Spring Awakening Music Fesitval, one of Chicago's newest and largest EDM festivals, is just a few days away. With an enormous lineup over 3 days, there are plenty of names you might not know – this guide should clue you into a few sets you don't want to miss.
gLAdiator [Friday, 3:45pm @ The Hanger]
This LA duo's tracks blend trap with house and hip-hop but their live sets and mixes reveal a greater slew of influences. The mix below has everything from Ludacris to Grizzly Bear (are they really that different anyway?)
Destroid [Friday, 7pm, Equinox]
I'm expecting this to be one of the bigger spectacles at Spring Awakening. Destroid is a sort of dubstep/bass music super group made up of Excision, Downlink and KJ Sawka. I'm very interested to see how they traverse the gap between production and live performance. With heavy bass and costumes/art that is reminiscent of a Neon blacklight game of 1990s laser tag, its a shame they aren't playing later at night.
Check out this fake News video Destroid made, where the global community confuses dubstep for terrorism (what jerks!)
Derick Carter [Saturday, 5:30pm @ The Hanger]
Carter is a quintessential part of Chicago's house scene – you might not be familiar with his name, but his sound and style are deeply ingrained in a huge amount of music. Come see Carter effortlessly blend new and classic house and techno before spending all of your weekend with club bangers.
Pete Tong [Saturday, 6:30pm @ The Hanger]
Producer, DJ and host of BBC 1 one radio shows such as the Essential Mix, its hard to imagine anyone will be able to throw out a more eclectic mix over the weekend.
Candyland [Sunday, 3pm @ Equinox]
Your favorite artist has probably been remixed by these electro-house wizards, so its about time you see them weave their biting, electro-house through your old favorites.
Ookay [Sunday, 5:30pm @ The Hanger]
Perfect music for a packed traphouse or the end zone, Ookay makes big songs with growling bass hits. Based on the few songs he released last year, 2014 should be exciting for him and us.
For tickets, schedule and more information, visit the SAMF website.
