Top 10 Can't-Miss Artists At Lollapalooza 2023

The countdown to Lollapalooza 2023 is on! In just 44 days Chicago's biggest, most iconic music festival is set to take over the ever-stunning Grant Park from August 3-6. Known for bringing in top talent from all over the world, this year's lineup is no exception, boasting an array of prominent international artists as well as an under card that will forever change your Spotify Wrapped.

With over 170+ artists taking the stage this weekend, it can be hard to prioritize who to see and when—and trust me, sacrifices will be made—but rest assured, we've got you!

Check out iEDM's Top 10 Can't-Miss Artists At Lollapalooza 2023 below.

10) Rema

23-year-old Afro-rave prodigy Rema is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper that has taken the world by storm with his pioneering sound. The release of his self-titled EP launched him onto the scene in 2019 with hits “Dumebi” and “Iron Man” (the latter of which was featured on Barack Obama's Summer Playlist).

Since then, after several chart-topping singles and the genre-bending release of “Soundgasm,” Rema has gifted his global audience with the full length album Rave & Roses, which he re-released in a deluxe capacity this year. Showcasing his stylistic versatility while staying true to his afro-pop roots, Rave & Roses Ultra is a masterful project which boasts a dreamy collaboration with Selena Gomez on “Calm Down.”

His Lolla debut cements his already-legendary status as one of the first Afrobeats artists in history to perform at the festival—and we can't wait to see him!

9) Billie Eilish

No stranger to performing in front of huge crowds, LA-native Billie Eilish knows how to put on an electrifying show. With her signature alt-pop vocals and hauntingly beautiful visuals (not to mention the fact that she collaborates on all her work with her brother Finneas), this is one headliner you cannot miss.

Now one of the biggest stars to emerge in the 21st century, Eilish first broke onto the scene with her debut single “Ocean Eyes” in 2015 and subsequent album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? This project debuted at the No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S. as well as 17 additional countries upon its 2019 release.

Her latest offerings include sophomore album Happier Than Ever and single “Hotline (edit),” a quick instrumental with angelic vocals that pays homage to Drake's 2016 summer smash.

8) Sudan Archives

Blending a West African fiddling style with strains of R&B, hip-hop, and experimental electronic music, Sudan Archives is an artist in a league of their own. A self-taught violinist that burst into recognition in 2017 with “Come Meh Way,” her music combines avant-garde compositions with timeless songwriting for a live experience unlike any other.

Her second album, Natural Brown Prom Queen exudes themes of joy, race, and womanhood in a surprisingly catchy, pop-influenced arrangement (for a project that was compiled in her basement during lockdown). Check out her latest release, “Selfish Soul (Odesza Remix)” below.

7) Fred Again..

London-based producer and DJ Frederick Gibson, better known by his stage name Fred Again.., is an innovative artist known for infusing classic house beats with featured vocals from unlikely sources. From YouTube clips to personal FaceTime conversations, the end results of his collage work shift between euphoric, disco ball-inspired anthems to more downtempo, yearning tracks. (An artist that contains multitudes, we love it!)

Fred describes his music as 'Actual Life,' best encapsulated on his 2019 debut single, “Kyle (I Found You).” Freshly dropped in May, his latest work is an ambient collaborative album titled Secret Life, which he produced with long-time friend Brian Eno.

6) SVDDEN DEATH

In the new age of dubstep, few producers are as iconic (or demonic) as SVDDEN DEATH. Inspired by bass legends such as Skrillex and Noisia, this Bay Area native has formulated a recipe for success that layers textured rhythms with sub-wrecking bass-lines—a maniacal, metallic, ear-shredding sound all its own. His debut EP Spelljam brought him onto the scene in 2017 and he hasn't stopped dropping bangers since.

Whether performing under his usual stage name or his (even) darker, more sinister VOYD persona, you are guaranteed the chance to let your inner demons out at his set. His latest releases include the EP Pursuit of Violence and single “Purgatory (Dion Timmer Remix).”

5) Subtronics

Philly-born and bred Jesse Kardon, aka Subtronics, discovered dubstep while in high school and soon after jumped into the world of electronic music production. Fusing cutting-edge sound design with hard-hitting bass, Subtronics continually pushes the envelope of this genre while delivering high energy sets to his 'Cyclops Army.'

His self-proclaimed “angry robot noises” have landed him at festivals across the country, as well as sold-out headliner shows at venues such as Red Rocks and the Hollywood Palladium. His 2022 sophomore album Antifractals is a headbanger's delight, and any collaboration with funky, bass-loving peer Griz turns out better than the last. Find his latest release, “Black Out Days (Subtronics Remix)” below.

4) Zack Fox

Zack Fox, what doesn't he do! An Atlanta-raised comedy powerhouse, Fox's work lives at the intersection of visual art, rap music, and internet culture. Between delivering biting, gut-busting commentary on Twitter and dropping farcical bangers like “Square Up” and 2019's viral hit “Jesus is the One (I Got Depression),” Fox has made a name for himself that is sure to last.

Collaborations with Kenny Beats, Flying Lotus, and Thundercat are standouts in his discography, while recent guest appearances on ABC's Abbott Elementary have let Fox shine on screen. Listen to his latest single, “Triflin' (ethrlmx)” below.

3) Sylvan Esso

Comprised of members Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, Sylvan Esso is an American electronic duo that specializes in making “pop music for feeling feelings.” The pair has been creating together since 2013, with well-received releases like “Coffee” and “Hey Mami” early in their career.

With a sound that blends elements of electro pop, indie pop, and folktronica with Meath's bright vocals (which lend a breezy air to their, oftentimes melancholy, subject matter), it's no wonder they've amassed critical acclaim.

Their second album, What Now, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Album and since then they've gone on to release three more albums as well as an EP that came out this year, Live At Electric Lady.

2) ODESZA

Another American electronic duo to make this list is ODESZA, comprised of members Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight. Hailing from the state of Washington, the two have been active since 2012 in the indietronica / chillwave scene, releasing beloved tracks like “Sun Models,” “Say My Name,” and “Bloom.”

The RAC mix of “Say My Name” gained the duo their first Grammy nomination for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical, while A Moment Apart and The Last Goodbye both picked up noms for Best Dance/Electronic Album.

Their latest release, The Last Goodbye (Deluxe Edition), includes VIP remixes of two beloved singles from their In Return era (my personal fave) in addition to a core set of immersive tracks. Listen below:

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1) Dehd

Last, but certainly not least: Chicago's very own indie rock band, Dehd! This punky, folky, three-piece ensemble takes the best elements of garage rock and infuses them with heart, empathy, and instant hooks. While on the road with Julien Baker in 2021, they relished their first substantive chance to take their junior album, Flower of Devotion, on the road.

Since then, they have released a remixed version of that album, as well as their 2022 offering titled Blue Skies. Pulling light from the darkness with sharp writing and sophisticated harmonies, Dehd reminds their audience that “this is all we get”—and what better way to honor that reminder than enjoying live music?