the end of Lala Lala’s set, the venue had mostly filled in, and the rowdy crowd beckoned Grapetooth onstage by chanting “Friday Night! Up All Night! Red wine in my blood tonight!”—which has become a tradition of sorts at Grapetooth’s past shows in Chicago at venues like Lincoln Hall and Thalia Hall.
While the show would eventually end in a much more intense way, Grapetooth began their set with one half of the duo, Clay Frankel, taking the stage for a solo performance of a new song—armed with just his guitar and harmonica. Following the gentle introduction, Grapetooth co-founder Chris Bailoni and drummer Justin Vittori took the stage to play the single “Violent” from the band’s 2018 debut album. As soon as the chorus for “Violent” kicked in, audience members were already up in the air crowd surfing and throwing each other around in a sweaty mosh pit. The dance party continued for the first half of the set, and eventually Frankel and Bailoni welcomed their friend and Chicago musician James Swanberg to the stage right around midnight. Swanberg’s bit kicked off a steady roll of guest appearances; Lillie West returned to the stage to perform a new song she co-wrote with Grapetooth, followed by an appearance from OHMME, who sang backing vocals on “Red Wine.” Next, Ian Sweet and James Swanberg joined OHMME for the second to last song “Imagine On”— and finally, a whole bunch of friends crashed the stage for the closing song of the night: Grapetooth’s debut single '“Trouble.” While the band’s friends joined them onstage to dance and sing the catchy, mischievous anthem, the crowd continued to go wild, ending the night (and day one of Pitchfork Fest) with a bang.
Pitchfork 2019: Local Spotlight
Pitchfork Music Festival kicks off this Friday, July 19th and as always, there’s no shortage of Chicago musicians and bands slated to perform this year. Before you head out to Union Park to experience another packed weekend of live music, brush up on our favorite Chicago artists performing this year.
Ric Wilson
Photo By Michael Salisbury
Ric Wilson’s bouncy, disco-inspired raps have an infectious energy about them, which carries over to his charismatic stage presence. Blending funk, R&B, and smooth hip-hop, Wilson’s work on his EPs BANBA and Negrow Disco, as well as his latest single “Yelllowbrick,” offers a little something for everyone. While he’s able to connect with listeners through his lyricism, Wilson connects best with his audience during his interactive live performances— there’s no doubt he’ll have the full crowd dancing along to his Pitchfork set. Plus, with an extensive catalog of collaborations with fellow Chicago musicians, chances are we’ll have a special guest or two pop up during Wilson’s set.
For Fans Of: Kweku Collins, Joey Purp, Saba
Start With: “No Hands,” “Hang Loose,” and “Yellowbrick”
Where To Catch Him: Saturday, Red Stage at 1:45-2:25pm
Lala Lala
Photo By Alexa Viscius
Fronted by London-born, Chicago-based singer songwriter Lillie West, Lala Lala has performed at just about every venue in the city and toured nationally, sharing the stage with bands like Death Cab for Cutie, Frankie Cosmos and Wolf Parade. Lala Lala’s music has connected with a wide-array of audiences thanks to West’s knack for honest and introspective storytelling through her lyrics and her fearless exploration of different sonic landscapes on the 2018 album The Lamb. Make sure you get to the festival early on Saturday to catch a set from West and her band, which will likely be packed with veteran musicians of Chicago’s scene.
For Fans Of: Madeline Kenney, Jay Som, Soccer Mommy
Start With: “Water Over Sex,” “Scary Movie,” and “I Get Cut”
Where to Catch Them: Saturday, Green Stage at 1:00-1:40pm
Tasha
Photo By Alexa Viscius
Chicago singer-songwriter Tasha has been on a roll since releasing a stunning debut Alone at Last in 2018 via Father/Daughter Records. The record garnered praise from listeners and critics with Tasha’s blend of soothing vocals, gentle melodies and poetic lyrics. This year, Tasha has embarked on her first national tour, playing with artists like Helado Negro and Hand Habits, as well as performing at SXSW. Tasha’s self-described “bed songs” that combine indie pop with a soulful touch will ease Pitchfork goers into the third day of the fest, allowing for a tranquil moment to start the final day.
