Day one
A Hero’s Journey
We all know what they say about best laid plans, but when we left 88Nine around noon on Friday, we firmly believed we could make it to Pitchfork Music Festival by late afternoon. After nearly three hours of driving, one wrong "L" train and multiple confusing directions to the press entrance, we arrived at Pitchfork tired, damp from the rain, but in an unbelievably good mood. With the sounds of Courtney Barnett’s “Depreston” echoing through Union Park, we were ready to make the most of (what was left of) day one.
Eventually…
Crowds braved the rain to take in headliner Tame Impala’s visually electrifying set, complete with colorful screens and lasers to amplify their psychedelic rock tunes, featuring crowd favorites “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” and “Eventually.”
Day two
As heard on 88Nine
Nilüfer Yanya brought the cool, indie vibes Pitchfork goers live for in her Saturday afternoon set, capturing the crowd with new releases “Golden Cage” (which we play here on 88Nine) and “Angels.”
Take cover
Rain and intermittent lightning threatened Moses Sumney, Raphel Saadiq and Blood Orange’s sets, but that didn’t stop this trio of performers from forming the perfect musical build to the festival’s evening portion. With the exception of Raphael Saadiq’s hesitant cover of Solange’s “Cranes in the Sky,” during which we realized no one actually knows the words, each artist delivered a smooth set that had people grooving throughout the afternoon.
Book Fort for one
While the Book Fort was not the overwhelming collection of books that its name implies, the Poster Fair and Record Fair didn’t leave us wanting: row after row of vinyl and cassettes, posters, pins and stickers galore left our pockets full and wallets empty.
Looks like fun
The inviting rhythms and waving hands at Kelela’s set were the kind to make you take notice from across the festival, thinking, “Now that looks like fun.” Her confidence on stage was obvious and she held total command of the Blue Stage from the moment she stepped out until the last note ended.
Get hip to it
Today’s hot takes on Pitchfork fashion: Moses Sumney’s bat-inspired outfit was the perfect amount of eccentric. Raphael Saadiq could stand to lose the hat and the all-white theme at Kelela had us seeing angels. The trends we spotted among the Pitchfork youth include patterned shirts, nose jewelry, and one-piece outfits. Do with that what you will.
What are the Foxes Saying?
Fleet Foxes’ careful harmonies and acoustic sound may be better suited to a concert venue than a festival. Much of their set felt muted as the sound was swallowed by the open outdoor setting. That being said, Fleet Foxes delivered their trademark solid performance and the visual elements of their set complimented their sometimes soaring, sometimes somber melodies.