Breaking And Entering is in Chicago for Lollapalooza 2021! Be sure to stay tuned all weekend for recaps from the event, and subscribe to B&E on Patreon for exclusive interviews from the festival!
One of the crown jewels of the Midwest festival season returned on Thursday, as thousands flocked to Grant Park in Chicago for Lollapalooza 2021. The four-day event is known for big names, big crowds, and big performances, and after a year off due to the pandemic, Grant Park was ready to explode from early on in the day.
With a year away from stages, younger artists that were app-savvy made big impressions. Early in the day, MAX drew a big crowd to the Lake Shore stage, getting fans moving to hits like “Butterflies” and “Lights Down Low”. Over at the GrubHub Stage, indie rockers Almost Monday were another younger act pulling fans in with a catchy sound and lively stage presence. It was clear that in the past year and a half, new names were finding a way to make themselves heard, and fans were eager to finally see their music live again.
The first truly big feeling moment of the day happened around 4:00, when a massive crowd packed the GrubHub Stage for rapper Flo Milli. With every use of her signature “Flo Milli shit” drop, fans got louder, and a full on dance party broke out as she unleashed track after track from her “Ho, Why Is You Here?” project. Fans climbed trees for a better view, and it truly looked like a glimpse at one of hip hop’s next big stars.
On the other side of the street, rock up and comer LP was drawing a crowd of their own in, with a crunchy guitar-driven set that would put a smile on the face of the shrewdest rock purest. In the vein of bands like Led Zeppelin or, for modern comparative purposes Greta Van Fleet, the band had a swagger about themselves that made you feel like they knew what is in the cards for them. Their growing discography is drawing some big attention lately, and the set at the Tito’s Vodka stage showed fans exactly why it won’t be long before they’ll be playing the biggest stages.
As the sun began to blare down on Chicago, the crowds only became more energized in the heat. R&B/hip hop hybrid Saint Jhn felt the need to explore that on his own, getting into the crowd during his set at the Lake Shore stage. After insisting on opening up a hole for him to ignite the crowd, he was mobbed by fans, who would ultimately lift him up for part of his performance. His set was full of big songs from 2020’s “While The World Was Burning”, but also included a preview of a new song, as well as multiple versions of hit “Roses”, including the Imanbek remix that unexpectedly catapulted him to the top of viral fame.
There was always a feeling that when Playboi Carti‘s name was on the Thursday schedule on one of the main stages, a large crowd was sure to follow. That was the case, as tens of thousands were filling up the T-Mobile stage, partially in anticipation of Miley Cyrus’ set, and partially for Carti. The mob bounced and screamed with every bass drop, as Carti likely had one of the loudest sets of the festival so far. The energy was constant, and Carti reciprocated the fans with a smattering of hits, punctuated by adlibs so loud that his microphone was distorting on the biggest sound system in Grant Park.
Thursday night, however, belonged to Miley Cyrus, who made sure to make her Lollapalooza set a spectacle that wouldn’t be forgotten. Early on, a surprise cameo from Billy Idol for a cover of “White Wedding”, followed by appearances from Chicago’s own G-Herbo, and shortly after Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa, and the Bulls’ mascot Benny during “23” made the night extra memorable. The massive crowd stretched all the way to the Lake Shore stage, with a rough estimate of 50-60,000 people clinging to Cyrus’ every word. Miley did take time to thank the fans during her set, and made it a point to drive home that without the fans, concerts are nothing, as found out in the past year. There were certainly plenty of fans to hear and applaud that sentiment, and more and more will fill up Grant Park in the days to come.
This year was pretty damn incredible for music. The top 40s had nothing but awesome number one songs. However, I managed to find plenty of black sheep from pop to hip hop to shoegaze. Here we go!
Meghan Trainor – Dear Future Husband
Oh boy…first off, I like Meghan Trainor. I think she’s a talented vocalist who made some great songs such as Lips Are Movin and Better When I’m Dancin’ but then there’s this. Uninspired doo wop topped with horrible lyrics. So bad that it has the most cringe worthy line I heard this year, “I’ll be sleeping on the left side of the bed. Open doors for me and you might get some…kisses”. Good grief.
Nate Ruess – Nothing Without Love
This is just sad. I was hyped for this because it’s Nate freaking Ruess. The intro was fine and then the music and verses kicked in. It’s boring. Not just this song but his whole solo album. I guess he’s nothing without Sam Means, Jack Antonoff, and Andrew Dost.
Title Fight – Rose Of Sharon
Goodness, Ned Russin needs to stop doing vocals. It doesn’t fit their new post punk/shoegaze vibe. Also the production, most notably the vocals are garbage. This is why I think Will Yip is a 50/50 producer.
