Pitchfork Music Festival Fri Jul 03 2015

Our Picks for Pitchfork 2015!

By Sarah Brooks

We've reached the two week countdown for Union Park's glorious 3-day music festival, Pitchfork. This year's lineup is more diverse than ever, featuring an eclectic crop of artists, ranging from long-established favorites, to buzzed-about newcomers to the scene. Though there are numerous acts to choose from, we've rounded up our favorite recommended acts for you to take a listen to during this stellar weekend. Along with our recommendations, leave a comment on this post (make sure to use your email address) indicating who you're most excited to see at Pitchfork and why by 3pm today, and you could score a 3-day GA pass to Pitchfork! [Update! We've contacted our winner! Thanks for all your comments!]

Friday

Ryley Walker (Blue Stage, 3:20pm)
Take a trip back in time during Ryley Walker's set, infused with storied Americana sounds and dazzling guitar melodies. His debut material was just released this year, making his set one to be cherished, featuring lush backdrops all the while.
-Sarah Brooks

Mac DeMarco (Red Stage, 5:30pm)
Canada native Mac DeMarco dropped his latest album Salad Days back in 2014. The slacker rock release is full of mellow musings from the Vancouver-based singer-songwriter: Catch him on the Red Stage at 5:30.
-Celeste Mallama

Panda Bear (Green Stage, 6:25pm)
Noah Benjamin Lennox, aka Panda Bear, founding member of Animal Collective, performs as a solo act this time around. The experimental musician will likely be running through his 2015 release Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper.
-Celeste Mallama

Wilco (Green Stage, 8:30pm)
Wilco is a beloved Chicago group that never disappoints, full of dazzling indie rock ballads, as well as Jeff Tweedy's witty banter. With their headlining set, you can expect them to run through their unparalleled discography, making us recall why we fell in love with this city in the first place.
-Sarah Brooks

Saturday

Mr. Twin Sister (Blue Stage, 2:50pm)
This group has seen its fair share of tumultuous times: from a break from their record label, to a mid-tour crash that led all members to be hospital-bound, original band, Twin Sister, re-emerged with a new identity in 2014 as Mr. Twin Sister. Their groovy, psychedelic sounds infused with synth-beat pop allows them to be uncategorized, and will make for one giant, mellow dance party.
-Sarah Brooks

Parquet Courts (Red Stage, 5:15pm)
These New York rockers are sure to engage the stage with their unique form of grunge-punk-rock. Catch Parquet Courts on Saturday at 5:15 on the Red Stage.
-Celeste Mallama

The New Pornographers (Green Stage, 6:15pm)
The New Pornographers have been in the music game for decades now, with a vast discography featuring intricate storytelling and layer upon layer of sound. These smart ballads are helmed by coveted voices including Neko Case and A.C. Newman. Don't miss this set for a fun retrospective of their tunes, as well as material from their newest album, Brill Bruisers.
-Sarah Brooks

Shamir (Blue Stage, 6:45pm)
20-year-old Nevada native Shamir is blowing up these days. With his signature "I do what I want" look and swagger, the kid is 100% himself and proud of it - as he should be. Catch the pop-synth youngster to hear him run through his phenomenal debut release, Ratchet.
-Celeste Mallama

Future Islands (Red Stage, 7:25pm)
Who wouldn't want to see Samuel T. Herring do his jelly-legged dance in person? Catch Future Islands on Saturday at 7:25 on the Red Stage.
-Celeste Mallama

Sleater-Kinney (Green Stage, 8:30pm)
Most of you probably aren't surprised to see Sleater-Kinney among our recommended acts. That's because their newest album, No Cities to Love, emerges after a lengthy 10-year hiatus, and packs a punch as splendid as ever. These original punk rockers will put on an unforgettable show full of high-octane angst.
-Sarah Brooks

Sunday

Waxahatchee (Green Stage, 2:30pm)
Waxahatchee, otherwise known as Katie Crutchfield, has a penchant for lyrics like poetry, delivered with her unmistakable voice, raspy yet emotionally-influenced at the same time. Flanked by a guitar, Crutchfield will ensure to move the crowd and make them dig a little bit deeper with an introspective set.
-Sarah Brooks

Courtney Barnett (Green Stage, 4:15pm)
Courtney Barnett has an accent that'll drive you a wild and a dry wit that'll cut you to the bone. Listen to the Aussie perform her incredible sophomore album, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit.
-Celeste Mallama

How To Dress Well (Blue Stage, 4:45pm)
A native Chicagoan, Tom Krell's music speaks to the sensitivity of our souls, while complementing these lyrics with hypnotizing electronic beats. For a Union Park dance party, look no further than How To Dress Well's mesmerizing set.
-Sarah Brooks

Run the Jewels (Red Stage, 7:25pm)
The NYC/Atlanta rap duo has been all over the place recently promoting their eponymous debut album from 2013 and their follow up, Run the Jewels 2, in 2014. With their on-point lyrics and high-energy live performances, they aren't a duo to miss. Catch Run The Jewels on the Red Stage at 7:25.
-Celeste Mallama

Chance The Rapper (Green Stage, 8:30pm)
Truly a staple of Chicago's music scene, Chance The Rapper has delivered with each of his standout mixtapes, making a name for himself through touring, collaborations, and always keeping us on our toes. His set will no doubt feature a special guest or two, and yes, he'll probably play that "Arthur" theme song cover we can't get out of our heads.
-Sarah Brooks