I’m typing this out on Wednesday, July 16, aka 15 days before we all collectively live in a commune for four days and listen to live music under the blistering Chicago sun and overwhelming humidity. And I cannot wait!!!
I’ve probably written something similar to what I’m about to say before when sharing one of these round-ups, but I really do leave every Lollapalooza thinking it’s my last one, and feeling like I’ve aged out of the festival. But then every spring when rumors of that lineup come back around, I find myself completely and wholeheartedly ready to return for another four days 🙂
Every year, the number of artists we feature is dependent on what year it is, so yes, we featured twenty-five artists on the lineup for this post. That’s roughly 15% of the entire lineup. SO YES, this is a labor of love. But sharing artist recommendations for Lolla is pretty much how this publication got started, so that goes to show how much I truly enjoy doing it every year.
Check out our list below, broken down by day. See you in Grant Park!
If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I am a SUCKER for a band of sisters. So once I heard that the Nashville-based duo Girl Tones is composed of a pair of sisters, I was already sold. The two sisters, Kenzie and Laila, got their start as classically-trained musicians, but have since opted for a guitar instead of cello (Kenzie) and drums in place of piano (Laila), bringing a fresh angle to their alternative rock sounds reminiscent of artists like Cage The Elephant (more on that later), and Chicago group Neptunes Core.
With just a few songs released thus far, I’ll be curious to see how Girl Tones’ Lollapalooza debut plays out: they’re newly signed to Parallel Vision, the new label founded by Brad Shultz of Cage the Elephant. The label is an imprint under Big Loud Rock, which “aims to embrace the unconventional and champion digital-first, artist driven development.” I don’t know the sisters’ exact ages, but I’m assuming they’re in the Gen Z arena, so this label feels like a perfect fit for them. – Kristin
Nourished by Time—aka Marcus Brown—is one of those artists who feels like he’s building his own sonic universe. Blending lo-fi synth-pop, nostalgic R&B, post-punk, and flashes of Baltimore club, his music is fluid, emotionally rich, and totally singular. His breakout project Erotic Probiotic 2 introduced a voice that’s smooth, self-aware, and refreshingly unfiltered. Since then, he’s only kept the momentum going, opening for Toro y Moi and Panda Bear, releasing the Catching Chickens EP, and gearing up to drop his new album The Passionate Ones.
If you’re heading to Lollapalooza this year, his set should be a top priority. I missed him at Primavera Sound in Barcelona and I’m still not over it—his live show is known to be intimate, magnetic, and full of unexpected turns. His latest single “9 2 5” hits especially hard, a raw yet dreamy track that captures the burnout and beauty of chasing something more. Nourished by Time brings a level of depth and originality to the stage that’s rare on the festival circuit. Don’t sleep on him! – Jesse
If you’re a fan of artists like Lizzy McAlpine, Jensen McRae, or Tiny Habits, I have a feeling that you’ll really love Yana. I haven’t discovered much about her on the internet, but I do know that the girl has pipes. Yana released her latest 6-song EP, Amy, in October, which includes singles like “How Long” and “Haunt Me,” eventually leading to a co-sign from Joe Jonas.
Her most recent single “Talk About,” was co-written by fellow indie singer-songwriter Paige Shannon and produced by Jon Joseph, known for his work with illuminati hotties and The Technicolors: he was also a founding member of BØRN’s band several years ago. Yana’s late afternoon performance, set in the shady setting of the BMI Stage is guaranteed to be an intimate experience, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Yana’s live performance is like. – Kristin
One nice piece of consolation for fans of the now defunct BROCKHAMPTON, is the former members’ solo projects. In my case, Matt Champion’s Mika’s Laundry is the one that holds a special place in my heart, a record that will definitely be the protagonist of his Lollapalooza set. Matt’s stage presence was already a shining light in a stage packed with six other band members around, so I have no doubt he will be able to deliver a performance as electrifying as his debut album.