Metro Station – Getting Over You
I don’t need to explain why this is on here. Listen for yourself. It even has Ronnie Radke, kids!
Miley Cyrus – Dooo It!
How do you follow up a pretty interesting pop album like Bangerz? Not this…not this at all. What was she and the dude from The Flaming Lips thinking?! This actually makes me respect Iggy Azalea more. What does it all mean?!
5 Seconds Of Summer – Hey Everybody!
Sounds Good Feels Good is a fantastic pop rock album. Even better than last year’s self titled. However it isn’t perfect. For example, this song. It’s just sort of there. I don’t know why this made it to the final album and why it’s getting pushed for radio play. The messed up part is this song had twelve writers….twelve writers!? If you hear this on the radio than change the station. You don’t wanna fall asleep at the wheel.
Fetty Wap – 679
Goodness, I haven’t heard this much jibberish since Shaggy. Add the fact that the beat was ripped off from Iggy’s Fancy and you have grade A garbage.
Drake – Hotline Bling
Drake is well known for writing one good line that sticks out and then writes around it and pulls it off! Then there’s this boring mess. A song that’s more famous for it’s music video, Hotline Bling will put you to sleep and suddenly wake you up upon seeing his weird dancing. He released an amazing album earlier this year which is odd seeing that there’s still plenty of songs on it that could’ve been a single and not this.
Ariana Grande – Focus
“FOCUS ON ME. FA FA FOCUS ON ME” That’s it. That’s the song. Why, Ariana, why? You’re talented. This is like Aaron Rogers throwing an interception at a Bears game.
The 2015 Grammys are this weekend, and naturally it’s a who’s who of pop culture in 2015. While Eminem may not give a damn about a Grammy, it’s a huge honor (and record sale booster) if you’re lucky enough to win one. In some ways, predicting the Grammys is kind of a tough call, because it’s not always about picking the best song from the nominees, but rather predicting what the voters will do. Remember, they’re voting on “artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position”, whatever that means. I’m going to give this year’s award show a shot, because, well, why not? Play along with me and see how well I do*:
*Note: Only 10-13 awards will make the broadcast this year, amidst a slew of performances. I’ve taken a guess at 15 awards. It’s very possible that some of these won’t make the show on CBS.
Record of the Year
Nominees:
Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX – “Fancy”
Sia – “Chandelier”
Sam Smith – “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)”
Taylor Swift – “Shake It Off”
Meghan Trainor – “All About That Bass”
Prediction: Sam Smith – “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)”
Right away, I see a song that isn’t necessarily the most popular choice getting the win. While the song is huge right now, it isn’t the over-the-top pop song behemoths that “Fancy”, “All About That Bass” or “Shake It Off” were. Generally, it seems as though the Grammy voters don’t like to honor those smash hits simply because, well, they were bubblegum pop smash hits without any “substance”. Sia’s “Chandelier” is also really well done, but I think Sam Smith gets to walk away with a trophy, partially for being neither the most-nor-least well known song on the list. Bigger question: Does Tom Petty get a trophy as well, much less a shout-out from Smith?
Album Of The Year
Nominees:
Beck – “Morning Phase”
Beyoncé – “Beyoncé”
Ed Sheeran – “X”
Sam Smith – “In The Lonely Hour”
Pharrell Williams – “Girl”
Prediction: Beyoncé – “Beyoncé”
Nobody will be denying Queen Bey of her Grammy for Album of the Year. Beck’s “Morning Phase” is the toughest contender in my eyes, and the other three albums don’t feel as complete as the top two. You don’t get to be on top of the world without collecting some hardware along the way, either. All signs are pointing to ‘Yoncé.
Song Of The Year
Nominees:
Meghan Trainor – “All About That Bass”
Sia – “Chandelier”
Taylor Swift – “Shake It Off”
Sam Smith – “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)”
Hozier – “Take Me To Church”
Prediction: Sam Smith – “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)”
In virtually a copy of the Record of the Year category, which still kind of confuses me, I think it’s a repeat call. Sam Smith will likely take this one home as well, but don’t discount Hozier from stealing one away from him. See my above comments about not validating pop hits, etc.
Best New Artist
Nominees:
Iggy Azalea
Bastille
Brandy Clark
Haim
Sam Smith
Prediction: Bastille
In another category that is hard to decipher, especially in the age of the internet when earlier works are easily accessible, and when the Grammy “year” runs from October 1, 2013 to September 31, 2014 (???), I’m giving it to an an artist that has become a radio mainstay. The snobby Grammy voters will view Iggy Azalea as a cartoon character of sorts, and both Brandy Clark and Haim will be looked at as unproven or too new. We can’t give everything to Sam Smith, so I think Bastille takes it. Not to make it sound undeserving, they have had several tracks in heavy radio play from October 2013-September 2014. Which makes them deserving of a 2015 Grammy, obviously.
