Since the Pitchfork Music Festival’s launch in 2006, its organizers have ensured that approximately a quarter of the lineup consists of artists from outside the U.S. This year is no exception, with nine international acts out of 41, including four of the top-billed performers: Robyn, Charli XCX, Belle & Sebastian, and Stereolab. (London singer-songwriter Tirzah canceled at the last minute.) Along with headliners from abroad, the fest is packed with lesser-known bands from around the world who are just as worthy of fans’ attention and time.
Chai Sat 7/20, 2:30-3:15 PM, Green Stage
Cate Le Bon Sat 7/20, 3:20-4:10 PM, Red Stage
Black Midi Sun 7/21, 2:30-3:15 PM, Green Stage
Ibeyi Sun 7/21, 4-4:45 PM, Blue Stage
Reward by Cate Le Bon
Another of this year’s multilingual performers, Chai, write in Japanese with additions in English, despite not speaking the language fluently quite yet. The band have always sought a global audience, with sights on winning a Grammy—a rare mind-set in the Japanese music scene, according to bassist Yuki. “A lot of Japanese music tends to only cater to the Japanese market, instead of worldwide,” she says. “Other Japanese artists are overly catering to the overseas audiences and lose their identity.” Chai occupy a space between the two extremes, looking outside their home country while retaining a sense of their individuality as a Japanese group. “I want to cherish anything that brings me energy,” says drummer Yuna. The band cite boba tea, colorful clothing, and houseplants as inspirations for their playfully saccharine style of rock.
