lolla2012
Are you prepared for three days of music madness right in the heart of downtown Chicago? Yeah, me neither. Every year Lollapalooza starts out so promising, the sense of excitement palpable in the air as you walk onto the grounds of Grant Park. But if you take this music festival seriously, and you should, then by Sunday night you’ll be about ready to collapse, practically wishing for the sweet embrace of death. It sounds terrible and in many ways it is at the time, but once you’ve had a couple days to recover only the fondest of memories will remain. You’ll have seen many of your favorite artists perform, and might have even been introduced to a few new ones along the way. You’ll have eaten some delicious food, sipped some delicious drinks, spent quality time with friends and maybe even made a new friend or two as well. There’s so much to be gained from the pain and punishment we put our bodies through at this festival, especially walking back and forth from one end of the park to the other. If you play it right so you’re not running all over the place, and you’re cool with sitting down and taking a breather a couple times each day, the experience actually becomes quite pleasant. So beyond tips to minimize walking, I’ll also say to wear plenty of sunscreen and drink plenty of water. That’s just a rule of thumb for life in general actually.

But what about the music? Sure, you know at least a handful of artists playing each day of the festival, but there’s likely to be times where either you’ll be clueless about who you should see or two (maybe even three) of your favorites are all on at once and choosing between them seems too difficult. Fear not, loyal reader! I’m here to help. After the jump you’ll find an advice guide recommending artists worth seeing every hour of every day, all weekend long. You’d have to be some sort of superhuman to see all of these sets, but if you’re smart and economical enough you can catch most of them and wind up having a spectacular time. So enough with the chit-chat, let’s dive right in. Brace yourselves, this is going to be a bumpy ride.

FRIDAY

Noon
Must see: Mighty Oaks [12:00-12:45, Palladia Stage]
This international trio are based out of Berlin but hail from the U.S., Italy and the UK. They make the sort of broadly inoffensive, harmony-laced folk rock that’s been popular the last couple of years thanks to bands like Of Monsters and Men and Mumford & Sons. I’d also call them cousins to Lord Huron and X Ambassadors as well. Should be a pleasant and fun way to start your weekend.

Catch if you can: Spookyland [12:00-12:45, Sprint Stage]
Australian Marcus Gordon is only in his early 20’s, but his voice has the sort of distinctively nasal wail that’s reminiscent of a Jeff Mangum or Bob Dylan. While acoustic guitar makes up the base instrument for most of the band’s songs, they’re also structured in such a way as to create a build-up of emotion and tension before a grand electric release. Think Coldplay meets Oasis, but with a twist of blues thrown in for good measure.

1:00
Must see: James Bay [1:30-2:30, Palladia Stage]
This UK singer-songwriter has been making waves since the start of 2015, and at this point is well on his way to superstardom. If you’ve not yet heard his surging hit single “Hold Back the River” yet, perhaps you’ve been living under a rock. The guy is clearly very talented, and puts on a great, high energy live show.

Catch if you can: SZA [12:45-1:30, Samsung Galaxy Stage]
SZA is signed to Kendrick Lamar’s label Top Dawg Entertainment, and while they specialize in hip hop, her music falls into the R&B category. Last year’s debut album Z was a lovely, seductive piece of work, though it did come across as a bit guarded and uneven. Her live show brings some extra charm that smooths out any otherwise noticeable rough edges.

2:00
Must see: St. Paul and the Broken Bones [2:30-3:30, Bud Light Stage]
If you’re looking to get a little soulful in the early afternoon, you can do no wrong with St. Paul and the Broken Bones. Paul Janeway’s voice is silky smooth but can very much wail when it needs to (which is often). They feel like classy, suit-wearing relatives of Alabama Shakes, if that gets your motor running.

