Lollapalooza 2018 is finally upon as, and now is the best time to start planning out our 4-day journey through Grant Park. When it comes down to music festivals, it’s hard to come up with any competition for what Lolla offers from the moment the gates open to the last notes heard coming out Sunday night at Grant Park.
While the headlining slots feature a cast of star-dudded acts with international fame like Arctic Monkeys, Vampire Weekend, The Weeknd, Jack White, Travis Scott, and Playboi Carti, the rest of the roster has plenty of stand-out artists as well. This list highlights our favorite artists spanning an eclectic mix of genres playing earlier on in the day, from the early afternoon until 6pm.
Check out our list of must-see performances below.
Cuco – Thursday, 1:15-2pm –Bud Light
Cuco has been quickly ascending the ranks as an artist shaping the modern Alternative/Indie scene. He made his fame off Bedroom Pop, but his sound and his songwriting are only growing more sophisticated. Horns, rapping in Spanish, and dope vibes from a catalog full of fan-favorite tracks will make this the perfect way to kick off the festival.
Valee – Thursday, 12:50-1:30pm –American Eagle
Valee is the latest significant act coming up in the Chicago Hip Hop scene. The recent G.O.O.D. Music signing has been proving his worth, dropping his formal debut and collabing with the likes of Chance & Pusha T in the last year.
Supa Bwe – Thursday, 5:40-6:20pm –BMI
Supa (Supaaaaaaa!). Another one of the local artists that will be put on display to demonstrate just how vibrant the Chicago music scene has been this decade. His style has guided a subset of the greater Hip Hop community, so what better than seeing the man himself? With his 5:40 start time, he’s the got latest set from this list, so he just barely missed the dividing line for a non-headline artist, which shows how highly he’s regarded from fans (and fest organizers as well). Oh yeah, and he recently reunited Hurt Everybody, so it’d be dope to be around in case the other guys make a cameo.
Clairo – Friday, 1:45-2:45pm –Tito’s Homemade Vodka
Few artists have a story quite like Clairo’s. YouTube fame built on a foundation of incredibly catchy melodies and DIY production, she quickly transitioned to releasing a project featured a more polished & refined sound & playing to mainstream crowds while supporting Pop star Dua Lipa. She has an energy that you’ll find easy to gravitate to.
Post Animal – Friday, 1:50-2:30pm –Bud Light
Who would’ve known that early on Friday we’d have schedule problems? If you lean Pop, go for the sweet sounds of Clairo, but if you’re looking something guided by guitars then you have to check Post Animal. They released a solid album this year, which offers some brilliant riffs you’ll want to experience live with a cold refreshment under the summer sky.
Tyler, the Creator – Friday, 4:30-5:30pm –Bud Light
Yo, how is Tyler on this early in the schedule? One of Hip Hop’s leading men has evolved in his maturity, developing an aesthetic the sincerely resonates with his followers. For a festival headlining-worthy performance at this time of day, look no further than the Bud Light stage at 4:30pm.
Femdot – Saturday, 12:50-1:30pm –American Eagle
The next class of Chicago music also includes gems, for example Femdot. Delacreme 2 is intense, mixing Soul and drill, and it’s primed for mainstream reach… so there’s no bigger stage to prove that than Lolla. To fit the occasion, he has reinforced his live set with a backing band and vocalists… it shall be considerably litty.
Catfish and the Bottlemen – Saturday, 4:30-5:30pm –Grant Park
This is another band that if you saw was playing later on the schedule, you wouldn’t be surprised at all. This experienced British outfit has not only supported some major acts (Green Day, Mumford & Sons), but they’ve proven their worth on their own headline shows. Catfish and the Bottlemen have a penchant for writing the anthems driving modern Alternative Rock, and that’s exactly what I need on a Saturday afternoon.
Superorganism – Sunday, 12:15-1pm – Tito’s Homemade Vodka
This Art pop outfit is quirky in all the right ways. They caused a stir at SXSW earlier this year… and I’m still salty I missed their performances. Their music has this bright & intriguing vibe to it, with intricate composition, and a sense of imagination at the center of it all.
Jessie Reyez– Sunday, 2:50-3:30pm –Bud Light
Reyez has one of those voices that just scream “superstar success.” She’s still on the rise, but it’s cool to see her fame is starting to catch up to her excellent songwriting. Lead by a guitar and these vocals that wrap themselves around you, Reyez’s passion will leave an impression on the attendees.
Kali Uchis – Sunday, 3:30-4:30pm –Bud Light
Kali Uchis has to be the artist I’m most interested in seeing. Her debut Isolation is one of my top 5 favorite releases of the year. She’s an alluring presence. And her songs are all dope. Look out for her to become the next big thing.
The Aces – Sunday, 4:30-5:10pm –Bud Light
The Aces kick ass. I got to interview them very early on into their record label signing from that interaction I got the feeling that I was in the presence of a band that was about to make a major splash soon, and they have delivered on that promise. Their shimmery production and Pop aesthetic are the perfect formula for a summer festival, so check out The Aces to brighten up your Sunday before we have to say goodbye to Lolla 2018.