Best Pop Solo Performance
Nominees:
John Legend – “All Of Me”
Sia – “Chandelier”
Sam Smith – “Stay With Me”
Taylor Swift – “Shake It Off”
Pharrell Williams -“Happy”
Prediction: John Legend – “All Of Me”
Because of the weird way that the Grammy “year” falls, this song is eligible for a 2015 Grammy. I think that performance-wise, which is what we’re supposed to be judging in this instance, John Legend trumps all. He won’t get denied of a trophy for a great song.
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Nominees:
Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX – “Fancy”
Coldplay – “A Sky Full of Stars”
A Great Big World with Christina Aguilera – “Say Something”
Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj – “Bang Bang”
Katy Perry ft. Juicy J -“Dark Horse”
Prediction: Coldplay – “A Sky Full of Stars”
In a collaboration heavy category this year, I think Coldplay sneaks away with an award. Remember, we’re predicting what the voters will do. Coldplay just has this universal appeal about them, for whatever reason.
Best Traditional Pop Album
Nominees:
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga – “Cheek to Cheek”
Annie Lennox -“Nostalgia”
Barry Manilow – “Night Songs”
Johnny Mathis – “Sending You a Little Christmas”
Barbra Streisand with Various Artists – “Partners”
Prediction: Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga – “Cheek to Cheek”
First off… what is a “traditional” pop album? I have no idea what that actually means. Annie Lennox is a close contender here, but I think Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga take it.
Best Pop Vocal Album
Coldplay – “Ghost Stories”
Miley Cyrus – “Bangerz”
Ariana Grande – “My Everything”
Katy Perry – “Prism”
Ed Sheeran – “x”
Sam Smith – “In the Lonely Hour”
Prediction: Katy Perry – “Prism”
Honestly, I think this award probably should go to Ed Sheeran or Sam Smith, but I think the voters surprise everyone here, and give Katy Perry the award. I’m going with a gut feeling on this one, because if I just said Sam Smith all the time, that would be a pretty boring article. Also, an album named “Bangerz” is not winning anything from the stereotypically snobby Grammy voters.
Best Urban Contemporary Album
Nominees:
Jhene Aiko – “Sail Out”
Beyoncé – “Beyoncé”
Chris Brown – “X”
Mali Music – “Mali Is…”
Pharrell Williams – “Girl”
Prediction: Beyoncé – “Beyoncé”
Two words. Queen Bey. Nobody else had a more talked about album this year.
Best Rap Performance
Nominees:
Childish Gambino – “3005″
Drake – “0 to 100/The Catch Up”
Eminem – “Rap God”
Kendrick Lamar – “I”
Lecrae – “All I Need Is You”
Prediction: Kendrick Lamar – “I”
I think Kendrick gets it here, because nobody matched his performance on this or any other track recently. There’s an energy to that song that overpowers my second choice, Childish Gambino.
Best Rock Song
Nominees:
Paramore – “Ain’t It Fun”
Beck – “Blue Moon”
Black Keys – “Fever”
Ryan Adams – “Gimme Something Good”
Jack White – “Lazaretto”
Prediction: Black Keys – “Fever”
This one is a toughly contested call, as well. Paramore, at least “Ain’t It Fun”, is too pop for a rock Grammy. Beck will continue to be snubbed. Ryan Adams doesn’t really fit the mold, and that leaves two artists who don’t really like each other. It’s a coin flip, but The Black Keys have something about them that just seems more commercially accessible than Jack White, although many including myself would argue that Lazaretto is a better song. On that alone, the Black Keys steal one here.
Best Rock Album
Nominees:
Ryan Adams – “Ryan Adams”
Beck – “Morning Phase”
The Black Keys – “Turn Blue”
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – “Hypnotic Eye”
U2 – “Songs of Innocence”
Prediction: Beck – “Morning Phase”
I think that Beck has to take something home tonight, for a well crafted album. Fittingly, it will be between him, The Black Keys, and U2 in a tight race for best Rock album. Nobody may have actually wanted the U2 album on their phones, but it doesn’t mean people won’t vote for it. Beck narrowly edges it out, though.
Best R&B Song
Nominees:
Beyoncé – “Drunk In Love”
Usher – “Good Kisser”
Chris Brown Featuring Usher & Rick Ross – “New Flame”
Luke James Featuring Rick Ross – “Options (Wolfjames Version)”
Jhené Aiko – “The Worst”
Prediciton: Beyoncé – “Drunk In Love”
I’m really pulling for Jhené Aiko on this one, but I don’t think that she has a chance against Chris Brown, Usher, and Beyoncé in the same category. Also, we live in a world where Rick Ross is nominated twice for Best R&B song. Let that sink in for a minute. Nevertheless, chalk another one up for the Illumina- … Beyoncé.
