Jeff Rosenstock
Jeff Rosenstock
WHEN THEY'RE PLAYING: Friday, May 25 | 1:45pm | Yeti Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THEM: In the cold of January, Jeff Rosenstock released Post-, an album full of power pop anthems. Listen to the album and then consider that Rosenstock is known to have live sets that transcend what he presents in the studio, both musically and emotionally. Breaking the wall between sound and stage, Rosenstock brings the audience into his frustration and through that event somehow creates a brief moment of catharsis, no mean feat in this political climate. Still unsure of whether to leave your camp early and head in to see Rosenstock at 1:45? Watch the below set from the 2017 Pitchfork Music Festival and you’ll have your answer.
Pond
Pond
WHEN THEY'RE PLAYING: Friday, May 25 | 7:30pm | Yeti Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THEM: Featuring a set of musicians who are former or revolving members of Tame Impala, Pond’s live shows are comprised of spectacular psych-pop moments. Whether it's Pond frontman Nick Allbrook wailing for his life during “30000 Megatons" (listen below), multi-instrumentalist Jay Watson powering “Whatever Happened to the Million Head Collide” or the whole band wrenching out the audience's heart with “You Broke My Cool,” the entire show will sweep you off your feet. If you were ever jealous of your parents for getting the opportunity to see bands like Zeppelin, Sabbath and The Doors, then Pond is your answer to even the score.
Tyler Childers—click to see more photos by Chad Lanning
Tyler Childers
WHEN THEY'RE PLAYING: Saturday, May 26 | 2:15pm | Sasquatch Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THEM: After having received the stamp of approval from Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers is having his moment on stages across the United States. And while he may not be a household name yet, Childers has that true blue, traditional feel-it-in-your-bones type of country sound that makes you just know a set from him will be one you will never forget.
Jlin—photo by Ryan Lowry
Jlin
WHEN THEY'RE PLAYING: Saturday, May 26 | 7:15pm | El Chupacabra Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THEM: The way this 30-year-old from Gary, Ind., is making such a mark is by taking a sound with its roots in Chicago (footwork) and making it all her own. Where previous legends like the late DJ Rashad built footwork through the samping of hip-hop and drum & bass, Jlin distills footwork into its rawest form, carefully composing pieces that blend elegance and menace.
Soccer Mommy
Soccer Mommy
WHEN THEY'RE PLAYING: Sunday, May 27 | 1:00pm | Sasquatch Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THEM: Avril Lavigne is unashamedly one of Soccer Mommy frontwomen Sophie Allison’s influences and if you squint you can kind of imagine that this is how Lavigne’s sound might have evolved had she kept with it. But make no mistake, Soccer Mommy is not your quintessential pop rock; instead, Allison has created a dreamy, well-crafted sound that captures your attention from the first note. Listening to the band's 2018 release, Clean, one can imagine how there may not be a better show to snag an early seat on the hill and lounge your afternoon away to.
Tank and The Bangas—click to see more photo by Tojo Adrianarivo
Tank and The Bangas
WHEN THEY'RE PLAYING: Sunday, May 27 | 3:30pm | Sasquatch Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THEM: If there is one do not miss show of this year's Sasquatch, it is, with apologies to Thundercat, Anderson .Paak and David Byrne, Tank and The Bangas. Hailing from NOLA, Tank and The Bangas distinct blend of poetry, funk, rap, jazz, funk, soul, gospel and pop will leave you with an experience you won't soon forget. From the moment they hit the stage to the last note punctuated by a crowd that can’t stop roaring from more, Tank and The Bangas create the epitome of what a live music show should be. Seriously, just go see them!
