Familypalooza 26 Preview Part 4

Lollapalooza 2026 – Saturday Artist Guide (Part 2)

Here’s the second half of Saturday, covering the afternoon through the headliners.


Khamari ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

📍 From: Boston, Massachusetts
Khamari blends contemporary R&B, soul, jazz, and indie influences into deeply personal songs. His smooth vocals and understated style have made him one of the genre’s fastest-rising artists.
🎧 Sounds Like: Giveon, Daniel Caesar, Dijon, Snoh Aalegra


The Happiness Club

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
The Happiness Club is a community-focused performance group celebrating positivity through music, dance, and audience participation. Their uplifting performances make for a fun afternoon stop.
🎧 Sounds Like: Community gospel and pop ensembles


Quadeca ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: Los Angeles, California
Quadeca has transformed from YouTube personality into one of alternative hip-hop’s most adventurous artists. His albums combine rap, indie rock, folk, and experimental production into emotionally rich experiences.
🎧 Sounds Like: JPEGMAFIA, Bon Iver, Jean Dawson, Brockhampton


Momma ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: Brooklyn, New York
Momma writes fuzzy guitar-driven indie rock inspired by ’90s alternative and grunge. Their combination of catchy hooks and noisy guitars has made them one of indie rock’s breakout bands.
🎧 Sounds Like: Veruca Salt, Breeders, Snail Mail, Bully


Wolf Alice ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: London, England
Wolf Alice is one of Britain’s premier rock bands, seamlessly moving between dream pop, grunge, shoegaze, folk, and hard rock. Ellie Rowsell is among the finest vocalists in modern rock, and the band’s live performances are consistently spectacular.
🎧 Sounds Like: The Joy Formidable, Slowdive, Garbage, Smashing Pumpkins


Leon Thomas ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

📍 From: Brooklyn, New York
Leon Thomas is a Grammy-winning songwriter and producer whose solo work blends R&B, soul, funk, and rock. His musicianship shines through every performance.
🎧 Sounds Like: D’Angelo, Childish Gambino, Lucky Daye


Whethan ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago native Whethan produces melodic electronic music filled with creative sound design and indie influences. His festival sets balance emotional moments with huge dance drops.
🎧 Sounds Like: Porter Robinson, Madeon, Louis the Child


Calder Allen

📍 From: Austin, Texas
Calder Allen is an Americana singer-songwriter whose music combines country storytelling with modern folk production. His songs feel authentic, relaxed, and heartfelt.
🎧 Sounds Like: Zach Bryan, Flatland Cavalry, Tyler Childers


Sienna Spiro

📍 From: London, England
Sienna Spiro possesses a remarkably mature voice, blending soul, jazz, and contemporary pop into emotionally powerful performances. She’s widely viewed as one of the UK’s brightest young vocalists.
🎧 Sounds Like: Adele, Olivia Dean, Celeste


Clipse ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Brothers Pusha T and No Malice revolutionized hip-hop with sharp lyricism and minimalist production from The Neptunes. Seeing Clipse together is increasingly rare and one of Saturday’s biggest highlights.
🎧 Sounds Like: Pusha T, Jay-Z, Benny the Butcher, Freddie Gibbs


Q Brothers

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
The Q Brothers are legendary Chicago performers known for blending hip-hop, theater, comedy, and improvisation. Their performances are inventive, hilarious, and unlike anything else at the festival.
🎧 Sounds Like: Beastie Boys, Jurassic 5, Lin-Manuel Miranda


Spacey Jane ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: Perth, Australia
Spacey Jane has become one of Australia’s biggest indie rock bands thanks to soaring melodies, heartfelt songwriting, and jangly guitars. Their songs feel tailor-made for outdoor festivals.
🎧 Sounds Like: The Backseat Lovers, Hippo Campus, Peach Pit, The Kooks


Jae Stephens

📍 From: Dallas, Texas
Signed to Timbaland’s label, Jae Stephens blends R&B, pop, and funk into confident, catchy songs. Her performances are full of charisma and personality.
🎧 Sounds Like: Victoria Monét, Chlöe, Tinashe


BBNO$ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

📍 From: Vancouver, British Columbia
BBNO$ mixes comedy, hip-hop, and infectious pop hooks into wildly entertaining performances. His concerts never take themselves too seriously and are always a lot of fun.
🎧 Sounds Like: Yung Gravy, Oliver Tree, Rich Brian


