The time has come to bid farewell to Pitchfork Music Festival 2018, another one that will leave long lasting musical memories for me.
All three days had something special, with one of my favorite aspects in particular being just how much the local scene was represented throughout the roster. Of course, the hometown connection wasn’t the only thing that made this year’s edition one to remember. As I look back and task myself with picking my favorite performances, I’m taking into account the acts that brought that something special that makes you wish for just a little more.
So I’ve narrowed things down to the list you see below.
DRAM
The rest of the POD founders had pretty early run-ins with a young DRAM, so I had always heard the Virginia rapper could put on a good show. It took an appearance at P4kfest for me to finally catch one of his performances, and I’m glad to have finally been able to experience it myself. This dude is good vibes through and through, from warm tracks like his Coloring Book contribution “Special” to the litness of tracks like “Cha Cha” & “Broccoli,” if you’re looking to have a genuinely good time at a music event then DRAM is the way to go.
Japandroids
When I first saw this year’s lineup my eyes instantly focused in anticipation on finally seeing the legendary Ms. Lauryn Hill, but if I had to pick a second act that inspired similar excitement it would be Japandroids. These guys are one of the few contemporary acts still fighting the good fight for Rock & Roll that are also critically acclaimed, and from the second the sticks hit the skins and picks met the strings, their passionate performances could’ve made a fan out of anyone. This Canadian duo isn’t the most active on the live music circuit these days, which made catching this set pretty special in that aspect as well. However, what makes the band such a thrill to watch is the simple fact that their music just kicks so much ass.
Japanese Breakfast
Japanese Breakfast was one of the few acts on this lineup that I hadn’t seen before but was greatly anticipating to bringing that to an end. The Blue stage has that cozy & intimate feeling, which made for the perfect summer day setting for the band’s colorful and inviting tunes. Among my personal highlights included how the pulsating beat on songs like set-opener “In Heaven” & “Road Head” got your body moving like you were at a psychedelic disco. The whole set was a whole lotta indie goodness.
Noname
Noname is one of the brightest rappers around, and us in Chicago are lucky to call her one of our own. Her vocal abilities were only heightened as she performed her masterfully crafted tunes off Telefone along with previewing tracks of what’s to come from a 2018 album. She commanded the Red stage from the jump with a presence that’s really flourished recently, showing the audience she’s got bars that can outshine just about anyone’s. Poetry, Soul, Funk, and Hip Hop all rolled into one really dope set.
Saba
Saba’s released my favorite album of 2018 so far in Care For Me and Pitchfork Fest was an awesome way to put his latest work on display. This performance felt powerful, emotional, and even personal at times. The rapper from out west has come a long way already; this set was the culmination of what he and his Pivot Gang first set out to accomplish and you always got the feeling that it’s only up from here. If I had to place my bets on who’s next, Saba gets my full support.
Smino
The smoothest mf at the festival is St. Louis’ own Smino. We may claim him every now and then thanks to his making Chicago his second home, but those Southern roots are undeniable and that particular brand of swagger never fails to burst through for the crowd’s enjoyment. Smino’s catalogue has only amplified his dopeness, and I was lucky enough to be in the audience to see him play as he embarks on a trek to climb the ranks of the genre on a grand scale.
Tame Impala
Tame Impala proved to be the best headliner this year, and they offered a little bit of everything to captivate you on a multi-sensory level. The lights & laser show was an awesome accompaniment Kevin Parker’s brand of modern psychedelic music. The setlist was fantastic too, showing the Pitchfork Music Festival attendees that this is one of the best bands around. Tame Impala also has one of those qualities where each performance feels like a trip that you never want to get off of; that’s how they had me feeling the entire time and I was more than willing to just let it happen…
P.s. Rihanna digs Tame Impala and she can do no wrong in my eyes, so if she approves, you should too.
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