It’s that time of the summer again.
Lollapalooza weekend is upon us.
What used to be an all-out, absolute must-attend 2 day weekend grew into 3 days.
And they may not be wrong.
(No I was not at Woodstock ‘99, but I wish I was.
My business partner Bobby went and said everything that they showed in that doc was 100% true.
And he’d still do it all over again.)
Bigger, better, more expensive.
It sucks because back in the day there were a small handful of big time music fests.
Sucks but I’m still lining up some great interviews this weekend anyway.
Be prepared for a high-energy performance.
I saw Kendrick at Lolla back in 2013.
He had blown up but I was still on the fence about him after only one album.
That all changed when I saw him live.
For starters, he performs with a live drummer accompanying his DJ.
His energy and crowd presence is also off the charts.
The guy absolutely crushed it.
I can’t emphasize enough how good of a live act he is.
Her haunting vocals, combined with her thought-provoking lyrics, make her a standout artist for Lollapalooza 2023.
This is a huge artist and huge booking for Lolla.
Especially on a Thursday night.
(Also plays the piano great).
I wrote about my experience seeing The 1975 this tour in Boston a few months ago.
I was blown away.
It’s like you’re watching a Broadway show disguised as a concert.
If that makes sense.
They create an immersive experience that sucks you in.
And their songs sound amazing live.
Especially the ones featuring saxophone.
I was taken aback and impressed.
You’ll be as well.
Never been even close to disappointed.
You forget how many huge hits they have.
Definitely a must see this weekend.
Joy - Sunday 4:30 T Mobile Stage
Have never got the chance to see them live before.
Cannot wait to on Sunday.
I fucking love this band.
Their music just makes you feel good and is perfect for any setting.
They areupbeatuptempo rock, but it’s fun.
And their Tiny Desk performance was awesome.
The Revivalists - Saturday 4:45 T Mobile Stage
Awesome band with an even more awesome catalog.
Meduza - Saturday 7:15 Perry’s Stage
You know I had to show the Italians some love.
Some of the best songs in electronic music over the past 3-4 years.
I’ve seen them a couple times and they get better and better every time.
This will be a really fun set.
Odesza - Saturday 8:45 T Mobile Stage
An equally stunning visual and audio experience.
These guys are simply amazing at everything they do.
If you’re looking to trip out and catch a single set this weekend this is the one.
Pusha T - Saturday 7:15 Perry’s Stage
I cannot wait for this performance.
Excited to catch her at Lolla.
Louis The Child - Sunday 8:45 Perry’s
Our Chicago boys are growing up so fast!
If you’ve seen Robby and Fred perform at Lolla before you already know this one will be special.
He teamed up with the production powerhouse known as Overcast to unleash music videos that exploded on YouTube.
It’s like a musical therapy session for the soul.
In 2022, brakence dropped his sophomore album, hypochondriac, and it was a game-changer.
Drawing inspiration from genres like drill and dancehall, he took the listener on a musical rollercoaster.
Their chemistry is undeniable, and it shines through in every note they play.
Brace yourself for a heavier sound that’ll take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
It’s a delightful switch-up that’s guaranteed to get heads banging and hearts thumping.
(Lake Villa).
Several members including Ellis have never been inside the Lolla gates.
“I’ve grown up like watching Lollapalooza from the lakefront,” Ellis said.
“Like I would bike to the lakefront.”
Pretty fucking cool moment for these guys and I hope the crush it.
It all began with her smash hit “Girlfriend,” a synth-laced gem that’s so fucking catchy.
She’s a musical enchantress whose tunes will have you dancing like no one’s watching.
Her story is great too.
This Southern belle from Concord, North Carolina wasn’t always planning to conquer the pop kingdom.
She actually had her sights set on receiving a Master of Science degree from Dartmouth.
Now, people are comparing her to the legendary Prince.
But she’s just as surprised as anybody to hear that.
I’m just a small-town girl with big dreams!"
she told Rolling Stone.
Backed by a talented band, he delivers his songs with an energy and passion that’s contagious.
From soulful ballads to upbeat anthems, his setlist covers a wide range of emotions.
Her sound can be described as equal parts alternative R&B, art pop, and neo-soul.
Her lyrics are like a treasure map to her soul.
They’re all fucking over the place.
And it’s dope.
Really looking forward to their set.
Fred Again - Friday 6:45, T Mobile Stage
I’ve seen Fred Again twice now.
Once at Terminal 5 and again at Madison Square Garden in NYC.
Both times I was mind blown.
Fred Again is not your average run-of-the-mill musician.
He’s a musical genius with a bag of tricks that’ll make your jaw drop.
His innovative approach to music blends genres, styles, and sounds in ways you’ve never heard before.
It’s like he’s conducting a symphony of musical magic with a sprinkle of futuristic stardust.
All live and not prerecorded.
His songs are like sonic stories, weaving tales of love, loss, and everything in between.
The guy is a musical wizard who can conjure melodies and arrangements that’ll transport you to another dimension.
His live performances are like a symphony of sounds that’ll leave you mesmerized.
Knocked Loose - Friday 9pm Bacardi Stage
We’ve officially got a “metalcore” group on the bill!
And on my list of must-see’s.
You’ll be headbanging, screaming, and feeling every note like it’s a punch to the gut.
She is fucking awesome and her last albumThe Loveliest Timewas amazing.
And their live performances are crazy.
Their theatrical DIY and glam rock-inspired fashion aesthetic are like a kaleidoscope of colors and creativity.
They’re like the jesters of the music world, painting their faces and dressing up like weirdos.
Gave his stuff a listen and dug it.
He’s kind of a weirdo but his music works.
He has an indie folk sound blended with, alternative, and electronic elements.
LImperatrice - Sunday 9pm Bacardi Stage
Disco mother fuckers.
I love this group.
These guys and their sound are my pick to be the biggest surprise of the weekend.
They are going to turn the Bacardi Stage on Sunday night into a dance party.
Tracks like “Fou” and “Voodoo?”
are the epitome of the nu-disco magic they bring to the table.
He has no availability.
(Yet somehow he can play the night before his Lolla set at Tao?
Nvm)
He is electrifying in every sense of the word.
Can’t wait to see them on Thursday night finally!
Lil Yachty - Sunday 4:45 Bud Light Stage
Yachty is the man.
I’m a big big fan.
Their female guitar player is a bad ass.
Guilty pleasure or not.
Love them and love their music.
