North Coast returns to fulfill EDM void

Time to grab your glow sticks and dancing shoes because North Coast Music Festival has returned!

The festival has evolved over the years since its original conception back in 2010. Back then, the concert hosted a variety of music genres from hip-hop to indie rock to reggae and everything in-between but as the years went on it started to morph into one of the biggest EDM showcases in Chicago. The event has also changed locations over the last few years from Union Park under the train tracks, to Northerly Island next to the lake. This year it will be taking place at SeatGeek Stadium, the old home of the Chicago Fire Soccer team and North Coast plans on bringing the heat.

The festival’s epic return in 2021 is a showcase of some of the best artists in the electronic dance scene. One of the highlights that even a casual listener would recognize are Zed’s Dead. The duo has been a staple for ravers in the mainstream over the past decade continuing to put together great sets to wow the crowd. Another solid duo-team that will be main eventing the festival will be Ganja White Night who do an excellent job of incorporating trap hip-hop into their dubstep making a fresh sound that has been astounding fans since 2008. The lineup also includes Rezz whose soundscapes are dark and ominous with wubbing bass that might make you lose your mind a little. Someone who can match her darkness is of course NGHTMRE. The eerie vibes might spook you at first but once the bass kicks in you can’t help but rave for your life.

But the big-name acts don’t stop there because none other than Diesel aka Shaquille O’Neal will be taking the stage to perform a DJ set! “The Big Aristotle” has been messing with music since his Kazaam days. The 4x NBA Champion has rapped but more recently has been doing DJ sets under the name DJ Diesel. Performing at both Tomorrowland and Lollapalooza in 2019, this is sure to be an experience you will want witness. 

There are plenty of other musicians that are worth a listen. Case in point LSDreams (formerly known as Brillz) does an excellent job of providing psychedelic sounds that’ll make you trip out. Similarly, there is Liquid Stranger who has been producing his unique sound and setting trends since the early 2000s. The classic house vibes continue with the likes of now one other than Green Velvet whose signature hairdo and contagious energy will definitely light up the dancefloor.

Naturally, the question on everyone’s mind lately is what safety measures are in place during these trying times. As of now, the rule is to bring a physical or digital copy of your vaccine card or negative covid test result. Failure to provide either means you will not be allowed to enter the show. The organizers will not require masks to be worn at the outside stages, but there are three indoor art installations and experiential areas where masks will be required. So, if you want to experience everything that North Coast has to offer bring your mask!

Whichever kind of electronic music you are into, North Coast plans on providing all types of vibes so you can dance to your heart’s content. Whether you’re into the big-name stars or indie electronic artists it’s going to be an experience you won’t want to miss. So bring your energy (and masks) and let’s boogie on down together and have a great time!