This summer will mark the 25th anniversary for music festival Lollapalooza. As a way to celebrate, a fourth day was added to the usual three-day festival. Upon hearing this news, Lolla-goers knew the lineup was going to be spectacular, and they were right! While it will be a great deal of fun, it might be overwhelming to some people. There are 170 bands playing this year, and it may be difficult to decide which ones to go watch. MOVE is here to help those who are overwhelmed. Here is our top 10 list of artists to watch at Lolla this year.
####10. SILVERSUN PICKUPS
With the release of its fourth full-length album, “Better Nature,” alternative shoegaze quartet Silversun Pickups will be supporting the album this summer at Lollapalooza. Its songs are filled with fuzzed-out guitar licks, syncopated drum patterns and the distinct androgynous voice of lead vocalist Brian Aubert. This combination of musical elements creates a live performance that should not be missed.
####9. MIIKE SNOW
It’s been four years since the release of Swedish trio Miike Snow’s sophomore effort, “Happy to You.” Earlier this month, it made a triumphant return with a third LP, “iii,” boasting the popular single “Genghis Khan.” Miike Snow’s Lolla set is bound to be a memorable and energetic experience. Even if you don’t know any of their songs, you’ll still have fun watching the trio at Lollapalooza this summer.
####8. FOALS
Foals is arguably one of the biggest indie rock bands in the UK. Its music ranges from guitar-heavy, thrashing rock (“Inhaler”) to syncopated, danceable indie rock (“Blue Blood”). Foals will be supporting its most recent album, “What Went Down,” with Silversun Pickups, Joywave and Bear Hands on tour this spring. Luckily, Foals be making a stop at Lolla, so you should definitely add it to your schedule.
####7. LOCAL NATIVES
2013’s “Hummingbird” was an amazing sophomore album from alternative rock quintet Local Natives. The band has been posting plenty of photos on social media of working in the recording studio, tantalizing fans with the prospect of a third record. Hopefully Local Natives perform some of the new material at its Lolla set. Even if there isn’t any new material, watching the band perform tracks from “Gorilla Manor” and “Hummingbird” would be spectacular enough.
####6. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
Funk-rock group Red Hot Chili Peppers is one of four headlining acts for Lolla this year. A new album has been hinted at multiple times since the release of 2011’s “I’m With You,” and a headlining spot at Lollapalooza helps solidify the idea of an upcoming release. The group’s music is full of funky bass lines (courtesy of Flea) and locked-in drum grooves (courtesy of Chad Smith). The musicianship of the quartet is outstanding, and its stage presence is reason enough to go check it out this year.
####5. THE 1975
The 1975 is perhaps one of the biggest bands in the music scene right now. The band’s staunchly loyal fanbase and the effeminate, confident nature of frontman Matt Healy makes it stand out even more. The 1975’s ambitiously long album (and title), “I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it,” captures the maturation of the group since the release of a self-titled debut in 2013. It won’t be much longer until it’ll be the headliners of the whole festival.
####4. TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
Indie dance trio Two Door Cinema Club has been relatively absent in the music scene for a while. Its last work was 2013’s “Changing Of The Seasons” EP, and unfortunately, fans haven’t heard from the band since. Yet, its belated appearance on Instagram and consistent posts of the group in the studio has given Two Door Cinema Club fans hope. Its live show is perhaps the most energetic performance I have ever seen (and I have been to A LOT of concerts), and its danceable indie pop augments their live show.
####3. M83
2016 is looking to be a great year for M83 fans (like myself). 2011’s “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” was a massive commercial and critical success. So, how does one follow up to arguably one of the greatest electronic indie records of all time? The musical mastermind behind M83, Anthony Gonzalez, released the tongue-in-cheek, playful single “Do It, Try It” in late February, which was remarkably different from anything he has ever produced. We’re looking at a completely new sound from M83, but that’s not a bad thing. The group’s amazing music and captivating live show is why you should consider M83 one of your top priorities at the festival this summer.
####2. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
In April 2011, LCD Soundsystem played its “final” show at Madison Square Garden. Fans were heartbroken with the band’s departure. Fortunately, fans received news of a surprising LCD Soundsystem reunion with an announcement of its confirmed headlining appearance at Coachella. It looks like Lolla-goers are in luck too, as it will be one of the headliners making a stop at Grant Park this July. This may be one of the last chances to catch a live performance from LCD Soundsystem, so you should definitely check it out.
####1. RADIOHEAD
While the iconic alternative group Radiohead has been mercilessly teasing its fanbase with occasional hints at a new LP, the band is embarking on a headlining tour very soon (and all of the shows sold out VERY quickly). If you were unlucky (like most people) and didn’t snatch those highly coveted Radiohead tickets, you can go catch its headlining set at Lolla this July. Radiohead’s setlists always covers a diverse range of its discography, so whether you prefer the band’s old music like “OK Computer” or new music like “In Rainbows,” you will leave the performance completely satisfied. Also, why would you NOT want to see Radiohead?
_Edited by Katherine Rosso | krosso@themaneater.com_