7 Pitchfork Fest 2021 Acts To Get There Early For
After a Summer of no music festivals in 2020, we’re thrilled that we’re getting to experience Pitchfork Festival in 2021. While the fest usually takes place in July, we might actually get a break from the usual sweltering humidity with its move to September this year. Pitchfork is giving us some incredible headliners for 2021—including Phoebe Bridgers, St. Vincent and Erykah Badu— but make sure you don’t snooze on the rest of the line up. To help you out, we’ve compiled our recommendations of must-see acts who are worth getting to Union Park early for next weekend. Grab your tickets here if you haven’t yet, and keep reading on for ANCHR’s top picks below.
Dehd
Photo By Alexa Viscius
We’ve got to start this list off with some hometown heroes; Dehd. Composed of Jason Balla on guitar and vocals, Emily Kempf on bass and vocals, and Eric McGrady on drums, the Chicago trio crafts tunes that are a boisterous blend of post-punk and surf rock. By utilizing both Kempf and Balla’s vocals, Dehd lends a playful and dynamic nature to their music. That dynamic spans across three albums, including 2020’s Flower of Devotion. Dehd’s extensive catalog of songs are sure to have you grooving along to their Pitchfork set.
If you don’t want to take our word on it, The FADER, Pitchfork, Paste, NPR Music, UPROXX, and Vice were all among publications to showcase Flower of Devotion on their best of 2020 lists. Dehd recently announced the 2020 album will be getting a reboot in September, when they’ll be releasing an album full of remixes to the original songs, including Pitchfork Fest alum Lala Lala’s remix of “Desire.”
For Fans Of: Mac DeMarco, Omni, Priests
Start With: “Flood” and “Loner”
Where to catch them: Friday 9/10, at the Green Stage from 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM.
Pitchfork Aftershow on Saturday, 9/11, at The Empty Bottle
Divino Niño
Photo by Alexa Viscius
The list continues on with another Chicago classic. Divino Niño is a five piece rock band based in Chicago composed of Camilo Medina, Javier Forero, Guillermo Rodriguez-Torres, Pierce Codina, and Justin Vitorri. Forero and Medina formed the band in Chicago when they moved here for college, after initially having met in Bogota, Columbia as children and reconnecting later in life in Miami.
Blending together dreamy psych and funk vibes with bilingual lyrics, there are fewer bands better suited for an outdoor music festival than Divino Niño. Their 2019 album Foam flows from bop to bop, so be sure to bring your dancing shoes to their set.
For Fans Of: Post Animal, The Marías, Mild High Club
Start With: “Foam” and “Coca Cola”
Where to catch them: Saturday, 9/11 at the Green Stage from 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Pitchfork Aftershow on Friday, 9/10, at The Empty Bottle
Dogleg
Photo courtesy of Dogleg
If you’re looking to start your Pitchfork weekend off on the right foot, look no further than Detroit, Michigan’s Dogleg. Originating as a solo bedroom project from guitarist and songwriter Alex Stoitsiadis as a way to concretize his mantra of “Play fast,” Dogleg has since expanded to include Chase Macinski on bass, Parker Grissom on guitar, and Jacob Hanlon on drums. Since the initial inception and release of the debut self-titled EP in 2016, Dogleg released a handful of follow up singles leading up to their critically acclaimed 2020 debut album Melee.
The band’s intense punk riffs blend with a touch of nostalgia-drenched emo to create a fast-paced ferocity that will get the Pitchfork crowd amped and ready for the rest of the weekend.
For Fans Of: PUP, The Frights, Jeff Rosenstock
Start With: “Kawasaki Backflip” and “Fox”
Where to catch them: Friday 9/10, at the Red Stage from 1:45 PM – 2:25 PM
Pitchfork Aftershow on Saturday, 9/11 at Subterranean
Horsegirl
Photo by Sun Picture Music
Another Chicago act you can’t miss if you want to support local? Horesegirl. Composed of Penelope Lowenstein (she/her), Nora Cheng (she/her), and Gigi Reece (they/them), Horsegirl formed about two years ago after the group had performed together as a Sonic Youth cover band. Lowenstein and Cheng had originally met when their similar taste in music bonded them as attendees of a local music program. Lowenstein and Cheng often create a dual vocal effect, joined by Reece’s backbone of drum beats, to create music that makes a statement.
