If you are headed to Grant Park this weekend and looking to maximize your festival experience, Case the Producer is here to help. After spending weeks analyzing the lineups of each day, he’s produced the best possible path to get the most bang for your buck out of this year’s Lolla.
Thursday
Been Stellar (12:45-1:30, IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage)
If there’s one band I hope the Q101 faithful gravitates towards this weekend, it’s Been Stellar. After a year in which the Chicago music scene has garnered attention for its recent stellar output, Been Stellar is here to remind people that rock bands can also hail from New York City. Their debut full-length, Scream From New York, NY is the strongest top-to-bottom indie rock record I’ve heard this year. Been Stellar have successfully evolved the sound that The Strokes and Interpol scored with two decades prior. Their standout track is “Sweet”, which has been stuck on repeat for me ever since the first time I heard it.
Get to Lolla on Thursday early because you will not want to miss this band. The next time they come around, they’ll be playing much later in the day.
Fleshwater (1:45-2:45, Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage)
Remember when I told everyone last year at Riot Fest to check out Fleshwater? I’m right about things every once in awhile. The grunge-inspired sound of Fleshwater has continued to help them cultivate new fans since last September when they stormed Douglass Park. Their next major step as a band will take place Thursday on the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage. If you’re excited about seeing Deftones on Friday, you’ll love Fleshwater on Thursday.
Sam Barber (2:45-3:45, Bud Light Stage)
Here’s the thing: I know very little about Sam Barber. My guess is, just looking…everything about him, that I probably have very little in common with those that are pumped to see this country star take the stage on Thursday afternoon. The only thing I know, or want to know, about Sam Barber, is that his song “Tear Us Apart” was featured on the Twisters soundtrack and that’s good enough for me. On a soundtrack that was aggressively not for me, Barber’s song stuck out as one of the best. Thus, I will dawn my cowboy hat and boots and have a grand ol’ time at the Bud Light stage from 2:45-3:45.
Chappell Roan (5:00-6:00, T-Mobile Stage)
God, do I love this woman. Chappell Roan won the masses over while opening for Olivia Rodrigo on her recent US tour and has since become the hottest artist of the summer. Just look at the crowd she drew for Governor’s Ball in New York City. With all due respect to Hozier and Megan Thee Stallion, both of whom are lovely (in their own way), the star of Thursday, as far as I’m concerned, is the incomparable Chappell Roan. It’s amazing to think that not that long ago, she was playing places like SubT. I wish her nothing but the best.
Lizzy McAlpine (6:45-7:45, Bud Light Stage)
Now, for something completely different. If you need a cathartic comedown from the pandemonium of Chappell Roan, your next stop should be at the Bud Light stage to see the soothing sounds of one Lizzy McAlpine. McAlpine, who put out her first record in 2020, immediately became a standout in the endless pack of soothing singer-songwriters with the aforementioned Give Me A Minute. Since then, she’s expanded her sound and scored big with 2022’s five seconds flat, which featured smash-hit “ceilings”. McAlpine now returns to Chicago with her third studio album, Older, and a dedicated fanbase under her belt.
Hozier (8:30-10:00, Bud Light Stage)
I didn’t have Hozier taking over Q101’s airwaves with a smash single on my 2024 bingo card, but here we are. “Too Sweet” is a machine. Hozier is a man possessed. A decade after “Take Me to Church” and his ensuing NPR Tiny Desk sent shivers down the spine of a nation, he’s found himself with a proper follow-up hit that will alter his legacy forever. When the Lolla lineup was released, I wasn’t sure if I bought into the idea of Hozier as a headliner. Now, I couldn’t possibly doubt it.
Friday
The Stews (12:15-1:00, Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage)
I know very little of The Stews. I don’t know where they’re from, or quite frankly what their deal is, but I know that they sound like the music that my girlfriend listens to that I begrudgingly like. Is it weird that this band reminds me of Sugar Ray? Tell me there’s not a “Sugar Ray vibe” to this. They’re ultimately an above-average, pretty-boy-indie band that will bring a fanbase that I’m a foot taller than. Nothing makes me feel more out of place than a pretty-boy-indie crowd. Why is everyone there so short? Anyways, I’ll enjoy sucking down a lemonade while checking these guys out.
