Upchuck headlines Normaltown Music Fest

This past weekend, Atlanta DIY’s own Upchuck headlined Normaltown Music Festival at Athentic Brewing in “Classic City” Athens, Georgia. The band delivered an intense set featuring recognizable favorites like “Facecard” alongside new tracks.

Lead vocalist Kalia “KT” Thompson commanded the venue with a compelling vocal performance and magnetic stage presence. Midway through the performance, Thompson stepped offstage to let drummer Chris Salado take the lead, keeping the energy consistent. Before the finale, Thompson hopped the barricade to join the crowd. While dragging the microphone into the center of the pit, Upchuck delivered a staggering conclusion to the night.

Upchuck released their single “Last Breath” in February, following a guest appearance by lead vocalist Thompson alongside Josh Scogin (of The Chariot). The duo joined Hayley Williams during the second night of her sold-out Atlanta double header to perform her hit, “Parachute.” These milestones follow a steady rise for the band, who have previously toured with heavyweights such as Amyl and the Sniffers and Soul Glo.

The lineup of Normaltown Music Fest featured a diverse selection of regional talent, including the noise rock of Johnny Falloon, punk-inspired trio Violent Violet, and pop-rock mainstays Schmooze. 

Now in its fourth year, the festival serves as a blueprint for community-driven events. Organized by Athentic Brewing Company, Athens Resonates, Aubrey Entertainment, and Ashthrone Booking, this year’s proceeds support local nonprofits Nuçi’s Space, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens, and Love.Craft Athens.

SEE UPCHUCK ON TOUR:
5/2 – Baltimore, MD – Union Craft Brewing
5/4 – Richmond, VA – The Broadberry
5/5 – Charleston, SC -Music Farm
5/6 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
5/7 – Jackson, MS – Duling Hall
6/5 – Savannah, GA – Starland Yard
6/25 – Heidelberg, Germany – Metropolink Commissary
6/27 – Manchester, United Kingdom – Outbreak Fest 2026
6/28 – London, United Kingdom – OSLO LONDON
6/29 – Bristol, United Kingdom – UPCHUCK
7/2 – Belfort, France – Les Eurockéennes 2026
7/3 –  Zurich, Switzerland – BOGEN F
8/14-16 – Buena Vista, CO – King Gizzard’s Field of Vision 2026
8/29 – Torremolinos, Spain – Canela Party 2026

KEEP UP WITH UPCHUCK: Spotify // Instagram // Youtube // Website
KEEP UP WITH JOHNNY FALLOON: Spotify // Instagram // Youtube // Bandcamp
KEEP UP WITH VIOLENT VIOLET: Spotify // Instagram // Bandcamp
KEEP UP WITH SCHMOOZE: Spotify // Instagram // Youtube

All photos and coverage by AG Lopez: Website // Instagram // E-mail