RH Pitchfork Festival Schedule
Over the last 13 years Pitchfork Music Festival has become one of the most important and highly curated music festivals in Chicago, which says a lot considering that Chicago has the most summer festivals of any city in America. This year's festival is dominated by internationally known stars like Ms. Lauryn Hill (celebrating the 20th anniversary of her legendary album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill) and Tame Impala headlining, but earlier in the day there are a lot of upcoming rappers and singers from Chicago and beyond like Kweku Collins, Ravyn Lenae and Berhana. Because music festivals can get overwhelming we decided to put together a list of the shows that we're looking forward to seeing.
Friday
4:00 Open Mike Eagle @ Blue Stage
4:15 Tierra Whack @ Green Stage
5:15 Saba @ Red Stage
6:15 Syd @ Green Stage
8:30 Tame Impala @ Green Stage
Saturday
1:00 Paul Cherry @ Green Stage
1:45 Berhana @ Red Stage
3:20 Nilüfer Yanya @ Red Stage
4:15 Moses Sumney @ Green Stage
5:15 Raphael Saadiq @ Red Stage
7:45 Kelela @ Blue Stage
Sunday
1:00 Nnamdi Ogbonnaya @ Green Stage
2:30 Kweku Collins @ Green Stage
3:20 Ravyn Lenae @ Red Stage
4:15 Smino @ Green Stage
5:15 Noname @ Red Stage
6:15 DRAM @ Green Stage
7:25 Chaka Khan @ Red Stage
8:30 Ms. Lauryn Hill @ Green Stage
Noname Teases New Album Release
Noname has been putting out hints about her next album all week, but in an Instagram post today she said "This the last picture I'm posting. Next one will be the album cover."
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In classic Noname fashion she is still keeping the release date a secret, but this makes it seem like it's coming soon. It's been two years since Noname put out her debut album Telefone which was a success among critics and fans alike. Telefone marked a serious step forward for Noname as an artist. For years before it came out she was an artist with a handful of tracks and a lot of dope features, coming up with other Y.C.A. kids like Chance, Mick Jenkins and Saba but when she released her album she established herself as one of the dopest MCs in Chicago. It's going to be interesting to see what direction she goes after Telefone, a pensive album that balanced mortality and joy just like her city. Noname is one of the realest rappers because she doesn't try to hide her thoughts and her experiences go straight into her lyrics. I can't wait to see where she goes next.
Akenya Shares New Track "Decay"
For years Akenya has been the secret ingredient that has added jazz-fueled soulful vocals on some of Chicago's hottest artists songs. She went on tour with Noname last year and has recorded with Saba, Smino, Elton and more. She just released her first track as a solo artist in two years. Check it out.
The RH Cheat Sheet to "Red Bull Sound Select Presents: 30 Days In Chicago"
If you haven’t heard yet, Red Bull Sound Select has put together an incredible month long festival this November celebrating the Chicago music scene and the people who make it great. There is a show out there for everyone. From mainstream darlings like Young Thug and Lil Yachty, to more local homegrown sensations such as Noname or Eryn Allen Kane, we at RH wanted to get in on the fun and compiled all the shows that we wouldn’t miss for the world. All tickets and more info here.
When: Nov 4th
Where: Portage Theater
Who: Fakeshoredrive 10th Anniversary show featuring The Big Tymers, Tee Grizzley and special guests.
Why: It's incredibly hard to last 10 years doing anything, let alone anything in the music business, and then take that a step further when it comes to music blogs. But Andrew Barber and Fakeshoredrive have done it and continue to push Hip Hop music and culture further. We came in the game together, and it's only right that the whole city comes out to celebrate. Celebrating FSD's 10 years in the game is not just a celebration of one website, but of the Chicago Hip Hop community, one that has evolved tremendously in 10 years and done things have not only shifted Chicago, but the music industry as a whole.
When: Nov 9th
Where: Thalia Hall
Who: Kali Uchis, Twelve’Len, Elley Duhe
Why: Colombian-American Singer Kali Uchis has a classic sound, dripped in nostalgia for a lost era. Singing about her personal independence in a slow paced hushed manner she gives off the aura of someone who has it all figured out. This show promises to be a romantic evening, perfect for the lovers in the city.
