As we wandered by the Bud Light Backyard stage, one of the smaller pop-up stages and areas, the punk rock music caught our attention. It seemed familiar. Could it really be Charlotte Sands?!
We stopped in our tracks and went past the photo ops of the Backyard area, getting close to the stage. It was indeed Charlotte Sands who was rocking out to a smaller group of fans on this very intimate stage. Her energy was as vibrant as her blue hair!
Sands’ band was a force to be reckoned with, providing a solid foundation for her to shine as a frontwoman. On top of that her presence was magnetic, drawing the crowd into her world of unapologetic self-expression and rebellious spirit. Her edgy style, complete with a leather corset, studded boots, and vibrant hair, perfectly matched the rebellious essence of punk rock.
Catching the tail end of this set, her high energy got us pumped for day 2 of Lollapalooza. After all, we would see “Dress” performed live twice that day!
On Repeat
When I saw Charlotte Sands on the undercard for Lollapalooza, I knew that we simply had to go. Since discovering her at 2022’s edition of Boston Calling, we have been listening to her music on repeat.
Jake and I’s music taste overlaps in that late 90s and early 2000’s punk rock. Like most millennials (or almost millennials?) we buy and grab up nostalgia. Punk-pop is no exception. However, finding new music can be a challenge as most musicians have strummed away from punk rock. Leaving room now, for bands, like “Yellowcard” and “Spitalfield” to take back the stage for encore performances.
Yet, Charlotte Sands is one newer artist who recreates my nostalgia for punk rock’s past with new tunes!
After the pleasant surprise of catching her performance at the Backyard stage, we zipped right on over to the BMI stage, where Charlotte Sands would be performing later that day. But first, we caught a performance by Annie DiRusso.
“Annie DiRusso ‘s set was for college students by a recent graduate. Her music captured the college experience with songs about going home after you left, and a one-night stand. “
— Annie DiRusso: Artist Spotlight Lollapalooza 2023 By Betsy Morici
Charlotte Sands Part 2 on The BMI Stage
After Annie Dirusso’s set, we watched as the crew changed out the equipment on the BMI stage, preparing for Charlotte Sands’ 4:30 pm set. We patiently waited, so excited to see her (again!)
We didn’t have to wait too long.
Right on schedule, Charlotte emerged onto the stage with her usual energy. Bringing the show. Although, she did mention to the crowd that this was her third performance in 2 days! With her 2 shows that day being nearly back-to-back, it was astonishing how much energy she still managed to bring.
It was after that statement that she asked for the crowd to be loud and energized as well. And to be fair the crowd mostly responded to that request. I was excited for her, as the crowd sang along to her songs.
See, a little over a year ago at Boston Calling, it felt as if nobody knew who she was. During her early set, it took a lot of encouragement for people to even wave or clap along to her music. Now here at Lollapalooza, she had a crowd with some members singing along! In a music landscape that is constantly evolving, Charlotte Sands’ 2023 Lollapalooza set was a resounding declaration that punk-pop is alive and well!
Her set ended, like the last with her top hit “Dress.” A fun and catchy song about being who you are and supporting other people.
If you want to catch one of pop-punk’s newest voices live you are in luck. Despite not having a remaining 2023 Chicago date on the calendar, the Boston-based rocker has several sets dotted around the Midwest. Your best shot is likely her September 21st date at the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis opening for The Band CAMINO. Tickets are on sale now for $29.50.
