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MADEON

by Jamie Robash
photo by Diego Andrade

At just 17 years old, French-born DJ Hugo Pierre Leclercq (a.k.a. Madeon) uploaded a YouTube video he titled “Pop Culture”, which was an amalgamation of 39 popular songs that he strung together via a Novation Launchpad. The video racked up a few million hits in just a few days and from there, he became known inside and outside of the EDM scene as one of the most important new acts in the genre. Soon he was playing Coachella and Lollapalooza as well as producing three songs for Lady Gaga’s Artpop. Madeon has long favored releasing singles in place of an entire album, with his only full-length offering being 2015’s Adventure. Yet earlier this year, Madeon rumored another full-length was forthcoming and that the bulk of the work (along with a brand new live show) would debut at this year’s Lollapalooza. Start salivating now.

9:00-10:00 PM
American Eagle Stage

JUDAH & THE LION

by Jamie Robash
photo by Connor and Rachel Dwyer

Tennessee three-piece Judah & the Lion are a musical Proteus shaping rock, folk, electronica, bluegrass, and hip-hop into a Southern-fried stew of melodic, high-octane hits. Vocalist/guitarist Judah Akers, mandolinist Brian Macdonald, and banjoist Nate Zuercher formed the group in 2011 at Nashville’s Belmont University, initially finding a following for their Christian theme-based songs. As time wore on, the band widened their thematic schematic to appeal to a broader audience. This along with their sound, which is impossible to nail down, brought the band early attention with their debut EP, 2013’s Sweet Tennessee, followed a year later by their opening full-length, Kids These Days, further propelling them into the spotlight with their viral single “Kickin’ da Leaves”. Their popularity grew ten-fold with their certified gold single, “Take It All Back” from 2016’s Folk Hop N’ Roll. Their latest, this year’s Pep Talks, is their most intimate and introspective offering to date.

7:45-8:45 PM
Lake Shore Stage

GARY CLARK JR.

by Anthony V. Fraccalvieri
photo by Frank Maddocks

A contender for a face on rock guitar Mount Rushmore alongside Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, it would seem that Gary Clark Jr. doesn’t have much left to prove. From a Grammy for his 2014 single “Please Come Home” to opening slots for The Rolling Stones to accolades from President Obama, one can’t argue that Clark doesn’t have the Midas touch. It would be uncharacteristic of such a luminary to sit on his laurels, however. On the title track of this year’s release This Land, Clark explores what it means to be a successful young black man leveling up on his lifestyle. Much like Notorious B.I.G. did on “Juicy” 25 years ago, Clark doesn’t apologize for getting paid as he delivers cutting lines such as: “50 acres and a Model A, right in the middle of Trump country.” Perhaps he does have more to prove, after all.

4:45-5:45 PM
T-Mobile Stage

FANTASTIC NEGRITO

by Rene Cobar
photo by DeAndre Forks

Whenever an artist dials a blues-rock sound up to 10, listening minds are bound to be rattled. As was the case in the ‘70s with Zeppelin, Fantastic Negrito is blasting through the speakers of a generation and reminding everyone that dirty rock still kicks ass. The two-time Grammy-winning artist launches powerful critiques about American society with the help of distorted guitar riffs, quaking drums, and slithery basslines. Fantastic Negrito’s social commentary covers the medical industry, racial oppression, and the youth’s shrinking affinity for history’s transgressions. Fantastic Negrito comes at a time when interchangeable pop and hip-hop music is dominating the charts but he is not shy about going his own way, presenting distinctive music that draws heavily from vibrant cultures. The soulful blues singer guarantees an electric show at this year’s Lollapalooza, gathering masses ready to lose themselves to the might of rock ‘n’ roll alongside the sobering truth of his messages.

2:00-3:00 PM
Tito’s Vodka Stage

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