The Neighbourhood ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: Newbury Park, California
The Neighbourhood helped define dark alternative pop during the 2010s with moody production and Jesse Rutherford’s unmistakable vocals. Their catalog includes numerous festival favorites.
🎧 Sounds Like: Chase Atlantic, The 1975, Cigarettes After Sex


Alison Wonderland ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: Sydney, Australia
Alison Wonderland is one of electronic music’s premier live performers, seamlessly mixing emotional songwriting with thunderous bass drops. Her shows are immersive audiovisual experiences.
🎧 Sounds Like: Rezz, RL Grime, NGHTMRE


Ryman

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Ryman creates thoughtful indie rock built around warm guitars and reflective lyrics. Their songs balance intimacy with anthemic choruses.
🎧 Sounds Like: Pinegrove, The National, Wild Pink


KWN

📍 From: London, England
KWN is an emerging R&B artist whose smooth vocals and understated production have quickly earned attention. Her music feels modern while drawing from classic soul traditions.
🎧 Sounds Like: Jorja Smith, Mahalia, Summer Walker


Ethel Cain ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: Perry, Florida
Ethel Cain creates cinematic Southern Gothic music blending indie rock, ambient, folk, and dream pop into emotionally devastating songs. Her live performances are immersive and unforgettable.
🎧 Sounds Like: Weyes Blood, Chelsea Wolfe, Nicole Dollanganger, Lana Del Rey


Geese ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: Brooklyn, New York
Geese are one of the most exciting young rock bands today, combining post-punk, art rock, classic rock, and jam-band influences into exhilarating performances. Every show feels spontaneous and unpredictable.
🎧 Sounds Like: Talking Heads, Spoon, Parquet Courts, Black Country, New Road


Cameron Whitcomb ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

📍 From: Nanaimo, British Columbia
Cameron Whitcomb combines country, folk, and heartland rock into deeply personal songs. His raw voice and honest storytelling have quickly built a loyal fan base.
🎧 Sounds Like: Noah Kahan, Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers


Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
One of the nation’s premier youth orchestras, CYSO showcases exceptional young classical musicians. Their appearance offers a refreshing change of pace amid the festival’s rock, hip-hop, and electronic acts.
🎧 Sounds Like: Contemporary orchestral repertoire


Olivia Dean ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: London, England
Olivia Dean has become one of Britain’s most celebrated singer-songwriters thanks to her soulful voice and timeless songwriting. Her performances feel intimate regardless of venue size.
🎧 Sounds Like: Corinne Bailey Rae, Olivia Dean, Arlo Parks, Lianne La Havas


Disco Lines ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

📍 From: Boulder, Colorado
Disco Lines creates uplifting electronic music filled with catchy melodies and infectious rhythms. His sets are consistently among the happiest dance parties at festivals.
🎧 Sounds Like: Fred again.., Dom Dolla, Two Friends


DJ Trixie Mattel

📍 From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Known worldwide as a drag superstar, Trixie Mattel also DJs energetic dance-pop, disco, and house sets packed with humor and crowd interaction. Expect a party rather than a traditional concert.
🎧 Sounds Like: Purple Disco Machine, Confidence Man, Kylie Minogue DJ sets


Jennie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: Seoul, South Korea
Jennie has become one of the biggest global pop stars through BLACKPINK and a successful solo career. Her performances combine polished choreography, confident stage presence, and infectious pop songs.
🎧 Sounds Like: BLACKPINK, Lisa, Dua Lipa, aespa


⭐ Saturday’s 10 Can’t-Miss Sets

  1. Wolf Alice ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  2. Clipse ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  3. Ethel Cain ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  4. Geese ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  5. Jennie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  6. Momma ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  7. Quadeca ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  8. The Neighbourhood ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  9. Olivia Dean ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  10. Frost Children ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

💎 Hidden Gems

  • Momma
  • Geese
  • Spacey Jane
  • Khamari
  • Quadeca
  • Sienna Spiro

🎸 Best Rock Sets

  • Wolf Alice
  • Geese
  • Momma
  • Spacey Jane
  • Die Spitz

🎤 Best Hip-Hop

  • Clipse
  • Quadeca
  • Mega Ran
  • BBNO$

💃 Best Dance Sets

  • Alison Wonderland
  • Whethan
  • Disco Lines
  • AYYBO

🌙 Best Evening Run

If I were planning Saturday, I’d try to catch Geese → Ethel Cain → Jennie (or Olivia Dean if you prefer singer-songwriters). That’s an outstanding stretch showcasing three very different but equally compelling artists.

