Pitchfork Music Festival brought 60,000 music fans back to Chicago’s Union Park from July 19-21. Running since 2006, the festival’s eclectic lineup features featuring a lineup of indie rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, and experimental artists. More than 40 artists took the stage this year, including headliners Alanis Morissette, Black Pumas, and Jamie xx.
As a veteran concert photographer, I attended all three days of the festival. You can see my full coverage for FLOOD Magazine here. Below, I’m sharing my favorite moments from Pitchfork Music Festival 2024.
Friday Afternoon Hit a Groove with Tkay Maidza and Yaeji
A sunny Friday afternoon was off to a mellow start as attendees settled into the weekend. By the time Australian-Zimbabwean rapper Tkay Maidza took the stage in a black leather ensemble and tall black boots, the crowd was ready to dance along. Her rendition of “Where Is My Mind” by the Pixies incited a sing-along.
Not long after, NYC-Seoul producer vocalist Yaeji started her set singing at the microphone. It wasn’t long before she started busting a groove onstage joined by backup dancers. Her infectious energy was contagious as the crowd danced along.
100 gecs Commanded the Crowd
Judging by the wizard robes in the audience, many fans showed up on Friday just for 100 gecs. The duo of Laura Les and Dylan Brady is a mashup of memes, Auto-Tune, and musical influences from ska to pop-punk. Their legion of fans knew every word to “I Got My Teeth Removed” and “Doritos & Fritos,” while curious friends looked bewildered yet bobbed their heads.
Wednesday Rocked
The high sun didn’t keep a swelling crowd from the Green Stage on Saturday afternoon as Karly Hartzman wailed and shredded her guitar. Wednesday, the alt-rock band from Asheville, ranges from rocking out to Americana-inspired lap steel playing as heard on their cover of “Women Without Whiskey” by Drive By Truckers.
Pop Ruled Saturday
The pop power trio of Jessie Ware, Carly Rae Jepson, and headliner Jamie xx drew big crowds and delivered big time on Saturday. Jessie took everyone to Club Pearl, complete with full choreography and backup dancers. Carly Rae Jepson played the hits from “Call Me Maybe” to “Cut to the Feeling” and had the crowed jumping up and down. Under the glow of a giant disco ball, Jamie xx turned Union Park into a club, opening with “Baddy on the Floor” and ending the night with “Life.”
De La Soul was a Celebration
Hip-hop icons De La Soul celebrated “40 years of friendship” with a joyful set that started with “The Return of D.S.T.” They were full of surprises, including appearances by Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch before closing with Kweli’s “Get By.”
Unwound Got Noisy
Post-hardcore veterans Unwound had an unfortunate set time conflicting with Carly Rae Jepson’s pop parade. Still, the quartet was perfectly placed on the Blue Stage in a cocoon of dissonant guitar, Justin Trosper’s stoic delivery, and Sara Lund’s drumming. After closing the set with “For Your Entertainment,” the band tossed out flowers from a bouquet to folks in the audience.
Mannequin Pussy Packed in the Crowd
The biggest crowd on the smallest stage appeared on Sunday afternoon for Philly punk band Mannequin Pussy. Their electrifying set drew attendees into the blazing sun to mosh along. It may have been the last opportunity to see the band for some time as they recently announced a break in touring to prioritize their mental health.
MUNA Made Life So Fun
LA indie-pop outfit MUNA delighted fans with an indie-pop performance in a sing-along that started with “What I Want.” The dynamic set saw band members beaming as they shredded, jumped, and danced across the stage.
Les Savy Fav Threw an Art Rock Party
Everyone in the crowd got in on the show for Les Savy Fav’s set. It wasn’t easy to keep an eye on frontman Tim Harrington as he wove through the crowd with an extra-long mic cord, interacting with fans along the way. After inciting a mosh pit to “Let’s Get Out of Here,” Harrington threw the clock indicating the set was over and continued playing until the band’s sound was shut off.
Thank U Alanis Morissette
Alanis may have drawn the largest crowd in Pitchfork history for her headlining set on Sunday night. Her powerhouse voice rang across Union Park to favorites like “Hand in My Pocket” and “Head Over Feet.” MUNA even returned to the stage to join her on “Ironic.” After closing with the cathartic scream-along “You Oughta Know,” Alanis returned for an encore of “Uninvited” and “Thank U,” the full moon overhead as her words of thanks echoed in every attendee.
These photos originally appeared on FLOOD Magazine.
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger.’ Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
