One of the world's biggest and best music festivals takes over Chicago in a little over a week, and with so much to do and see in one short weekend, a little preparation can go a long way. The sheer number of incredible bands featured at this year's Lollapalooza music festival is almost overwhelming, so to help YOU plan the perfect weekend, we've put together a list of some of the key musical performances to catch each day of the festival. The list is by no means exhaustive, but it will help you navigate Grant Park to catch some of the most exciting acts in the music world. So without further ado, here are the key acts to catch at Lollapalooza 2012:
First Aid Kit
When: Friday - 12:00
Where: Playstation Stage
In today's music world, there is almost no bigger compliment than being chosen to open for Jack White on tour; an honor which Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit can boast. The band first caught the world's attention when their beautiful and haunting rendition of Fleet Foxes' "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song" hit the Internet. The sisters Johanna (age 22) and Klara (age 19) Soderberg have had a big year. They've released a critically adored record (The Lion's Roar), sold out venues throughout the world, and, of course, opening for Jack White on his tour of Europe. Their gorgeous harmonies and haunting melodies make them a must hear for Friday in the park.
Sharon Van Etten
When: Friday - 3:00
Where: Playstation Stage
The indie music scene is a tight-knit group, and with friends like Zach Condon (Beirut), Aaron and Bryce Bessner (The National), Matt Berrick (The Walkmen), Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak), and Peter Silberman (The Antlers), Sharon Van Etten has strongly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her 2012 album, Tramp, was released to high praise by most of the biggest music critics and is widely regarded as one of the best albums of the year thus far. Tapping her indie compatriots, her songs are at once both deep and yet simple enough to be highly addictive.
Metric
When: Friday - 4:00
Where: Bud Light Stage
Canadian Indie rock outfit Metric are making their triumphant to the Lollapalooza music festival this summer in the wake of the release of their newest album Synthetica. Their most experimental and beautiful album to date, Synthetica brings together all of the factors that make Metric one of the most formidable rock bands on the indie scene: ingenious lyrics, wispy vocals, and charging instrumentals. Look for Emily Haines and company to bring some of the best rock and roll for the first day of the festival.
The Head and the Heart
When: Friday - 5:15
Where: Sony Stage
Easily the biggest breakout indie band of 2011, Seattle's the Head and the Heart make it easy to love them. Their self-titled debut album was a genuine heart-warming pleasure to hear, filled to the brim with touching songs about home, love, family, and purpose. But the real heart behind the head and the heart is the powerful vocal harmonies of Josiah Johnson, Jonathan Russell, and Charity Rose Thielen. Each of the three has incredible voices, but when singing together, the results are truly moving. Watch for big crowds at the Sony stage to catch this folksy up and coming band.
The Shins
When: Friday - 6:15
Where: Red Bull Stage
Icons of the indie rock scene, the Shins have taken 2012 by storm. James Mercer has reformed the classic band with a brand new all-star lineup and wrote a new album (Port of Morrow) that both recalls what put the band on the map and pushes that sound forward into uncharted territory. Having toured the country extensively this past year, the band has mastered and re-mastered all their hit songs into a killer show complete with joyful sing-along that is sure to have the crowds at Lollapalooza on their feet and dancing.
M83
When: Friday - 7:30
Where: Sony Stage
There are few musical acts so perfectly named as Anthony Gonzales' electronic outfit entitled M83. Named after the spiral galaxy Messier 83, M83's signature electronica is some of the most spacious, dreamy, and positively awe-inspiring on the scene today. His latest album, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming was featured on practically every best-of list for 2011 and for good reason. Songs like "Midnight City" capture the imagination, urging listeners to gaze up at the heavens, from where the music seemingly springs. Find a good grassy spot for stargazing or come and join the joyous mob that is sure to form around the Sony stage Friday evening when M83 hits the stage.
Black Sabbath
When: Friday - 8:05
Where: Bud Light Stage
There are few bands quite as legendary and influential as Black Sabbath. Shaping bands as diverse as The Flaming Lips, Smashing Pumpkins, and Metallica, Black Sabbath's music transcends the sometimes-limiting genre of metal. Led by eccentric front man Ozzie Osbourne, Black Sabbath have created some of the most recognizable songs of the century: "War Pigs", "Iron Man, "Paranoid" and "Sweet Leaf." The band is reunited with nearly it's entire original lineup for the first time since 1991, and Lollapalooza is the band's only U.S. show for 2012. Simply put, this is a can't miss performance.
GIVERS
When: Saturday - 2:15
Where: Google Play Stage
When the band onstage is having fun, chances are, so is the crowd. So when Louisiana's GIVERS hit the stage on Friday afternoon, you can be sure that the Google Play stage is going to turn into a raucous, joyous party. Universally regarded as one of 2011's bands to watch, GIVERS' music and overall attitude is infectious. I dare you to listen to the band's hit single "Up, Up, Up," without wanting to get up and dance or sing along with reckless abandon. They've rocked the stages at SXSW and Coachella already so they’re already more than prepared to bring the party to Chicago.