Catch if you can: Glass Animals [2:15-3:00, Samsung Galaxy Stage]
Glass Animals is the project of UK singer-songwriter Dave Bayley, who first stitched together poly-pop songs while messing around during down time at medical school. The music winds up being a fascinating hybrid of styles and genres that primarily mixes electronica beats and synths with guitars. Let’s say you’ll probably like them if you’re a fan of alt-J.

3:00
Must see: Father John Misty [3:30-4:30, Palladia Stage]
Long story short, earlier this year Josh Tillman (ex-Fleet Foxes) released one of the best albums of 2015 with I Love You, Honeybear. It’s a folk album at its core, but often takes left turns into more experimental territories. The moods alternate too, from happy to sad to sarcastic to jaded to vulnerable. He’s twisted and fun as well, which is one of the main takeaways from his utterly compelling performances.

Catch if you can: Tove Lo [3:00-3:45, Sprint Stage]
Not to put her in a box, but Tove Lo is pretty much the Swedish version of Lorde. She’s had a few modest electro-pop hits so far that have caught on with the alternative rock crowd, and it’s really only a matter of time at this point until she’s fully embraced by the entire world. This is her warm-up.

4:00
Must see: Hot Chip [4:30-5:30, Bud Light Stage]
It’ll be hot in Grant Park on Friday afternoon, but don’t let that stop you from dancing up a storm at Hot Chip’s set. At this point it feels like they’re a mainstay at the festival, coming back every couple years or so, and their super fun, high energy live shows are probably the main reason why.

Catch if you can: BROODS [4:00-4:45, Pepsi Stage]
Pretty much the entire 4:00 hour is dance party central, and brother-sister duo BROODS fall right in line with their bumping synth-pop tunes. They probably fall into a category with artists like Phantogram and CHVRCHES, so let those reference points be your guide when choosing whether or not to see them.

5:00
Must see: The War on Drugs [5:30-6:30, Palladia Stage]
The War on Drugs’ album Lost in the Dream was my favorite of 2014. Last year I also got to see them perform live twice, and was completely blown away both times. The band returns to Chicago for another victory lap, and they remain a can’t-miss band.

Catch if you can: Alabama Shakes [5:45-6:45, Samsung Galaxy Stage]
After pretty much getting rained out following an evacuation of Grant Park a couple of years back, Alabama Shakes return to Lollapalooza seemingly out for blood. Their retro-infused soul has gotten more intense and varied thanks to their new album Sound & Color. At the heart of everything is vocalist Brittany Howard, who delivers with such power it’s equal parts impressive and scary.

6:00
Must see: Gary Clark Jr. [6:45-7:45, Sprint Stage]
The two primary things you need to know about Gary Clark Jr. are that he’s from Texas and can play the guitar better than just about anybody on the entire Lollapalooza 2015 lineup. While the blues could technically be called his specialty, his songs often go well beyond traditional genre labels, mostly as an excuse for some rip-roaring guitar solos.

Catch if you can: First Aid Kit [6:30-7:15, Pepsi Stage]
Two sisters from Sweden make folk music that’s rooted in ’70s Americana. While the acoustic guitars and sweeping melodies are gorgeous, the greatest thing the Soderbergs have going for them are their vocal harmonies. They sound amazing on record, but are utterly mesmerizing live.

7:00
Must see: Paul McCartney [7:45-10:00, Samsung Galaxy Stage]
Without a doubt, Paul McCartney is one of if not the most prolific songwriter living today. From The Beatles to Wings and beyond, the man easily has more classic hits than can fill the 2+ hour time slot given to him. Any opportunity to see this legend is one you should immediately take, because you never know when it might be the last. So sit back, relax and sing along to “Hey Jude”.

Catch if you can: Sylvan Esso [7:45-8:30, Pepsi Stage]
Somehow the duo of Sylvan Esso manage to take minimalist synth pop and channel it into something that’s wildly fun and insanely danceable. Beyond the collection of great songs that comprises their self-titled debut album, they’ve been working on new material recently that’s being played at their live shows. All reports suggest it’s even better than what’s come before it, so there’s a touch of added incentive for you.

