We did the homework so you don’t have to. Check back each week for the scoop on bands you can’t miss at Pitchfork, Lollapalooza, North Coast and Riot Fest this year.
Savages
The post-rock band hails from London, England and is comprised of lead singer Jehnny Beth, guitarist Gemma Thompson, bassist Ayşe Hassan and drummer Fay Milton. The band has racked up over 21,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 130,000 likes on Facebook since forming in 2011.
Savages, having recently played a show at the Metro, is currently on their “Adore Life” tour promoting their latest album of the same name. The rock band’s manifesto is “to create a sound, indestructible, musically solid, written for the stage and designed with enough nuances to provide a wide range of emotions.” With their vulnerable lyrics and edgy tone, the band caters to all the human emotions. Their electrifying sound in “The Answer” and swooshing guitar performance in “Shut Up” are sure to energize festival-goers.
Having played Coachella in 2013, Savages is set to perform Saturday at this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival.
HAIM
Fleetwood Mac-inspired pop-rock trio HAIM will be bringing their San Fernando Valley vibes to festivals across North America and Europe this summer.
Sisters Danielle, Este and Alana Haim may be better known for opening up for Taylor Swift’s “1989” tour as well as for their work with Calvin Harris on the song “Pray to God,” but the trio can stand on their own as well.
Influenced by the sounds of Joni Mitchell, the Beatles, Santana and the sounds of Motown, HAIM landed a record deal with Polydor Records in the U.K. and began crafting their 2012 EP “Forever.”
Their mixture of ‘80s pop and ‘90s R&B launched the trio to popularity, leading them to produce their first album “Days Are Gone” with bass-heavy tracks like “The Wire” and “Don’t Save Me.”
Although their album hints at a pop-influenced style, the group really packs on the rock sound in their live performances.
Playing Sunday, July 31, the last day of Lollapalooza, these girls are definitely worth a watch. Catch Danielle shredding it on guitar and Este’s famous “bass face.”
Melanie Martinez
Taking on a “Cry Baby” persona, 20-year-old Melanie Martinez aims to tell the story of a character who gradually becomes more comfortable with herself through her music.
Drawing her musical inspiration from childlike themes with a haunting twist, Martinez ties in her current happenings as a young woman embracing the idea of imperfection.
After her stint on the third season of “The Voice,” Melanie began working on original material and released her debut single “Dollhouse,” which tells the story of a family attempting to live a picture-perfect life as they mask their dark secrets.
Martinez later signed with Atlantic Records, marking the beginning of her thriving career.
Her song “Carousel,” which showcases a dark, hip-hop sound, was featured in a preview for the FX television show “American Horror Story: Freak Show.”
Her debut album “Cry Baby” is “a collection of pop songs that draw inspiration from singer-songwriter folk and hip-hop,” according to the singer.
The lead single of said album, “Pity Party,” plays a dark twist on Lesley Gore’s “It’s My Party.”
Martinez is set to bring her vintage doll persona to Lollapalooza on July 28.