With the addition of The Burrow stage and a speedway-inspired theme, the 54th Dillo Day is revving up to be one of the biggest yet. The event’s four headliners span multiple genres, from indie pop to hyperpop to rap. As Dillo Day rapidly approaches, here are the must-listen-to songs from each headliner to best prepare you for a day of high energy and great music.
Malcolm Todd
Todd is a personal favorite of mine. While tracks like “Earrings” and “Chest Pain (I Love)” are some of his most popular, his newest single, “I Saw Your Face,” is definitely worth a listen. It’s a track full of longing and love, accompanied by a catchy chorus and mellow instrumentals.
For something more upbeat, I recommend “Bleed (feat. Omar Apollo).” “Bleed” was among my top five songs in my 2025 Spotify Wrapped, and it satisfyingly blends Todd’s characteristic indie pop sound and Apollo’s soulful, rich vocals. The two make a perfect pair on the track, and my fingers are crossed that Apollo will make a guest appearance come Saturday.
Daya
I would be remiss not to suggest a re-listen of Daya’s Grammy-winning song “Don’t Let Me Down,” a collaboration with The Chainsmokers. The chart-topper is just as good now as it was in 2016. For a more recent hit, I recommend “Matador,” off of her newest album “Til Every Petal Drops.” The song has an enchanting, addictive beat that is guaranteed to have people dancing.
Tiffany Day
While I hadn’t heard of Tiffany Day until she was announced as a headliner, I have been playing her music on repeat ever since. What I love most about her music is its ability to effortlessly tell a story. In “SAN FRANCISCO SIDEWALK,” she sings about resilience through difficulty, and the friendships that help her through it. It’s my favorite song of hers so far, and I am so excited to hear it live.
Off her newest album “HALO,” the standout is “PRETTY4U,” a song with a distinct electronic sound and continuous, pulsating beat. It’s a fun hyperpop song to headbop to — or frat flick to, if that’s your prerogative.
BabyChiefDoit
Of course, “WENT WEST” needs to be mentioned for its powerful beat and even more powerful lyrics. The combination of a trap beat and a traditional marching band makes a unique sound destined to incite a mosh pit.
Released Wednesday, BabyChiefDoit’s newest single, “RAMBO,” begins with a standard military call before transitioning into a powerful, bass-boosted beat. If it’s any indication of what’s to come, his next album is something to look forward to, and I highly recommend giving it at least one listen.
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