Militarie Gun (2:00-3:00, IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage)
Don’t bother saying hi to me if you’re at Lolla and you don’t see Militarie Gun. The hardest working band in America is back at it again, refusing to slow down a year removed from their debut record Life Under the Gun. In the span of seven months, they’ve gone on a full-blown US headline tour (with a stop in Q101’s Lounge), played every UK fest under the sun, released a song for Post Malone’s WWE video game character, and opened for A Day to Remember and The Story So Far on their amphitheater tour. Oh, and they also dropped a new song. Oh, and also frontman Ian Shelton will be playing his first show since 2022 with his other band, Regional Justice Center, two days after playing at Lolla. I quite literally don’t know how he does it. I consider myself to be a busy man, but Ian puts me, and everyone else, to shame.
Did I mention their music is great?
Tiny Habits (4:30-5:10, BMI Stage)
Friday afternoon is going to be my designated “wandering time”. I’m admittedly unfamiliar with a number of acts playing in the early afternoon, and the ones I do know that are playing post-Militarie Gun are not ones I particularly enjoy. While doing research for this piece, though, I discovered Tiny Habits, a fun, soft-spoken band that seems to excel at creating beautiful music – stuff far more pretty than I usually listen to. I’ve determined after a bit of research that I like Tiny Habits and will be checking them out on Friday.
Faye Webster (5:45-6:45, Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage)
Folks, now we’re cooking. Faye Webster, much like Lizzy McAlpine, makes incredibly charming, sensitive music and she does it better than most of her contemporaries. Webster came onto my radar in 2021’s I Know I’m Funny haha, which just slipped out of my Top 10 in what was an incredibly strong year of albums. She returned this year with Underdressed at the Symphony, a follow-up on-par with her previous work.
Kevin Abstract (7:45-8:45, IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage)
I was a freshman in college in 2017, the year that Kevin Abstract’s rap group BROCKHAMPTON took over art school bluetooth speakers with reckless abandon. That means, whether or not I’ve wanted to, I’ve heard a lot of Kevin Abstract in my life. While his sound is admittedly a far-cry from what I would usually listen to, I have come to respect his artistry quite a bit. I look forward to checking him out for the first time on Friday.
Saturday
Brigitte Calls Me Baby (12:30-1:15, IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage)
First of all, how dare Lollapalooza give us the Sophie’s Choice between Chicago bands as they have BCMB slotted at the same exact time as fellow Chicago standouts Friko. Secondly, with apologies to Friko, I will be living it up at the IHG Stage because I have developed a full-blown addiction to BCMB. A day after the release of their first full-length record, The Future Is Our Way Out, they’ll be kicking off Saturday’s festivities as only they can. No other band is doing what they’re doing right now. Even if I wasn’t a fan of their unique sound, I’d throw my hands up and embrace this level of artistry. As it turns out, however, I adore their sound, and I want nothing but outright success for Chicago’s finest band. You can check out my interview with them before Q101’s Twisted XMAS here.
Destroy Boys (IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage, 2:00-3:00)
Destroy Boys opened up for Pierce the Veil at the Aragon last December and I can assure you that it ruled. This band, led by Alexia Roditis and her frantic, anxiety-inducing vocals, seem to make a positive impression on audiences no matter who they play before or where they play. I’m delighted to see them bring some attitude to Lolla this year.
BoyWithUke (4:00-5:00, Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage)
I can only imagine what it would be like to hear BoyWithUke for the first time at age 13. I think it would’ve made me so excited that my head would’ve blown off. BoyWithUke, essentially a professional sugar rush, could end up being one of the most explosive acts of the weekend.
