More than a festival, Lollapalooza is a cultural crossroads where genre boundaries dissolve, and global artistry takes centre stage. This year’s lineup boasts a vibrant spectrum of voices redefining the sound of now, from avant-garde indie pop to K-pop royalty, genre-blending troubadours to soul-baring singer-songwriters. Here are our eight must-see performances this year:

The Last Dinner Party
Known for lush arrangements and poetic lyrics, this theatrical London quintet blends baroque pop with glam and art rock influences, with a live show that blurs the line between concert and performance art. Expect a whimsical, dramatic production that pulls you into their richly imagined musical world, and if you haven’t heard their debut album Prelude to Ecstasy, consider this your invitation.

Artemas
Darkwave alt-pop sensation Artemas is a rising star from Oxfordshire, England, and his 2024 viral hit I Like the Way You Kiss Me rightfully earned him chart success across Europe. Inspired by artists like Kurt Cobain, his visceral live shows are known for their intensity and vulnerability.

IVE
Since debuting in 2021, South Korean girl group IVE have dominated charts with hits like Love Dive, blending sleek visuals, empowering themes, and addictive pop hooks. The six-member act’s confident stage presence and crossover success in Japan and the West have cemented their global appeal. Expect polished choreography and high-octane energy from K-pop’s latest powerhouse.

Magdalena Bay
DIY to their core, LA duo Magdalena Bay crafts futuristic synth-pop full of early-2000s nostalgia. Their albums Mercurial World and Imaginal Disk combine catchy pop with experimental flair, and their live shows feature immersive visuals and inventive soundscapes. Prepare for a digital dreamworld of shimmering beats and genre-defying creativity.

Raye

Back in 2023, South London’s Raye broke free from her former label to independently release My 21st Century Blues, a powerful album exploring addiction, trauma, and resilience. Effortlessly fusing R&B, jazz, and gospel, expect a deeply emotional and musically rich performance that showcases the six-time BRIT Award winner’s incredible journey from church stages to global acclaim.

Queens Against Boarders

Celebrating diversity and hope, Queens Against Borders is a performance party that has been building solidarity with and for trans and queer refugees and migrants in Berlin and Germany since 2015. Featuring acts by artists from SWANA (SouthWest Asia & North Africa), Singapore, Brazil, Iran, and other countries, they’ll be sharing their art and personal stories over on the Fashion Stage.

Royel Otis
Australian duo Royel Otis blends jangly guitars, introspective lyrics, and laid-back charm into irresistible indie pop. Despite recent controversy briefly threatening to halt their momentum, bank on a memorable and energetic live show radiating in sincerity and grit, no doubt culminating with the brilliant Oysters In My Pocket.

Wasia Project
Sibling duo William Gao and Olivia Hardy blend jazz, indie pop, and classical influences as Wasia Project. Expect an immersive, soulful experience, and intricate compositions and like Isotope and How Can I Pretend?performed with a full band including sax and strings.