Chicago’s Lollapalooza Music Festival is back this Thursday, July 28th in celebration of its 31st anniversary. In anticipation of the festival, we picked 12 up-and-coming acts that you need to see. With a lineup of over 170+ artists, we had a hard time choosing our Ones to Watch and wish we could feature each one. That being said, use this as a guide to plan out your Lolla weekend. With long set times, it is more possible than ever to catch multiple artists playing during the same time frame. If you are not attending, use this guide as a reference for new artists to add to your playlists.
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THURSDAY:
SAM FENDER
When and Where They’re Playing: 2:00-3:00pm on the Tito’s Stage
Similar Artists: Catfish and The Bottlemen, Blossoms, Jake Bugg
Now is your chance to jump on the Sam Fender train, as the British singer/songwriter is already one of Britain’s biggest artists and selling out arenas across the pond. Fender has been described as “Britain’s answer to Bruce Springsteen” as his songs speak of truth and daily life. With an hour-long set time, we hope the Newcastle-native plays his second album “Seventeen Going Under” in full.
MAUDE LATOUR
When and Where They’re Playing: 2:15-3:15pm on the T-Mobile Stage
Similar Artists: Chloe Lilac, The Aces, Ashe
Maude LaTour is an artist who has never forgotten her fanbase. In fact, she has responded to every DM and comment she’s ever received; and even had Instagram Lives during the height of the pandemic where she was the one asking her fans questions. It is rare to find an artist these days who cares so much about their fanbase – so jump on the Maude LaTour train before she becomes even more popular when her new EP Strangers Forever releases October 29th.
INHALER
When and Where They’re Playing: 3:00-4:00pm on the Bud Light Seltzer Stage
Similar Artists: The Snuts, The Amazons, Sam Fender
Inhaler is a rock band from Ireland who’s 2021 debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This launched their careers in Europe, and they are ready to take on the United States. Inspired by bands like Joy Division and Interpol, the band has created their own modern take on New Wave and rock. This is a band you cannot miss.
FRIDAY:
DAISY THE GREAT
When and Where They’re Playing: 1:00-1:40pm on the BMI Stage
Similar Artists: AJR, Frances Forever, The Happy Fits
Daisy the Great skyrocketed to viral fame during the pandemic with their song “Record Player” in collaboration with AJR. The Brooklyn duo make indie rock music for many moods, and we hope their set on Friday will cover them all. If the success of “Record Player” is any indication, Daisy the Great is a duo that is going places.
BABY TATE
When and Where They’re Playing: 1:45-2:45pm on the Tito’s Stage
Similar Artists: Chloe x Halle, Tinashe, Brooke Candy
Formerly known as Yung Baby Tate, Tate Sequoya Farris is back with a new moniker and the same blend of Pop, R&B, and Hip-Hop that we love her for. An artist since age 13, Baby Tate is all about the music and continuing to evolve her sound as not just a rapper, but as an artist. She is also a champion for female empowerment, and we are beyond excited for her performance.
GENESIS OWUSU
When and Where They’re Playing: 4:00-4:45pm on the Discord Stage
Similar Artists: Citizen Kay, Childish Gambino, Tyler, The Creator
Ghanaian-Australian singer Genesis Owusu’s music is hard to define, as the artist’s discography goes from funk – to rap – to rock. The core of his music is always centered on a relevant social issue such as cultural appropriation or police brutality, and his goal is for his music to be introspective for both himself and the listener. Known for being backed with a pack of dancers and singers known as the Goons – Owusu’s performance is sure to be a beautifully visual set.
SATURDAY:
POM POM SQUAD
When and Where They’re Playing: 1:50-2:30pm on the Discord Stage
Similar Artists: illuminati hotties, Squirrel Flower, Beach Bunny
Originally a solo project of frontwomen Mia Berrin, Brooklyn’s Pom Pom Squad has evolved into a three-piece band with Mia on vocals and guitar, Shelby Keller on drums, and Alex Mercuri on guitar. Both the bands music and stage dress pay homage to late 90’s films like But I’m a Cheerleader and The Virgin Suicides with their melodic tunes and romantic lyrics. The band’s name originated in Chicago when Mia visited Pitchfork Music Festival as a fan and told someone her band was called Pom Pom Squad (before she had even created it). We are excited that Pom Pom Squad will be back where it all began.
HINDS
When and Where They’re Playing: 2:00-3:00pm on the Coinbase Stage
Similar Artists: The Beaches, Sunflower Bean, Soccer Mommy
Spanish all-female band Hinds music is a beautiful blend of English and their native tongue. A group of four best friends from Madrid, Hinds most recent release The Prettiest Curse stays true to their garage-rock origins while experimenting with the indie genre. An under-the-radar band, Hinds is sure to become one of your new favorites.
FLETCHER
When and Where They’re Playing: 3:00-4:00pm on the T-Mobile Stage
Similar Artists: King Princess, Olivia O’Brien, Lauren Sanderson
Another female artist you cannot miss is Fletcher. Fletcher already has many die-hard fans (evident by her entirely sold-out tour this past Spring), but she is still a rising artist who we feel is definitely one to watch. Her songs are raw and relatable – speaking of love, heartbreak, and pain. If by Saturday you need a good place to break down and cry from the unbearable heat, you will be in good company here.
SUNDAY:
CLAIRE ROSINKRANZ
When and Where They’re Playing: 2:50-3:30pm on the Discord Stage
Similar Artists: Thomas Headon, Peach Tree Rascals, Valley
Claire Rosinkranz is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who’s debut album is due out in October. Her viral hit “Backyard Boy” made us a fan, and her newest releases “stuck on us” and “i’m too pretty for this” have made us even more excited to see Claire and hear her newest tracks live.
LØLØ
When and Where They’re Playing: 3:20-4:00pm on the BMI Stage
Similar Artists: Charlotte Sands, renforshort, Maggie Lindemann
Toronto artist LØLØ first gained recognition on TikTok for her music covers and quickly established herself as an artist in her own right. LØLØ is effortlessly cool, the girl you don’t know if you hate or want to be friends with. That “too cool” attitude and her witty lyrics are what gained her a spot on this list and make her an artist you need to see.
KENNYHOOPLA
When and Where They’re Playing: 4:00-4:45pm on the Discord Stage
Similar Artists: JXDN, Poorstacy, YUNGBLUD
KennyHoopla is a pop-punk artist who stands out for his insane energy during performances and is known to climb any structure in sight. His tracks are emotional and honest, but he does not take anything too seriously. In fact, his moniker is borrowed from a Spongebob Squarepants character. Check out KennyHoopla’s set as he is bound to put on an insane performance.
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Tickets are still available for this year’s Lollapalooza Music Festival here.
