Weather wise, day two of Pitchfork Music Festival got off to a much better start than day one. There were no switch ups or lengthy delays, making for one for the smoother days at Pitchfork Music Festival. The utter lack of rain and breezy temps really livened up everyone's spirits, even though the grounds were a muddy mess and the cloudy skies remained gloomy. But once again the crowd and acts came ready for a good time and they certainly succeeded.
You can check out our coverage of day one of Pitchfork Music Festival here and coverage of day three here!
Jeff Parker and the New Breed @ Green Stage
I honestly can't think of a better way to start day two of Pitchfork than with an excellent jazz set from Jeff Parker and the New Breed! Fantastic instrumentation throughout, which at one point included Macie Stewart of OHMME on violin, the set felt like a nice reset after yesterday's damp day. Parker and crew delivered a beautiful set full of jams and chill out sessions that truly set the tone for the day.
- Julian Ramirez
Cupcakke @ Red Stage
In contrast to the opening set, Cupcakke exploded onto the stage ready for a party. The dirtiest and nastiest set of the day (and I mean that in the most positive way), Cupcakke was here to spread as much pure sex positivity as she could. And that she did as her explicit lyrics filled the air and even came back to her as the devoted fans belted them right back at her. You haven't lived until you hear a performer and crowd rap about deepthroating.
- Julian Ramirez
The Linda Lindas @ Green Stage
The first time I listened to The Linda Lindas on Spotify, I was shocked to find out all of their members are still children! I’m always impressed when kids can do stuff that some adults could only dream of doing. The crowd at their set, which was a lot more appropriate than Cupcakke’s previous set, was buzzing with indie-head parents and their earmuffed toddlers. It was amazing to see such young people on stage getting to fulfill their dreams at such a young age. The Linda Lindas are rock stars and they proved that age is just a number and talent comes from within!
- Andrew Lagunas
The Armed @ Blues Stage
Hardcore punk, karate moves, crowd surfing, juggalo make up, and lots of yelling. No that's not an old SNL Stefon bit but just some of the antics at The Armed's Blue Stage spot, likely the most insane set of the weekend. It would be an understatement to say that both the band and the crowd were enthusiastic about the performance. Every member of The Armed had their chance to shine and we going full force throughout the set, aggressively pushing out their raucous sound to a sea of moshing fans. Having just played Schubas the previous night, I was shocked they still had so much to give.
- Julian Ramirez
yeule @ Blue Stage
yeule came to Pitchfork ready to amaze with one of the more theatrical sets of the day. And that's saying something because Saturday was full of very evocative performances. Reminiscent of FKA Twigs' set in 2016, yeule's interpretive dancing worked so well with their dreamy synth pop. Add to that her amazing outfit and mesmerizing atmosphere, and you have one of the more unique sets at the fest!
- Julian Ramirez
Dry Cleaning @ Green Stage
You'd have to wait between song performances to realize that Dry Cleaning's Florence Shaw was having a good time. Because when she's doling out her post punk spoken word lyrics, there is a disgusted, scowling look on her face. Between songs she's nothing but smiles, really taking it all in. But it fits, especially with tracks like "Unsmart Lady" which places a spotlight on the shitty and gross ways women are spoken to and about. Then songs like "Strong Feeling", which details a hidden love for someone, are only made better by Shaw's disgruntled faces.
- Julian Ramirez
Magdalena Bay @ Red Stage
What better way to spend the afternoon at Pitchfork than dancing to Magdalena Bay? Duo Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin put on the most of this world dance party and Pitchfork was fortunate enough to have witnessed them perform Mercurial World front to back! It was an unexpected surprise because I was not anticipating them performing their entire album that made them climb to where they are today. Mica had one of the most high energy and animated stage presences I have ever witnessed. Paired with high energy synth pop; you have yourself a truly underrated act at Pitchfork this year.
- Andrew Lagunas
Lucy Dacus @ Green Stage
Lucy Dacus has been riding a high recently and her set this weekend has only made her mark on the music world so much more impactful. Lucy is not afraid to be vulnerable on stage, and it seemed like she opened to her fans even more at Pitchfork which made for an intimate-like show in a not so intimate setting. Being the busiest day all weekend, it also seemed like Dacus drew in one of the largest crowds all weekend. She really got the crowd going with her self reflective and relatable “I Don’t Wanna Be Funny Anymore.” I could hear the entire crowd singing back to her. It was a beautiful moment at the festival not only as an attendee but also for Lucy getting the recognition and love she deserves. Towards the end of her set, Dacus performed an honorable cover of Cher’s “Believe,” and had the entire crowd singing. Lucy Dacus put on an absolutely groundbreaking performance over the weekend that had fans crying, dancing, and singing their hearts out.
- Andrew Lagunas
It also needs to be said: Lucy Dacus drew in the LOUDEST crowd of the weekend. I actually jumped as I heard the crowd yell as she came on to the stage.
- Julian Ramirez
Japanese Breakfast @ Red Stage
Japanese Breakfast turned Pitchfork into her very own jubilee on Saturday at the Red stage. It felt like a majority of the fests attendees were anticipating seeing this phenomenal Philadelphia alternative band; as they trekked Pitchfork’s marshy grounds with the newly infamous Be Sweet Lager in hand. The band released this exclusively for the fest in partnership with Goose Island and it tasted heavenly. (The can made for a cute souvenir as well!) Zauner welcomed Pitchfork into her world, opening with her sparkling orchestral anthem “Paprika.” Watching Michelle hit the gong at the start of the show is something I don’t think I will ever get tired of seeing. The crowd was instantly captivated by Japanese Breakfast. Zauner also welcomed Jeff Tweedy on stage, just in time for the sunset for a couple of songs including Wilco's "Jesus, etc" and her very own “Kokomo, IN.” Japanese Breakfast is a Pitchfork veteran and she has bloomed so much since her last appearance at the fest, they definitely put on one of the most electrifying sets for the weekend.
- Andrew Lagunas
Mitski @ Green Stage
Pitchfork’s day two headliner Mitski was met with great anticipation. She drew nearly the largest crowd all weekend and with great reason. She put on an entire theatrical performance. There are very, very few musical artists (to my knowledge) that go above and beyond to make their entire performance a spectacle and Mitski is one of those select few. On top of singing her songs, Mitski also acts out the songs/lyrics in an artistic, almost interpretive dance-like manner. Opening her set with her newly made single “Love Me More” from Laurel Hell, Mitski immediately let the crowd know she was not messing around. Throughout her set she inaudibly screamed, danced, jumped, hysterically rubbed her skin and just about anything else you could think of. It was very entertaining seeing Mitski display her emotions through her body movements; something I didn’t know would make a show 100 times more immersive.
- Andrew Lagunas
All photos by Julian Ramirez & Andrew Lagunas