For your tastes—alternative rock, punk, indie, and strong musicianship—my highest recommendations are Wolf AliceGeeseMommaClipseEthel CainDie SpitzSunday (1994), and Frost Children. Those are the sets I think you’re most likely to be talking about long after the festival ends.

Familypalooza 26 Preview Part 3

Lollapalooza 2026 – Saturday Artist Guide (Part 1)

Peace Control

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Peace Control is a rising punk band that combines fast, melodic songwriting with socially conscious lyrics and an energetic stage presence. Their DIY roots and raw sound have made them a favorite in Chicago’s underground scene.
🎧 Sounds Like: Drug Church, Militarie Gun, Turnstile (early), PUP


Flor Bromley

📍 From: Lima, Peru (now based in New York City)
Flor Bromley is a bilingual singer-songwriter who blends Latin folk, pop, and world music into joyful performances. Her music celebrates culture, storytelling, and community through colorful arrangements.
🎧 Sounds Like: Natalia Lafourcade, Carla Morrison, Monsieur Periné


Nat Myers

📍 From: Kentucky
Nat Myers is a blues guitarist and singer carrying on the traditions of Delta blues with a modern perspective. His gritty vocals and expressive slide guitar make him one of today’s most exciting young blues artists.
🎧 Sounds Like: R.L. Burnside, Keb’ Mo’, Chris Thomas King


Sunday (1994)

📍 From: Los Angeles, California
Sunday (1994) creates dreamy alternative rock filled with shimmering guitars and cinematic atmosphere. Their music balances melancholy with soaring melodies.
🎧 Sounds Like: Mazzy Star, Slowdive, Beach House, Cocteau Twins


MC4D

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
MC4D is an electronic producer crafting melodic bass music with energetic drops and polished production. His festival-ready sets are designed to keep crowds moving.
🎧 Sounds Like: Illenium, Said the Sky, Gryffin


The Creekers

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
The Creekers blend Americana, folk rock, and country influences with rich harmonies and storytelling lyrics. Their live shows have a warm, rootsy feel.
🎧 Sounds Like: The Avett Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Caamp


Villanelle

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Villanelle creates atmospheric indie rock with haunting vocals and layered instrumentation. Their songs often move between quiet introspection and emotional crescendos.
🎧 Sounds Like: Daughter, Wolf Alice, Phoebe Bridgers


Chezile

📍 From: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Chezile mixes indie soul, lo-fi R&B, and bedroom pop into smooth, intimate songs. His relaxed style has gained a strong online following.
🎧 Sounds Like: Steve Lacy, Omar Apollo, Daniel Caesar


Lucy Bedroque

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Lucy Bedroque combines alternative pop with electronic textures and emotionally honest songwriting. Her music is modern while remaining deeply personal.
🎧 Sounds Like: Billie Eilish, BANKS, Griff


Mega Ran

📍 From: Phoenix, Arizona
Mega Ran is one of hip-hop’s most beloved independent artists, famous for combining rap with video game culture, education, and positive messages. He’s also an outstanding live performer who easily connects with audiences.
🎧 Sounds Like: Open Mike Eagle, MC Lars, Lupe Fiasco


Jim Legxacy

📍 From: London, England
Jim Legxacy is one of the UK’s most exciting young artists, blending rap, indie rock, emo, and alternative music into a unique sound. His songs are emotional, experimental, and difficult to categorize.
🎧 Sounds Like: Jean Dawson, Lil Yachty (Let’s Start Here), Dominic Fike


Omnom

📍 From: Los Angeles, California
Omnom is a house music producer known for funky basslines and playful club tracks. His DJ sets are built around nonstop dancing.
🎧 Sounds Like: Walker & Royce, Chris Lorenzo, AC Slater


Next of Kin

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Next of Kin mixes alternative rock with punk energy and melodic hooks. Their songs feature powerful guitars and emotionally charged lyrics.
🎧 Sounds Like: The Menzingers, Spanish Love Songs, Hot Mulligan


Die Spitz ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

📍 From: Austin, Texas
Die Spitz is an all-female punk band delivering loud, aggressive, unapologetic garage rock. Their explosive live shows have made them one of the fastest-rising names in underground punk.
🎧 Sounds Like: Amyl and the Sniffers, The Linda Lindas, Bikini Kill, Otoboke Beaver