For Fans Of: Gia Margaret, Jamila Woods, Sir Babygirl
Start With: “Lullaby,” “New Place,” and “Winter Song IV”
Where to catch her: Sunday, Blue Stage at 2:45-3:30pm
Grapetooth
Photo by Alex Hupp
A collaboration between Twin Peaks’ Clay Frankel and producer/songwriter Chris Bailoni, Grapetooth’s synth-heavy, new-wave sound translates into a spirited and raucous live performance, which make the perfect Friday afternoon act to get everyone ready for the long weekend ahead. Since Frankel and Bailoni teamed up and released their first single in 2017, they’ve followed that up with a debut full length release via Polyvinyl Records and played sold out shows across the city. From Lincoln Hall to Thalia Hall, each of Grapetooth’s shows have no shortage of dancing and shenanigans— most of their shows have ended up with the audience joining the band onstage for their closing song, “Trouble.”
For Fans Of: New Order, Knox Fortune, Broncho
Start With: “Trouble,” “Blood,” and “Red Wine”
Where to Catch Them: Friday, Blue Stage at 4:00-4:45pm
Whitney
Photo By Olivia Bee
Whitney is returning to play their second Pitchfork, having first played in 2016 following the release of their debut album. Besides already playing Pitchfork, Whitney has also played Lollapalooza and sold out, back-to-back shows at venues like Thalia Hall, so chances are you’ve seen them play at one point or another. However, this show at Pitchfork marks their first Chicago performance of the new era; Whitney’s second album Forever Turned Around is slated for release on August 30th. Their set at the festival will undoubtedly feature the live premiere of some of the new music, so don’t miss out on the Chicago kick off for Whitney’s highly-anticipated new music.
For Fans Of: Kevin Morby, Durand Jones & The Indications, Courtney Barnett
Start With: “Giving Up,” “Golden Days,” and “No Woman”
Where to Catch Them: Sunday, Green Stage at 6:15-7:15pm
Full Pitchfork Festival Schedule 2019
Courtesy of Pitchfork Festival
Get your tickets to Pitchfork Music Festival here before it’s too late, and catch up on Pitchfork years past below!
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Pitchfork 2019: Aftershow Picks
Pitchfork Music Festival returns to Union Park from July 19th-21st 2019. After the final act of the night finishes and you file out of the park, you can keep the P4K party going by attending some of this year’s aftershows. If you need help deciding where to end your nights during Pitchfork weekend, check out our picks of post-festival gigs below!
Friday Night, July 19th
Grapetooth and Lala Lala at Metro Chicago
Metro will host a doubleheader by Chicago’s own Grapetooth and Lala Lala after P4K Fest Day 1. With Title TK DJing between sets, this show will undoubtedly be a dance party you don’t want to miss!
Where: Metro
Time: 9PM Doors // 10PM Show
Price: $20ADV // $25 Day Of
Ticket details here.
Ric Wilson at Schubas
Schubas Tavern will host disco-rap extrodinaire Ric Wilson on Friday night, alongside Pixel Grip, Mia Gladstone, and Kiéla Adira. Wilson’s infectiously upbeat music and attitude will be sure to end your first night of the fest on a high note.
Where: Schubas Tavern
Time: 10PM Doors // 11PM Show
Price: $15
Ticket details here.
Saturday Night, July 20th
Snail Mail at Thalia Hall
Snail Mail will return to Chicago to headline the Pilsen theater following the festival’s second day, with support from fellow Pitchfork artist Tirzah. Both singer songwriters will provide a captivating oasis for festival goers after two long days of music.
Where: Thalia Hall
Time: 9:30PM Doors // 10:30PM Show
Price: $20-$40
Ticket details here.
Black Midi at The Hideout
London’s buzzed about Black Midi will headline The Hideout, alongside ONO, on Saturday night of P4K. The show is sold out already, so hopefully you managed to snag a ticket already!
