This past weekend at Union Park Chicago, The annual Pitchfork Music Festival was an absolute treat for fans, and a MASSIVE success! From the mighty Tame Impala, to the impeccable Lauryn Hill celebrating 20 years of her impressive longevity, here are some of the incredible acts of the festival!
(photo credit: Kevin Paredes for Melodic Magazine).
COURTNEY BARNETT:
Hailing from Australia, this alternative rock artist along with her band, blew the crowd away with her incredible stage presence, charismatic attitude and spunk that absolutely draws you into her world. I found her to be unique in a sense that her sound and style was completely original and unorthodox, easily one of the most impressive, captivating performances of the festival. I most definitively recommend to check out her highly acclaimed album “Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit”.
TAME IMPALA:
As soon as Kevin Parker and his fellow band mates appeared on stage, I believe it was a moment that was to be prepared for. Currents, their most recent album to date that is a fan favorite with a cult-classic like following, fans were most pleased with not only the beautiful visuals and lights on stage, but of the incredible music and performance that eager fans have only been waiting all year to see! Psychedelic, amazing, breathtaking. Tame Impala.
BLOOD ORANGE:
Making a rather rare appearance, Dev Hynes of Blood Orange (alter-alias) put on one of the more interesting, enticing and sincere performances during Day 2! Blending sounds of alternative R&B, synth-pop and funk, such as the haunting melody of “Augustine” and the soothing vocals to accompany the track bringing a completely new feeling, mood and flavor to the festival. Further continued by more performances off of the album “Freetown Sound”, which is experimental and a most intriguing record that it is just simply beautiful.
BIG BABY DRAM:
Who doesn’t love DRAM? The audience was so embraced by his charm, vocal delivery and positive energy, you couldn’t help but to love the guy. Performing the popular banger “Broccoli” brought the crowd to life with everyone reciting his lyrics! DRAM was definitely an act people absolutely love and were also looking forward to seeing. A great contributing act for Pitchfork, and a truly charismatic figure in the world of Hip hop & R&B.
Sandy (Alex G):
Indie rocker Alex G, whom has been known to work with high profile artists such as Frank Ocean (contributed guitar melodies and instrumentation on Endless and Blonde as well as toured with on Frank’s slew of global festivals known as the Blonde World Tour). The performance was a mellow, melancholy and chill experience. Tracks performed included “Thorns”, “County”, “Kicker” and “Forever”. For more on this very talented artist, check out his most recent and 81/100 Pitchfork rated album “Rocket”.
LAURYN HILL:
A strong conclusion to this year’s Pitchfork Festival, the magnificent, legendary, LAURYN HILL! A well respected and important figure in the history of hip hop music! The amount of anticipation seemed almost overwhelming after a 20 minute wait and preparation for her appearance. But after she finally came on stage, the city of Chicago bore witness to the one and only Lauryn Hill. Performing classics that filled the hearts and memory of true hip hop fanatics alike, it was more than the music, it was a larger than life performer that made for an unforgettable experience that will forever continue to solidify her legacy! The 20th anniversary performance of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, what more is there to say? A top tier artist, a top tier festival. Best of both worlds.
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