Ranging from rap, pop and electro-potentially-experimental-pop, the 30-year-old’s sound and style fits perfectly into the essence of Chicago and the festival itself, and I think a lot of people will enjoy Matt Champion’s music even if they’ve never heard of him before or have but didn’t really get into it. There is a reason why so many amazing artists like Dijon and Dora Jar have wanted to work with him and I think that, if you’re not planning on it already, you should give Matt Champion a chance. – Javi
Another act that I regrettably missed at Primavera, Fcukers, are the kind of electronic duo that immediately leave a mark. Made up of vocalist Shannon Wise and producer Jackson Walker Lewis, they fuse ’90s house, big beat, and indie sleaze into something totally chaotic and infectious. Their sound is heavy, sweaty, and meant to be heard in a dark, packed room (or festival stage)—full of rumbling basslines, distorted synths, and Wise’s raw, commanding vocals.
With tracks like “Mothers,” “Tommy,” and “Bon Bon,” they’ve already carved out a lane that feels both nostalgic and completely of the moment.Their debut EP Baggy$$, which dropped last year on Ninja Tune’s Technicolour imprint, earned them praise from artists like Beck, Clairo, and Yves Tumor—and their live shows are quickly becoming legendary. Their Primavera set was one of the most buzzed-about of the week, and the reviews from friends and fans alike have me kicking myself for missing out. If you’re into wild, genre-bending energy that makes you want to move and destroy at the same time, Fcukers should be at the top of your list this festival season. There’s something exciting and unruly happening here, and you’ll want to be there when it erupts. – Jesse
I first discovered singer-songwriter Bo Staloch like, less than a week before the Lollapalooza lineup dropped, which was nothing short of serendipitous for me. His debut EP The Garden has been heavy in my rotation: his Austin roots and current home in Nashville blend his sound effortlessly, indie rock and folk with hints of country (gasp) here and there. Staloch just opened up for none other than Zach Bryan this past June in Hyde Park and will be heading out on his first headlining tour this fall.
I’m pretty surprised Staloch is performing on the smallest stage at the festival, I have a feeling that he’s going to pull a decent sized crowd. If you’re a fan of artists like Briston Maroney, Medium Build, and Mt. Joy, Bo Staloch’s music will fit in with your catalog quite nicely. – Kristin
Fresh off a tour supporting Rachel Chinouriri (and recent collaborator), Warner Records and TDE’s Alemeda is certainly an artist to watch this year. Raised between Ethiopia and Arizona and growing up in a strict household, Alemeda turned to music as a form of self-expression, releasing NSFW-titled bangers like “Post Nut Clarity,” “i already dug your grave,” and “i hate your face,” to name a few.
With co-signs from heavy hitters like Kendrick Lamar and SZA, as well as an unreleased collaboration with Doechii (can we please see them perform together at Lolla??), I can definitely imagine Alemeda having one of those “Damn I wish I saw her at Lolla that year before she blew up” moments—so you better get there early on Friday to see her set!! – Kristin
Tanner Adell is a breath of fresh air in country music—bringing glam, grit, and real heart to a genre that’s long overdue for a shakeup. Raised between California and Wyoming, she’s coined her sound “funtry,” blending traditional country elements with hip-hop, pop, and R&B influences. Tracks like “Buckle Bunny” and “Love You a Little Bit” are playful, confident, and sharply written, while songs like “Whiskey Blues” show her emotional range and vocal depth. She’s unapologetically herself, pushing boundaries not just sonically but culturally, proudly representing her identity as a Black, pansexual woman in country music.
Her breakout moment came when she was featured on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, lending her voice to the reimagining of “Blackbird” alongside Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, and Tiera Kennedy. That performance—both powerful and poignant—marked a turning point, spotlighting her as part of a new wave of artists redefining what country can look and sound like. Tanner’s live performances are bold, joyful, and full of swagger, with an energy that feels both fresh and deeply rooted. Whether you’re a country fan or just curious, she’s an artist worth keeping your eye on—Tanner Adell is doing something special. – Jesse
Here is a good enough reason for you to go see Old Mervs: the band’s name is in honor of one of the members’ childhood dog Mervin. If that doesn’t make you like them at least a little bit already, then I regret to inform you that you suck. But in all seriousness, the sound of the Australian duo consisting of David House and Henry Carrington-Jones is rooted in nostalgia and classic Australian surf rock, a genre that I have inadvertently become a sucker for.