Where: The Hideout
Time: 9PM Doors // 10PM Show
Price: $12
Ticket details here.
Sunday Night, July 21st
Khruangbin DJ Set
Sleeping Village will host the final after party of the weekend with a DJ set from Khruangbin. During their last tour stop in the city, the trio had hosted their first hit DJ set at the Avondale venue, and this time is guaranteed to be just as great.
Where: Sleeping Village
Time: 10:30PM Doors
Price: $20
Ticket details here.
Don’t forget to grab your tickets to the festival here while you still can.
Live Recap: Snail Mail Returns to TNK Fest for a Sold Out Show with Varsity and Lala Lala
Last year, Lindsey Jordan’s project Snail Mail played a sold out headline show at Schubas as part of Chicago’s annual TNK Festival, and this year, Jordan and her band returned to do the same. Only this time, they played to about five times as many people at The Metro.
From the moment the doors opened at the Wrigleyville venue, streams of fans took their place in the packed room for a great night of music, which kicked off at 9PM sharp with Chicago’s own Varsity. The indie pop-rock five piece delivered a short, but sweet set to warm everyone up for the rest of the night. Varsity kept their between-song banter to a minimum and smoothly transitioned from song to song in order to pack in as many of their tunes as possible into their set time. The crowd sang along to a lot of Varsity’s familiar favorites, like “So Sad, So Sad,” which got a lot of cheers when the opening chords rang out. Before closing out with one of their latest singles “The Dogs Only Listen to Him,” the band tested out a brand new song on the attentive audience.
Next, it was time for Lala Lala, the project of Chicago-based singer-songwriter Lillie West. The set kicked off with the single “Water Over Sex” from Lala Lala’s second album The Lamb, which was just released in September last year, but was easily one of my top played albums of 2018. Based on the amount of people singing and dancing along, it clearly wasn’t just me who had the album on repeat. Like the album itself, the live set showcases the dynamic production and soundscapes of the songs, ranging from the jarring, percussive intro of “I Get Cut” to the mellow and slow-building “Lala Song.” Although West’s live lineup of fellow Chicago musicians often changes with different tours based on schedules, her current band had great chemistry and seamlessly flowed with one another. West and the band closed out the set on a high note, performing West and WHY?’s collaboration “Siren 042,” which had just been released the week prior. The final song of the set featured Sen Morimoto on saxophone, who will also be joining Lala Lala on their nearly two month tour that kicked off last week.
Finally, with the crowd warmed up and anxious for Snail Mail to hit the stage, the lights dimmed and Jordan made her way onstage with her bandmates. The musicians were welcomed with an overwhelming wave of cheers and applause as they began an instrumental intro, which bled into the single “Heat Wave” from Snail Mail’s 2018 debut album Lush. The crowd immediately became a choir, echoing the lyrics back to Jordan, who gave her approval with a “sounds good” and a smile. While Snail Mail may only have one album out, the band spent 2018 touring relentlessly, and the graceful and humble nature displayed by Jordan on Thursday night was that of a seasoned, veteran performer.
Throughout the rest of the set, Jordan’s humility remained, paired with an effortless and natural stage presence that kept the sold-out crowd hypnotized. Whether it was to songs from the album, like “Let’s Find An Out” and “Deep Sea,” or earlier material like “Thinning” from Snail Mail’s 2016 EP Habit, the audience never stopped singing along. When it came time for Jordan to perform the lead single from the album, “Pristine,” she invited a couple of guests up onstage to lend a hand as backing vocalists. As the night began to wind down, Jordan closed out the set sans band to give a solo performance of “Anytime” and “Stick.”
If you missed out on tickets to the memorizing TNK show, see where you can catch Snail Mail next here.
