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

Softcult | Dallas

Softcult performing at Club Dada in Dallas, TX on July 20, 2024. All photos taken by Maia Tharp.

ILLENIUM | Indianapolis

“Nothing can hold us down.” Being amidst electronic dance music (EDM) and rave culture at ILLENIUM’s tour stop in Indianapolis was memorable to say the least. There was a sense of community with the pure love for music uniting individuals from all backgrounds. Everyone was highly encouraged to be unique and different than all the rest. Many chose to express their creativity and individuality through their eccentric outfits. A sea of jerseys flooded the venue with ILLENIUM and the number three stitched onto the back of each one, the same number he used to wear during lacrosse in high school. The energy exuding from the crowd was that of good vibes and acceptance, which aligns with the main rave philosophy: Peace, Love, Unity, Respect (PLUR). The camaraderie of the crowd was a safe space for all to escape from the real world for just a few hours. On all three screens, ILLENIUM’s logo was spinning around as the crowd was getting amped up for the show ahead.

ILLENIUM’s logo is a Phoenix which represents an immortal bird in Greek mythology that is reborn. The Phoenix symbolizes his past struggles with addiction, and his ability to rise from the ashes and transform into the person he is today. Music was his savior, and pulled him out of the dark depths of addiction. Creating music brings him peace, and allows him to process his emotions in a healthy way. ILLENIUM’s music in turn uplifts those who listen, and positively impacts the lives of countless individuals in unimaginable ways. Even in the live music environment, it was clear the vulnerability of ILLENIUM’s songwriting hit deep within and affected how his supporters viewed the world. ILLENIUM had cooked up an unforgettable setlist that had everyone on their feet and burning up the dance floor.

“Indianapolis are you f— ready?” shouted ILLENIUM into the microphone during “Gold (Stupid Love).”  He went back to playing guitar, and as the beat dropped the entire pit threw their hands into the air. Fireworks were set off creating an array of colors, and flames shot up into the air from the stage releasing such a high level of heat it could be felt throughout the venue. The most chilling moment of the night was during “Good Things Fall Apart” as the crowd sang the chorus, and their voices echoed throughout the amphitheater. The details of the visuals projected on the screen behind ILLENIUM’s platform truly brought the entire performance to life even further. As the guitarist made his way to center stage for “Shivering,” visuals of the Arctic appeared to emphasize the lyrics of the track. The lightning strikes on the screen matched the lasers vigorously moving about the stage as the violinist delivered an exquisite performance during “Fragments.” Fan favorites of the night included “Lifeline” with live instrumentation out of this world, and the opportunity to sing “Anti-Hero” with a venue full of people compared to singing it alone in the car on the daily.

ILLENIUM has had quite the journey to get where he is today, but it can go without saying he is meant to be a songwriter, producer, and performer. His perseverance and dedication to his music and to Illenials, his fans, sets him apart from many artists. ILLENIUM’s talent shines through even further with his storytelling, and his ability to create and put on a live show in such a large capacity. The “ILLENIUM LIVE” tour launched a new chapter, and it was one for the books. Milestones were reached and an everlasting imprint was made on every tour stop, especially Indianapolis. ILLENIUM will continue to rise like a Phoenix with Illenials by his side for the foreseeable future.    

Words by Brittany Ormiston

Photos by Everly Ormiston

Declan McKenna | Brooklyn

Declan McKenna (with support from Eli Smart) performing at Brooklyn Steel in Brooklyn, NY on July 20, 2023. All photos taken by Michaelah Reynolds.

Rockstar Disrupt Festival | Irvine

Rockstar Disrupt Festival featuring Hyro The Hero, Juliet Simms, Memphis May Fire, Sleeping With Sirens, Atreyu, Circa Survive, Sum 41, The Used, and Thrice in Irvine, CA on July 20, 2019. All photos taken by Ali Diaz.

PRETTYMUCH | Philadelphia

PRETTYMUCH (with support from Kenzie) performing at The Met in Philadelphia, PA on July 20, 2019. All photos taken by Cami Liberty.

Cuco | Vancouver

Cuco (with support from UMI) performing at Venue in Vancouver, BC on July 20, 2019. All photos taken by Heather Fabia.