A. EVERYBODY WILL BE TALKING ABOUT . . .
THENEWNO2
For better or worse, a lot of bands feature famous musicians’ kids. Dhani Harrison (George’s son—yes, that George) has labored under his pedigree for much of his life. But his group’s sophomore effort, The Fear of Missing Out, due July 31, could make this Beatles scion a name in his own right. The richly layered and dynamically balanced album—part electronica, part psych rock—benefits from Harrison’s familiar-sounding voice and the cinematic soundscapes of its keyboardist-cum-composer, Jonathan Sadoff (Highland Park High, class of ’02).
It wasn’t so long ago that Sadoff (second from right) was going to Cubs games and eating bacon sandwiches at the Sarkis Cafe in Evanston. He moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California and wound up scoring soundtracks for movies (hear his work in Steve Carell’s Seeking a Friend for the End of the World ). A mutual friend introduced Sadoff and Harrison (center) over sushi and a game of Rock Band in 2009. At that time, Harrison had just released Thenewno2’s debut, You Are Here, and wanted a full band for a tour.
Harrison says he chose Sadoff because he can “wail on every instrument.” For Sadoff, it helped that the band members revered the same musicians: Portishead, Beck, P. J. Harvey. “Plus we’re all gear freaks,” he says. Let’s just hope technology is in their favor at Lollapalooza. “The last time we played, my computer crashed,” admits Sadoff. “If everything else is the same except for that, we’ll be good.” August 3 at 5:40 p.m.
Photograph: Noah Abrams
B. THREE OTHER ACTS ON THE RISE
HALEY REINHART
Before you dismiss this 21-year-old American Idol finalist as a pop princess, hear her sultry noir voice on Listen Up!, her powerful debut. August 3 at 1:10 p.m.
FUN
The name says it all. The energetic New York pop trio’s hit “We Are Young” will likely be the definitive anthem for the weekend. August 4 at 4:45 p.m.
GARY CLARK JR.
This guitar-ripping young Texan is putting blues back on the map for a new generation. Say you saw him when. August 5 at 3:15 p.m.
Photography: (Reinhart) Harper Smith; (Fun) Daniel Silbert; (Clark) Dave Martin/AP
C. LOLLA LEXICON
Six terms to use in your weekend banter
AMUSEMENT TAX
This year’s $15 increase on your ticket—a first—should generate $4 million for state and local governments.
MANSOME
A well-groomed dude, as well as the title of Morgan Spurlock’s new documentary; could apply to a shirtless Anthony Kiedis (the Red Hot Chili Peppers headline Saturday).
NEON INDIAN
An electro indie band from Texas (playing Saturday); a young woman in plumage and fringe.
DUBSTEP
The latest dance craze, pioneered by electronic act Skream & Benga (playing Saturday).
3GONE
Shorthand for spotty cell reception in and around Grant Park—a perennial frustration.
TRUFFLIN’
Legitimate shrooming at Lolla’s Chow Town (on the menu: truffle mac, truffle corn on the cob).
NO LOLLA FOR YOU?
Love the festival atmosphere, but can’t stomach a 200,000-plus crowd? Indie jammers Mumford & Sons headline the cozier, but no less creative, Gentlemen of the Road. The tour stops August 18 in Dixon (two hours west of the Loop). Tickets are scarce, but the town fair and the post-concert parties should be worth the trip. For info, gentlemenoftheroad.com.