North Coast Music Festival featuring JWILLI, Sherm, ALLEYCVT, ARMNHMR, Dabin, Illenium, Crankdat, BUNT., and ISOKNOCK in Chicago, IL August 30 - September 1, 2024. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
Artemas | Chicago
Artemas performing at Outset in Chicago, IL on October 1, 2024. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
Pitchfork Music Festival | Chicago
If you were in Chicago, Illinois, in mid-July, chances are you attended or could hear the cheers and music from Pitchfork Music Festival. Even with headliners Black Pumas (Friday), Jaime XX (Saturday), and Alanis Morissette (Sunday), fans were wary of new changes to the fest after Pitchfork’s recent move under GQ and Condé Nast. However, after a successful weekend of incredible weather, no rain-delays, and zero cancellations, fans were buzzing over the memories made between the gates of Union Park.
Pitchfork Music Festival has always been known for giving a platform to and celebrating up and coming artists, and this year they truly delivered. The three-day lineup introduced us to brand new artists like Tkay Maidza, Yaeji, and Akenya, while also allowing us to dance along to our favorites like Carly Rae Jepsen, MUNA, and Wednesday. We also had the chance to catch interviews, presented by Visit Austin, of MUNA, Mannequin Pussy, Water From Your Eyes, and more. These interviews gave us an up close look at some of our favorite musicians and we were able to learn more about them and their music.
Sponsorships like Nespresso, Tampax, and Celsius, provided free iced espresso, feminine products, and energy drinks, respectively, all weekend long. Other organizations like Chicago Votes and Planned Parenthood made their mark on the festival grounds to share their mission. Local foods vendors lined the street, followed up by the annual poster sale, and circled back to the Renegade Craft and CHIRP Record Fair which hosted local artists and signings from Feeble Little Horse, Water From Your Eyes, and Sweeping Promises. Even if your favorite artist wasn’t on stage, there is always something to do when at Pitchfork!
Festival style was in full effect and the range of outfits was infinite. From comfy and cozy to binging on accessories, festival goers showed up and showed out. The iconic lime-green ‘bart’ tote bag made its way to the front page of Pitchfork’s Instagram — made by a local Chicago artist — friendship charm bracelets were a huge hit, and the numerous pairs of Doc Martens really marked the aesthetic of the weekend.
We are interested to see the changes that could be made further by GQ and Condé Nast during next year’s fest, but we are excited to have experienced Pitchfork Music Festival in all of its glory. Dancing with strangers in general admission pits, lounging on blankets in the park, or sharing a local delicacy from a Chicago food vendor is exactly what Pitchfork is all about and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store.
Words and photos by Isabel Dowell
Beyond Wonderland | Chicago
Beyond Wonderland featuring Alesso, Timmy Trumpet, Levity, NGHTMRE, Oliver Heldens, and Maddix in Chicago, IL on June 2, 2024. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
William Black | Chicago
William Black performing at Concord Music Hall in Chicago, IL on March 30, 2024. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
Crankdat | Chicago
Crankdat performing at Park West in Chicago, IL on March 29, 2024. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
KSHMR | Chicago
KSHMR performing at PRYSM in Chicago, IL on March 2, 2024. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
NOTD | Chicago
NOTD performing at PRYSM in Chicago, IL on February 24, 2024. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
veggi | Chicago
veggi performing at Schubas in Chicago, IL on December 16, 2023. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
Subtronics | Chicago
Subtronics performing at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago, IL on November 18, 2023. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
State Champs | Chicago
State Champs performing at Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL on October 19, 2023. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
North Coast Music Festival | Chicago
North Coast Music Festival featuring Elohim, Valentino Khan, Zomboy, Jauz, Alesso, Liquid Stranger, Marshmello, ROSSY, Evan Giia, NGHTMRE, Alison Wonderland, Flume, and Vera Blue in Chicago, IL September 1 - 3, 2023. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
Juno | Chicago
Juno performing at Schubas in Chicago, IL on September 5, 2023. All photos taken by Jared Callaway.
TWINSICK | Chicago
TWINSICK performing at PRYSM Nightclub in Chicago, IL on July 15, 2023. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
Metric | Chicago
Metric performing at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago, IL on June 27, 2023. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
Gryffin | Chicago
Gryffin performing at PRYSM Nightclub in Chicago, IL on June 11, 2023. All photos taken by Emma Zanger.
100 gecs | Chicago
100 gecs performing at Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL on April 20, 2023. All photos taken by Jared Callaway.
Chri$tian Gate$ | Chicago
Chri$tian Gate$ performing at Subterranean in Chicago, IL on January 27, 2023. All photos taken by Jared Callaway.
Surf Curse | Chicago
Surf Curse performing at The Vic Theatre in Chicago, IL on December 6, 2022. All photos taken by Samantha Monendo.
aldn | Chicago
aldn performing at Schubas Tavern in Chicago, IL on November 20, 2022. All photos taken by Jared Callaway.