Our top five non-headlining acts to catch at Pitchfork Music Festival 2018
WORDS BY MERCY XIONG, STAFF WRITER
Celebrating its 13th year, Pitchfork Music Festival returns to Union Park this weekend. Each year, Pitchfork prides itself in bringing some of the best acts in the industry and the brightest emerging artists. The eclectic lineup features psychedelic rock band Tame Impala, hip-hop legend Lauryn Hill and indie folk band Fleet Foxes as headliners.
With over 40 different acts to catch, we’re here to break down the top five artists that should be on your radar this weekend.
Moses Sumney
If you were to see one act this weekend, it should be Moses Sumney. He has played with many prolific performers like Solange, James Blake, Sufjan Stevens and David Byrne. With a previous Pitchfork Music Festival performance under his belt, we could only expect a top-notch performance from this LA artist.
Ravyn Lenae
Ravyn Lenae is one of the thirteen Chicago artists that Pitchfork booked this year. At 19, she is the youngest performer on the lineup and has already toured with SZA and fellow Chicagoan Noname. Earlier this year, Lenae made headlines with the release of her magical EP Crush, produced by fellow a fellow member of The Internet, Steve Lacy who has worked with Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator. With The Internet hosting an album release party on Friday in Chicago, we can only dream Steve Lacy will make an appearance on stage with her.
Tierra Whack
Replacing Earl Sweatshirt on the lineup, this Philly rapper fits the bill perfectly. The female MC is no doubt a rising star. After releasing her short audiovisual album Whack World, Tierra Whack and her project received major praise from the likes of Vince Staples and Solange. Pitchfork even named Whack World “Best New Music” giving the album an 8.3. To top it all off, Tierra Whack recently opened for festival headliner Lauryn Hill during Philadelphia’s Festival Pier.
Kelela
Before heading to over to see Fleet Foxes close out the festival Saturday night, make sure to stop by the Blue Stage to see Kelela perform. Like Moses Sumney, Kelela has performed with the likes of Solange so you know it’s the real deal. Her debut album Take Me Apart is absolutely stunning therefore it would only make sense to catch her set this weekend.
Japanese Breakfast
This list would not be complete without our 2017 Fall cover star Japanese Breakfast. After the release of their sophomore album Soft Sounds from Another Planet, they have gained notoriety and has been on the rise ever since. Japanese Breakfast will be gracing the blue stage on Sunday, and you know we will be there. But if you can’t make it, catch them at their Pitchfork Music Festival Aftershow on Saturday at Thalia Hall with VARSITY and Mothers.