Chace

📍 From: Shanghai, China
Chace is an electronic producer and DJ blending future bass, EDM, and pop influences into high-energy festival music. He has become one of Asia’s most recognizable dance artists.
🎧 Sounds Like: Zedd, Martin Garrix, Gryffin


Lucky Diaz

📍 From: Los Angeles, California
Lucky Diaz creates Latin-inspired children’s music that is colorful, educational, and joyful. His performances are interactive and family-friendly.
🎧 Sounds Like: Laurie Berkner, Caspar Babypants


Cortis

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Cortis plays melodic indie rock with strong guitar work and thoughtful songwriting. Their music balances energy with introspection.
🎧 Sounds Like: Manchester Orchestra, Balance and Composure


AYYBO

📍 From: Las Vegas, Nevada
AYYBO has become one of house music’s fastest-rising producers thanks to huge basslines and infectious grooves. His sets are built for packed festival dance floors.
🎧 Sounds Like: Fisher, Mau P, Chris Lake


Ink

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Ink blends alternative hip-hop with soulful production and introspective lyricism. Their performances focus on storytelling and musicianship.
🎧 Sounds Like: Mick Jenkins, Saba, Isaiah Rashad


Frost Children ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: St. Louis, Missouri (now based in New York)
Sibling duo Frost Children combines hyperpop, punk, EDM, indie rock, and rave music into one of the most exciting live shows in underground music. Their performances are chaotic, joyful, and completely unpredictable.
🎧 Sounds Like: 100 gecs, underscores, Jane Remover, Charli XCX


Goldie Boutilier

📍 From: Nova Scotia, Canada
Goldie Boutilier writes cinematic country-pop songs filled with vintage glamour and emotional storytelling. Her voice recalls classic Americana while her production feels modern.
🎧 Sounds Like: Orville Peck, Kacey Musgraves, Lana Del Rey


⭐ Early Saturday Must-Sees

  1. Frost Children ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  2. Jim Legxacy ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  3. Die Spitz ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  4. Nat Myers ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  5. Sunday (1994) ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

If your musical tastes lean toward alternative rock, punk, and indie (which I suspect based on our previous conversations), I’d especially recommend Die SpitzJim LegxacySunday (1994), and Frost Children. Those four are the kinds of artists people often discover at festivals and end up following for years afterward.

Next I’ll cover the second half of Saturday, including Wolf Alice, Clipse, The Neighbourhood, Ethel Cain, Geese, Alison Wonderland, DJ Trixie Mattel, Jennie, Olivia Dean, and more.

Familypalooza 26 Preview Part 2

Lollapalooza Friday Artist Guide (Part 2)

Zara Larsson

📍 From: Stockholm, Sweden
Zara Larsson is an international pop star known for powerhouse vocals, infectious dance-pop, and confident stage presence. She has built a career balancing radio-friendly hits with impressive live performances.
🎧 Sounds Like: Dua Lipa, Ava Max, Anne-Marie, Rita Ora


Notion

📍 From: Bristol, England
Notion is a UK electronic producer known for bass-heavy house, UK garage, and club music. His sets are energetic and built for dancing from start to finish.
🎧 Sounds Like: Sammy Virji, Disclosure, Fred again.., Interplanetary Criminal


Skye Newman

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Skye Newman blends indie pop with soulful vocals and polished songwriting. Her music is intimate, melodic, and emotionally engaging.
🎧 Sounds Like: Gracie Abrams, Lizzy McAlpine, Holly Humberstone


Suki Waterhouse

📍 From: London, England
Known first as a model and actress, Suki Waterhouse has become a respected indie-pop artist with dreamy vocals and cinematic songwriting. Her music balances vintage influences with modern indie production.
🎧 Sounds Like: Lana Del Rey, Weyes Blood, Hazel English, Clairo


School of Rock

📍 From: Various U.S. cities
School of Rock showcases talented young musicians performing classic and modern rock songs. These students often play with remarkable confidence and musicianship well beyond their age.
🎧 Sounds Like: Covers of classic rock and alternative favorites


Ella Red

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Ella Red combines R&B, soul, and hip-hop into smooth, emotionally rich songs. Her vocals and songwriting have made her one of Chicago’s rising stars.
🎧 Sounds Like: Summer Walker, SZA, Jhené Aiko


