Lollapalooza 2025: The Asian artists we’re most excited for
TWICE will make history as the first K-pop group to headline the iconic Chicago music festival
Clockwise from top left, Knock2, Sammy Virji, Jade LeMac, Olivia Rodrigo, ISOxo, Wave to Earth, and TWICE.
Photo illustration by Ryan Quan
Words by Daniel Anderson
Lollapalooza has announced its massive 2025 lineup, featuring more than 170 artists across eight stages and a historic number of Asian acts. Headlined by the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, TWICE, Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler, the Creator, A$AP Rocky, Luke Combs, Doeechi, and Korn, this year’s festival promises a diverse mix of global talent.
Taking place from July 31 to Aug. 3 at Chicago’s Grant Park, the festival marks a milestone moment for TWICE as the first-ever K-pop group to headline the legendary festival, following in the footsteps of BTS’ J-Hope, NewJeans, and IVE who made waves in past years—but had not headlined.
Both HYBE and JYP Entertainment have a strong presence at this year’s festival, with multiple artists representing the two powerhouse labels. Following their smash Netflix documentary, and viral songs and TikToks, HYBE America and Geffen Records’ global girl group KATSEYE will make their Lollapalooza debut. Alongside them, KOZ Entertainment, a HYBE subsidiary, will bring their rising boy group BOYNEXTDOOR to the stage. JYP Entertainment, home to headliners TWICE, will also showcase its wide roster with performances from rock band Xdinary Heroes and rookie boy group KickFlip.
Beyond the major headliners and label-backed groups, Lollapalooza 2025 also boasts an impressive plethora of artists from the Asian diaspora, spanning various genres. Here are some of the other Asian talents we’re most excited for:
Filipino American singer, rapper, and Euphoria star Dominic Fike, known for his genre-blending sound, recently collaborated with BLACKPINK’s Jennie on her debut album Ruby, featuring on the track “Love Hangover.”
Smile 2 and Aladdin star Naomi Scott will take to the stage. It’s unclear whether she will be performing originals, covers, or songs from her filmography, but a medley of tracks from them would be awesome.
American DJ and music producer Richard Singphiphat Nakhonethap, better known as Knock2, released his January album nolimit with label 88rising.
Indonesian and Filipino American music producer ISOxo has collabed with Knock2 in the past. His most recent album is the 2024 work KGM (irl)*.
Singer songwriter Remi Wolf, who is of mixed Sicilian, Russian and Persian heritage released her most recent album Big Ideas in 2024.
A staple of the EDM scene, Japanese American music producer and DJ Gryffin has remixed songs from the likes of Maroon 5 and Tove Lo. He most recently released the album Pulse last year.
This singer songwriter and pianist from Japan has topped charts on Billboard with his albums Help Ever Hurt Never and Love All Serve All. Following a successful tour across Asia from 2023-24, he’s ready to bring his artistry to Lollapooloza.
This quartet is a stellar modern punk rock band from Kyoto. Their performance at Lollapooloza will mark their U.S. return since their first North American tour in 2022.
Wave to Earth
Wave to Earth, the South Korean indie rock trio of Kim Daniel (vocals/guitar), Shin Donggyu (drums), and Cha Soonjong (bass), has been on a meteoric rise. After selling out their 2023 North American tour, they kept the momentum going with their Play with Earth! 0.03 album in 2024.
Wasia Project
Wasia Project, the English alt-pop band led by mixed Asian British siblings Olivia Hardy and William Gao, blends jazz and pop influences in their music. Fresh off their tour across North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom, the duo recently released their second EP Isotope in August 2024.
British DJ and producer Sammy Virji brings his signature U.K. garage sound to Lollapalooza following part one of his 2025 North American tour, which includes stops at Coachella.
Indian Australian project Glass Beams, led by multi-instrumentalist Rajan Silva, blends Eastern melodies with modern Western sounds, crafting a mesmerizing sonic experience. Known for performing in intricate bejeweled masks, the trio continues to captivate following the release of their 2024 album Mahal.
Self-taught Canadian singer songwriter Jade LeMac gained popularity on TikTok and now has four million monthly Spotify streams. In 2024 she was nominated by GLAAD for an Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist award.
L.A.-born and of Indian heritage, Hex Cougar has carved out a name in the hardwave and future bass scene with his artistry. With collaborations spanning from RL Grime to Sia and co-signs from Diplo and Skrillex, he’s bringing fresh energy to Lollapalooza with a highly anticipated set and teased new music.
Published on March 24, 2025
Words by Daniel Anderson
Daniel Anderson is a disabled Chinese American adoptee based in Seattle. His freelance writing specialties include K-pop, entertainment, and food. He believes that any restaurant can be a buffet, and the key to success is to take a nap each day. Follow his adventures on Instagram @danzstan.