Pitchfork Music Festival 2019 will take place this weekend, so there’s no better time than now to start planning out your schedules. Below we’ve put together the artists that we’re most interested in checking out this weekend across the Blue, Red, and Green stages.
The one caveat we’d like to employ here is that this list isn’t featuring any of the daily headliners. The festival does a good job of giving the headliners their rightful spotlight, avoiding any scheduling conflicts so that all other sets must finish by the time the Green Stage steps up to capture everyone’s attention. You’ll definitely find me catching HAIM, The Isley Brothers, and Robyn close out each night and I wouldn’t doubt they’ll be on many attendees’ best-of lists post festival.
While we’re excited about what each day has to offer, these are the sets that we definitely do no want to miss, and we highly suggest you don’t either. So scroll down to check out our list of the 12 artists to see at Pitchfork Music Festival 2019.
Descriptions signed JD were written by Jack Dombro, and those signed by OO were written by Oscar Oliva.
Clairo – Sunday, 4:15-5:10pm – Green Stage
Clairo popped onto the scene after her simple, yet very catchy video for “Pretty Girl” went viral in 2017. Since then she’s been busy, embarking on several tours and making appearances in festivals all around the world. Clairo is set to release her debut album just a few weeks after Pitchfork, so we’re hoping to see some new songs played on the last day of the festival.
– JD
Earl Sweatshirt – Friday, 5:15-6:10pm – Red Stage
Earl was supposed to perform at Pitchfork last year but unexpectedly dropped out last minute. He’s back this year with one more album under his belt and we’re really looking forward to see how Some Rap Songs is live. This’ll no doubt be quite the memorable set.
– JD
Freddie Gibbs – Saturday, 6:30-7:15pm – Blue Stage
After releasing critically-acclaimed collaborative album Bandana alongside Madlib just a few weeks ago, Freddie Gibbs will be rocking the Blue Stage on Saturday. Pitchfork is Gibbs’ second stop since the release of his latest album, so be sure to get accustomed to some of the tracks on the spectacular album, as well as some of his solo work. We’re excited to see both his unique style showcased throughout his set and hopefully Madlib will make an appearance on the tables.
– JD
Grapetooth – Friday, 4:00-4:45pm – Blue Stage
This Chicago duo quickly turned heads with their synth-driven music after breaking into the scene last year. Grapetooth’s self-titled debut was packed with great songs throughout, with my favorite aspect being that everything from the darker moments (“Death”) to the mellower ones (“Red Wine”) will make you want to dance. “Trouble” is the only song I’ve seen them play live, actually, whenever partners Clay Frankel and Chris Bailoni have made guest appearances around the city, so this is my moment to experience the good times firsthand.
– OO
JPEGMAFIA – Sunday, 3:20-4:10pm – Red Stage
My first live encounter with JPEGMAFIA was everything I needed to understand there’s something different and special about this New York performer. He doesn’t shy away from unconventional production, like the frenetic “Real N*ga” or the bouncy “Thug Tears,” which not only speaks highly to his skills as an MC but it also provides a great a foundation of songs that can make a fan of anyone that may be around.
– OO
Kurt Vile – Saturday, 5:15-6:10pm – Red Stage
One of the few guitar dudes on the entire lineup, Kurt Vile sure knows how to do wonders with his 6-string. His slinky vocals have a distinctive sound on their own, and when you pair it with the folky rhythms he plays, you’ve got yourself a great taste of some good ol’ American songwriting. Not to say he’s reached iconic status just yet, but Vile gives me vibes of being the closest we’ve got to this era’s response to latter days Tom Petty.
– OO
MIKE – Friday, 1:45-2:25pm – Red Stage
Underground rap artist MIKE will be the first performer of the weekend on the Red Stage. Growing up in both the Bronx as well as London, MIKE has plenty to share and he does that throughout the several mixtapes he’s released. You’ll quickly understand MIKE’s style if you check out some of his music and it’ll have lyrical heads coming back for more.
– JD
Pusha T – Friday, 6:15-7:15pm – Green Stage
What else needs to be said about the president of G.O.O.D. Music to get you to hit the Green Stage on Friday evening? The simple fact that this guy released the stellar Daytona last year is reason enough because the project stood its ground in the fight to be considered one of the best 2018 had to offer, regardless of genre. The Clipse star is simply one of the best rappers in the game with a knack for storytelling, flawless flow, and production that fittingly reflects his energy and attitude. This may be wishful thinking, but I’d love it if King Push brought out Mavis Staples (the other around is dope too) to perform their collaborative contribution to the Gorillaz Humanz. I can already imagine the feelings this could inspire throughout Union Park.
– OO
Ric Wilson – 1:45-2:25pm – Red Stage
What makes Ric Wilson’s Pitchfork Music Festival appearance so much more appealing is that he also happens to be one of our own. You can quote me in my affirmation that this Chicago artist has a sound that deserves international recognition, and what better stage than this to set him on his way to achieving it. Ric’s production is tinged with Soul and R&B, and this smooth foundation pairs oh so well with his vocals that never suffer from switching between rapping and singing. This set is going to be groovy, perhaps the grooviest the weekend will have on display.
– OO
Sky Ferreira – Friday, 4:15-5:10pm – Green Stage
Sky’s Alternative Pop music boasts a rougher aesthetic on the production end with elegant vocals (that exude cool and are snarl-y when the moment calls for it), providing some proper contrast, which makes her a real force to be reckoned with. The anthemic nature of so many of her songs will surely feel like the release one’s body would be craving at an event like this one, perfect for dancing, jamming, and singing along to your heart’s desire.
– OO
Snail Mail – Sunday, 7:45-8:30pm – Blue Stage
Indie Rock has found its new shining star for the future. Snail Mail crafts these wonderful guitar parts on just about every track she’s released during her short career and that was more than enough to catch my ear, but once I get down to the emotions she’s writing about it all captivates me on a whole other level. If you’re one to appreciate when a song fells like it was written about you or that feels like it’s telling your story almost as if it was directly quoting your journal, then Snail Mail is the way to go… Now think of experiencing that, but in a park full of other people that feel the same. It gives me chills just thinking about what I’ll feel like by the time this set finishes.
– OO
Whitney – Sunday, 6:15-7:15pm – Green Stage
I can honestly say Whitney released one of my favorite albums of the decade with 2016’s Light Upon the Lake. Breaking up, moving on, remembering love, and saying goodbye is never an easy topic to genuinely write about, but the Whitney fellas found a way to express those feelings in a way that hit me in my spirit. Now, the Chicago-based band is in the process of unrolling their follow-up album, which must surely influence this setlist, and from the sound of things this next project will the deliver the goods as well.
– OO