Their music is also so in tune with Chicago’s perfect mix of coast (yes the “beach” is just concrete, we get it, it’s hilarious) and big city dreams, so it just matches so well with the festival’s whole atmosphere, metaphorically and literally. I actually can’t wait to hear these songs on a hot summer day with potentially a little bit of Lake Michigan breeze <3 – Javi
I was lucky enough to see hey, nothing live at a small venue in Toronto earlier this year, and I am SO excited to see them bring that same energy to Grant Park. Harlow and Tyler are endearingly fun and energetic, and have a way of making the crowd connect with them that I think can only be seen in some of the greatest bands.
In less than five years, they’ve built a discography so consistent and compelling that only gets more impressive when you remember that they are barely 20 years old <3 The level of talent and dedication that they have shown so far is not only promising, but a precedent to how their careers will continue to evolve, and I’m so excited to see how the Lolla crowd falls in love with them the way that I did when I first found their music. – Javi
You know there’s something interesting brewing when you see an artist popping up everywhere out of the blue, including multiple shows supporting artists like Bleachers, The Fray, and Young The Giant. Oh, did I mention that she also only has ONE song released on streaming platforms? Well, that’s exactly what’s going on with singer-songwriter Cassandra Coleman: who may look familiar to those who (still) watch American Idol…or did back in 2021: Coleman ended up making the Top 10 (I watched).
Fast forward to present day: Coleman is signed to Warner Records and recently dropped her debut single, “Coming of Age,” this past June, with Jack Antonoff as a co-producer. Considering how stunning her vocals are, it’s pretty crazy that just a few years ago, she was terrified to sing in public and was working three jobs in Nashville (including a role at Trader Joe’s), while working on her music. I’m assuming there’s more to come, considering the rate she’ll be touring this summer and early fall, plus she’ll need more than one song to fit in her 40-minute set in Grant Park! – Kristin
Holden Jaffe aka Del Water Gap is potentially my favorite artist ever—and sure maybe that’s me being dramatic, but let’s just say that he at least lives in the top 10 of my life—so I don’t really know how else to explain how happy it makes me to see him on any lineup ever. With that said, I do think his music is easy to like! So if you like good music, you will enjoy Del Water Gap’s Saturday set.
Holden flawlessly balances a sad boy agenda with a mostly upbeat repertoire, and shows up to every venue or set, no matter how big or small, with an attitude that tells you that each gig is equally important and enjoyable in his eyes. Also, he hasn’t released any music in almost a year, which might give room for an unreleased song performance…dreaming is free!!! – Javi
A mix between classic Australian rock-pop and a more refined Jungle-esque sound, Ocean Alley are like if Sticky Fingers and Lime Cordiale had a baby, and they just make sense at Lollapalooza. They’re the type of band that would’ve been on the lineup even in its early years, and I think they might actually charm some of the more cynical attendees with their old school sound and sway-ey songs.
Vocalist Baden Donegal has an incredibly charismatic voice that is perfectly enhanced by the band’s arrangements with almost reggae guitars and flowy background vocals. They sound to me like a band that merely exists to be heard live and outdoors, so Lollapalooza will really be the ideal place to enjoy them live for the first time and I am so so so excited. – Javi
The only way I can think to describe Landon Conrath’s sound is purely and completely feel-good music, even if he is also a sad boy agenda representative at times. Similar to the styles of artists like Valley and Hippo Campus (he does collaborate with the latter’s frontman and fellow Minnesotan Jake Luppen quite a bit), he sways between traditional poppy sounds and a more alternative approach to his production.
Landon is an artist that I think will be easy to charm those who come into Lollapalooza hoping to find their new favorite song, and although he is another victim of an early midday time slot, I think people that show up early are exactly the ones that love music enough to be purposely looking for something new and exciting 🙂 – Javi
I actually saw Winnetka Bowling League live not too long ago, and their show truly exposed how much I LOVE pop music. I am a Swiftie and would die for Sabrina Carpenter, so it’s not like this was ever out of the question, but Winnetka Bowling League is not a band that had settled itself into my subconscious, that is until I was screaming the words to “CVS” in a packed venue.
