Lollapalooza ‘15 Rising Acts: Day 2
One of the great joys of a festival is standing in the sun and sharing a communal feeling with fellow music-lovers: one of discovering a special artist, that musician that maybe someday will move from the afternoon sun on a smaller stage to eventual headliner status.
Related: Sam Smith Pays Tribute to Amy Winehouse at Lollapalooza Day 2
Day two of Lollapalooza again saw many of those moments. Here are a few of our favorites.
Sturgill Simpson
The rising alternative country star, who’s become a critical favorite, showed why he’s captured so much attention, delivering a performance that wasn’t just a breakout – it was as good as any at Lolla this weekend. A highlight was his absolutely gorgeous rendition of the 1980s When in Rome hit “The Promise.” Taking the bubbly new wave hit and turning it into a yearning love song was an inspired move that has brought him considerable deserved acclaim, but as he showed in his hourlong set, there is so much more to him than just one cover. Backed by a stellar band, he brought to mind real country, the kind the greats like Hank Williams and Merle Haggard made, all with a rocking flair and powerful voice that showed everyone there he is one of the most exciting new artists in music regardless of genre.
Banks
The Los Angeles chanteuse has become an artist to watch for her atmospheric songs and melodic vocals. She showed all of that buzz was justified with a strong hourlong appearance highlighted by songs like the title track to her breakthrough album, Goddess, “This Is What it Feels Like” and a compelling “Brain,” which saw the full force of her voice break out. She also proved to be a strong performer, showing a lot of personality as she engaged with the crowd often. She also showed her obvious joy at being at Lollapalooza, which she expressed by saying, “This feels like such a momentous day, it’s f—ing Lollapalooza.” Her joy was infectious.
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Early-day slots at festivals can be thankless, finding bands playing to tiny crowds in the blazing heat. But when you approach it with the vigor and glee that English band Catfish and the Bottlemen exhibited, it becomes something much greater, a band rising to the challenge of winning over new fans. The U.K. quartet definitely did that Saturday with an uplifting blend of pop and rock that was as fun as it was engaging.
G-Eazy
The Bay Area rapper was a ubiquitous presence on day two of the festival, appearing with dance stars Carnage and New Orleans’ Pell. But it was his own closing set at the Pepsi stage that showed why he has become a rising star on the rap scene, with his These Things Happen album debuting at No. 3 on the charts. With his aggressive beats, dynamic stage presence, and some hardcore lyrics, he had the crowd literally bouncing with pleasure. And that he had a crowd at all opposite Metallica, Sam Smith, and Alesso says a lot about the dedication of his fans.
Tame Impala
To be fair, Australia’s Tame Impala is already a well-established alternative band with a loyal and devoted fanbase thanks to songs like “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” and “Elephant.” But on a day with so many big-name acts across the whole park and eight stages, it’s easy for acts to get lost in the shuffle. Tame Impala made sure that didn’t happen with a memorable hourlong set that reminded why they developed the following they have in the first place. Playing several new songs from the just-released Currents album, highlighted by “Let It Happen” and “Eventually,” the Aussies had one of the standout sets of the day.
photos: Getty Images