Photos of Varsity, Lala Lala and Snail Mail at TNK night two
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TNK Spotlight: Nine Artists You Can't Miss at Tomorrow Never Knows 2019
It’s mid-January in Chicago, and you know what that means, right? Tomorrow Never Knows Fest kicks off this week! You’ve got your 5-day pass (or at least I hope you do—they’re already sold out), and now all that’s left to do is plot out your schedule for this annual indoor winter festival extravaganza that takes place across different venues in the city, like Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Sleeping Village and Metro. If you didn’t happen to snag five day passes, some of the shows still have individual tickets available, but read up on our recommendations and act quickly so you’re not left out in the cold for this year’s TNK!
Active Bird Community
Photo Credit: Eleanor Petry
Brooklyn-based four piece Active Bird Community combines long-term friendships with a candid, yet playful demeanor to deliver a live show full of punchy riffs and inside jokes told between songs. Tom D'Agustino, Andrew Wolfson, Zach Slater, and Quinn McGovern have been playing music together for more than ten years, which translates as a true sense of camaraderie both onstage and on their records. Every time I’ve seen this band, I spent their set bopping my head along to their upbeat melodies and laughing at their stage banter, making their set one not to miss at TNK. This past Fall, they released their third album Amends, which follows up 2015’s I’ve Been Going Swimming and 2017’s Stick Around, so their set at Lincoln Hall will be sure to feature some new music. For more on Active Bird Community, check out our interview here.
For Fans Of: The Frights, together PANGEA, Vundabar
Start With: “Pick me Apart,” “Virginia,” “Amends”
Where to catch them: Wednesday, January 16th at Lincoln Hall with Charly Bliss and Girl K
Lala Lala
Photo by Matthew James-Wilson
The project of London-born, Chicago-based singer songwriter Lillie West (AKA Lala Lala) has been garnering buzz throughout the city the last few years, and recently nationally since West and her band toured nearly non-stop last year with bands like Frankie Cosmos, Wolf Parade and WHY?. 2018 saw the release of Lala Lala’s second full length album, The Lamb, which showcases West’s knack for honest and introspective storytelling through her lyrics. West also fearlessly dives into different sonic territories on the album’s twelve tracks, blending together different genres that portray the various emotions explored in the songs. The Lamb is easily one of my most listened to albums of 2018, and the band puts on one of the best live shows. If you need even more reason to add this to your TNK itinerary, this gig will be the last chance to catch Lala Lala in town for a while (they embark on a two month tour afterwards). Don’t miss it!
For Fans Of: Madeline Kenney, Jay Som, Soccer Mommy
Start With: “Water Over Sex,” “Scary Movie,” “I Get Cut”
Where to catch them: Thursday, January 17th at Metro with Varsity and Snail Mail
Pool Holograph
Photo by Rachel Zyzda
What began as a solo, bedroom-recorded project of songwriter Wyatt Grant has since blossomed into the full four piece that is current day Pool Holograph. With Zach Stuckman and brothers Paul and Jake Stolz joining Grant, their sound has filled out and developed in order to transition well in a live setting, making Pool Holograph’s show a must-see at this year’s TNK. The group recently followed up their 2017 album Transparent World with two new singles “Contours” and “No Escape,” which both highlight the band’s versatile sound that blends together elements of post punk, art rock, and lo-fi genres— or as Grant describes their sound, it’s like “a closed Urban Outfitters store circa 2008.” For more fun facts about the band (if that one didn’t already sell you), check out our interview with them here.
For Fans Of: Omni, NE-HI, Clearance
Start With: “Heat Map,” “Contours,” “Stratus Sheets”
Where to catch them: Wednesday, January 16th at Schubas with Bad Bad Hats, Video Age, Con Davison
Varsity
Photo by Kristina Pedersen
With their polished indie rock sound and memorable melodies, Chicago’s Varsity has an air about their music that is familiar without being derivative. Over the past few years, the group has toured regularly and shared stages with the likes of Japanese Breakfast and SALES, earning them a well-deserved fanbase that extends outside of the city. In the midst of touring (and sharing members Paul and Jake Stolz with Pool Holograph), Varsity still managed to release their sophomore album Parallel Person and two singles, “The Dogs Only Listen to Him” and “UFO,” in 2018. On top of all of that fresh music, the band teased the possibility of another brand new song being ready for their TNK set this week, so hopefully you already snagged tickets to this sold out show!
