Lollapalooza 2016 – Top 11 Acts to See

By Parker Mills

In an age where music festivals have been characterized by seizure inducing lasers that swallow a never ending sea of neon, Lollapalooza 2016 is a shining beacon of hope for those with an eclectic taste for a variety of sounds (including the occasional foray into the neon abyss). Originally curated in 1991 by Perry Farrel of Jane’s Addiction, the festival was a creative haven to showcase innovative and unique acts across the world. While the fest has enjoyed success internationally, it settled into Chicago’s Beautiful and scenic Grant Park in 2005, where it has enjoyed a high degree of success and notoriety. With four days to jam out this year, and a star studded lineup featuring multiple cultural icons and indie favorites, you may find yourself conflicted on who to run to next. To make things a little easier, check out the 11 acts you MUST see at Lollapalooza 2016. Tickets still available here!

 

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey- As if this needed to be said, Lana is an absolute must at this year’s festival. Her brooding, sexy vocals stand juxtaposed to those of your standard contemporary and pop stars, and coupled with her charisma and stage presence make for a captivating performance. Check out this single from her number #1 chart topping album “Ultraviolence” below:

 

Bob Moses

Bob Moses – Protege’s of house and techno stalwarts Frank & Tony, Bob Moses combine tantalizing vocals with stripped back dance beats. While they may be well known in the deep house scene, their records have a crossover appeal due to their diversity and complex progressions and vocals. Check out their entrancing single “Tearing me Up” below

 

Cashemere Cat

Cashmere Cat- Cashmere Cat is an amazing turntablist with a penchant for mixing in futuristic hip hop and bass music with more niche genres such as jersey club, allowing him to control and switch up the energy for crowds at the perfect moments. Bursting on the scene with a whimsical, building remix of Miguel’s “Do You” in 2013, he is set to release his debut album this year. Check him out to hear some unreleased singles as well as some of his favorite tastes of the moment.

https://soundcloud.com/cashmerecat/do-you-cashmere-cat-remi

 

Radiohead

Radiohead- Stepping out in a big way with 1992’s “Creep”, the English experimental rock group has become one of the most widely lauded acts in the world. Multiple hit records, a massive catalog of ever evolving work, and the forward thinking direction of front-man Thom Yorke have led them to be revered as one of the top 100 greatest artists of all time by The Rolling Stone. There performances have never a dull moment as they display their range and eclectic tastes. Take a listen to the track that began their rapid ascent below.

Jane’s Addiction

Jane’s Addiction is regarded as a pioneering force in the alternative rock, and for good reason. The attitude and mood that amplifies their technical skills as artists permeates each show they put on, and their performance is sure to be an homage to the early 90’s when Alt had a stranglehold on rock. Add to that the fact their lead singer was the driving force behind Lolla’s inception, you have no reason to miss out on their set and pay homage to the original curator and tastemaker.

 

Disclosure

The garage and pop sensation from across the pond known for their dance floor ready and catchy jams have been showing off their DJ’ing chops at clubs and festivals across the nation, and will aim to please those looking to dance at this years Lolla. Smoothly mixing in their own classics with choice garage and house cuts, Disclosure puts on high energy, feel good sets that will keep you grooving throughout.

 

Red Hot Chilli Peppers

RHCP What can i say that hasn’t already been said? RHCP comes to Lolla fresh off the release of their latest album, a bookend to a catalogue of amazing LP’s and multiple #1 hit records. Unlike any of their contemporaries, it is a must to see the ever charismatic Anthony Keidis lead his troupe in song. This is the type of set you remember for years to come.

 

LCD Soundsytem 

The love child of DFA Records’ head honcho James Murphy, LCD Soundsystem was (and still is) a pioneering force in dance music since its inception in the early 2000’s. The combination of fun, vibrant vocals with a slew of instrumental addition and synthesizers have led LCD to be a chart topping act, combining many of the elements of disco with those of indie dance and rock. After a brief breakup which saw James turn to DJing amongst other pursuits, LCD is back in 2016 and is absolutely a must for those who love more holistic dance music. Peep one of their best records, Daft Punk is Playing at my House, below!

 

 

Flume

Still soaring after his massively succesful sophomore album “Skin”, the Aussie native will be sure to surprise those who aren’t familiar while further endearing himself to his loyal fanbase. Flume’s sound is extremely eclectic and has many dreamy, futuristic elements that are rooted in hip hop and electronic influences. His live performances take you on a journey of sound that keeps you wanting more throughout the performance, and his energy onstage is a testament to the passion he puts into his craft. Check out his chart topping single “Never Be Like you” below to get a taste of his style.

ZHU

Shrouded in mystique and mystery, ZHU has taken his refreshingly bouncy live set on an electrifying tour that showcases not only his skills as a selector, but as a singer and an artist as well. Fans of live music and dance music alike will fall in love with his dreamy vocals complemented by live horn and string accompaniments. Getting to hear their magical live rendition of Faded is worth the trip across the park alone. He was amazing at Shaky Beats and should be even better at  Lollapalooza 2016.

 

 

Silversun pickups

Busting onto the scene with (insert year’s) Lazy Eye, Silvers Pickups has since accrued an extremely impressive body of work that has been a testament to their unique and original indie rock sound. A long time festival favorite, their performance is not one to be missed for a taste of some dreamy, heartfelt rock n roll. Looking forward to them Lollapalooza 2016. 

Lets us know what you think of the Lollapalooza 2016 acts after they play!