Kojaque among stacked line-up for Pitchfork Festival Paris

Pitchfork really outdid themselves this time. Yesterday they released one of the best lineups of the year for their Pitchfork Paris Festival, which is between October 31st and November 2nd. The 3-day festival quite clearly caters to a different genre each day. The first being primarily electronic and hip-hop, the second indie, and the third being pop. There’s a lot to unpack, so first let's get the heavyweights out of the way.

On day 1 there’s Skepta, Mura Masa, Hamza, Zola, and Ateyaba. Day 2 (my personal favorite) has sets from Chromatics, Belle & Sebastian, Primal Scream, and Weyes Blood. Yet, the biggest names are saved for the last day, which features Charli XCX and The 1975. Now, amidst all these great artists, it might be easy to miss over some of the diamonds in the rough. So, now I’d like to point your way to one smaller artist from each day you need to see.

If you make it to Paris, absolutely go represent the city and catch Dublin’s very own Kojaque on day 1. The Irish rapper has been carving out a distinctly fresh voice for himself over the past four years, and he’s currently at his best. Check out Kojaque’s most recent record Deli Daydreams to prep.

This next artist I can’t recommend you see enough. The masked, queer, cowboy Orville Peck will be performing at the festival on day 2. If you haven’t heard his debut record Pony, give it a listen and I’m sure you’ll be sold, It’s easily a contender for album of the year. He’s a unique talent I’d advise you see while fresh.

Finally, nestled in one of the bottom rows of Day 3’s star-studded pop lineup is the divine Jessica Pratt. A folk artist with a nearly mystical voice, Pratt takes advantage of a minimal, “less is more” approach. I had the chance to see her play in a dive-bar in Boston a couple of years back, and it was one of the most hypnotizing performances I've ever seen.

Whether you're planning to go just one or all three days of Pitchfork Festival Paris, know that beyond the headliners at the top there are also plenty of smaller artists towards the bottom you should make some time for. Pitchfork has successfully curated a lineup for music fans all across the board. Check out the full list of acts here.