by isabel dowell
Pitchfork, one of the most trusted voices in music, just released their lineup for their 2024 Pitchfork Musical Festival. Taking over Union Park in Chicago, Illinois from July 19th - 21st, music lovers from across the globe will be traveling to see their favorite artists, explore the city, and take in all of what these Pitchfork-backed artists have to offer. Black Pumas, Jamie XX, and Alanis Morissette are set to headline, with Jai Paul, 100 gecs, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jessie Ware, Brittany Howard, and MUNA also holding prominent spots on the initial lineup. Whether you’re a Pitchfork alum or visiting for the first time, here are a few artists we are most excited to see and recommend you check out too!
1. MUNA
Seeing MUNA on the lineup was the greatest gift we could’ve been given this summer. If you aren’t already familiar, this indie-pop band of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson has been absolutely crushing the sapphic hearts and playlists of queer folks everywhere. Kidding… but not really. They toured with Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Phoebe Bridgers, and Kacey Musgraves, so if they aren’t already a household name they will be. Their latest album, MUNA, was their first album as an independent artist and first being signed to Phoebe Bridges’ label, Saddest Factory Records. MUNA is known for their genre mixing experimentation, celebration of queer love, and thrilling and empowering tracks. We can expect to see all of that and so much more as they take over the Pitchfork stage on Sunday, July 21. Life definitely is so fun if MUNA is involved.
2. Wednesday
Wednesday, an alt-rock band from North Carolina, originally started as a solo project led by Karly Hartzman (vocals/guitar). Growing to accompany Jake Lenderman (vocals/guitar), Xandy Chelmis (pedal/lap steel/banjo), Ethan Baechtold (bass), and Alan Miller (drums) allowed Wednesday to truly thrive and encompass the genre of alt-rock music that we all know and love. We are very excited to witness their set on Saturday, July 20th and experience the unique live show so many fans talk about. In just a few words, Wednesday rocks and we can’t wait to see them!
3. Akenya
Well-versed in the Chicago music scene, multi-genre vocalist, pianist, composer, and arranger Akenya will be making her Pitchfork debut following the release of her forthcoming debut album, Moon in the 4th, hinted to be releasing in May 2024. Akenya has worked alongside acclaimed musicians like Smino, Chance the Rapper, Anderson .Paak, and Hayley Williams, just to name a few. As a solo artist, Akenya’s music is unique and versatile. The lead single off of Moon in the 4th, “Hades Moon,” is now available and was coined “an excellent pop song” with “a testament to her skill as an artist” by Atwood Magazine. We are excited to experience Akena’s masterful talents on Sunday, July 21st.
Repping the Pittsburgh DIY-music scene, feeble little horse was born out of college dorm rooms and grew through basement shows and apartments that doubled as recording studios and producing spaces. Beginning in 2021, Lydia Slocum (vocals/bass), Sebastian Kinsler (vocals/guitar), Ryan Walchonski (guitar), and Jake Kelley (drums) have grown exponentially because of their “commitment to adventurous guitar tones, catchy hooks, noisy atmospheres, and dry, cutting lyrics,” according to Pitchfork. With this description backing them, they are set to bring an exciting energy to the Pitchfork stage on Saturday, July 20th. As their beginnings show, feeble little horse is fiercely independent and scrappy. We have no doubt that their set will gain them a slew of new fans to join in on their adrenaline spiking hooks and mesmerizing experimentation.
5. Kara Jackson
Kara Jackson is also an Illinois-native known for her poetry, singing, and songwriting. Her musical debut came in 2019 with the release of her EP, A Song for Every Chamber of the Heart, and just last year she released her first full-length LP, Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?. Her debut album was also named Best New Music by Pitchfork which makes it no surprise that she’ll be gracing the Pitchfork stage on Saturday, July 20th. Her folk music is playful yet raw and observant, allowing you to live within her narrative. Her lyricism reads like spoken word poetry, clear and to the point, but combines beautiful melodies and layered instrumentals that bring a new level to her artistry.
Bonus: Carly Rae Jepsen
Of course we can’t wait to sing our hearts out to “Call Me Maybe,” the single that catapulted this Canadian singer’s career into the limelight in 2011. Jepsen is known for her pop experimentation and catchy lyrics compelling listeners to sing along whether they realize it or not. Her latest back to back albums, The Loneliest Time (2022) and The Loveliest Time (2023), received endless accolades for their portrayal of isolation we all felt during the COVID-19 pandemic and the eventual freedom we were able to express after many years of separation, masks, and canceled events. Carly Rae Jepsen is known for her upbeat stage presence and contagious tunes. We can’t wait to dance with her on Saturday, July 20th.