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

BANKS | Atlanta

The Serpentina Tour is off with a bang. Covering over 20 cities in multiple countries, superstar Jillian Banks is coming for her throne. Her latest release, Serpentina, debuted earlier this year and it had the hits we were looking for. From “F**k Love,” to “Meteorite,” this 13-track album was full of the tracks we needed. With support from Lauren Jauregui and Samoht, the Serpentina Tour is a must-see.

What sets the Serpentina Tour apart from most tours is that it’s an experience. From the white staircase to the costumed dancers by her side, BANKS gave the people what they wanted. Opening with her album’s first track, “Misunderstood,” rings out with BANKS taking the center of her staircase. As she descends, her dancers take their place on each side of her. In unison, the three begin swaying to her second track, “Meteorite.”  The 4-minute track hits like never before as BANKS hits every note and inflection perfectly.

After saying her hellos to Atlanta, BANKS asks: “Are there any Gemini’s in the house?” And suddenly, a familiar melody plays through the venue and fans are roaring. “Gemini Feed” has intensified the energy and the excitement is palpable. “I’ve got two diamonds and a feather,” BANKS sings. Her track “F**k With Myself” is the second lead track from her second album, The Altar.  

An a cappella performance of “Better” has brought the excitement to a warm buzz that’s all around you. With a single spotlight, and dressed in a black dress with matching thigh high boots, BANKS riffs along to the end of a track that never made it to an album or EP. “I’m thinking it over…” BANKS hums out. From her first album released, BANKS preforms her RIAA Gold-certified track: “Waiting Game.” From there, BANKS pauses to explain her set list choices. “Each of my songs — I wrote them when I was going through something personal, so it was hard to choose which ones I wanted [to preform] […] the feelings are still so raw when you haven’t performed them in a while.”

BANKS weaves through her Serpentina album with artistic showcases of “The Devil,” “Skinnydipped,” and “F**k Love.” From there, she goes down memory lane with tracks from Goddess. “Drowning,” “Someone New,” and “Brain,” have the crowd singing together at a volume that would make your ears ring. BANKS winds down her set with her popular tracks, “Gimme,” “Deadend,” “Begging for Thread,” and “Holding Back.”

BANKS is changing lives and creating experiences in every city on her Serpentina Tour. The tour ends September 21st in Glasgow, UK, so catch her while tickets are still available! You can stream Serpentina on all streaming platforms, along with her other amazing albums. BANKS is on Instagram and Twitter (@hernameisbanks) where you can stay up-to-date on new merchandise, music, and more!

Words by Kaylee Pickens

Photos by Chandler Bunzol

Covet | Philadelphia

Covet (with support from Holy Fawn and Vasudeva) performing at PhilaMOCA in Philadelphia, PA on July 19, 2019. All photos taken by Sophia Zucker.

A Will Away | New York City

A Will Away performing at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City on July 19, 2017. All photos taken by Christina Morgan.

Dryjacket | New York City

Dryjacket performing at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City on July 19, 2017. All photos taken by Christina Morgan.