For Fans Of: Japanese Breakfast, No Vacation, Alvvays
Start With: “UFO,” “Downtown,” “A Friend Named Paul”
Where to catch them: Thursday, January 17th at Metro with Lala Lala and Snail Mail
Jordanna
Photo by Juliet Cangelosi
Whether it’s her musical transformation from lead singer of a punk band to a sweet and soulful solo artist, her thoughtful marketing strategies, or her humor on social media (I mean have you seen her lip-sync videos??), Jordanna’s artistry knows no bounds. Her buttery vocals and sultry, smooth tempos are equally enthralling and soothing for her listeners and audience members, and she brings a sense of authenticity to everything she does. Jordanna’s debut EP, “Sweet Tooth,” features tracks like “Lucky For You” and “Sugar” which will be sure to have you grooving and swaying along. Her show at TNK is sold out, so hopefully you have a ticket or a 5 day pass— but if not you can also check out Jordanna at her own annual event on February 23rd: Candyland.
For Fans Of: Your Smith (FKA Caroline Smith), Tasha, The Marías
Start With: “Lucky For You,” “Eu Quero Você,” “I’m Your Girl”
Where to catch them: Thursday, January 17th at Schubas with Still Woozy, Victor!, Monster Rally
Yoke Lore
Photo by Rachel Zyzda
Adrian Galvin (aka Yoke Lore) is part musician, part visual artist, part dancer, and part spiritual guru. He’s even an expert on pirates (more on that here). Despite the fact that Galvin has so many creative passions, he still manages to excel in all aspects of his art. Through his message and his music, Galvin radiates motivation and positivity that can’t help but lift your spirits when you hear it. By blending ethereal vocals, the occasional twang of a banjo, and sweeping melodies, Yoke Lore’s music is easy to love and hard to forget. Yoke Lore’s show is one of the sold out ones on this list, but if you were smart enough to snag tickets ahead of time, be prepared to be blown away at his show on Saturday night.
For Fans Of: Overcoats, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Lewis Del Mar
Start With: “Beige,” “Goodpain,” “Cut and Run”
Where to catch them: Saturday, January 19th at Schubas with Sontalk, Shortly, Ester
Bad Bad Hats
Photo by Zoe Prinds-Flash
Minneapolis’s Bad Bad Hats earns a place on this list as one of the few non-Chicagoan bands with their bright, effervescent indie pop-rock. The trio, consisting of Kerry Alexander, Chris Hoge, and Connor Davison, has released two albums (the most recent, Lightning Round, just came out in August), and both records deliver a multifaceted, layered and diverse soundscape. Their sophomore album especially explores different genres and hues that set each song apart as a separate chapter, yet each track seamlessly complements the rest of the album perfectly. Their show at TNK will certainly keep the audience on their toes with the band’s dynamic catalog of songs.
For Fans Of: Hippo Campus, Maggie Rogers, Hala
Start With: “It Hurts,” “Midway,” “Psychic Reader”
Where to catch them: Wednesday, January 16th at Schubas with Video Age, Con Davison, Pool Holograph
Sports
With their groovy bass lines that you can’t resist dancing to and their live production that adds an extra layer of sparkle and shine, it’s impossible not to smile while at a Sports show. The band’s feel-good, synth laden music and the infectious energy that the band members all exude with their stage presence will make their show on Sunday night at TNK the perfect end to the five day festival. This past August, Sports followed up 2016’s album People Can’t Stop Chillin with Everyone’s Invited, so their set will be sure to feature some new tunes since their last show here in Chicago.
