Pitchfork Music Festival 2017 was definitely among one of the best editions of the Chicago installment of the festival. Three days full of artists doing what they do best, and we were in attendance scoping out Union Park to see what #P4kfest had in store for us.
What we got in return was awesome performances, some that will likely be on my year-end list of the best performances I saw this year. From icons to fast-rising up-and-comers, the eclectic balance at this festival had plenty to offer right from when the first acts hit the stage.
Check out our list of the best acts we see over the last weekend.
Angel Olsen
The former Chicago-based singer got a very warm reception from the crowd, but it was definitely the result of way more than a hometown welcome. Olsen exuded charm in between songs, and her performances were lively. Her sub-headlining slot was just a glimpse at the level she’s reached so far, paving the way toward an eventual headlining spot for future festival appearances.
A Tribe Called Quest
The iconic Hip Hop group definitely delivered a set worthy of their legendary status. Q-Tip, Jarobi White, DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and support from Consequence, ATCQ brought to life some of the genre’s biggest and dopest tracks, while always paying tribute to late member, Phife Dawg. This was a celebration of the golden generation of the genre, and it was clear that the masses came to Union Park to witness this amazing set.
Cherry Glazerr
My surprise favorites of the festival; I had always heard about Cherry Glazerr’s antics at concerts, but it took me actually seeing them to fully appreciate what they’ve got to offer. The band is tight and give off this raw energy that reminds what Rock & Roll is supposed to be all about. Kickass from beginning to end, and being in that crowd was one of the most things all weekend.
Danny Brown
Danny Brown has been long evolving into the Hip Hop hero to indie fans that we see now. Rocking a new haircut, the formerly Mohawked rapper had fans jamming from the very second his unique voice started blaring through the speakers. His set was the first I said “lit” unironically, which, at Pitchfork, says a lot.
Francis and the Lights
Francis is one of the best performers around these days, hands down. While his music is chill and inviting, sometimes even serene, Francis’ stage antics bring to mind Freakazoid. His dance moves are unorthodox, his energy is unmatched, and he loves to climb stuff. Never a dull moment at his set.
Jamila Woods
Though it was sad to hear The Avalanches had to cancel their appearance due to family issues, it made way for Chicago’s Soulful singer to upgrade to the Green Stage and she sure did not disappoint. The live setup was bolstered by backup singers and a band featuring some of the guys from Chicago outfit Silent Party Music, elevating her sound to greater profound heights. The Heavn singer was brilliant with a vocal delivery that will take you to the skies and back, and it would come as no surprise that the thousands of people who wound up seeing Jamila instead of the Avalanches could have been converted into new fans of hers.
Joey Purp
Purp is one of the flyest guys in Chicago and avid followers of his music have always shown that he’s the next artist in the city to blow up, and his set at Pitchfork Fest was the manifestation of all of that he’s accomplished so far. Purp not only shined on the mic with support from Knox Fortune and Peter Cottontale backing him, but he also brought his SaveMoney homies. His Leather Corduroys partner KAMI, Towkio, and Vic Mensa all joined Purp onstage to give fans a dope taste of the city’s finest Hip Hop collective. It was also cool to hear the wild reception to him previewing new music.
LCD Soundsystem*
Last year at Lolla, they felt a bit out of place somehow but at Pitchfork it all clicked. Maybe it was the crowd, maybe it took getting past the reunion vibes to give off a different feeling throughout the venue, but it just clicked this time around. Their jams allowed you to get lost in them every time, letting us give into primal instincts and just enjoy every element of the music.
NE-HI
Another Chicago act that absolutely killed it this festival, NE-HI were just badass. Their raw energy was an adrenaline rush every time the boys started strumming and drummer was pounding.
Pinegrove
Behind Cherry Glazerr, these guys were my favorite surprise. Some of the best sing-alongs happened at their set.
Solange
To use the word “slay” in regards to her fest-closing performance is almost an understatement. Solange was majestic and her vibrant performance proved she has entered a whole new level. The band she has assembled accents her performances perfectly, and their choreography together is a visual delight. Solange’s will hit every one of your senses and you’ll walk away from her show feeling like you just witnessed something magical.
Vince Staples
The set list offered a bit of everything for fans, from his booming solo work on Norf Norf and his recent release Big Fish to his collaborative efforts with Gorillaz and GTA, Staples flexed on the Green Stage and left quite the impression on everybody.
Photo Credit: Oscar Oliva Jr / Pursuit Of Dopeness
*exception: LCD Soundsystem
Check out our photo galleries for each day of Pitchfork Fest 2018 below.
POD Photos: Pitchfork Music Festival 2017 – Day 1 feat. Vince Staples, Danny Brown, Dirty Projectors
