The third and final day of the Pitchfork Music Festival, taking place in Chicago’s Union Park on July 21, truly celebrated the history of music. From hip-hop pioneers like Grandmaster Flash to songwriting legends like Alanis Morissette to newer artists like Muna, whose modern take on synth-pop has garnered them a massive fanbase, the entire day was filled with incredible sets of live music.
One of the best performances of the day – and the entire fest – came compliments of Brittany Howard who closed out the Red Stage. The former Alabama Shakes singer-guitarist and current solo artist shared songs from her albums, 2019’s Jaime and What Now, which was released earlier this year. Whether she was exploring the experimental terrain of “Earth Sign” or navigating the soulful yearning of “Georgia,” Howard challenged the traditional traps of genre tropes, making every riff, melody, and rhythm sound fresh and new.
What else can be said about the perfection that is Howard’s Grammy-winning song “Stay High?” Listening live in the open air, Howard’s expansive vocal range is that much more impressive as it cuts through all the background noise, pulling fans straight into the heart of each note.
Howard didn’t just let the music speak for itself. She also stopped by the Interview Stage for the last chat of the fest, engaging in a wide-ranging conversation with Pitchfork Deputy Director Jeremy D. Larson. Seeing U2 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, listening to Bigfoot podcasts – Howard is a believer – and the beauty of solitude were among the topics discussed.
“That’s how I learned how to make music. I was just by myself a lot,” Howard explained. “Most of my life I’ve been an only child and my mom worked. I had a single mother and I would just be by myself. That’s how I learned to play guitar and then I started to write my own songs and I learned all the other instruments. Me making music was really part of my survival.”
She added, “I love being alone. It’s always wonderful to share space with people who really bring up your energy and make you feel colorful and make you feel seen. That’s always wonderful, but it’s also wonderful to get to know how to be alone and how to be with yourself and how to refill your own cup all on your own.”
Check out photos from Brittany Howard’s set below and click here to learn more about the Pitchfork Music Festival. Brittany Howard can be found online at Brittanyhoward.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
