10 Incredible Artists To See At Lollapalooza That Aren’t Headliners
Pay close attention to the fine print.
By: Justice Petersen – Photo by: Roger Ho for Lollapalooza
Every year, the warm weather months are deemed festival season by music lovers across the globe. Every year, whether it’s Kentucky’s “Louder Than Life” festival, “Summerfest” in Milwaukee, or New England’s very own “Boston Calling,” music fans from all over flock to their favorite cities – and their favorite artists.
Chicago, a city with thriving underground music scenes and the birthplace of some of music’s biggest names, is home to several music festivals of their own. This includes Pitchfork, Riot Fest, and, of course, Lollapalooza.
Since 2005, Grant Park has been home to Lollapalooza, the music festival originally founded by Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction and Porno for Pyros. Originally starting in 1991 as a touring act, many countries besides the United States now hold their own Lollapalooza festivals. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Lolla taking place in Chicago, and the festival has decided to celebrate her birthday by seemingly providing music fans with one of the most well-rounded, exciting, and diverse lineups they’ve had in years.
On March 19, Lolla announced the lineup on social media. Headliners include acts such as SZA, Hozier, Blink-182, and Tyler, the Creator. Some of the biggest names in music, yet it should be known that the most important bands to see aren’t just the headliners. As one Instagram comment said, “There’s some fire in the fine print.”
Listed below are 10 artists to catch at Lollapalooza this year that aren’t the headliners. Including everything from local punk groups to rising stars, check out some must-see acts on this year’s incredible Lolla lineup.
Chappell Roan
Genre: Pop
Top Tracks: “Red Wine Supernova”, “Casual”, “HOT TO GO!”
Labeled by the Associated Press as “the yodeling, queer pop icon of tomorrow,” Midwest native Chappell Roan writes charming, dreamy pop music. As she dons bedazzled cowboy hats and glittery attire, Roan’s songwriting is often a healing and confident expression of her queer identity. Roan just recently finished opening up for Olivia Rodrigo on her “Guts” tour and is now set to embark on her own tour, “The Midwest Princess Tour,” in support of her 2023 album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Buy tickets here.
Blondshell
Genre: Indie rock, alternative
Top Tracks: “Olympus”, “Kiss City”, “Salad”
Renowned for her passionate stage presence and incredibly raw lyricality, indie rocker Blondshell makes music reminiscent of 1990s rock. Having opened for Suki Waterhouse in the past, Blondshell also recently supported Liz Phair on her “Exile in Guyville” tour at the end of last year.
Militarie Gun
Genre: Punk rock, alternative rock
Top Tracks: “Do It Faster”, “Very High”, “Never Fucked Up Once”
Having graced the stages of numerous hard rock festivals and toured with the likes of fellow hardcore punk bands Scowl and Gel, Militarie Gun is a prominent act within the world of modern punk. To see Lolla welcome more brutal acts to their lineup is a blessing – catch them this year while you have the chance. This summer they set out on a co-headlining tour with White Reaper and Lip Critic. Buy tickets here.
Blu DeTiger
Genre: Indie pop
Top Tracks: “Figure It Out”, “Cotton Candy Lemonade”, “Blutooth”
Finding fame after her bass guitar cover of Doja Cat’s “Say So” went viral on TikTok, Blu DeTiger is currently celebrating the release of her debut album All I Ever Want Is Everything. Renowned for her skills on the 4-string axe – so much as to be referred to as the bass queen of TikTok by the Washington Post – DeTiger is definitely an act you need to see play in front of a crowd.
Wisp
Genre: Shoegaze, Indie rock
Top Tracks: “Your face”, “Tangled dreams”, “Once then we’ll be free”
At 19 years old, shoegaze musician Wisp is already on the path of a rising star. With her debut EP Pandora out on April 5 and Lolla not soon after, Wisp is earning major success early on in her career. With an iconic alternative sound and a cult fanbase, music fans should catch her set at Lollapalooza if they hope to get even a slight hint of what Wisp might unveil next.
McKenna Grace
Genre: Pop
Top Tracks: “do all my friends hate me?”, “Haunted House”, “Bark to the Beat (with blackbear)”
More known for acting roles in Blockbuster films such as “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” (2024) and “I, Tonya” (2017), McKenna Grace has managed to establish an equally as successful and accomplished career as a musician. Writing songs that express heartbreak, girlhood, and the emotions that come with being a teenage girl, Grace’s music is no doubt just as passionate and impactful as her acting.
Friko
Genre: Indie rock
Top Tracks: “Crimson to Chrome”, “Where We’ve Been”, “Crashing Through”
A local Chicago favorite, Friko embodies the iconic sound of early 2000’s alternative rock. This year has already seen success from Friko; they played SXSW earlier this year and in February released their debut full-length release Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here. Playing Lollapalooza is another great opportunity for people from outside of Chicago to see a band that is definitive for the feel, attitude, and sound of Chicago’s independent music scene.
The Last Dinner Party
Genre: Alternative pop, Indie rock
Top Tracks: “Nothing Matters”, “Sinner”, “My Lady of Mercy”
After making their 2023 musical debut with the release of their single “Nothing Matters”, The Last Dinner Party has since gone on to play sold-out shows, go viral with their debut single, and even earning praise from the New York Times. Writing David Bowie-infused music that sounds like it should be decorated with cake frosting and blush, The Last Dinner Party is as romantic as they are inimitable.
Knox
Genre: Pop
Top Tracks: “Sneakers”, “Not The 1975”, “Love Letter”
This Nashville-based pop star has already made serious headway in the pop scene. With millions of Spotify streams and viral fame from his hit “Not The 1975”, Knox is a definitive pop star on the rise. With a sold-out headlining tour that took place earlier this year, that’s enough proof to know that Knox’s live show is a highly coveted thing to see.
Scarlet Demore
Genre: Alternative rock
Top Tracks: “Spiked Seltzer”, “Lost Dawg”, “Peaches – Single Version”
One of Chicago’s most popular local acts, it may be said that playing Lollapalooza is a huge step in the career of this local indie punk band. With an electrifying stage presence, devout fanbase, and unapologetic musicality, Scarlet Demore is a perfect local act to grace the stage at this year’s Lollapalooza.
Who do you want to see at Lollapalooza this year?
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