Alabama Shakes
When: Saturday - 4:15
Where: Bud Light Stage
Every once in awhile, a voice comes along that shakes you to your very core, a voice so powerful that it draws comparisons to the best singers ever. We had Aretha Franklin, and now we have Brittany Howard of The Alabama Shakes. When done right, blues rock can be mighty, and the Alabama Shakes are just right. Like First Aid Kit, The Alabama Shakes caught the attention of Jack White, who picked the band to open on all his U.S. tour dates. Their first album, Boys and Girls is a warm and foot-stomping good time, and the live show should be a highlight of Saturday at the festival.
tUnE-yArDs
When: Saturday - 5:00
Where: Sony Stage
In the world of indie music, whimsy and joy often are ignored for the sake of "serious" music. But what's to say music can't be whimsical and brilliant. That is where tUnE-yArDs comes in. The brainchild of Merrill Garbus, tUnE-yArDs (yes, that is how it is spelled) is a fiercely imaginative musical project that fuses visual art with musical art in a way that is simple enough for a child to enjoy and yet deep enough for even the most solemn hipster critic. Garbus uses a horn section, complex layered drum rhythms, and mighty yet beautiful vocals to create some of the most original and imaginative music on the scene today. Her live show is a true spectacle to behold.
The Weeknd
When: Saturday - 6:00
Where: Red Bull Soundstage
Ever since Abel Tesfaye started posting songs to YouTube anonymously as The Weeknd, the music world has been abuzz with comparisons to Michael Jackson and claims that this guy might just be the next big thing. Three superb mix tapes and the creation of a mesmerizing live show later, those claims are proving to be true. With his luscious voice and dreamy bedroom R&B, The Weeknd has created the perfect soundtrack for lovers. So if you're looking for a romantic show with a loved one, make your way to the red bull stage around 6:00.
Bloc Party
When: Saturday - 7:00
Where: Sony Stage
In the past decade, Britain has seen an influx of young guitar rock bands: The Arctic Monkeys, The Vaccines, Franz Ferdinand. One such band is Bloc Party, whose clever lyrics and driving electric guitars create fun, upbeat, and highly danceable rock songs. Songs like "Helicopter" and "One Month Off" burrow deep into one's mind, refusing to get out. The band just released the first single off their upcoming fourth album, cleverly titled Four. The single, "Octopus" follows in the classic Bloc Party style, so fans should be ready to hear more brand new songs off the album when the band performs on Saturday night.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
When: Saturday - 8:00
Where: Red Bull Soundstage
Although there are several strong options for the Saturday night headlining spot (Frank Ocean, Santigold, Avicii), there is one that should be truly legendary, namely, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Fresh off their induction into the rock and roll hall of fame and a brand new album (I'm With You), the Chili Peppers are having a busy 2012. While they are headlining several other festivals, Lollapalooza has always been a special place for the band, who has performed twice before at the festival, including at the 2nd year of the original festival. Watch for them to bring the funk Saturday night.
Oberhofer
When: Sunday - 1:00
Where: Bud Light Stage
Brad Oberhofer has already accomplished quite a lot at the young age of 21: he graduated from NYU, toured with Sleigh Bells, Neon Indian, and the Morning Benders, performed on The Late Show With David Letterman and released a critically lauded album, Time Capsules II, produced by famed producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Peter Gabriel, Morrisey) all under his own name. Now, Oberhofer is set to take the Lollapalooza stage by storm, bringing his trademark rocking philosophical musings to the masses.
Gary Clark Jr.
When: Sunday - 3:15
Where: Playstation Stage
When a truly special musician comes along, it's easy to tell that they have a real future ahead of them. The first time you hear Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jack White, you know that they have something that allows them to rise above, that takes them to a whole different level of guitar heroism. Gary Clark Jr. is the next generation of guitar god, and he is set to take his throne. Earning praise from virtually every music criticism outlet, Clark is being hailed as the guitar voice of this generation. Needless to say, this is not a show to miss.
Florence + The Machine
When: Sunday - 6:15
Where: Bud Light Stage
Florence Welch has become a worldwide superstar thanks not only to her powerful voice, but to her fierce spirit as well. There is something bewitching about the music of Florence + the Machine, an almost magical, spiritual power that is difficult to define. The themes of her songs tap into a more primal level of the human mind, recalling ghosts, spirits, and the power of the human heart. Her 2011 album, Ceremonials was one of the biggest albums of the year, building huge orchestral numbers bolstered by harps, choirs, and her own siren howl. Even in her live show, she creates an atmosphere that feels like some of ancient, secret ritual, with her as the grand priestess. Won't you join in this holy rite?
Miike Snow
When: Sunday - 7:15
Where: Sony Stage
The music of Swedish trio Miike Snow exists somewhere between Indie rock, pop, and electronica, never satisfied with merely one classification. One thing is certain however; they know how to put on a great live show. Having worked the last few years on perfecting the live music experience. Frontman Christian Karlsson has designed his live show to be a mix of electronic rave and rock show, working the crowd into a singing and dancing furor. All with the purpose of making sure Miike Snow fans have the most fun. So this is an easy concert to recommend.
Jack White
When: Sunday - 8:15
Where: Red Bull Soundstage
The final night of Lollapalooza features lots of good options for the headlining spot (Childish Gambino, Justice, Kaskade), there is one that truly rises above the rest. Former White Stripes/Raconteurs/Dead Weather front man Jack White. White's 2012 solo album is far and away one of the best albums of the year so far, and if his earth-shattering headlining show at the inaugural Firefly Music Festival in Dover, Delaware is any indication, Chicago is about to get rocked to it’s core. White's live show pulls from his extensive catalogue of original tunes including "Seven Naton Army", "Ball and Biscuit, "Cut Like a Buffalo", "Carolina Drama" as well as new tunes "Freedom at 21" and "Trash Tongue Talker." As an added bit of fun, White has two completely separate backing bands, an all female and an all male. He doesn't decided which will be on stage until the morning of the performance, so fans can place bets on who will come out. It could potentially be the perfect end to a fantastic weekend.
Hopefully this list can help you navigate the extensive roster of bands playing at this year's Lollapalooza. But no matter whom you end up seeing, it is sure to be a memorable weekend.
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