8:00
Must see: The Weeknd [8:30-10:00, Bud Light Stage]
It’s amazing to me that The Weeknd has become such an incredible force of nature these last couple of years. Not that Abel Tesfaye doesn’t deserve the popularity awarded to him, but I’m surprised he’s “earned it” on his own terms and with minimal support. His sensual R&B made him a natural fit for prominent placement on the Fifty Shades of Grey movie soundtrack earlier this year, and new single “Can’t Feel My Face” has caught on like wildfire.

Catch if you can: Flying Lotus [9:00-10:00, Pepsi Stage]
The new house band for Why? With Hannibal Buress, Flying Lotus is best classified as an experimental electronic musician. His compositions are all over the place stylistically, pulling from jazz, folk, soul, gospel, rock, pop and everything in between. Somehow he makes it all cohere into some of the smartest, most interesting electronic music you’ll hear these days.

SATURDAY

Noon
Must see: Raury [12:50-1:30, Pepsi Stage]
As a member of my Class of 2015, Raury is an artist to watch primarily because he refuses to be pigeonholed. He sings, raps, plays guitar, writes songs and produces as well. He’s friends with Kanye West, but also won’t hesitate to cover the Plain White T’s should the mood strike him. Raury’s music has been the product of his life and influences growing up near Atlanta, much of which was channeled into his Indigo Child album. Part Kid Cudi, part Frank Ocean, part Bon Iver and part Lorde, Raury is one of those people who plays early at a music festival one year, and then strikes it big to earn a much later set a short time later.

Catch if you can: Beat Connection [12:15-1:00, Palladia Stage]
Starting your Saturday with some fun dance music is definitely tempting, which is why checking out Beat Connection’s set fills that need. They’re an electro-pop quartet from Seattle, and while they’ve been around for a bit, these days they’re finally starting to attract the right kinds of attention. They’ve signed to Anti- Records, who will be putting out their new album this fall, the lead single from which will be featured in an upcoming Bose commercial. Fun summer vibes are abound with these guys.

1:00
Must see: Ryn Weaver [1:30-2:15, Sprint Stage]
There’s some really fantastic pop music happening on Saturday, and the trend begins with Ryn Weaver. Fresh off the release of her debut album The Fool, Weaver has been making strides ever since her debut single “OctaHate” earned attention last summer due to the involvement of Passion Pit’s Michael Angelakos as well as Charli XCX.

Catch if you can: Givers [1:45-2:45, Palladia Stage]
It’s hard to believe that Givers’ debut album In Light came out in 2011, because it seems more recent than that. Time flies when you’re having fun I guess, and Givers are one of the most fun bands you’ll encounter all weekend. Their upbeat and avant-garde take on indie pop is fresh and will make you grin from ear to ear. Surely they must have some new songs to share with us too, yes?

2:00
Must see: Django Django [2:15-3:30, Samsung Galaxy Stage]
British quartet Django Django make music that’s often called art-rock, primarily because it ventures down obscure melodic paths or has some quirky, harmonized vocals. You could certainly do a lot worse with a descriptor. Comparisons with The Beta Band and Clinic abound, the band’s latest album Born Under Saturn doubles down on those sounds. While the result is less effective than their self-titled debut, the charm and complexity oozing from every note simply must be marveled at on stage.

Catch if you can: Wet [2:50-3:30, Pepsi Stage]
Back in 2013, the trio known as Wet released a self-titled EP via the tiny Neon Gold label featuring four gorgeous synth-pop songs. It slowly gained traction as the band toured with CHVRCHES and London Grammar, which is why major label Columbia Records came calling earlier this year. Their full length Don’t You is due out this fall, but the lush R&B single “Deadwater” has preceeded it and has begun to earn the band even more fans. Key to their minimalist, ballad-heavy approach is Kelly Zutrau’s immensely smooth voice, which is intense and ethereal, not to mention an emotional trigger.