While they only have three singles released so far, I’m excited to see them live for the first time at Pitchfork and discover what else their set has in store.
For Fans Of: Porridge Radio, Lala Lala, Snail Mail
Start With: “Ballroom Dance Scene” and “Sea Life Sandwich Boy”
Where to catch them: Saturday, 9/11 at the Green Stage from 1:00 PM – 1:40 PM
Oso Oso
Photo courtesy of Oso Oso
The brainchild of musician and songwriter Jade Lilitri, Oso Oso began in 2014 as a side project from Lilitri’s former band State Lines. Following the initial release, Lilitri has now released three albums under the Oso Oso project, the most recent being 2019’s basking in the glow.
Most of Oso Oso’s catalog is full of lyrics that can rouse reflective pondering from listeners, while simultaneously delivering upbeat melodies you can get lost in. In similar fashion, the third album showcases Lilitri’s introspective musings fused with a pop punk soundtrack. If you’re looking for a set at Pitchfork where you can belt along to some heartfelt lyrics while dancing around, make sure you’re there to hear Oso Oso play “basking in the glow.”
For Fans Of: The Front Bottoms, The Hotelier, Remo Drive
Start With: “gb/ol h/nf” and “Track 1, Side A”
Where to catch them: Sunday, 9/12 at the Blue Stage from 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Pitchfork Aftershow on Saturday, 9/11 at Subterranean
Tomberlin
Photo Credit: Ebru Yildiz
While Cassandra Jenkins unfortunately had to cancel her upcoming tour (including her slot at Pitchfork Fest), we now have Tomberlin filling in for her. I first had the pleasure of seeing Tomberlin perform at The Hideout in Chicago alongside Hand Habits back in 2019, where she completely mesmerized the audience and kept us all hooked on her every word. Sarah Beth Tomberlin (better known solely by her last name) is a singer-songwriter currently based out of Los Angeles with roots in Louisville, Kentucky. She followed up her stunning debut record At Weddings with an EP entitled Projections in October 2020, and I’m excited for the chance to hear some of the newer songs performed live.
The combination of Tomberlin’s ethereal vocals and delicate melodies gives me the sensation of wrapping myself in a cocoon of blankets. The sense of comfort and coziness that songs like “Hours” and “You Are Here” evoke makes Tomberlin the perfect soundtrack to transition from Summer into Fall. It will also make for a great laid-back way to start the final day of the festival.
For Fans Of: Hand Habits, Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker
Start With: “Hours” and “Wasted”
Where to catch her: Sunday, 9/12 at the Green Stage from 1:00 PM – 1:40 PM
Special Interest
I haven’t yet had the honor of seeing Special Interest perform live, but I just know they’re going to be one of the best sets at the fest. If you’re looking for a completely unique experience, you can’t miss this group from New Orleans, Louisiana.
It’s difficult to assign a genre to Special Interest, but their song “Street Pulse Beat” swirls together moody synths with a pulsing drum machine and a punk bass line. Throughout their three albums, they tackle reimagining dark electronic and punk music, creating an eccentric vibe that’s entirely their own. Interestingly enough, the group began in 2015 as a duo who only planned to play one show. When they started out, Alli Logout and Maria Elena played guitars and power tools over the beat of a 70’s Univox drum machine— before ultimately being joined by Ruth Mascelli on electronics and Nathan Cassiani on bass. They’ve since garnered a reputation for the intensity of their live shows, so don’t miss out on their festival set or after show.
For Fans Of: Idles, Boy Harsher, Squid
Start With: “Street Pulse Beat” and “Disco II”
Where to catch them: Sunday, 9/12 at the Red Stage from 1:45 PM – 2:25 PM
Pitchfork Aftershow on Saturday, 9/11 at Smart Bar
Keep an eye out for more Pitchfork Fest coverage all next weekend, and take a trip down memory lane below.
