Woodstock, Lilith Fair, and Taco Bell Rolled Into One
Cutesy aesthetics met calls for revolution at Olivia Rodrigo’s new music festival.
TL;DR
- Olivia Rodrigo's Daisy Chain festival combined 'girly' aesthetics with calls for revolution, supporting women's rights organizations.
- The festival raised $20 million, with half donated by Melinda French Gates, for groups like Planned Parenthood and the National Domestic Workers Alliance.
- Daisy Chain contrasts with Lilith Fair, reflecting a shift from the 1990s focus on female musician viability to the 2020s 'girlie' archetype.
- Artists like Eli and Chappell Roan incorporated political messages, such as wealth redistribution and critiques of identity politics, into their performances.
- Despite appearances, the festival's commercial aspects and connection to Live Nation suggest it may be part of, rather than a challenge to, existing power structures.
- The lineup included intergenerational feminist artists like Garbage, the Breeders, and Bikini Kill, alongside contemporary stars.
- Performances by younger artists like Devon Again and Chappell Roan were highlights, while Rodrigo's headlining set featured guest appearances from Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, and Stevie Nicks.