Every year, Pitchfork Music Festival weekend seems to be one of the best weekends of the year! This year was no exception. Between the beautiful record fair, the range of local art, the eclectic mix of food options, and diverse vendors, this year stood tall next to past Pitchforks, in my book. The weather was mostly wonderful and the festival attendees were as amazing as they always are. Free Häagan-Dazs ice cream cones flowed all weekend and it was nearly impossible to find anyone that was not enjoying their time at Union Park.
Every year I leave the fest with the same thought in my head – I can’t wait for next year.
Check out our Top 12 Artists of Pitchfork Music Festival 2023!
Alvvays
Alvvays put on a spectacularly fun set in the afternoon on Friday. Although I wasn’t familiar with their sound before seeing this performance, I thoroughly enjoyed their P4k set as they jammed out to their addictive indie sound. Their wonderful stage presence drew me in and kept me locked in for the entirety of the set. Fans were also able to take advantage of the Backstage DashPass to watch exclusive interviews with several Pitchfork performers throughout the weekend.
Big Thief
One of the most-hyped-about acts of this year’s festival, Big Thief did their part in living up to their Indie darling crown this year.
Mavi
It’s been great to see Mavi so active this festival season, I unfortunately missed his Lollapalooza set but his performances at Lincoln Hall, House of Vans, and Pitchfork this summer have all been stellar. His talent shines through so clearly that his ability to quickly win over crowds is consistent and nonchalant. Mavi was rocking an Absent sweater on the sunny first day of Pitchfork
Mdou Moctar
Trippy jams with an edge that masterful guitar work can deliver in spectacular ways, Mdou Moctar’s music feels like colors coming to life to do battle for your undivided attention. The Tamasheq roots were put on full display, and it was nothing short of beautiful to hear these sounds and to be moved by them too.
Koffee
Koffee on a Sunday evening is a hell of a vibe. Smooth and sensational.
Killer Mike
If you combine all of the good things that make a great sermon stay with you with the energy and rhymes from one of Hip Hop’s most respected voices, that’s what it felt like to witness Killer Mike’s appearance at Pitchfork Music Festival 2023
King Krule
King Krule’s set also happened to arrive when the weekend needed him most. The sun was going down, the threat of rain keeping everyone from fully getting comfortable, and then the English singer popped on stage with his guitar and opened up to us. For many, listening to King Krule implies a need for one to finally reach out to the corners of the room where we keep some of our more delicate emotions, so experiencing his music live is like signing up to sync-up on an emotional wavelength
JPEGMAFIA
Peggy is already one of the most entertaining artists to catch live, but the fact that he always found a way to throw in some not-so-subtle but playful jabs at the fest in which he was performing also showed us a bit of how good his comedic timing can be, too.
Nation of Language
Ric Wilson
One of the Chicago scene’s best exports of his generation, it’s always a party to see Ric Wilson live. We came together to groove and party for the love of music, and anyone who can unite people like that has something special in them.
The Smile
Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood are a powerful duo in The Smile in a distinct way from Radiohead when you throw Tom Skinner into the mix. This Art Rock outfit brought the goods with jams that captivated you the whole way through that were complemented by the minimalist approach to the lighting.
Soul Glo
Punk Rock music on a sunny afternoon. What else could you want? The energy was everything, feeling like slap in the face when you need to get yourself together.
