Lollapalooza '15 Rising Acts: Day 3
With the weather playing havoc with the day three schedule of Lollapalooza, it often felt like the music was racing against Mother Nature. But even with the early-afternoon delay and the shortened nighttime sets, there were still several acts that made sure they were going to be noticed, thunder and lightning aside.
Related: Weather Steals the Show at Lollapalooza Day 3
On a day when Florence Welch and her Machine closed out the same stage that Paul McCartney and Metallica had played earlier in the weekend, it was fitting so many female artists stood out. And Sunday also made it clear that Australia remains a very fertile musical scene.
Alison Wonderland
The Australian DJ got a lot of sympathy votes from fans at Lolla, showing up for her Sunday afternoon set at Perry’s stage on crutches due to a recent foot injury. But the crowd love she received during her hourlong stint was earned on the strength of her booming beats and vocal hooks. Wonderland, who has become a star in her native land, is starting to carry that buzz into the U.S. as well. At Lollapalooza, she showed why.
Shakey Graves
The Texas singer-songwriter was onstage when the thunderstorms and strong winds forced the evacuation of Grant Park. As a result, his set was cut short, but even during his abbreviated set he showed why he has become a massive critical favorite and has such a strong cult following. Mixing an alt-country sensibility with a band that is becoming increasingly rock-oriented and more comfortable as a unit, Graves is developing into one of the more potent live acts out there, one that can deliver songs of depth with blistering precision. And that is exactly what he and his band did at Lolla.
Angus & Julia Stone
The critically acclaimed brother/sister duo from Australia was scheduled to come on right when the weather evacuation was concluding, so they were one of the first acts of the day to be rescheduled. But that didn’t deter them at all, as they once again showed why they have become one of the most booked festival acts in recent years. Their heartfelt and moving folk tales like “The Hanging Tree” and “A Heartbreak” were a perfect way to wind down a long weekend of music.
FKA Twigs
One of 2014’s breakout cult acts, the singer-songwriter used her stage time at Lollapalooza to let everyone in the audience know she is a legitimate performer. Putting on what was more of a performance art than a concert, she incorporated an impressive visual display in the form of lights and production, her own dancing, and her dramatic trip-hop-infused songs and methodical beats, as she was completely vulnerable onstage, at one point curling up in a ball as she sang. All of this confirmed that FKA Twigs is a true artist.
Sheppard
These Australian, among them three siblings, have been honing their chops on the road since 2011. And now they have an audience, thanks to the alternative radio success of the crowd-pumping scream-along “Geronimo.” The convergence of a well-rehearsed band ready for the spotlight and eager young fans was on full display during the group’s highly energetic and musically diverse set. Fans came out for “Geronimo,” but left realizing that Sheppard is way more than a one-hit wonder.
photos: Getty Images