3:00
Must see: Charli XCX [3:00-4:00, Sprint Stage]
It’s been incredible watching Charli XCX grow these last few years. After helping write plenty of hit songs for other pop stars, Charli started making waves in 2013 with her album True Romance. Things really picked up last year though, when she had a hit soundtrack single “Boom Clap” and a guest appearance on what many might consider the song of the summer, Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy”. Sucker followed at the end of 2014, and her star continues to rise. I’ve seen Charli perform three times now, and it’s always a party.

Catch if you can: Toro y Moi [3:45-4:45, Palladia Stage]
The evolution of Chaz Bundick has been fascinating to hear. Originally being introduced as a chillwave project at the end of chillwave’s popularity back in 2010, Toro y Moi steadily moved from a bedroom recorded lo-fi electronica into a disco-influenced, psychedelic rock band. His latest album What For? shares a surprising amount in common with Tame Impala’s new one Currents, though only one of those two fully succeeds at what it’s trying to do.

4:00
Must see: Death From Above 1979 [4:00-5:00, Samsung Galaxy Stage]
After one album of hard-driving, chest-pounding, world-destroying rock music, the duo known as Death From Above 1979 broke up in 2006. They went out with a whimper, only to be electrocuted back to life in 2011 following fans demanding an encore. Exhilarating as their reunion was, apparently people then demanded new material from the band, which arrived in the form of last fall’s The Physical World. For something they claim was only recorded out of necessity to keep touring, it was more of the same punishing combination of garage rock, dance rock and heavy metal. If you think it’s crazy to listen to on record, seeing the physical manifestation of all that insanity is well worth the price of admission.

Catch if you can: The Tallest Man on Earth [4:45-5:45, Bud Light Stage]
Kristian Matsson began The Tallest Man on Earth with just an acoustic guitar and a voice. His furious strumming and raw vocals quickly drew comparisons to Bob Dylan, which made perfect sense in context. With his new album Dark Bird is Home, Matsson goes electric. Well, not so much electric as he fleshes out his trademark folk with string arrangements and full band accompaniment. It winds up being some of his most adult work to date, and quality material for music festivals in particular.

5:00
Must see: Tyler, The Creator [5:45-6:45, Palladia Stage]
Tyler, The Creator is an insane man in the best possible way. He brought the Odd Future collective to prominence a few years back with a wild late night TV performance, and though he’s fully on his own these days the attention has only made him a stronger artist. On “Jimmy Kimmel Live” earlier this week for example, he created a mosh pit and then played some jazzy piano, but also dressed up as The Cat in the Hat for a sketch. Clearly Tyler is still firing up audiences left and right, and his unique brand of hip hop will be music appreciated on a late Saturday afternoon at Lolla.

Catch if you can: Elle King [5:40-6:20, BMI Stage]
Pretty much every time I hear someone reference Elle King, the person mentions that she’s actor Rob Schneider’s daughter. Thankfully her music is better than his movies. She’s got a very powerful voice, which when applied to bouncy, girl group style rock songs fits perfectly. While her hit single “Ex’s and Oh’s” might not be the best example of her talents, there’s lots on her album Love Stuff that’s worth your time. It’ll be interesting to see how her live show comes together too.

6:00
Must see: Tame Impala [6:00-7:00, Samsung Galaxy Stage]
One of 2015’s most critically acclaimed albums, Tame Impala’s Currents is a swirling psych-pop adventure that pushes the band’s sound into a more synth-laden, disco-fueled direction. It’s a follow-up to Lonerism, which was also one of 2012’s finest. Kevin Parker’s band is also a force to be reckoned with on stage, so I don’t know what else to say except don’t miss them!