Ethel Cain (5:45-6:45, IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage)
Ethel Cain is a godsend. The brilliant singer-songwriter, who broke out in a big way with 2022’s Preacher’s Daughter, will make her triumphant Lollapalooza debut on Saturday evening. It’s shocking to see how little Cain has played in Chicago, only performing at Pitchfork Fest in 2022 and then again at The Riv last year in a support slot. For many people, myself included, this will be the first chance to see such a prolific songwriter in person, and I know I’m not alone in thinking this could be one of the best sets of the weekend.
Deftones (6:45-7:45, T-Mobile Stage)
What, I need to sell you on the Deftones?
Hippo Campus (7:45-8:45, IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage)
This will be the third time Hippo Campus has played Lolla and their first time in six years. The thing with Hippo Campus is: they’re really good. I kind of forget how good they are until I hear “Suicide Saturday” or “Way It Goes” and then I’m reminded that they’re the best and doing the kind of music that they do. There’s a reason they’re playing this late in the day, too. They’re a special, unbelievably underrated band. The last time I saw Hippo Campus, I was a junior in high school. Now, as a full-blown man, I look forward to seeing them again.
The Killers (8:45, T-Mobile Stage)
I’ve spent paragraphs upon paragraphs telling you about small bands that I love that you should also love. My intent is to never be too cool for the room, but I get it, sometimes it comes across that way. As a peace offering to those that find me to be pretentious and obnoxious, I share with you this: I f*cking love The Killers, to a point that yes, swearing is necessary. The Killers are one of the finest bands of the 21st century, who have produced iconic anthems, commercial masterpieces, and critical acclaim. The band has an incredible track record. They have a deep catalogue. I just think they’re great. The last time I saw them was when they played Q101’s Twisted XMAS in 2021. I’m so stoked to see them again.
Sunday
Slow Pulp (2:45-3:45, T-Mobile Stage)
Many of you are probably scrolling listlessly through this article and saying, “wait a minute, Slow Pulp is playing at 2:45, what happened to all of the other bands earlier in the day?” With all due respect to both Post Sex Nachos and Scarlett Demore, both of whom I’ve heard great things about, I will be too tired to even think about seeing live music for the first two hours of Lolla on Sunday. By the time Slow Pulp rolls around at 2:45, I’ll be back, locked in, and ready to see one of the finest bands in Chicago. Slow Pulp’s sound matches their name. They do dreamy, yet sludgey alt-rock in a way that most can only dream of. I think the world of them, and I can’t recommend seeing them enough.
Teezo Touchdown (3:45-4:45, Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
Contemporary hip hop is not my strong suit. I don’t know a ton of names, I’m often floored by how many big certain rappers are, and I am completely in the dark on a few big names. Teezo Touchdown is different. I’m not even sure Teezo is good, but I like Teezo. Two years ago, he played Lolla and during that weekend, he opened up for Turnstile during their Lolla Aftershow at SubT. Again, I’m not even sure it was good, but I had fun watching a guy rap into a rotary phone-turned-microphone for a half hour. I want to see that again, and I’m stoked that I’m going to see it on Sunday.
Pierce the Veil (4:45-5:45, T-Mobile Stage)
I saw Pierce the Veil twice last year, once at The Cubby Bear and once at the Aragon. Both times, I was just astounded at how good they were. I did not grow up caring about PTV or any of the Warped Tour bands of that ilk, but after seeing PTV and diving into that world last year, it’s easy to see why these guys are still not only around and kicking, but more popular than ever before. This is a truly excellent band and I can’t wait to see them once more.
Willis (6:50-7:30, BMI Stage)
Willis is a new band to my playlists. I was unfamiliar with their work prior to diving into Lolla bands this year, but as soon as I came across them, I liked what I heard. They scored big on TikTok with “I Think I Like When It Rains”, but the band is far more than just the audio snippet that so many are now familiar with. This band writes good, quality, dreamy music that will be the perfect way to end the evening.
Blink-182 (8:45, T-Mobile Stage)
I’ve heard these guys are good.