Featured
PHOTOS: Valley Maker with Carriers
This past Saturday night, Valley Maker put on a beautiful show at Schubas Tavern, finally being able to showcase some of the songs from 2021’s When The Day Leaves in a live setting. Check out photos of Valley Maker and a solo set from Carriers’ Curt Kiser below, and see where you can catch them on tour next here.
PHOTOS: Noga Erez and Brittany Howard at Thalia Hall
This past Saturday night, Lollapalooza artists Noga Erez and Brittany Howard commanded the stage for their sold out Thalia Hall aftershow. Check out the full gallery of the captivating show below and take a look at all upcoming Thalia Hall shows here.
PHOTOS: Taylor Janzen and Orville Peck at Thalia Hall
This past Wednesday night, Lollapalooza weekend kicked off early with a show from the festival’s performers Taylor Janzen and Orville Peck at Thalia Hall. Check out photos from the sold out show below, and take a look at more upcoming shows at Thalia Hall here.
PHOTOS: V.V. Lightbody and Ohmme at Rockwell on the River
This past Wednesday night, Chicago artists V.V. Lightbody and Ohmme delivered a beautiful performance to a packed room at Rockwell on the River.
Check out photos of the evening below, and make sure to snag tickets to Ohmme’s August 26th show at Thalia Hall here and V.V. Lightbody’s record renewal show here.
Live Recap: Mia Joy and Squirrel Flower at Sleeping Village (Shows are back!)
This past Saturday afternoon, I made my way to Sleeping Village for the first time in more than a year and half to catch not one, but two recent ANCHR Artist of the Week alumni: Mia Joy and Squirrel Flower.
The show was the earlier of two hosted by the venue that day, in honor of Squirrel Flower’s sophomore record entitled Planet (i), released only the day prior. Although the performance was originally set to take place on Sleeping Village’s patio, thunderstorms and even threats of tornadoes pushed the gig inside, where eager music fans took their seats in the venue’s main room, many of who were experiencing a highly-anticipated return to live music. When Mia Joy took the stage, she relished in that same sense of excitement, joking that it was incredible to see an audience in person, rather than looking at a screen with a bunch of different colored hearts popping up (if you’ve watched an Instagram Live stream during the pandemic, you know that sight all too well).
Like Squirrel Flower, Mia Joy also released a record this year, so her set primarily featured songs from the debut album entitled Spirit Tamer. Backed by a live lineup of other Chicago musicians, Mia Joy performed tracks like “Ha Ha,” “Heaven Forbid,” and “Saturn”— the latter of which received a special arrangement thanks to the live band input. Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist V.V. Lightbody even contributed her flute-playing to the set, providing yet another special touch to the evening.
Ella Williams (aka Squirrel Flower) and her band took the stage next, delivering the first ever live performance of Planet (i) to an appreciative audience. Several of the songs on the record reference storms and tornadoes in particular— the irony of which was not lost on Williams as she bantered about the awful Chicago weather that day either being a curse or a celebration of the album’s recurring nod to disaster. As Williams played through the album front-to-back, vocalist Jess Shoman of the band Tenci joined the band onstage to lend some harmonies to “Deluge In The South.” When it came time for Williams to sing “Pass,” she made it about halfway through the song when she abruptly stopped to let the crowd know that Shoman was also supposed to sing on that, so we were lucky enough to hear a couple of takes of the track. Eventually, the set began to wind down and Williams delivered a solo performance of “To Be Forgotten” and “Desert Wildflowers” before her band rejoined her on the stage.
Check out photos from the performance below, and be sure to keep up with Mia Joy and Squirrel Flower for their latest tour and music news.
Chicago Festivals Are Back!
As of Friday, June 11th, the city of Chicago has officially opened back up into Phase 5 (AKA we are fully open). That means that concerts and festivals that make help make the city the wonderful place that is will will be happening this year. See below for some details about what festival events will be taking place and when.