For Fans Of: POND, St. Lucia, Triathalon
Start With: “Panama,'“ “You Are the Right One,” “Don’t Tell Me”
Where to catch them: Sunday, January 20th at Lincoln Hall with Pavo Pavo and Arlie
Girl K
Photo by Xitlaly Viveros
The brain child of Chicago-based singer songwriter Kathy Patino, Girl K, has provided a refreshing addition to the local rock scene, making a huge splash in a relatively short amount of time. Much like a few of the other artists on this list, the project began as a solo endeavor for Patino in 2017 before she added a full roster with musicians Ajay Raghuraman, Alex Pieczynski, and Kevin Sheppard. Girl K has kept Chicago music fans hooked by regularly playing shows around the city and releasing music— In 2018, Patino released three singles to follow up her debut full length Sunflower Court, and her recent live shows have featured performances of brand new material. 2019 is gearing up to be an even bigger year for Girl K, so don’t miss them kicking off TNK on Wednesday night.
For Fans Of: Beach Bunny, Lunar Vacation, Slow Pulp
Start With: “Dog Year Lungs,” “Cinnamon,” “80’s Baby”
Where to catch them: Wednesday, January 16th at Lincoln Hall with Active Bird Community and Charly Bliss
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PHOTOS: Lala Lala, Torres, Wolf Parade at House of Vans 8.08.18
Last Wednesday night, the House of Vans summer house party series came to a close with an evening curated by Wolf Parade. Check out photos of the show below, featuring Lala Lala and Torres warming up the stage.
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LIVE: together PANGEA Bring Their Bulls and Roosters Tour to Bottom Lounge
together PANGEA brought a rowdy show and a stacked line up to Chicago’s Bottom Lounge as part of their Bulls and Roosters tour this past Friday night.
Chicago’s own Lala Lala warmed up the early arrivers of the evening, kicking things off at 7PM sharp. The three piece, fronted by Lillie West, performed songs from their 2016 debut album Sleepyhead, as well as their own rendition of together PANGEA’s “Night of the Living Dummy.” As their thirty minute set came to an end, more and more people had trickled into the venue.
By the time Nashville’s Daddy Issues strolled onto stage, the room had mostly filled out. The grunge-pop trio performed songs from their 2017 album Deep Dream, telling funny anecdotes between songs, often giving a little backstory about the lyrics in each forthcoming song. Lead singer Jenna Moynihan introduced many of the tracks about being single or ending a relationship, but she also gave a shout out to Chicago’s Treehouse Records, mentioning that the band had recorded one of their songs there. As the set progressed, more and more of the audience danced and sang along to Daddy Issues’ relatable narratives, and the group left the stage to rambunctious applause.
The Argentinian rocker Tall Juan hopped up onstage next to deliver the most theatrical performance of the night. Starting the set off solo, Juan performed his first song on an acoustic guitar, but added some flavor by thrashing his hips around and kissing his microphone stand to a backdrop of a flickering spotlight. Following the opening number, Tall Juan invited an audience member to play drums on the abandoned drum set propped up next to him. The spontaneous band addition added a unique and unpredictable quality to Tall Juan’s performance. The crowd showed their appreciation for the off-the-cuff performance by beginning the evening’s crowd surfing and moshing during his set.
The same boisterous spirit transferred over to the headliner together PANGEA’s set about 15 minutes later. As soon as band hit the stage and the opening riff of their song "Alive" rang out, a surge of energy flowed through the jammed and sweaty moshpit, as the young crowd jumped around, screaming the lyrics back to the band. It only took a song or two before crowd surfers started popping up, and the energy only amplified from there. The well plotted setlist contained a solid mix of older and newer songs from the Bulls and Roosters, like “Kennmore Ave.” and “Money on It.” The wild tone of the night lulled just past 10PM, when the band completed the first part of their set and walked offstage to demands for an encore. The band obliged and came back to deliver a few more tunes. The energy quickly swept back to full force as the band performed “Night of the Living Dummy,” which lead singer William Keegan introduced as the song that Lala Lala had performed earlier in the night. Coming full circle, the ladies of Lala LaLa ran out onstage to crowdsurf during the song. The evening ended with the crowd cheering their appreciation for a show that provided the perfect weekend kickoff.
Photos of Lala Lala, Daddy Issues, Tall Juan, and together PANGEA
