Pitchfork Music Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Every summer it seems that all of the 2.6 million people of Chicago shake the frost off their boots and head out to the city. Restaurants quickly build their patios, dogs make their way to the parks, farmers markets flood with locals, and everyone asks, “Are you going to Pitchfork this year?” If you said no, I would counter with “You should be.”

Pitchfork, as a whole, always has a mixed reaction. Their merger this year with GQ left a lot of music critics and readers alike with a sour taste in their mouths and eye rolls galore. But...I do love Pitchfork Music Festival. It’s small enough that I don’t feel overwhelmed, I get to listen to a lot of cool bands, hear new ones, and eat Chinese food in the rain while listening to Indigo De Souza; who wouldn’t love that? 

The 2024 lineup is filled with nostalgic deep cuts like De La Soul, Bratmobile, Alanis Morissette, and even Carly Rae Jepsen. Yet, as always, Pitchfork promises a mix of indie newcomers mingled in with comeback arcs and Chicago music scene favorites. Below is a preview of what to expect from each day, must-sees, and a Pitchfork playlist made by yours truly.

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Friday 07/19:

Friday the 19th begins with Chicago locals Black Duck and Angry Blackmen. Angry Blackmen have been infiltrating the Chicago scene since 2017. Their smart flow and unique beats make them a must-see. Friday, you can catch and expect more experimental, ethereal music coupled with indie classics like Jeff Rosenstock, and kick-ass artists Yaeji and Sudan Archives cascading around Union Park.

Yaeji seems to have influenced a lot of Friday's heavy hitters. There's a creeping house/dance music presence in this year's fest. Doss and Jai Paul are a must-see if you're into "Raingurl." Doss has been at the crossroads of underground dance/house music for years, partnering with greats like SOPHIE, Lady Gaga, and Caroline Polacheck. They're always ahead of the game and are certified to rile you up for the rest of the night. After a five-year hiatus British singer, songwriter, and producer Jai Paul returns to the stage. His music can be found on Spotify's "Indie Sleaze" playlist. If you too are thinking about Tumblr, MySpace, skinny jeans, and Alexa Chung, stick around for his headlining set.

"You Oughta Know:"

• Jeff Rosenstock

• Yaeji

• Sudan Archives

• Angry Blackmen
  

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Saturday 07/20:

Saturday is looking like it's for punks of all kinds. If you're in Chicago, you've heard of Lifeguard or maybe even caught them in their suits at a local show. Their presence around the scene is undeniable, and they're making their Pitchfork debut this year.

Cool Schmool! There's 90s, Olympia, Washington nostalgia smacking you in the face with Riot Grrrl favorites, Bratmobile and DIY punk trio Unwound. Maybe those two together will inspire you to run home and get a zine started.

Feeble Little Horse and Wednesday bring a mix of punk, shoegaze, and indie to the stage. Their clever lyrics, paired with heavy emotion and instrumentals, will have the crowd moshing and crying simultaneously. These two bands have received tons of acclaim in the past year. Wednesday's album Rat Saw God secured a number four spot on Pitchfork's best albums of 2023. Feeble Little Horse received an 8.2 rating (which might as well be a 10 by Pitchfork standards) on their 2023 album, Girl With Fish.

De La Soul is one of those bands that if you think you don't know them, you do. Their influence still rings true in music today, even with their 1988 formation in New York. In 2023, they toured with Wu-Tang Clan and Nas. They're groovy, so fun, and classic.

"You Oughta Know:"

• De La Soul

• Bratmobile

• Wednesday

• Water From Your Eyes

• Feeble Little Horse

• L’Rain

• Lifeguard
  

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Sunday 07/21:

Rounding out Pitchfork Music Festival this year, Sunday serves a true hodgepodge of genres that'll make you run from stage to stage. Chicago's Akenya starts the day with her grounding voice. Akenya's voice can be heard on other Chicago favorites like Noname and Saba.

Mannequin Pussy is an absolute must-see for Sunday. Their newest album, I Got Heaven, is a full force. They pull your ear and yell right into it in the best way possible. Mannequin Pussy has been the talk of the town since their sellout show at Thalia Hall. I cannot wait to see them in action.

Crumb has been a favorite of mine since 2017. I remember their psychedelic trippy rock holding my hand as I finally started to get a better music taste. They'll be a great band to see on a picnic blanket catching your breath before Alanis.

Brittany Howard is my favorite headliner of Pitchfork. I grew up listening to Alabama Shakes and still return to their music when I need a pick-me-up. Howard's voice is so unique. Her music and her are one in my mind, entangled and strung together creating a sound that seems to be laced with gold. I'm excited to hear her classic "Stay High" with new tracks from her album What Now. I will be watching in awe, so remind me not to catch flies when Howard comes on.

"You Oughta Know:"

• Brittany Howard

• Crumb

• Jessica Pratt

• Mannequin Pussy

• Akenya

Pitchfork Music Festival runs from July 19-21st. I'll be there on Sunday, hope to see you there. Stay hydrated, stay safe, be good, get on someone's shoulders, and sing at the top of your lungs!

Pitchfork Music Festival Instagram

Pitchfork Playlist