PAPER Magazine to Attend Lollapalooza 2025

Lollapalooza 2025: PAPER’s Reflection

As a firm believer in the magic of Lollapalooza, I am convinced that Chicago’s annual music extravaganza is unrivaled in its ability to bring together music enthusiasts from all walks of life. From the eclectic fashion choices of the dedicated fans to the diverse lineup that spans across rap, rock, pop, and everything in between, the festival encapsulates the essence of musical diversity. The perfect weather that graces the Windy City during this time only adds to the allure, making Lollapalooza a must-attend event every year.

This year, our Lollapalooza experience was taken to new heights as we found ourselves aboard a boat with an impressive view, sipping Patrón cocktails while listening to the festival headliner Sabrina Carpenter. Witnessing her live performance, where she brought out Earth, Wind & Fire, was truly a life-changing moment. The excitement continued as we caught Olivia Rodrigo’s set, featuring a surprise appearance by Weezer that sent chills down our spines. We also had the opportunity to discover newer acts like Mk.gee and Djo, adding fresh vibes to the musical landscape of the festival.

In between the musical moments, we indulged in unique experiences such as getting our makeup done as part of Airbnb’s festival offerings, thanks to the expert guidance of Jill Powell. We dashed from backstage to sidestage to front stage for Tyler, The Creator’s performance, and even found ourselves on stage with Mau P, soaking in every second of the musical magic. And when we finally retreated to our hotel, we couldn’t resist indulging in some classic deep-dish pizza, a Chicago staple that never disappoints. Convincing our friends to join us for the legendary aftershow was a highlight, as we reveled in the vibrant atmosphere of the PAPER after party.

During our backstage escapades, we had the privilege of chatting with some of the rising stars of this year’s festival. Our conversations with Del Water Gap, Alemeda, MILLI, and Fujii Kaze provided insight into the diverse talents that graced the Lollapalooza stages.

MILLI, hailing from Thailand, shared insights into his latest music, including the track “Dance or Dead,” produced in collaboration with Knock2. The energetic response to his music has been overwhelming, with fans embracing the dance-forward beats of his latest album, “Heavyweight.”

Fujii Kaze reflected on his experience performing at Lollapalooza, emphasizing the warm reception he received from the audience. His upcoming album, “Prema,” draws inspiration from classic music eras, aiming to create a timeless sound that resonates with fans. Exciting unreleased tracks like “Prema” and “You” hold promise for fans eagerly awaiting his new music.

Alemeda recounted the unforgettable experience of opening for Rachel Chinouriri on tour, highlighting the special bond between alternative black artists. His track “1-800-FUCKYOU” stems from a place of raw emotion, exploring the expression of hatred through music. A shift towards softer, more introspective songs signals a new era of creativity for Alemeda, with surprises in store on his upcoming album.

Del Water Gap reflected on his dynamic set at Lollapalooza, embracing the raw energy of the festival. As an artist known for his emotive sound, he teased upcoming releases featuring collaborations with talented artists, hinting at a new dimension to his music.

These conversations with emerging talents at Lollapalooza offer a glimpse into the vibrant landscape of contemporary music, where artists from diverse backgrounds come together to share their stories and creations. As we bid farewell to another memorable year at Lollapalooza, we eagerly anticipate the musical journeys that lie ahead.