IVRI

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
IVRI is an electronic artist blending pop melodies with modern dance production. Their music creates an atmospheric yet upbeat festival vibe.
🎧 Sounds Like: RÜFÜS DU SOL, Elderbrook, Bob Moses


Oklou

📍 From: Paris, France
Oklou creates ethereal electronic pop filled with delicate vocals and experimental production. Her music is beautiful, understated, and highly influential in the hyperpop scene.
🎧 Sounds Like: Caroline Polachek, A.G. Cook, FKA twigs, Eartheater


Loathe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: Liverpool, England
Loathe is one of the most innovative heavy bands today, blending metalcore, shoegaze, ambient music, and alternative rock into an immersive sound. Their concerts shift effortlessly between crushing heaviness and breathtaking beauty.
🎧 Sounds Like: Deftones, Sleep Token, Deftones, Deafheaven, Static Dress


Lil Uzi Vert

📍 From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Lil Uzi Vert helped redefine modern hip-hop with melodic flows, punk attitude, and genre-bending creativity. Their performances are chaotic, energetic, and crowd-driven.
🎧 Sounds Like: Playboi Carti, Trippie Redd, Yeat


SIDEPIECE

📍 From: Los Angeles, California
SIDEPIECE is the house music duo of Party Favor and Nitti, known for huge dance-floor anthems and infectious grooves. Their sets are nonstop parties.
🎧 Sounds Like: Dom Dolla, Fisher, John Summit, Chris Lake


Paloma Murphy

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Paloma Murphy writes indie-pop songs with heartfelt lyrics and warm melodies. Her performances emphasize storytelling and emotional connection.
🎧 Sounds Like: Soccer Mommy, Phoebe Bridgers, Julia Jacklin


Slayyyter

📍 From: St. Louis, Missouri
Slayyyter mixes hyperpop, dance-pop, and Y2K nostalgia into glamorous, high-energy performances. Her music embraces bold production and larger-than-life pop hooks.
🎧 Sounds Like: Charli XCX, Kim Petras, COBRAH


YUNGBLUD

📍 From: Doncaster, England
YUNGBLUD combines punk, pop, hip-hop, and alternative rock into explosive, emotionally charged songs. His concerts are wildly energetic and built around audience participation.
🎧 Sounds Like: Machine Gun Kelly, Bring Me The Horizon, My Chemical Romance


Mustard

📍 From: Los Angeles, California
Mustard is one of hip-hop’s most influential producers, responsible for countless modern rap and R&B hits. His DJ sets feature wall-to-wall chart-topping tracks.
🎧 Sounds Like: DJ Mustard’s collaborators include Kendrick Lamar, YG, Ty Dolla $ign, Ella Mai


Not For Radio

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Not For Radio blends alternative rock with modern indie influences and energetic live performances. They represent Chicago’s thriving independent music scene.
🎧 Sounds Like: The Wombats, Catfish and the Bottlemen


Nettspend

📍 From: Richmond, Virginia
Nettspend is one of the most talked-about young rappers of the underground internet scene, known for chaotic production and unconventional flows. He’s become a favorite among Gen Z hip-hop fans.
🎧 Sounds Like: OsamaSon, Ken Carson, Yeat


HorsegiirL

📍 From: Berlin, Germany (fictional equine persona)
HorsegiirL is an electronic artist whose humorous horse-themed identity has become an internet sensation. Behind the joke is a genuinely talented DJ producing excellent techno and house music.
🎧 Sounds Like: DJ Gigola, VTSS, Peggy Gou


Charli XCX ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: Cambridge, England
Charli XCX has become one of pop music’s boldest innovators by combining mainstream songwriting with hyperpop, electronic experimentation, and fearless creativity. Following the success of BRAT, she’s one of the hottest artists in the world. Expect one of the weekend’s biggest dance parties.
🎧 Sounds Like: Caroline Polachek, SOPHIE, Kim Petras, Slayyyter


Major Lazer

📍 From: Originally formed in Jamaica/United States
Major Lazer blends EDM, dancehall, reggae, Afrobeats, and pop into enormous festival-ready performances. Their catalog includes some of the biggest dance hits of the last decade.
🎧 Sounds Like: Diplo, DJ Snake, Dillon Francis


Freddie Gibbs

📍 From: Gary, Indiana
Freddie Gibbs is widely regarded as one of the best technical rappers of his generation, equally comfortable over jazz samples or hard-hitting street beats. His collaborations with Madlib and The Alchemist are modern hip-hop classics.
🎧 Sounds Like: Pusha T, Benny the Butcher, Griselda, Joey Bada$$


