The Lollapalooza 2024 lineup is full of hometown heroes
Lollapalooza has been a staple in the Chicago music scene for nearly two decades, originating in 2005, the iconic 4-day music festival is rooted in the city's beloved Grant Park. Over the years, Lollapalooza has grown to become one of the world's largest and most renowned music events, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees annually.
Photo via Ismael Quintilla III via Lollapalooza.
Beyond its status as a bucket list item, the festival has always played a pivotal role in showcasing and supporting homegrown Chicago-based talent. From up-and-coming indie acts to established local favorites, Lollapalooza has consistently provided a high-profile stage for the city's vibrant and diverse music community.
Here are some homegrown acts that will be taking the stage this summer:
Friko
You can take Friko out of the city, but you can never take the city out of Friko. An essential to the Chicago modern indie scene, Friko is a modern take on vulnerability and experimentation. Drummer Bailey Minzenberger and vocalist/guitarist Niko Kapetan, are a forward-thinking, poetic duo, and the two are making never-before-seen strides. They’ve had an astounding year, coming down from the high of their debut album “Where we’ve been, Where we go from here” and the appropriate high praises that followed, as well as a plethora of international tour dates.
Even when you think you have indie figured out, Friko throws another genre-bending song your way. With shiner tracks “Get Numb To It!” and “Crashing Through” on the setlist, their performances are dynamic and reputable, and to miss their set would be like missing the whole festival.
Adan Diaz
Adan Diaz is unfiltered, unbothered, and unhidden. He provides a very engaging perspective to the indie scene where most of his discography is centered around him and his guitar. The music has an influence from all over, some Spanish, some pop, some indie, He’s gotten to see what it’s like to be young and looking up at the music industry, going from making music in his bedroom in the early 2020 covid lockdown, and now breaking down and pushing past the 4 walls of his sound. His most recent release, “jerk x2” is a short but sweet embodiment of being young and in love, and never quite finding the words to express your emotions. If you’re looking for an intimate performance, add his performance to your Lolla schedule.
Scarlet Demore
Oh, how we love Scarlet Demore. The five-piece group is a perfect gateway to dive into the thriving alt-rock space that’s deeply embedded within the city. To pin down their sound is a challenge, but it can be described as electric, eclectic, and exuberant. From dive bars to dance floors, the band tackles the genre in a way that's unseen and reinvented. Their the latest and greatest, and their EP “Baby Teeth” is a testament to their creativity. Audiences are captivated by Scarlet Demore's chaotic energy, which they channel into electrifying live performances. Prepare to be blown away - their sets are a whirlwind of moshing, jumping, thrashing, and being thrown around as the crowd matches their unbridled enthusiasm. Whether you're a seasoned alt-rock fan or new to the scene, Scarlet Demore's Lollapalooza appearance is not to be missed. Their unparalleled talent and stage presence make them one of the must-see acts of the festival.
Worry Club
If you’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the meteoric rise of Worry Club, you will know that the success is well deserved. At the heart of the band is frontman Chase Walsh, a true musical talent who possesses the rare ability to infuse melancholy lyricism with an upbeat, almost bedroom pop-esque energy. The 2023 release, “All Frogs Go To Heaven” followed by the 2024 single “I Suck” are just small hints at what Worry Club is capable of. Their sound is simultaneously edgy, insightful, and a poignant reflection of an ever-evolving mindset. The live performance is passionate, full of life, and riddled with subtle punk melodies, adding it to the stack of performances labeled “do not miss”.
This year's Lollapalooza festival is set to be a true celebration of Chicago's vibrant and deeply-rooted music culture. The acts taking the stage, from the established indie darlings to the rising stars, are the heartbeat of the city's sonic landscape. To witness these homegrown talents perform on one of the world's largest festival platforms speaks to the enduring spirit and artistic vision that defines the Windy City.
For Chicagoans, these musicians are far more than just entertainers. Our hearts beat in time with these performer's melodies, and to be able to witness such a monumental and foundational moment in a musician's career is nothing but unforgettable.
In addition to supporting local acts, Lollapalooza has partnered with After School Matters, providing support to after-school and summer programs that provide Chicago teens with opportunities to learn new artistic skills and display their artworks at the festival.
Support local, buy your tickets to Lollapalooza here.