Catch if you can: Kid Cudi [6:50-7:30, Bud Light Stage]
It’d probably be a better idea to go see Chet Faker at the Pepsi Stage (6:30-7:15), but I’m recommending Kid Cudi for one reason: personality. The guy is charming as all get-out, and puts on one hell of an entertaining show. Okay so he’s not the best rapper, or the best lyricist. His production work is impeccable though, and he knows how to create atmosphere on his tracks. If you like Childish Gambino on some level you’ll probably also take to Kid Cudi.

7:00
Must see: Banks [7:45-8:30, Pepsi Stage]
While Banks’ particular brand of ominous pop music is probably best experienced in total darkness, at least the sun will be nearly set by the time she takes the stage in Grant Park. Her debut album Goddess was very well received, and a sold out show at Metro last fall featured some of the most rabid fans I’ve seen since Sam Smith. It may not be the highest energy set you’ll see on Saturday, but it’ll certainly be the sultriest.

Catch if you can: Brand New [7:00-8:00, Sprint Stage]
Brand New haven’t released an album since 2009’s Daisy, but for some reason that doesn’t matter. Those who fell in love with the band likely did so courtesy of their first couple albums, 2001’s Your Favorite Weapon and 2003’s Deja Entendu. They’ve got a lot of quality songs in the emo/punk/rock genre and have formidable stage presence, so check them out if you want a little nostalgia or just love some good guitar-heavy rock.

8:00
Must see: Metallica [8:00-10:00, Samsung Galaxy Stage]
Let’s be honest here: if Metallica were to skip all the music they’ve released in the last 15 years to exclusively focus on their ’80s and early ’90s back catalog, it’d make for one of the best rock shows you can see in this day and age. Obviously though, they do know where their bread is buttered at this point, so the classics should pile up with only a few duds in between. They may not be the powerhouse metal gods they once were, but for a couple of hours on Saturday night we can pretend like they still are.

Catch if you can: Sam Smith [8:45-10:00, Bud Light Stage]
The rise of Sam Smith has been pretty meteoric. About a year and a half ago, I saw him perform at the 1,100 capacity Vic Theatre. This past January, he rolled through town again and sold out the 10,000 capacity UIC Pavilion. Now he gets to headline Lollapalooza, which makes sense. After being sidelined this past spring due to surgery to repair a vocal cord issue, Smith says he’s back to 100% and should be belting out his trademark soulful songs with reckless abandon in Grant Park. He’s basically the male Adele at this point, so appreciate that for what it’s worth.

SUNDAY

Noon
Must see: The Wombats [12:00-12:45, Sprint Stage]
The earliest part of Sunday isn’t exactly loaded with artists most people are clamoring to see, which in turn makes The Wombats your best option in a sea of relative mediocrity. That’s not meant to really criticize The Wombats, as the UK band do have a strong global fan base. They’ve just not quite had the hits that counterparts like The 1975 and Bastille have generated in the last couple years. Still, their charming rock music should satisfy those looking to ease into their Sunday.

Catch if you can: Circa Waves [12:45-1:30, Samsung Galaxy Stage]
British band Circa Waves are slowly starting to make…waves. Following the release of their debut full length Young Chasers in March, they’ve been working hard to build a fan base, pretty much with more success around the globe than here in the U.S. Rest assured that will likely change soon enough, as they’re essentially a newer version of The Kooks.

1:00
Must see: Twin Peaks [1:30-2:30, Sprint Stage]
Sloppy and unruly are two words that help describe Chicago’s own Twin Peaks. For them, it’s a compliment. A majority of their songs are good time party anthems, lovable in the way they stumble around as if barely held together by tape and string. They do get a little mellow and heartbroken at times, a side of them that’s arguably better from a structure and songwriting standpoint, even if it’s not as fun. Look for these hometown boys to want to blow the doors off for an early afternoon celebration in Grant Park in a way only they can deliver.