Wicker Park Fest
When: July 23-25th, 2021
Where: Wicker Park
Lollapalooza
When: July 29-August 1st, 2021
Where: Grant Park
Out of Space
When: August 5-8th // September 2-5th, 2021
Where: Canal Shores Golf Course // Temperance Beer Co
Pitchfork Music Festival
When: September 10-12th, 2021
Where: Union Park
Riot Fest
When: September 17-19th, 2021
Where: Douglas Park
Live Recap: Glass Animals Brings Intimate Club Tour to Lincoln Hall
At most sold out concerts, the crowd usually contains a mix of die-hard fans who know the full discography front to back, casual fans who mostly know the hits, and of course, the people who have been dragged along by their friends. However, as the audience filed into Lincoln Hall and packed the intimate concert hall, truly everyone seemed grateful to be among the lucky few ticket holders for a special evening with Glass Animals (which had sold out in seconds).
When the lights dimmed and the band made their way onstage, and lead vocalist Dave Bayley sang the first line of “Tokyo Drifting,” every single person around me started dancing and screaming the words back to the stage, confirming the fact that only true fans managed to get their hands on these limited tickets.
With their melodic mix of indie electronic, alternative and psychedelic genres, Glass Animals has honed in on a unique sound that’s seen them continue to grow and evolve. Despite the fact that throughout their ten plus years as a band, they’ve made their way up to sell out rooms like Aragon Ballroom in Chicago and toured with massive lighting rigs and production props, Glass Animals was able to strip away their shiny production and deliver a show that was just as captivating. While the stage may have been scaled down, Bayley’s stage presence and energy was anything but— he spun around in circles, danced with his bandmates, and never shied away from getting close to the crowd. In fact, after performing a handful of songs, Bayley decided to forego his place onstage to stand on the main bar in the venue while he performed the band’s single “Gooey” from their 2014 debut album. During that performance, there wasn’t a single person who didn’t have their eyes glued to the lead singer.
Following the outlandish performance of “Gooey,” Bayley traveled through the crowd to get back onstage and perform other favorites like “Youth” and “Pork Soda,” with a few new tunes sprinkled in the mix. One of the new songs, “Your Love (Déjà Vu),” was released as a single on February 19th. When all was said and done, this intimate show from Glass Animals gave fans a special opportunity to revisit some familiar songs that mean so much to them, while also allowing them to catch a glimpse of what the band has in store for their new music.
See where you can catch Glass animals next here (during the encore, Bayley promised they’d return to Chicago soon), and be sure to follow them on Facebook // Twitter // Instagram for all the latest updates.
Live Recap: Temples Closes Out January With Sold Out Lincoln Hall Show
True diva energy defies gender and genre. Art d'Ecco took the stage with all the glitter and glam and kick ass attitude of a rocker diva and then some. From the moment d’Ecco started playing "Never Tell," his music pulled at every part of me, demanding nodding heads, swiveling hips, and pumping fists. The band moved, expressing emphatic notes with their whole bodies. Disco. Post punk. Classic rock. Pop. Glam. They all had their moments and the band never waned in their enthusiasm. "Nobody's Home" kicked the energy up a notch and made the bliss center of my brain sizzle. It may have been their first trip to Chicago, but I certainly hope it won't be their last.
British mops of hair swirled around them as Temples shred and drove through their music. They brought a polished pop sensibility to ethereal psych rock. "You're Either On Something," elicited happy hoots and waving arms. Followed by a smooth cerebral psych jam, "Holy Horses." It was eminently clear, this is the kind of music that takes you for a ride, and if you happen to be high, it would glisten. Thanks to legalization, I'm pretty sure there were more than a few enjoying the way the combo of THC and music makes your body vibrate. James Bagshaw said, "These people look like they've been waiting all week to dance," and gave them what they wanted with "Hot Motion." The sold out crowd was so happy and thick they were spilling out through the doors. They were a beautiful happy mass of music lovers, and soaked up every last second of ecstasy.
Check out photos of the evening and listen to Hot Motion in full below.