The Smashing Pumpkins ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
The Smashing Pumpkins are one of alternative rock’s defining bands, blending grunge, dream pop, heavy metal, and psychedelia into a catalog filled with timeless songs. Billy Corgan’s distinctive songwriting and the band’s massive sound have influenced generations of musicians. A hometown Lollapalooza performance should be one of the emotional highlights of the weekend.
🎧 Sounds Like: Hum, Failure, Jane’s Addiction, Silversun Pickups


⭐ Friday’s 10 Can’t-Miss Acts

  1. The Smashing Pumpkins ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  2. Charli XCX ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  3. High Vis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  4. Loathe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  5. Freddie Gibbs ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  6. I-DLE ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  7. YUNGBLUD ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  8. Suki Waterhouse ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  9. Balu Brigada ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  10. Claire Rosinkranz ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

💎 Friday Hidden Gems

  • High Vis
  • Loathe
  • 54 Ultra
  • Love Spells
  • Oklou
  • Julia Wolf
  • Balu Brigada

🎸 Best Rock Sets

  • The Smashing Pumpkins
  • High Vis
  • Loathe
  • YUNGBLUD

💃 Best Dance Sets

  • Charli XCX
  • Major Lazer
  • SIDEPIECE
  • Notion

🎤 Best Hip-Hop

  • Freddie Gibbs
  • Mustard
  • Lil Uzi Vert

🌅 Best Early-Day Discovery

High Vis. If there’s one band playing earlier in the day that has the potential to become your favorite new discovery, it’s them. Their blend of post-punk melody and hardcore intensity has earned widespread acclaim, and they have a reputation for delivering unforgettable live performances.

Familypalooza 26 Preview Part 1

I asked ChatGPT to look at the Friday and Saturday lineups and summarize each act and provide recommendations. Four parts. Not callbullchip certified, but some good information. And a few errors. I like how it says Olivia Dean sounds like Olivia Dean…

Lollapalooza Friday Artist Guide (Part 1)

Partyof2

📍 From: Los Angeles, California
Partyof2 is an alternative R&B duo blending soulful vocals with indie-pop production and intimate songwriting. Their music has a relaxed, late-night feel that emphasizes melody over flashy production.
🎧 Sounds Like: Steve Lacy, Dijon, Mk.gee, Daniel Caesar


Bradeazy

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Bradeazy is an emerging Chicago rapper who mixes melodic hooks with modern trap beats and autobiographical lyrics. His music reflects the city’s thriving new hip-hop scene.
🎧 Sounds Like: Polo G, Lil Tjay, G Herbo


The Army, The Navy

📍 From: Los Angeles, California
This indie-pop duo specializes in lush harmonies and heartfelt songwriting with warm acoustic textures. Their music balances vulnerability and optimism with beautifully layered vocals.
🎧 Sounds Like: HAIM, The Japanese House, First Aid Kit


Miss Tutti & The Fruity Band

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
A colorful, family-friendly group that blends funk, soul, pop, and dance music into upbeat performances. Their shows are energetic, interactive, and full of positive vibes.
🎧 Sounds Like: Tank and the Bangas, Fitz and the Tantrums


Whitney Whitney

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Whitney Whitney delivers soulful indie-pop with catchy melodies and expressive vocals. Their songs mix modern production with classic pop influences.
🎧 Sounds Like: Remi Wolf, RAYE, Olivia Dean


Beno

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Beno creates thoughtful hip-hop that combines jazz-influenced production with introspective storytelling. His laid-back delivery rewards close listening.
🎧 Sounds Like: Saba, Mick Jenkins, Noname


Chicago Made

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Made is a showcase featuring rising artists from one of America’s richest music cities. It’s an opportunity to discover tomorrow’s local stars before they break nationally.
🎧 Sounds Like: Varies by performer


Avello

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Avello produces melodic electronic dance music built around uplifting drops and festival-ready energy. His live sets balance emotion with huge singalong moments.
🎧 Sounds Like: Gryffin, Illenium, Said the Sky


Valencia Grace

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Valencia Grace blends indie-pop with soulful vocals and polished songwriting. Her music feels both contemporary and timeless.
🎧 Sounds Like: Maggie Rogers, Lizzy McAlpine, Olivia Dean


