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Pitchfork Music Festival Canceled After 19 Years Amid Rising Costs

1/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

After 19 vibrant years, the beloved Pitchfork Music Festival has been canceled by Condé Nast, driven by soaring costs and the struggle to secure mainstream talent. Co-founder Mike Reed revealed that artist fees had ballooned to $1 million, ultimately leading to a bittersweet relief as he acknowledged the festival's distinct spirit was fading under corporate influence.

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Story summary

After 19 vibrant years, the beloved Pitchfork Music Festival has been canceled by Condé Nast, driven by soaring costs and the struggle to secure mainstream talent. Co-founder Mike Reed revealed that artist fees had ballooned to $1 million, ultimately leading to a bittersweet relief as he acknowledged the festival's distinct spirit was fading under corporate influence.