Catch if you can: Shakey Graves [1:45-2:45, Palladia Stage]
Alejandro Rose-Garcia is the man behind the Shakey Graves name, and he crafts what might best be described as country pop. Or maybe it’s alt-country. Either way, there’s a distinctive folk element to it, with a bit of twang for good measure. Think The Lone Bellow or The Civil Wars or The Avett Brothers or Wild Child and you’ll get a pretty clear picture of where he’s coming from.

2:00
Must see: Skylar Spence [2:50-3:30, Pepsi Stage]
The comedy of having Skylar Spence perform on the Pepsi Stage will likely be lost on many, but not on me. The man behind the name is Ryan DeRobertis, who up until the end of 2014 was making music under the name Saint Pepsi until the soda company sent him a cease & desist. As Skylar Spence, he’ll be putting out his first full length for Carpark Records this September. Expect to hear lots of material from that, which if prior singles are any indication will be a fun, signature blend of classic styles and genres effortlessly blended together in the form of dance pop.

Catch if you can: George Ezra [2:30-3:30, Samsung Galaxy Stage]
George Ezra is a British folk singer who you’ve likely heard of thanks to his hit single “Budapest”. It climbed the charts around the globe and earned him several Brit Award nominations, which are pretty much the UK version of the Grammys. His baritone vocals make him a pretty distinctive singer, and his lyrics seem to play up an idolization of Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie. To my ears he’s the next Hozier, which is hopefully a helpful comparison.

3:00
Must see: Angus & Julia Stone [3:45-4:45, Palladia Stage]
The middle of the afternoon on Sunday is probably going to feel like nap time for a lot of Lolla attendees, because softer, more somber folk singers come in and take over the main stages. The Australian brother-sister duo Angus & Julia Stone are among them, peddling their sweeping, mostly acoustic folk melodies. Unpleasant and sad though their themes may be, the songs and harmonies are often remarkably beautiful. Find a nice piece of lawn to sit on and enjoy.

Catch if you can: Marina & The Diamonds [3:30-4:30, Sprint Stage]
Marina & The Diamonds toured with Charli XCX a couple of years ago, and the pairing completely made sense. They’re both pop stars in their own right, and while Marina Diamandis hasn’t quite seen the same high profile level of stardom Charli has encountered in the last year, she’s still growing in popularity with effortlessly catchy, synth-heavy pop songs. It should make for a bouncy and fun mid-afternoon set.

4:00
Must see: Strand of Oaks [4:00-4:45, Pepsi Stage]
The Strand of Oaks record HEAL is a work of epic Americana. The songs on it expand outward across open fields and soar high into the blue skies. While in some sense it’s music made for an outdoor festival thanks to its explosive choruses and canyon-cutting guitar solos, there’s a much more personal and intimate side to the lyrics that temper the expanse a bit while rendering each melody that much more powerful. Timothy Showalter and his band of misfits have a lot in common with The War on Drugs, and though they don’t feature as many impressive solos or lengthy jam sessions, there’s still something incredibly special about their music.

Catch if you can: ODESZA [4:45-5:45, Bud Light Stage]
For those who like their electronica a little away from the Perry’s stage, ODESZA have you covered. They’re fine purveyors of fun, beat-driven synth pop, complete with a whole host of guest vocalists. They’re similar to Disclosure in a way, but don’t mine from ’90s styles nearly as much. If you’re looking to do some dancing and enjoy some carefree hooks along the way, check them out.

5:00
Must see: Bully [5:40-6:20, BMI Stage]
Bully was in Chicago two weeks ago, performing at the Pitchfork Music Festival. This is the first time an artist has been booked for both festivals in the same year, which doesn’t make much sense until you consider that the talent bookers liked the band so much they were okay with sharing. Bully’s ’90s style rock music has a lot in common with Hole and Veruca Salt, among others, and Alicia Bognanno’s voice has this incredible growl that just might floor you.

