There are more than 170 bands to choose from, four chock-full days of rock, rap and electronic music on eight stages in Grant Park: Who would you see at Lollapalooza?
The Tribune asked local celebs, folks who work around music, a local blogger and some high school students to find out. Here’s what they said.
Andrew Barber, hip-hop blogger
Andrew Barber is owner and creator of Chicago hip-hop blog Fake Shore Drive
Danny Brown
I went on tour with Danny two years ago, and I watched and studied his show every night. I knew it front to back. Now with a new album coming out this fall, he’s sure to have some new material and new tricks up his sleeve. Can’t wait to hear the new stuff.
Future
This will be pure mayhem. I saw him make the Aragon almost explode in February, so Future in a festival setting could be the apocalypse.
Joey Purp
A great last-minute addition to the fest. I’m glad the rest of the world is finally catching on to Joey and his greatness. We’ve been trying to tell people for years. He’s getting his just due.
Smino
The artist I’m most excited to see is Smino — he’s a native of St. Louis who now resides in Chicago. He’s had an incredible 2016 and has been traveling around the globe doing shows. He performed at a concert we put together in January at the Double Door, and he stole the show. I’m really excited to see him on the festival stage and watching his growth in real time. I think he might be the festival’s breakout artist this year…
Towkio
Towkio is the perfect Lollapalooza artist. His sound, style and energy will surely resonate with the crowd, so I’m excited to see his first live set since he began working with Rick Rubin in Malibu, Calif.
Vic Mensa
I’ve seen all of Vic Mensa’s Lollapalooza performances, solo and with his old band Kids These Days. But I’m excited to see what he brings to the fest in 2016. His music has taken a new direction — more political and revolutionary — and I’m sure his set will reflect this.
Monica Raymund, 'Chicago Fire' actress
Monica Raymund plays firefighter Garbriella Dawson on “Chicago Fire.” The New York-based screen and stage actress was grand marshal of Chicago’s Pride Parade in June.
Alessia Cara
She’s so young but so talented. I love her voice and smart rhythms!
Chairlift
My brother first introduced me to Chairlift when they were starting out several years ago. Love this synth pop duo.
Die Antwoord
These guys are just plain weird and bizarre, and I love their South African hip-hop beats. One thing for sure is there will never be a sound like theirs. They are the embodiment of unique music.
Grimes
I’ve seen Grimes live three times now. It’s a tradition for me — her music has been a very strong influence on a special friendship of mine and her first album was a gift to me.
Jack Garratt
I saw him in Chicago this year and would love to see him again. I think he may be one of the most talented producers in today’s digital world.
Lapsley
I’ve followed Lapsley’s young career from when she first started making music and sharing via Soundcloud. There is no other young female producer breaking the mold like she is. Do you know she does all her own vocal tracks? Brilliant kid.
Major Lazer
I’ve been following Diplo’s career for a few years now and have danced to Major Lazer beats on oh so many dance floors.
Marian Hill
I am obsessed with all things Marian Hill. When I DJ, it’s guaranteed you can expect me to drop a Marian Hill tune!
Radiohead
bc Radiohead.
Zhu
I fell in love with this producer when I heard his beats back in 2014. He’s as groundbreaking as Lapsley or Garrett and became a phenomenon when young producers like Lido started remixing and sampling his sound. He makes me excited for the future of digital music.
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Kathy Hart, morning radio host
Kathy Hart is half of the “Eric and Kathy” morning show on WTMX-FM 101.9.
The 1975
They have a song called, “Chocolate.” Enough said.
Alessia Cara
I feel like I should go see at least ONE artist that we play on WTMX-FM 101.9. 😉
Chris Stapleton
Ever since I saw Justin Timberlake play “Tennessee Whiskey” with him on the Country Music Awards, I was hooked.
Houndmouth
I saw them at Bonnaroo and loved them. But they’re one of those bands you want to keep as your “secret” so they’re always accessible at the more “intimate” venues.
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
They seem like people I would like to party with.
Marina Squerciati, 'Chicago P.D.' actress
Marina Squerciati, a screen and stage actress, plays Officer Kim Burgess on “Chicago P.D.”
Big Grams (Big Boi and Phantogram)
Big Boi from Outkast still has the smoothest flow of anyone in hip-hop. He’s paired up with Phantogram, which will be a really complex crossover production.
Bryson Tiller
Bringing that Kentucky R&B soulful sound to Chicago, looking forward to seeing him for the first time.
Disclosure
Can you say DANCE PARTY?!?!?!?
Grimes
Her voice is haunting and the music she sings over is phenomenal. She’s another that I’m excited to see for the first time.
Radiohead
The most important rock band of this generation unleashes a new album that returns to their “Pablo Honey” rock and roll roots? This is a no-brainer.
A$AP FERG
This will undoubtedly get rowdy …
Bloc Party
Their new album “Hymns” isn’t exactly my cup of tea, but those early records are full of hits (“Like Eating Glass” and “Banquet”). There will be plenty of bouncy, dancey fun throughout, a perfect way to spend your sunny Sunday afternoon.
Chris Stapleton
Finally a guy who is making a mark who has a powerful voice and plays real-deal, non-pop country.