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When: Nov 16th
Where: Concord Music Hall
Who: Mura Masa, Tennyson, Bonzai
Why: Producer Mura Masa has an eclectic background. Before he ever picked up Ableton Live and started making Electronic/Trap music he grew up playing guitar, bass, piano, & drums while performing in Punk, Gospel, & Hardcore groups. His musical roots set the framework for his diverse and energetic music that makes you feel so alive. This show promises to be a banger and you should expect to get sweaty if you’re in attendance.
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When: Nov 20th
Where: Reggie’s Rock Club
Who: Daniel Caesar, SIR, Cherrie
Why: Canadian Soul and R&B singer Daniel Caesar has been critically acclaimed since the release of his EP “Praise Break” in 2014. Steadily building a fan base through continual EP releases, Caesar is the king of ballads at the moment. His music makes me feel like I’m becoming a better me, learning from all the mistakes and blessings along the way. If you are looking for a spiritual sentimental moment this show is a pretty safe bet for just that.
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When: Nov 21st
Where: Concord Music Hall
Who: Noname, Buddy, The Last Artful, Dodgr
Why: Noname is a hometown hero. A staple in the YOUMedia scene and slam poetry circuit she captured the nations hearts with her verse on Chance The Rappers “Lost” back in 2013. A couple years later she unveiled her debut LP “Telefone”, which was one of the best albums of the last five years. Noname does not make filler music, every sentence she raps is carried with a sense of purpose unmatched by her peers. This show is definitely for the city.
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When: Nov 25th
Where: Space
Who: Kweku Collings, Kamau, Trapo
Why: Evanston native Kweku Collins has had a huge year. From unveiling his second full length project “Grey”, to tearing up SXSW, to his tour with Whitney, he is riding his streak with a full head of steam. This show promises to be a look at the near future of Hip-Hop music with Kweku’s Alternative-Rap ethos being joined by Madison’s Trapo. A fiery MC who isn’t even 20 years old yet but has made Pigeons and Planes “20 Under 20” list 3 years running.
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When: Nov 26th
Where: Lincoln Hall
Who: Zero Fatigue, Smino, Ravyn Lenae, Monte Booker, Bari, Jay2
Why: The Zero Fatigue squad have all enjoyed their own respective successes this past year. Smino became the latest person who wasn’t from Chicago to be adopted as one of the city’s own. Monte Booker is the sultan of swing and makes beats that sound like no other, his mastery of syncopation unrivaled in the scene today. Ravyn Lenae is a masterful vocalist with an airy delivery all her own. All coming together on one bill fans could witness a Voltron effect on the 26th, this will be a squad affair no doubt.
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When: Nov 28th
Where: Chop Shop
Who: Xavier Omar, Jesse Baez, Jake&Papa
Why: Xavier Omar, a smooth singer from San Antonio is one of the more overlooked R&B acts out there. After first hearing his soothing voice on “All I Need” by Noname I was impressed; once I came across his smooth & sexy EP “The Everlasting Wave” I was sold. If you are looking for a romantic evening and some dancing this is the show for you.
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Joseph Chilliams wins with Henry Church
Pivot Gang's Joseph Chilliams released his debut mixtape, Henry Church, about a week ago and then celebrated with a sold out show at Schubas. The project, which consists of 13 songs and features homies such as MfnMelo, Saba, NoName, and others, is cohesive project chock full of pop-culture references, regular-guy observations, and a fun energy throughout. That's not to say that Henry Church is devoid of seriousness or melancholy. Many of Joseph's observations are told with an air of concern and a subdued tone, especially when remembering John Walt, who was tragically killed last spring. From the cover art, to the videos, to the music, it is clear that Chilliams is serious in not taking himself too seriously. And he's winning. Enjoy the project via Soundcloud below.
