19
Jul 13

Pitchfork Music Festival: Day 1 Preview


With the American festival scene currently flourishing, it seems that there is a gathering dedicated to nearly every genre and musical niche. For music fans looking to catch the next wave of young buzz bands as well as established indie legends, Chicago's Pitchfork Music Festival offers one of the most eclectic, genre-spanning lineups. This year's edition is no exception as thousands will descend upon Union Park for performances from acts like Mac DeMarco, Parquet Courts, Solange, Phosphorescent, Bjork, Yo La Tengo, and R.Kelly. Festival goers will also be eager to check out amenities such as the CHIRP record fair, poster shopping at Flatstock, or the opportunity to bid on memorabilia at the Rock for Kids charity tent.

With a full weekend of music ahead, here's a look at the sets were looking forward to most on opening day:

Frankie Rose- 3:20pm (Blue Stage)

The Brooklyn singer-songwriter formerly of garage rock bands Dum Dum Girls and Vivian Girls brings her new blissful, synth heavy sound to the blue stage to open the festival. After releasing her well-received debut LP, Interstellar, last year, she has been able to seamlessly change artistic direction. For fans looking for heavenly vocals paired with dream-pop melodies reminiscent of Beach House, look no further.

Trash Talk- 4:15pm (Blue Stage)

At a festival full of experimental performers such as Bjork, Joanna Newsom, and Julia Holter, a California hardcore punk band will undoubtedly stand out and deliver a set full of some of the heaviest, most intense music of the day. The Sacramento band formed in 2005 and released their debut full length in 2008 with Chicago producer Steve Albini. Since signing with California rap collective Odd Future's record label and touring with Tyler, The Creator, they have seen a significant rise in their profile, becoming known for their stage presence that holds true to hardcore's founding ideals.

Mac DeMarco- 4:35 (Green Stage)

Everyone's favorite Canadian goofball, Mac DeMarco, bring's his light-hearted slacker rock to the green stage in what is sure to be a perfect late afternoon setting for the Montreal songwriter's breezy, summery tunes. His latest album, 2, released via Brooklyn's Captured Tracks label, is one of the best guitar-pop releases in recent memory with instantly memorable melodies on track's like "My Kind of Woman" and "Ode to Viceroy". From touring in an old Volvo station wagon, to crashing on couches, and generally crude and unpredictable stage behavior, he has gained a reputation as indie's most lovable sleaze with a surprisingly strong pop sensibility.

Mikal Cronin- 6:15pm (Blue Stage)

The San Francisco garage rocker and Ty Segall band member released his second solo effort, MCII, earlier this year, a strong effort featuring some of the best melodic power-pop of the young songwriter's career. The usually heavy fuzz rocker made the transition to a lighter, straightforward pop song incredibly well and fans will be eager to catch a glimpse at the artist's change of pace since performing with Ty Segall at last year's festival.

Bjork- 8:30pm (Green Stage)

Always imaginative, and notoriously avant-garde, the Icelandic artist will close out the day with what is sure to be one of the weekend's strangest, most ambitious performances. Expect the classics like "All is Full of Love" and "Hyperballad" as well as her newer, more electronic leaning work. Fans should be in store for a celebration of the groundbreaking singer's 20 year career.


1 comments

  1. That Bjork set was great, got through an hour before the lightning hit. Heard a lot of great tracks. Quite the stage show and performer. Mikal Cronin was a highlight for me, love the summer vibes of his album. Also, Joanna Newsome was impressive with her harp and piano songs. Great to relax before Bjork.

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