This past weekend, I went to Lollapalooza that is a music festival in downtown Chicago. It was 4 straight days of good music, good weather, and good vibes. One of the best parts about Lolla is seeing many big-name artists in one place. I got to see my absolute favorites, Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande, 21 Savage, and more. But I also got to experience a lot of smaller/less popular artists and bands that definitely had amazing sets! These are the artists I think that are worth taking a look at!
1. YBN Cordae
He was one of the first sets I saw at Lolla, and he truly has a way of captivating the audience! His flow is really smooth, and his new album that just came out is full of bops!
Genre of Music: Rap
Most Popular Song: "RNP" (feat. Anderson .Paak) (Album: "The Lost Boy" - 2019)
My Favorite Song: "Bad Idea" (feat. Chance the Rapper) (Album: "The Lost Boy" - 2019)
2. Lennon Stella
Lennon Stella has the sweetest voice ever, this music is perfect for a girls night or a late-night dance party in your room! Plus, her outfits are to die for (@lennonstella on Instagram)
Genre of Music: Singer/Songwriter, Pop
Most Popular Song: "La Di Da" (Album: "Love, me" - EP - 2018)
My Favorite Song: "BITCH" (takes one to know one) (Single)
3. Janelle Monae
I know that Janelle Monae is a well-known name in pop culture, but she is on this list because not a lot of people know her music! She is an incredibly talented and empowering singer to listen to so ladies and gentlemen alike, put this on yo playlist!
Genre of Music: Singer/Songwriter, R&B/Soul
Most Popular Song: "Make Me Feel" (Album: "Dirty Computer" - 2018)
My Favorite Song: "Yoga" (Album: Wondaland Presents: "The Eephus" - EP - 2015)
4. NF
Not only is his rapping really good, but his lyrics are also super meaningful, and his background audios really complete all of his songs! Want some angsty angry but also kinda lit rap to listen to while you drive? NF is your guy.
Genre of Music: Rap
Most Popular Song: "Let You Down" (Album: "Perception" - 2017)
My Favorite Song: "Leave Me Alone" (Album: "The Search" - 2019)
5. Bea Miller
Not only is Bea Miller super cute, super funny, and has hair like LavaGirl, she ALSO is super humble and grounded! She was fantastic to see live, I felt like her personality truly shone through.
Genre of Music: Pop
Most Popular Song: "Fire N Gold" (Album: "Not an Apology" - 2014)
My Favorite Song: "it's not u it's me" (Single - 2019)
6. The Revivalists
I never thought I'd like Rock music, but their sound is truly fantastic. I found myself vibing out to every single song they played! Also, they were super enlightening and woke throughout their set, advocating for better gun laws and reform in this country, something that was incredibly relevant and important. I will be adding them to my playlist!!
Sidenote: LOOK AT THAT HAIR!!! Glorious.
Genre of Music: Rock
Most Popular Song: "Wish I Knew You" (Album: "Men Amongst Mountains" - 2015)
My Favorite Song: "Monster" (Album: "Men Amongst Mountains" - 2015)
7. Death Cab for Cutie
This is one of the bands that I actually didn't get to see at Lolla, due to the overlap of some of my other favorite artists. However, I heard that their show was amazing and that CHANCE came out on stage!! SO I am jealous that I missed it, but definitely a great artist to listen to when you need some feel-good music.
Genre of Music: Rock/Soft Rock
Most Popular Song: "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" (Album: "Plans" - 2005)
My Favorite Song: "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" (Album: "Plans" - 2005)
8. Smino
This set was wild! Smino is a fun, laid- back, groovy artist to listen to on a summer day with a glass of lemonade in your hand, shades on, laying out in the sun.
Genre of Music: Rap
Most Popular Song: "Eternal" (feat. Smino) on Chance the Rapper's new self-titled album
My Favorite Song: "Wild Irish Roses" (Album: "blkswn" - 2017)
9. Still Woozy
It's kind of hard for me to pick a favorite song for this artist! Their set was so fun and Skinny Pete absolutely slayed the instrumentals. They were so personal with the audience, it was truly a blast. Their music is all straight jams, I highly recommend!!
Genre of Music: Soul
Most Popular Song: "Goodie Bag" (Album: "Goodie Bag" - Single - 2017)
My Favorite Song: "Habit" (Album: "Habit" - Single - 2018)
10. Francis and the Lights
My high school psychology teacher introduced me to Francis and the Lights during my senior year, and I've loved his music ever since! I'm so blessed to have seen him live! He's an incredibly good musician and dancer.
Genre of Music: Electronic Pop
Most Popular Song: "May I Have This Dance" (Album: "Farewell, Starlite!" - 2016)
My Favorite Song: "Friends" (feat. Bon Iver) (Album: "Farewell, Starlite"! - 2016)
Make sure you check out these artists!
