My Most Anticipated Pitchfork Fest Performances

The Pitchfork Music Festival is one of the greatest music festivals held in the Chicago area. The festival is described as “one of the most welcoming, comfortable, reasonably priced, and rewarding weekends of music around” and this statement couldn’t be any closer to the truth. I attended Pitchfork last year in 2021, and I can attest to these claims. This makes me even more eager for the weekend of July 15th to relive some of those memories from last year again and create a bunch of new ones. With that being said, there are five artists in particular that I’m absolutely pumped to see. The Pitchfork Music Festival will be at Union Park in Chicago, from July 15th to the 17th.

1. CupcakKe

Elizabeth Eden Harris, better known as CupcakKe is a local rapper from Chicago, who is best known for her highly energetic and raunchy music. She started releasing music in 2012 but really took off with her song “Deepthroat.” I first heard the song in my sophomore year of high school and was appalled at what I just listened to, but it stuck with me and I really appreciate the music CupcakKe makes. I already know that the crowd is going to be filled with great vibes. When I saw CupcakKe on the lineup I instantly knew that I had to see her. It’s going to be a party with CupcakKe who will be performing Saturday the 16th on the red stage at 1:45 pm.

1. Indigo De Souza 

Indigo De Souza is an indie/alternative rock group from North Carolina who started making music in 2016 with their single “Boys.” They’re best known for the hit song “Take Off Ur Pants” which is honestly as far as my experience with the band goes but I know after hearing them play I’m going to start listening to them a lot more. Indigo De Souza will perform Friday the 15th on the green stage at 4:15 pm.

1. Japanese Breakfast

People who say they don’t like pop music have clearly never listened to the lovely Japanese Breakfast, originating in Eugene, Oregon. I didn’t discover them until this year when I was on a kick to discover new music. I stumbled upon “Posing For Cars” and quickly fell deeper and deeper into the band from there. I adore their 2021 release Jubilee, it’s such a fun listen and I’m eager to see what Japanese Breakfast brings to Pitchfork. Don’t miss out on the unforgettable show Japanese Breakfast will perform Saturday the 16th on the red stage at 7:25 pm.

1. Earl Sweatshirt 

Enough can’t be said about the musical genius Earl Sweatshirt, a local American rapper from Chicago. Earl was one of the most memorable people I discovered when I first started listening to rap music. His lyricism stood out to me the most— you can turn on Earl and know that you’re in for a treat. His 2013 release Doris is a phenomenal album, cementing Earl’s place as one of the greatest rappers of all time. You don’t want to miss out on the awesome vibes Earl Sweatshirt is going to bring to the festival! He will be performing Sunday the 17th on the green stage at 6:15 pm.

1. Parquet Courts

Parquet Courts is the band I’m the most excited to see play, they were the main selling point of the festival for me. They are an American rock band from New York City. Let me tell you, these guys really bring the energy with their music, and with their many great albums. I was hooked when I first discovered them many years ago through their song “Borrowed Time,” and my love for them has been solidified ever since. Parquet Courts is such a unique band that you’re just going to have to check them out for yourself. I, for one, am thrilled to get to see them as it’s been something I’ve wanted to do for years now. Don’t miss this thrilling band who will be playing Friday the 15th on the green stage at 6:15 pm.