I think WBL are another one of those bands that you know maybe multiple songs by without realizing, and I personally find those moments of recognition so pleasantly hilarious. Frontman Matthew Koma (also known as Hilary Duff’s husband!) is also great at handling and interacting with the crowd, so *insert Bernie Sanders meme* I am once again asking for you to show up early for their set because this is a very much guaranteed good time. – Javi
Sam Austins may not be a name you’re familiar with, but I could almost guarantee that if you’re chronically online, you’ve heard his breakout hit “Seasons,” which initially gained traction on TikTok and is currently sitting at 63 million streams on Spotify. Austins actually made his debut at Lollapalooza back in 2022, but this time, he gets the coveted slot of opening the T-Mobile stage on Sunday afternoon, a time often given to many artists on the rise. Austins has been carving is way through the industry for several years at this point, releasing lots of music, including his debut with Atlantic Records, HOMELESS STAR, back in 2021, and opening up for artists like Vince Staples, Danny Brown, and Playboi Carti.
Austins’ music is cathartic: his sound often shifts with his emotions and aims to inspire connection with the listeners. Influenced by artists like Outkast, Radiohead, and Kanye West, it’s safe to say that Austins has a promising career ahead of him. – Kristin
Olivia Hardy and William Gao’s duo is an indescribable sort of hybrid of genres and styles, keeping you on your toes with every song you listen to. They have songs that will make you sing of Laufey’s softer tunes, but also Suki Waterhouse’s pop jams… but at the same time Rachel Chinouriri’s more upbeat indie pop. They gravitate towards so many different styles and somehow manage to succeed at them all.
It will be such a treat to watch them move around the variety in their discography in a live setting and witness the ease with which they can change up the energy with each song. I will be there even if it’s at my least favorite festival stage ever created and so should you. (Also, if you’re a Heartstopper fan and are somehow not aware of who is one half of this band, show up and be pleasantly surprised!!!) – Javi
One of the coolest of the cool girls, Charlotte Lawrence’s set promises to not only be a showcase of her incredible vocal ability, but the powerful presence that translates from her music to a live performance. Unfairly scheduled for an early ish set, she’s at least playing at a big stage which I think will at least help her gather an audience she deserves.
Charlotte is a must for anyone that loves Bea Miller and Olivia O’Brien’s badass attitude and Madison Beer’s divine feminine energy, and also a performance that will inevitably have something for everyone: she has some more upbeat, angsty and powerful songs, as well as softer tracks that manage to feel big in their simplicity. So if you’re looking for a girl that can do it all, this is a set you won’t want to miss! – Javi
I admittedly had never heard of Carter Vail before scouring this year’s Lollapalooza lineup, which is something that happens all the time, but this time, I was actually fairly surprised I hadn’t heard of him before. He garnered an impressive following over the years on TikTok, releasing “short comedy songs” on the platform in lieu of getting work at the music studio he opened with some friends several years prior in Nashville. And what happened next is generally what happens to artists when I’m writing about them in this format: his music blew up on TikTok!
His viral hit “Dirt Man” is approaching 20 million views on TikTok and 12 million streams on Spotify: pretty impressive for a thirty-five second long song. On his sophomore LP 100 Cowboys, Vail earned recognition from Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, NPR, and The New York Times, giving him the positive affirmation that the comedy thing is cute, but he can actually succeed making real music, too. Inspired by artists like Vampire Weekend and The National, with songs that personally remind me of DJO, I have an inkling that this is your prime time to catch Vail live before he makes it big. – Kristin
Continually feeding us with new music and always fun to see live, Joe P is someone that is simply forever deserving of a festival slot. Unfortunately doomed to an early set, a part of me is afraid a lot of people that would love his sound might miss him, so if you’re reading this: I am begging you to show up early for the last day of Lolla, because I promise that you will not regret it.
Having released his sophomore album Garden State Vampire just last year, Joe’s performance is destined to be reenergized with a setlist full of songs that you might not realize you already know (you have definitely heard “Off My Mind” before), and others that you haven’t heard but are some of his best work (“All I Dream About” I am thinking of you). Joe P is an undeniably enjoyable artist that you’ll be happy you crossed paths with at Lollapalooza, so make sure to keep him circled on your schedule. – Javi
I’m going to take a moment to toot my own horn here (toot toot) because I vouched for flowerovlove back in 2024 when we included her in our list of artists to watch and she has definitely not disappointed. Since then, she’s collaborated with seasoned songwriters in the studio (say that five times fast) like Rob Milton, Justin Tranter, Skyler Stonestreet, and others. Her most recent single “new friends,” is taking the internet by storm, and her most recent stint opening up for fellow Lolla lineupper (this isn’t a word, I know) Olivia Rodrigo at Hyde Park and just finished touring with Halsey.
