In January, Condé Nast’s chief content officer Anna Wintour announced that Pitchfork will be operating as a branch of GQ men’s magazine moving forward. What exactly this entails still isn’t clear, with the cyberspace having described the outlet as everything from being “gutted” to “folded” to “absorbed.”
Even with a massive chunk of its staff gone, the platform remains active and its future uncertain. Despite the uncertainty, the company’s eponymous music festival will stay in motion as it returns to the Windy City over the summer from July 19–21.
Here are five reasons to mark Pitchfork Music Festival on your calendars this year:
LINEUP WITH A CAUSE
Whereas the average music-centered event is driven by profitability and generating maximum traffic, Pitchfork has always led with the artists they believe in as an organization. Put simply, the publication’s critical material has consistently mirrored the roster of its annual concert series, and this year is no different. For those wondering why 100 gecs are atop the flyer, there literally exists a full-length case as to why.
AFFORDABLE TICKET PRICES
As prices in the live-music space continue to skyrocket, Pitchfork Festival has kept its tickets within arm’s reach. The company’s consistency in this regard, reminiscent of the Costco hotdog-and-cola deal, is what makes it a reliable entity. Hence, it comes as no surprise that three-day General Admission passes for this year’s gathering still don’t exceed $300.
Tickets are now available for purchase here.
THE PERFECT TIME OF YEAR IN CHICAGO
The city of Chicago goes through a number of phases over a 12-month cycle, from freezing to humid to blustery. The month of July, however, is arguably the calmest time of year in the metropolis, which plays a major role in the event’s overall allure. 2023, for example, was balmy, still and at times rainy, adding an additional glow to Union Park.
Weyes Blood, Pitchfork Music Festival 2023 | Photo Credit: Karan Singh
ALANIS MORISSETTE
Last year, Alanis Morissette announced her plans to hit the road with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade. The Triple Moon Tour is set to commence in June, soon after which it will pass through Illinois for a headlining set at Pitchfork Music Festival. Considering next year marks the 30-year anniversary of the Canadian-American artist’s landmark album, Jagged Little Pill, her upcoming shows are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on those in attendance.
KEEP PITCHFORK ALIVE
As of now, it’s tough to say what exactly will happen to Pitchfork. Despite the endless possibilities of a music publication merging with a men’s magazine, the prior will always be one of the most important labels in the larger media space. With that in mind, it’s important for artists, fans and readers to energize the brand and keep its name in circulation.
