Stage Buzz: Lollapalooza 2025 Undercard: Ratboys, julie, Orla Gartland, Winnetka Bowling League, Wasia Project, Wunderhorse
Lollapalooza returns for its 20th year to historic Grant Park in Chicago on the lakefront. From its “humble” beginnings as a traveling tour in the ’90s to its current incarnation as a 4-day celebration of emerging and headlining artists across every imaginable genre each summer, Lollapalooza has developed a unique connection to Chicago despite its expansion to other continents. Here are some of our must-see picks for the undercard.
Ratboys, Thursday, July 31 • Bud Light Stage • 1:30 pm
Chicago-based indie rockers Ratboys (Topshelf Records) have achieved the proverbial slow build to reach their current level of critical and commercial acclaim. Still, their breakout album, The Window, serves as a benchmark for their current standing. With high-ranking reviews in Pitchfork and massive streaming numbers on Spotify (200k monthly listeners and 2.5 million streams for their top song “Go Outside,) the band is on the Bud Light stage on Thursday, July 31 at 1:30 p.m
julie, Thursday, July 31 • Lakeshore Stage • 2:00 pm
LA-based rock trio julie will grace Lollapalooza after releasing their debut full-length album, My Anti-Aircraft Friend this past September. julie’s low-fi, born-again 90s grunge and shoegaze sound takes inspiration from acts like Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, and Swirlies with a fresh 21st-century cynicism. The breakout band will play an encore aftershow at Lincoln Hall on Sunday, August 3rd with support from Atlanta’s Lowertown following their Day One set at the Lakeshore Stage.
Orla Gartland
Orla Gartland, Friday, August 1 • The Grove Stage • 4:00 pm
Irish-born, London-based singer, songwriter, and producer Orla Gartland has had an eventful year, what with the release of her sophomore album Everybody Needs a Hero (boasting collaborations with Declan McKenna and Tommy Lefroy) and her first-ever North American headlining tours in the fall and spring. Now, the indie pop-rocker is embarking on a festival-forward victory lap. Catch her electric set at The Grove on Friday, August 1st.
Winnetka Bowling League, Saturday, August 2 • Lakeshore Stage • 12:25 pm
There are no residents of Chicago’s affluent north shore in the Winnetka Bowling League. Besides, Winnetka has no bowlers; they’re all polo players (sarcasm). Led by LA-based Uber-talented musician/DJ Matthew Koma, who has collaborated with a range of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Pink, and Steve Aoki. Kona’s pop/punk project (along with his brother Kris Mazzarisi and keyboardist Sam Beresford) seems to be a labor of love, powered by the latest album Sha La La, which recalls ‘80s bands like OMD and Altered Images yolked with modern musicality. 12:25 Lakeshore stage Saturday, Aug 2.
Wasia Project, Saturday, August 2 • Tito’s Stage • 1:45 pm
Siblings William Gao and Olivia Hardy’s Wasia Project – named aptly for their British-East Asian heritage – formed in 2019, but was born out of an upbringing that combined both traditional music education and an appreciation for the modern zeitgeist. The group blends jazz and classical elements with ethereal alt-pop hooks, reminiscent of fellow “jazz pop” leviathan (and fellow wasian) Laufey, who brought the duo on her 2024 U.S. tour. They’ll be gracing the Tito’s stage on Saturday, August 2nd.
Wunderhorse
Wunderhorse, Sunday, August 3 • Tito’s Stage • 2:00 pm
English rock band Wunderhorse joins the Lollapalooza lineup after a big year of success. After critical acclaim for their 2022 album Cub, the band set out to roughen their edges on 2024’s Midas. With cutting, unfiltered energy and well-clamored poetry, this British guitar band has taken the 90s indie-guitar recombinations to stronger, renewed heights. Coming off a triumphant set at Glastonbury last month, this Sunday afternoon appearance is one you won’t want to miss. (Unfortunately due to band illness Wunderhorse has canceled their Lollapalooza and Reggies performances on Sunday 8/3. Get well soon.)
-Aubrey Vernon, Riley Vernon
Category: Featured, Stage Buzz
