Olivia Rodrigo is turning her vision for Daisy Chain Fields into a major statement about women in music and beyond. Ahead of the festival’s debut in Irvine, California, Rodrigo announced that the event has raised $10 million for organizations supporting women and girls.
The singer revealed the figure during a press conference on August 28. The money will go directly to 10 nonprofit partners working across reproductive health, maternal health, economic justice and gender justice.
A Festival Built Around Women in Music
Daisy Chain Fields arrives with an all-women lineup that brings together different generations of artists. Chappell Roan, Doechii, Mitski, Garbage, The Breeders and Bikini Kill are among the performers.
Special guests include Stevie Nicks, Karen O and Sarah McLachlan. The lineup also reflects Rodrigo’s own musical influences and the artists who have shaped her career.
Rodrigo personally curated the festival and reached out to several performers herself. Garbage’s Shirley Manson recently described Rodrigo’s approach as unusually personal.
The festival also creates a different environment for its performers. No sets overlap, allowing audiences to watch every artist on the bill. The festival gives each act equal billing rather than placing bigger names above emerging artists.
KATSEYE was originally part of the lineup. However, the group withdrew after member Megan suffered a sprained ankle. Devon Again later joined the bill as a replacement.
From Lilith Fair to Daisy Chain Fields
Rodrigo has been open about the influence behind Daisy Chain Fields. Lilith Fair, the influential women-led festival founded by Sarah McLachlan, provided much of the inspiration.
Lilith Fair launched in 1997 and created a major platform for female artists. Rodrigo has spoken about the festival’s impact on her own vision. McLachlan is now joining Rodrigo at Daisy Chain Fields as both a performer and an inspiration behind the event.
The connection gives Daisy Chain Fields a clear place in music history. It continues an idea that has challenged the industry’s approach to female artists for decades.
Rodrigo is also bringing that idea into a different era. Her festival combines established names with younger artists. It also connects the music to nonprofit organizations working directly with women and girls.
Music With a Larger Purpose
The $10 million donation gives Daisy Chain Fields a purpose that extends beyond the stage. Rodrigo’s 10 nonprofit partners include Planned Parenthood, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Baby2Baby, Black Mamas Matter Alliance and FreeFrom.
Other partners include Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the National Institute for Reproductive Health and the National Women’s Law Center.
The festival will also feature nonprofit activations, educational resources and community spaces. These elements give attendees opportunities to learn about the organizations receiving support.
The festival makes its debut on August 29 at Great Park in Irvine. With its $10 million donation already secured, Daisy Chain Fields is beginning with a clear message: music can entertain, but it can also bring people together around something bigger.