Catch if you can: Lord Huron [5:30-6:30, Sprint Stage]
I’m not entirely sure how to classify Lord Huron’s music, and that’s a good problem to have. I guess you could call it Americana because most of their songs feel so natural while driving in a car across the country. There’s a lot of folk influence, that’s for sure, but also twangs of country and even a little blues for good measure. It’s a recipe that primarily yields quality results – music you can fall both in and out of love to.

6:00
Must see: A$AP Rocky [6:45-7:45, Bud Light Stage]
The A$AP Mob are generally not some of my favorite people, largely because of their over-reliance on cliches in their music. Air horns, gun shot sound effects and extensive reliance on hype men are no way to conduct a hip hop live show. A$AP Ferg’s set at Pitchfork a couple of weeks ago was easily one of the most tasteless things I saw all weekend, yet the crowd ate it up like they’d been starving for weeks. To each their own I guess. My grand point is this: A$AP Rocky stands out from the pack. He’s the sort of guy who avoids the traditional pitfalls and makes his own path. He’s talented and interesting and actually puts on a pretty great show.

Catch if you can: Halsey [6:50-7:30, BMI Stage]
In terms of up-and-coming pop stars featured on a Lollapalooza side stage, Halsey seems like the sort who’s going to be back in a couple of years graduated to one of the larger stages. She’s already on her way there thanks to her latest single “New Americana,” which is getting some radio airplay here in Chicago currently. Her debut album will be out at the end of August, and she’s already got a fall headlining tour lined up as well as dates planned with The Kooks. See her now before she gets big.

7:00
Must see: TV on the Radio [7:30-8:30, Sprint Stage]
From 2004 through 2011, TV on the Radio had an incredible run of four instantly classic albums. The only other band in recent memory to pull that off is Radiohead, which I suppose provides some context as to what sort of league they’re in. At this point TV on the Radio have been at Lollapalooza four times in the last nine years, and the great news is that they always put on a quality show. Their ability to blend indie rock with experimental textures and soulful vocals remains astonishing to watch.

Catch if you can: FKA twigs [7:45-8:30, Pepsi Stage]
Much like Banks, who has this time slot and stage on Saturday, FKA twigs is an artist whose music best thrives in the dark. In 2014 I saw her perform both in the middle of the day at the Pitchfork Music Festival, as well as at night in the dark of the Metro, and the latter was far better than the former. Her unique R&B style relies on theatrics and dancing as much as it does whisper quiet, passionate vocals. It’ll likely be the sexiest set of the entire festival, and perhaps one of the most visually stunning too, provided the setting sun doesn’t ruin it a bit.

8:00
Must see: Florence + the Machine [8:30-10:00, Samsung Galaxy Stage]
To be honest, I’m not very enthused about Florence + the Machine. Yes, I know Florence Welch has a huge fan base and can fully understand why, it’s just that her music doesn’t do very much for me. Her voice though, with such power and range, is one to be reckoned with. It’ll be worth the effort just to hear her belt out a few songs across Grant Park. But she also understands the need for showmanship, leading her festival performances in particular to be very special. She broke her foot earlier this year while running around during her Coachella set, so while that might give her pause to try a similar stunt at Lollapalooza, rest assured whatever she does will leave fans wide-eyed and smiling.

Catch if you can: Bassnectar [8:30-10:00, Bud Light Stage]
All the other stages competing against Florence and her machine on Sunday night are filled with EDM artists. As somebody unfamiliar with about 80% of the EDM artists on this year’s lineup, Bassnectar is one of the few names I do recognize. Would I recommend his music? It’s not my cup of tea but he’s got a huge fan base so they clearly hear something I don’t. What I like about the guy is his dedication to actually putting on a SHOW rather than just sitting behind a console. Visually speaking, there’s a lot to admire from Bassnectar. If you’re high on some sort of illicit drug I’d imagine that becomes even more important.

COMING SOON: Daily Recaps of Lollapalooza 2015!