With co-signs from the artists listed above, as well as a shoutout from SZA following the release of the 2024 single “BOYS,” it’s evident that Flowerovlove, whose stage name comes from the idea of “the beauty of evolution,” is a force to be reckoned with in the indie pop space, paving the way for artists of color in a genre that’s generally lacking representation. – Kristin
Willow Avalon is another country-pop queen in the making—I knew it from the moment I chatted with her for Staged Haze last year. Originally from rural Georgia, Willow brings a storyteller’s soul to everything she does, blending classic country warmth with a modern indie-pop edge. Her debut EP Stranger is full of heartache, growth, and striking honesty, with standout tracks like “Drivin,” “Honey Ain’t No Sweeter,” and the title track painting vivid portraits of love, loss, and finding your footing in the world.
Her ability to turn deeply personal experiences into cathartic, universal songs is what makes her stand out. Whether she’s unpacking generational trauma or trying to outrun heartbreak on the highway, her writing always hits close to the bone. “Gettin’ Rich, Goin’ Broke,” a powerful track about family obligation and emotional burnout, has especially struck a chord. With major label backing, support slots with Briston Maroney, and a voice that’s both dreamy and direct, Willow Avalon is only getting started. If you’re not already paying attention, now’s the time. – Jesse
To the casual fans of music, you may be looking at this lineup and scratching your head at the realization that Rebecca Black, initially known for the viral non-hit “Friday,” released in 2011 that became a meme before most of us understood the meaning of the word. But Black, who is not performing just once, but twice at Lollapalooza this year, has had quite the reinvention since her days as a 14-year-old. She released her debut album, Let It Burn, in 2023, followed up by SALVATION earlier this year, and is currently touring with none other than Katy Perry.
Rebecca’s music is often described as hyperpop, as she discussed publicly that Salvation is very much the opposite of Let It Burn, and can be defined as “a world of experimentation.” It was met with mixed reviews. Many critics found it to be a lame copycat of Charli xcx’s pop culture dominating BRAT, “nonsensical,” and “hollow,” while others found it to be gutsy, even going as far as comparing it to Kylie Minogue and Kim Petras. If Black’s mission as an artist is to push buttons (and boundaries), I think she’s doing a great job. – Kristin
I don’t typically feel like I live under a rock, but when it comes to learning about the girl group Katseye, I was definitely behind. Turns out, the group was formed through the reality tv show “Dream Academy,” created by record labels Hybe and Geffen. The project’s intention was to form “an international girl group based on K-pop methodology,” eventually launching an audition process that garnered 120,000 submissions.
The final project? Katseye: a six-member girl group featuring members from all around the world, including the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the US, eventually being described as a “global girl group.” Fast forward to present day and the group currently has 24 million monthly listeners on Spotify and just sold out their entire North American tour this fall in under an hour. I won’t say that any artist on the lineup this year is going to pull a Chappell Roan-sized crowd, but I can say that their growth since their Lolla booking is pretty spectacular, and I’m planning on catching at least a bit of their set on Sunday afternoon. – Kristin
Aliyah’s Interlude (real name Aliyah Bah) is a breakout star who first gained major attention on TikTok in 2022 with her signature “AliyahCore” aesthetic—a fun mix of Y2K and Harajuku streetwear. She quickly made the leap into music with her debut single “It Girl,” a catchy house-pop anthem that went viral and racked up millions of streams. Following that, she released “Fashion Icon,” a bold, self-empowerment track that showed she’s much more than just a fashion influencer—she’s a rising musical force.
What really sets Aliyah apart is how effortlessly she blends visuals, personality, and sound. She’s openly pansexual and a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, bringing that unapologetic energy to everything she does—from her music and live performances to her fashion and presence on social media. Her high-energy Pride set at Brooklyn’s LadyLand festival was electric, and she’s already made waves on the runway and appeared in Doja Cat’s “Agora Hills” video. If you discovered her on TikTok, you’ll love how her music captures the same confident, authentic vibe. Aliyah’s Interlude isn’t just another influencer—she’s an It Girl pop star in the making, and definitely one to watch. – Jesse
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