Best Rap Song
Nominees:
Nicki Minaj – “Anaconda”
Kanye West – “Bound 2”
Kendrick Lamar – “I”
Wiz Khalifa – “We Dem Boyz”
Drake – “0 To 100 / The Catch Up”
Prediction: Kendrick Lamar – “I”
Deservingly so, Kendrick Lamar made an anthem with “I”. He should get some recognition for the song, although it will be fun to watch some top label execs hear snippets of “Anaconda” during the broadcast when they announce Nicki as a nominee. Kanye West will get denied, and we’ll get a Twitter rant. World keeps on spinnin’.
Best Rap Album
Iggy Azalea – “The New Classic”
Childish Gambino – “Because The Internet”
Common – “Nobody’s Smiling”
Eminem – “The Marshall Mathers LP2”
Schoolboy Q – “Oxymoron”
Wiz Khalifa – “Blacc Hollywood”
Prediction: Childish Gambino – “Because The Internet”
I’m going out on a limb with this one, but hopefully the best album of this bunch actually wins Best Rap Album. As much as I liked “Oxymoron”, “Because The Internet” was a complete project that had you saying “woah” from start to finish. I don’t think anything else on this list replicates that.
Here’s hoping I did well on these picks. Then again, it’s the surprise underdogs and the snubs that we talk about anyway, so let’s hope for those too. Happy Grammys!
You may know Mandy Jiroux as the sidekick to Miley Cyrus in their old YouTube show, The Miley and Mandy Show. Or, you may know Mandy as the founder of girl group BG5, which was managed by Kris Jenner. On top of that, Jiroux is also a YouTube fitness and dance personality. In any capacity, you probably know that she is no stranger to the spotlight. Making a go of it on her own, Jiroux is touching down in Milwaukee on Tuesday, July 1st, at the Miller Lite Oasis. We got the opportunity to ask her a few questions, ranging from her upcoming music plans to her celebrity friends. Get Mandy’s take on all of this below:
A lot of people know you from YouTube. Is it hard to take translate that into getting a following for a live show?
I think the YouTube platform will only help people know where and when I’m performing.
Describe your sound for people who have never heard your music.
My sound is definitely on the pop, dance, upbeat side. Some songs have more of an EDM feel, while others have a pop summer feel. My music is definitely something you want to get up and dance to or sing along to in a car with a bunch of your friends. I’ve been through a lot this past year and have grown up quite a bit. My music represents my life experiences and I think people will really be able to relate to that.
You were on the Miley & Mandy YouTube show with Miley Cyrus. Do you look to her as an influence on some of your music?
Miley’s music has always inspired me and I just hope to create an album as amazing as hers!
Have you been to Summerfest before? Any idea on what to expect?
I’ve never been! I am so excited! I’ve heard amazing things about it. I cannot wait to see all the performers and I really can’t believe I’ll be performing on the same stage as the Arctic Monkeys. My favorite band!
You’re performing and doing a DJ set. Which do you prefer?
I would say both. They are both different experiences and are fun in their own ways! As long as I’m up on that stage I’m a happy girl.
Your girl group was managed by Kris Jenner. Who’s the crazier personality, Miley or Kris?
I would say Miley. Her personality is infectious.
What’s next for you? An album? Touring still?
All of the above! Creating my album, performing, releasing 2 features this summer, coming out with an eyewear and shape wear line, the movie I filmed is coming out this year. I’m just excited about a lot!
Anything you’d like to tell Milwaukee before your show?
I love you Milwaukee! And Wisconsin accents are the best.
You can catch Mandy Jiroux on Tuesday at 6 PM on the Miller Lite Oasis stage.
Yesterday, the internet freaked out about this new track from Alt-J, meaning that the hysteria surrounding the band has definitely not diminished in the aftermath of a monster 2013. This song continues where their last album, “An Awesome” left off. Their new album is set to be released in September of this year. The song is definitely addicting, with a long, drawn out build up throughout the track. Oh, did you know that it also samples Miley Cyrus’ “4×4”,too? Because that was the main thing that everybody talked about, too. So, yeah. Check that out, along with the rest of the song below:
The world may be ending. The Flaming Lips have been preparing a full album remake of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”, and have released this version of “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”, featuring a faint appearance from Miley Cyrus and Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT. As you can see above, this photo from Wayne Coyne’s Instagram indicates that they were very high making this. However, they did some justice to the song. Have a listen and judge for yourself below:
