mtvU

45,000 music fans endured the scorching 90+ degree heat to check out big names like Modest Mouse, Big Boi, and LCD Soundsystem, and upcoming acts like Local Natives, Sleigh Bells and Free Energy at this year’s Pitchfork Festival.

Here’s a look at 10 bands that are playing Pitchfork Fest that are worth checking out even if you can’t make it to Chi-town for the weekend.

There was more genuine, frantic energy during the hour Wavves played than at any other show I’ve been to in a good long while….

The Open Space Alliance kicked off their summer concert series in North Brooklyn with a line-up that featured Karen Elson, Grizzly Bear, and southern rockers Band of Horses.

Indie sensation The National wowed the crowd at one of New York City’s biggest venues, Radio City Music Hall with their amazing performance.

mtvU caught up with Jesse Rifkin (A.K.A. The Wailing Wall) and had him tell us what to expect from The Low Hanging Fruit, as well as give us a sneak peak at his upcoming single.

Local Natives embodied a sense of eagerness and fun that other groups can only dream of when they took the stage last Friday at The Bowery Ballroom.

George Langford talks about how Javelin makes music, quality vs. quantity, and what’s been catching his ear lately.

Lead singer Gareth Campesinos! talks about the new album Romance is Boring, the group’s energy, and why they’ll never allow for any downtime or any more Google alerts.

I have never seen an artist dedicate themselves so fully to their performance as Alice Glass does. She never speaks to the audience, never breaks character, but spends the entire 90 minutes in her frenzied, occasionally epileptic, state.