Check out these 5 Chicago artists at Lollapalooza. Whitney, Noname, Kweku Collins, The O'My's and Chance The Rapper
Let’s dive into the incredible lineup at this year’s Lollapalooza. Chicago artists came to represent at one of the largest music festivals in the world. The talent to tough but their Chicago breed artist standout in a big way. Below let’s visit five artists that call Chicago their home that you absolutely can’t miss at this year’s Lollapalooza!
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Whitney
Indie-rock band Whitney will represent the Chicago indie scene well. The young band will have the perfect match of blended tunes and heart wrenching lyrics. Their debut album Light Upon the Lake is one of the best pieces of work coming out from Chicago in the past few years. Seeing them rock the stage at Lollapalooza will be a great experience for the young band. It definitely won’t be the last time on the Lollapalooza stage.
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Noname
After an incredible year of appearances at Saturday Night Live, Bronzeville native Noname will be making her Lollapalooza debut. The spoken word artist made the past year her own with her soulful and honest approach to storytelling that we hear in her latest protect, Telefone.
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Kweku Collins
Closed Sessions rapper Kweku Collins will bring his poetry and melodic rap sound to life at Lollapalooza. Making his Lollapalooza debut, the Evanston (close enough) native will represent the young label well. He will be rubbing shoulders with some heavyweight rapper while making a bold appearance at Lollapalooza in his own right.
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The O’ My’s
Rock meets soul back again when the O’ My’s return at Lollapalooza. Showing early support in their career to the likes of Chance The Rapper, the O’ My’s will receive a long overdue warm welcome. Seeing Maceo Haymes taking the stage with Nick Hennessey, Boyang Matsapola, Baron Golden, Erick Mateo will bring the longtime Chicago favorites to new heights. If you haven’t already do yourself a favor and check out their EP, Keeping The Faith.
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Chance The Rapper
This one goes without saying. If you’re from Chicago, you have to come through and support Chicago’s biggest name in the business. Chance The Rapper just a few short years ago performed at the smaller BMI stage. This year, Chance The Rapper will headline August 5 on the main stage expecting his biggest crowd to date.
After a number of incredible accolades for the young 24-year-old artist, Chance The Rapper will bring it all home at Lollapalooza. After his three well deserved Grammy wins, donating over 1 million dollars to the Chicago Public School District and widely praised third released mixtape Coloring Book, Chance’s set will be one to remember for years to come.
4-Day Passes and single day passes are currently sold-out, VIP passes are now at Lollapalooza.com.
Photos: House of Vans opens Chicago location
Vans, a brand that prides itself in music, and street culture, opened it’s door for it’s House of Vans Chicago.
The opening night featured performances from Future Islands, Digable Planets, and Chicago’s own rising star, Noname.
House of Vans Chicago also showcased photography exhibits from photographers Jonathan Mehring, Ryan Kobane, and Ashley Osborn.
Opening night featured an immerse theme of Vans signature skating and alternative rock photography work from past Vans events. The intimacy between guests was well received from the huge warehouse store turned indoor skating park, store, and music venue.
Chicago’s Noname opened the night with a headlining caliber performance. The perfect setting setter, Noname’s “Telefone” had the House of Vans guests uplifted. The Chicago hip-hop rapper and poet, could have performed the whole night without any objection. Nomane kicking off her Telefone Tour, already sold out every single stop across the U.S.
Alternative hip-hop trio Digable Planets, brought their bold Brooklyn flow to Chicago’s west side. The trip has been around for some time, the trio put no time to waste put on a rhythmic race of funky beats and spell bounding lyrics. True experts Digable Planets, made sure the House Of Vans Chicago got their dose of a old school hip-hop. Preforming classics like “Where I’m From” and “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) House of Vans Chicago were given a throwback of 90’s hip-hop treat.
House of Vans Chicago ended the night with Baltimore band Future Islands. A true showman, front man Samuel T. Herring had the crowd in a frenzy with his intense performance.
Future Islands previewed tracks from their new album “The Far Field”, the heavy spirt or prowling and growling of Herring made Future Islands performance not one to miss.
House of Vans Chicago has stated they will be free and open to the public.
Noname | Digable Planets | Future Island
