
Tayla Parx
Photo: Erika Goldring/FilmMagic/Getty Images
11 Breakout Acts You May Have Missed At Lollapalooza 2019
Everybody's talking about the many memorable performances from this weekend's latest Lollapalooza installment in Chicago, from Kacey Musgraves "golden hour" set to J Balvin's surprise guests to Ariana Grande premiering her new single. But the best of the fest might belong to the newcomers, artists who made the most of their chance to shine in front of fresh audiences.
In case you couldn't be everywhere at once this weekend, here are nearly a dozen stellar sets you might have missed at Lollapalooza 2019.
Alexander 23
For fans of: Alec Benjamin, Cautious Clay, Jacob Whitesides
Alexander 23 had an impressive crowd turn up for his set on the BMI stage, kicking off the first day of the festival. The Chicago native showed off his instrumentality on stage, performing on several instruments while keeping the crowd engaged and belting out his songs. Alexander performed “Another Summer Night Without You,” his latest single which will be on the upcoming season of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why.
Picture This
For fans of: Keywest, Vance Joy, The 1975
The four-piece rock band from Ireland performed their music off their latest album, MDRN LV. Picture This filled the giant stage space effortlessly and put on an energetic performance that fans won’t soon forget. The main stage’s jumbotron showed a group of fans that came from Ireland for the occasion, hoisting up their native country’s flag. Though their set was early, fans showed up and Picture This had them jumping up and down.
Against The Current
For fans of: Misterwives, PVRIS, Paramore
The trio took the shaded BMI stage to perform their debut Lollapalooza set on Sunday. Against The Current had the audience dancing throughout their entire set and even went into the crowd at a point. The band seamlessly blend pop, rock and hints of other genres to create a unique sound. During the show, lead singer Chrissy Costanza did her signature back-breaking bend where she still managed to belt out her vocal part without missing a beat.
The New Respects
For fans of: Alabama Shakes, Andra Day, Sufjan Stevens
The New Respects kicked off day two of the festival on Friday with a standout performance on BMI’s stage. Hailing from Nashville, the band have performed at a number of high profile festivals including Bonnaroo. Even casual passers by at Lollapalooza seemed to walk away converted to fandom after seeing their electrifying performance.
Whipped Cream
For fans of: Zeds Dead, Rezz, Bauer
Whipped Cream (Caroline Cecil) is a force to be reckoned with in electronic music, and her Lollapalooza set proved this. Performing on the legendary Perry’s Stage, she brought the production and high energy to make the crowd move. Playing at 2:10 PM, she drew the largest crowd at an earlier slot for the festival, extending well past the soundboards and pulsing with the music.
Scarypoolparty
For fans of: Lukas Graham, John Mayer
You may remember Alejandro Aranda from "American Idol" as the runner up on Season 2 this year. Arnada became known for performing his own original music on the television show which normally uses cover songs. Now he has created his own stage name, Scarypoolparty, and has one sold-out headlining tour under his belt and a fall tour coming up next. Even though he has yet to release a full-length debut album, fans knew every word to his songs at Lollapalooza.
Ruston Kelly
For fans of: Brent Cobb, Jason Isbell, Brandy Clark
Lollapalooza has a space for every genre of music, including country. Ruston Kelly is one of three country artists on the festival’s lineup which includes his wife, Kacey Musgraves, and up and coming artist, Jade Bird. It’s easy to be serenaded by Kelly’s vocals, and a number of festival-goers just walking by his stage ended up being pulled in by his performance to stay for his entire set.
The Band Camino
For fans of: Chase Atlantic, Bad Suns, Nightly
Nashville-based rock outfit The Band Camino kicked off day three of the festival on Saturday afternoon, proving just why pop-rock is making a comeback into music's mainstream. The quartet was humble yet had a confidence in performing that seemed to consistently coax the crowd into every song.
Tayla Parx
For fans of: Solange, Janelle Monae, Ariana Grande
You may not know Tayla Parx's new solo music, but you know her music and lyrics from songs recorded by artists such as Ariana Grande, Tori Kelly, Christina Aguilera, BTS, among other acts. Parx walked onto the stage, which was filled with giant inflatable cactuses, with infectious energy. Her live performance sounds every bit as on-point as her debut album recordings, which speaks to the performer and vocalist Parx is.
I’ll be giving away 2 tickets for some TaylaTots to come turn up with me at #LOLLAPALOOZACHICAGO on Sunday! Details coming soon :) pic.twitter.com/1jCBnUTP9D
— TAYLA PARX (@TAYLAPARX) July 30, 2019
Omar Apollo
For fans of: Leon Bridges, Cuco, Boy Pablo
Omar Apollo seemed like he was living the dream on stage at Lollapalooza. After watching Apollo perform, there’s no denying that he has a true passion for musicianship with a sharp focus on connecting with the crowd. Apollo doesn’t need a giant production or stage gimmicks to win an audience over, his inspired delivery of his own brand of psychedelic soul songs is unmistakable..
Sam Fender
For fans of: Hozier, Blossoms, George Ezra
The UK's Sam Fender may only have released four singles, but his festival performance proved why he is on his way to becoming a future headliner. His fusion of retro pop, indie and rock create his own lane, and his set consisted of his released material along with songs from his forthcoming debut album, Hypersonic Missles.