Photo Recap: Pitchfork Music Festival with Phoebe Bridgers, Yaeji, and More

This September, I covered Pitchfork Music Festival, my all-time favorite Chicago affair, for our very own PILOT Magazine. I had the best time consuming my weight in Connie’s Pizza, sifting through retro garments at the craft fair, and engaging in copious discussions about Wilco. As a bleak winter closes in on the Windy City, I thought it was time to reminisce on sunnier days at Union Park raves. Here are eight incredible performances that make me wish I had a time machine:

#1 Phoebe Bridgers

The famed “Motion Sickness” singer (and a personal favorite of basically everyone on PILOT staff) needs no introduction. Exceedingly cool and impossibly bold, Bridgers spent a little over an hour playing stunning acoustic ballads that made me want to simultaneously cry and scream at every man in sight — but, like, in a good way.

#2 Yaeji

Yaeji seamlessly integrates musings on modern identity with high-energy club tunes, so it is no surprise that her crowd was among the most lively of the entire festival. Her energy was contagious, and immediately after the show I added the entirety of What We Drew 우리가 그려왔 to my Spotify.

#3 Ela Minus

Ela Minus’ show bordered on mythic when a bee landed on her finger and she continued playing the synthesizer. With impressive artistry, fearless speaker hopping, and expert control over the creatures of Union Park, this set was a smash success.

#4 Angel Olsen

The Midwest native donned the stage with an assortment of string instrumentalists and a visual display reminiscent of a kaleidoscope. She also organized a surprise “Like I Used To” duet with Sharon Van Etten herself. In every possible way, Angel Olsen outdid herself.

#5 St. Vincent

I am ashamed to admit that prior to Pitchfork, the only St. Vincent song I had listened to was “Fast Slow Disco.” Now I spend half of my weeknights listening to Masseducation and watching The Nowhere Inn. Yes, this gig made that much of an impact on me.

#6 Faye Webster

I Know I’m Funny Haha was one of my favorite albums (and it is most definitely my favorite album title of) 2021, so it is no surprise that I loved Faye Webster’s performance. Worth noting, the Goose Island truck adjacent to the stage was even serving a “Better Distractions Peach Lager” inspired by the singer.

#7 Big Thief

I have loved Big Thief ever since my second year of university, when Masterpiece filled the halls of my flat all autumn. Listening to Big Thief at Pitchfork felt a bit like going back to that wonderful fall — sans having to deal with my sketchy landlord.

#8 Kim Gordon

Kim Gordon (of Sonic Youth fame) is a legend, and I think she knows it. Her set was reservedly cool in a way that I speculate can only occur after spending years as a riot grrrl figurehead. Personally, I’ve never felt so honored to photograph someone.