Day We Ran

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Day We Ran plays melodic alternative rock filled with emotional lyrics and soaring guitar hooks. Their songs combine classic alt-rock influences with modern indie production.
🎧 Sounds Like: Jimmy Eat World, Death Cab for Cutie, The Gaslight Anthem


High Vis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍 From: London, England
High Vis has become one of the UK’s most acclaimed modern rock bands by blending hardcore punk, Britpop melodies, and post-punk textures. Their emotionally honest songwriting and explosive live performances have earned them rave reviews around the world.
🎧 Sounds Like: IDLES, Turnstile, Fontaines D.C., Militarie Gun


LYNY

📍 From: Dallas, Texas
LYNY is one of the most exciting young producers in bass music, creating cinematic electronic tracks with intricate sound design. His sets mix heavy drops with beautiful melodic moments.
🎧 Sounds Like: ISOxo, G Jones, RL Grime


Claire Rosinkranz

📍 From: Encinitas, California
Claire Rosinkranz writes breezy indie-pop songs that feel effortlessly fun and relatable. Her music captures youthful optimism with catchy melodies and playful lyrics.
🎧 Sounds Like: Clairo, Beabadoobee, Holly Humberstone


Mister G

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Mister G combines hip-hop, funk, and soul into uplifting performances designed to get audiences moving. He’s known for energetic shows and positive messages.
🎧 Sounds Like: Anderson .Paak, Common


Ella Boh

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
Ella Boh creates polished indie-pop with expressive vocals and introspective lyrics. Her songs emphasize emotion while remaining radio-friendly.
🎧 Sounds Like: Gracie Abrams, Phoebe Bridgers, Sabrina Carpenter (ballads)


Love Spells

📍 From: Los Angeles, California
Love Spells creates dreamy indie rock filled with shimmering guitars, hazy vocals, and lush atmospheres. Their music is perfect for fans of modern shoegaze and dream pop.
🎧 Sounds Like: Slow Pulp, Beach Fossils, DIIV, Slowdive


Julia Wolf

📍 From: New York City, New York
Julia Wolf blends alternative rock, electronic pop, and emotionally raw songwriting into a dark, cinematic sound. She has become one of the more exciting rising artists in alternative music.
🎧 Sounds Like: PVRIS, Halsey, Ethel Cain


Balu Brigada

📍 From: Auckland, New Zealand
Balu Brigada writes infectious indie-pop packed with funky rhythms, clever lyrics, and irresistible hooks. Their music is bright, danceable, and perfect for summer festivals.
🎧 Sounds Like: Phoenix, COIN, Two Door Cinema Club


I-DLE

📍 From: Seoul, South Korea
I-DLE is one of K-pop’s most innovative groups, known for writing and producing much of their own music while blending pop, hip-hop, rock, and electronic influences. Their performances combine precision choreography with powerful stage presence.
🎧 Sounds Like: BLACKPINK, aespa, LE SSERAFIM


RØZ

📍 From: Chicago, Illinois
RØZ creates atmospheric electronic pop featuring soulful vocals and moody production. Her music balances intimacy with modern electronic textures.
🎧 Sounds Like: BANKS, FKA twigs, Sevdaliza


Jazzy Ash

📍 From: Los Angeles, California
Jazzy Ash mixes jazz, soul, funk, and children’s music into joyful performances for audiences of all ages. Her shows celebrate creativity, movement, and community.
🎧 Sounds Like: Tank and the Bangas, Lake Street Dive


Emi Grace

📍 From: Los Angeles, California
Emi Grace writes emotional alternative pop built around honest lyrics and polished production. Her songs explore relationships, self-discovery, and resilience.
🎧 Sounds Like: Holly Humberstone, Sasha Alex Sloan, Gracie Abrams


54 Ultra

📍 From: New Jersey
54 Ultra blends indie pop, psychedelic soul, yacht rock, and bedroom pop into an effortlessly cool sound. Their music feels nostalgic while remaining fresh and contemporary.
🎧 Sounds Like: Mac DeMarco, HOMESHAKE, Mild High Club


🎯 My Top Recommendations from this group

If I were planning my Friday, these would be my priorities:

  1. High Vis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (one of the best rock bands at Lollapalooza)
  2. I-DLE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (world-class K-pop performers)
  3. Balu Brigada ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (future indie stars)
  4. Julia Wolf ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (dark alternative pop)
  5. 54 Ultra ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (perfect afternoon festival music)
  6. Love Spells ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (excellent if you’re into shoegaze and dream pop)