Later this week, Chicago’s annual four-day music festival Lollapalooza returns on August 1-4. This year celebrates live music with headline acts Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, SZA, Stray Kids, The Killers, Future x Metro Boomin, Blink-182, Melanie Martinez, and Skrillex. Packed in-between these iconic acts are some rising, lesser known artists worth catching if you get the chance. Here are some of our favorite emerging musicians.
Elyanna – Thursday, August 1st
Palestianian Chilean singer-songwriter Elyanna delivers passion and resilience on her latest album, Woledto (2024), which centers on her heritage. Last year, she became the first musician to play an entire Coachella set in Arabic.
quannnic – Thursday, August 1st
quannnic gained traction on TikTok and Billboard following the release of their album, Kenopsia (2021), and hit track “Life Imitates Life.” Their shoegaze and emo influences hint at an impressive set.
METTE – Thursday, August 1st
Multi-talented singer METTE moved to music in 2023 with debut pop EP METTENARRATIVE. On the EP, she flows through various topics such as femininity and racism over synth heavy productions. Earlier this year, she opened for Taylor Swift’s London shows of The Eras Tour.
Lola Young – Friday, August 2nd
Influenced by Joni Mitchell, Adele, and Frank Ocean, singer-songwriter Lola Young opens up about mental illness, trauma, and heartbreak. Her latest album, This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway (2024), is a raw blend of R&B and rock that embraces Young’s powerhouse vocals.
Tiny Habits – Friday, August 2nd
Folk-pop trio Tiny Habits began touring with other artists such as Ingrid Michelson, Gracie Abrams, and Lizzy McAlpine before releasing their EP, Tiny Things (2023), and album, All For Something (2024). The group’s steady harmonies and sound shine on “Mudroom” and “Wishes.”
McKenna Grace – Friday, August 2nd
Actress/singer-songwriter McKenna Grace is brutally self-aware on tracks such as “Bittersweet 16” and “LOSER!!” Her blend of pop-rock and angst-heavy lyricism is refreshing to witness.
Infinity Song – Saturday, August 3rd
Known for their viral hit “Hater’s Anthem,” the sibling-quartet Infinity Song’s dreamlike melodies and production adds a new perspective to soft rock R&B. Their debut record, Metamorphsis, further solidifies their 70s inspired sound and includes a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.”
Brigitte Calls Me Baby – Saturday, August 3rd
Consisting of Wes Leavins (lead singer), Devin Wessels (bassist), Jeremy Benshish (drummer), Trevor Lynch (guitarist), and Jack Fluegel (guitarist), band Brigitte Calls Me Baby bring an intense energy and power back to modern indie-rock. Their debut EP, This House Is Made Of Corners (2024), merges several genres and decades centered on the band’s high drama instrumentation and Leavins’ old soul singing.
The Last Dinner Party – Sunday, August 4th
British female-fronted band The Last Dinner Party experiments with baroque pop and art rock on their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy, released earlier this year. They gained traction for their daring singles “Nothing Matters” and “Poor Things.”
Slow Pulp – Sunday, August 4th
Chicago-based band Slow Pulp got their start during the pandemic with the release of their album, Moveys. Fans of Alex G, Alvvays, and Soccer Mommy would enjoy Slow Pulp’s mellow lyrics and somber tones.
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