Lollapalooza festivalgoers may have stumbled upon the Bud Light stage at 4:45 p.m.; however, their actual journey spanned many years and miles. Sierra Ferrell brought more than a taste — more like a five-course meal — of historically rooted Appalachian folk to Chicago.
Ferrell brought a unique sound to the Bud Light stage, incorporating banjos, electric guitars and fiddles with her clear voice. She seemed to float around the stage as she opened with “Money Train,” ending the tune by blowing into a train whistle, seeming to invigorate the audience.
Along with gritty, lilting vocals, Ferrell delivered a set packed with reminders to the crowd that they hold the power to shape the future.
“I think it’s important that we all know the past and remember the past so we can make a brighter future for everybody,” Ferrell said.
Her style isn’t the only element that sets her apart from other artists; each of her songs has an overarching story with deep-rooted meaning.
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She exemplified this power by performing “Chittlin’ Cookin’ Time in Cheatham County” and made note of the historical significance of chitlin and its tie to early Black American culture. Not only does the song pay homage to history and tradition, but its use of bluegrass instruments and swinging beat nods to the larger contributions of the Black American cultural movement, particularly in the music industry.
Ferrell didn’t shy away from calling out problems she sees in our current world by asking, “We’re the richest country in the world, why are we all living paycheck to paycheck?” While this may feel performative coming from any other artist, Ferrell’s storytelling in her songs backs up her bold statements, reviving the Americana genre.
Following this short monologue, she performed “American Dreaming,” a testament to her humble beginnings and the challenges she had to overcome on her musical journey.
Ferrell entranced the audience, not with elaborate choreography or set design, but simply through her music itself. At any given moment, festivalgoers could be seen swaying, stomping or clapping along with Ferrell’s addictive tunes.
While performing “Why’d Ya Do It,” audience members could be seen swing dancing to the tango-like tune. During “Fox Hunt,” Ferrell forewent her guitar and instead played the fiddle, and then a bass drum, eliciting claps and stomps from the audience in beat.
Ending her set, Ferrell played “In Dreams,” a song that circulates TikTok — and for good reason. Her sweet vocals and the comforting instrumentals were the perfect way to wrap her performance with a neat bow.
“I love being out here and I love connecting with you all,” Ferrell said.
This love for performing was apparent, as her pride in her hard work and success was clear as she talked to the crowd. Her genuine excitement to perform was palpable and rubbed off on the audience, creating a supportive atmosphere.
Ferrell put on a set even newcomers to her music could enjoy. Her speeches made it evident that she puts in research on each story she tells, and her passion for creating positive change was dripping with every word. And of course, her uniquely traditional sound makes her stand out in a world full of pop and synth.