Danny Brown
“Old” is one of my favorite albums of the last few years. I love the all-around production and his unique style. I’m sure he’ll play some new material from his highly anticipated forthcoming record, which I can’t wait to hear.
FIDLAR
They play notoriously rowdy shows, which doesn’t seem to be the norm for this year’s fest. Start the day by chugging a beer and watching some raw energy.
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
Frank Turner recently covered Cory Branan for Bloodshot’s 20th anniversary compilation, and through our unsolicited request for him to contribute to the collection and subsequent correspondence has asserted himself as one of the nicest, most talented guys playing rock and roll. Go for the good vibes, stay for the banner-waving anthems.
Frightened Rabbit
Pair Scott Hutchison’s warm, comforting voice and the band’s sad-bastard melodic indie rock, and this ranks up there as one of the acts that I wouldn’t miss.
HAIM
I’ve never seen them play, but I’ve heard it makes casual fans into devotees. Anytime you can watch a band and possibly become obsessed, I’d take that chance.
LCD Soundsystem
Back from retirement, this will likely be the most fun set of the weekend. They’ve got grooves for days and their explosive live show should be an excellent night cap. Makes going to work on Monday that much more painful.
Leon Bridges
Authentic soul/R&B revival. There’s a high probability of a pro backing band, horns and three-piece suits.
Local Natives
I saw them perform at a dive bar in Austin a few years ago at SXSW. There were about 20 people watching them, and even then you could tell their gorgeous harmonies and indie rock melodies would resonate. Great live band.
M83
Their recent release is all sorts of weird, but their electronic indie pop is perfect for having a beer and standing in a sunny field.
Modern Baseball
These dudes rip. Get your day started with some post-punk emo to warm up your guts.
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
He’s got a huge voice, and hopefully folks from the other side of the park are able to hear it.
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Pinegrove
This New Jersey band is stoking the fires in the post-punk/emo corner of my music-loving heart. “New Friends” is a total harmony-laden jam.
Radiohead
With their excellent new album, their set will blend fresh material and nostalgic classics.
Third Eye Blind
For ironic, ’90s reminiscing, this is the band to see at Lolla this year. Based on their RNC-trolling performance in Cleveland last week, they also know how to have fun and don’t take themselves too seriously. I’m in!
Yeasayer
I haven’t paid much attention to these guys since their first album “All Hour Cymbals” and “Odd Blood,” so it’s time to get reacquainted (which is sometimes how it goes with festival-going). Great live band — blending electronics, weird ambient touches and live instrumentation.
Dave Hofer and Matt Jencik, Reckless Records buyers
Dave Hofer, left, and Matt Jencik, right, are buyers for Reckless Records.
A$AP FERG
The self-proclaimed Trap Lord of the A$AP Mob, Ferg is a gifted MC whose set is likely to cause bass-induced religious epiphanies. (Hofer)
Danny Brown
Although his live show is custom-made for party-starting, this Detroit MC is a great lyricist and can flip styles on a dime. (Hofer)
Grimes
I got to see her at a festival a few years back. Her set was really fun and the crowd went nuts. (Jencik)
Kurt Vile and the Violators
One of the best songwriters around these days, and his band is the greatest (Jencik)
Nothing
Modern, dreamy shoe-gaze from this low-key Philly band. Don’t sleep on these guys just because their name is in the smallest font on the poster. (Hofer)
Radiohead
Duh. I’ve seen these guys four or five times (including last time at Lollapalooza) and they’re ALWAYS good (Jencik).
Cailey Gleeson and Sofia Godinez, local high school students
Cailey Gleeson is a senior at Trinity High School in River Forest, Sofia Godinez is a senior at Benet Academy in Lisle. Both write for the Tribune’s teen site the Mash.
The 1975
The 1975 is one of my favorite bands. I have never seen them in concert before so I’m super excited to finally see them play live. Their music is the perfect genre to be heard at a music festival and I think it is something everyone can enjoy. My friends and I always cruise to The 1975 so I can’t wait to be able to jam to them live! (Godinez)
The Front Bottoms
The Front Bottoms are definitely one of the hidden gems on Lolla’s lineup. While they stay true to their punk roots, some of their songs blend into other genres. If they don’t break out after their performance, I will genuinely be shocked. (Gleeson)
Future
Future always puts on an amazing show. Not only that, his last album was probably one of the best rap albums released in 2015. Plus, I have a feeling Drake might stop by during his set since he has a few days off of his summer tour. (Gleeson)
Halsey
Even though her aftershow was canceled, Halsey promises that fans will have the full “Badlands experience” during her Lollapalooza set. Her music is haunting yet exciting. Most importantly, she puts her heart and soul into every performance. (Gleeson)
J. Cole
Although I’m not too into rap, J. Cole is an exception. His music is very catchy and so upbeat. His show will definitely be one of the most exciting at Lolla and one that no one should miss. (Godinez)
Lana Del Rey
Lana’s performances are nothing less than incredible. Her graceful stage presence is accompanied by her stunning outfits. Since much of her music is on the slower side, her headlining set will be a calm end to the first day of the festival. (Gleeson)
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