Article by: Grant Soffer
North Coast Music Festival is coming to Chicago again this Labor Day Weekend. Whether you’re a native of Chicago or live on the other side of the country, this is a festival you’ll want to mark your calendar for. North Coast debuted in 2010 and has been an annual tradition in the city of Chicago every year (except 2020) for the past 12 years. One of the first EDM festivals to return in 2021 after COVID-19 restrictions, North Coast set the bar extremely high for any other festival organizers. Not only did they relocate to a bigger venue at Seat Geek Stadium, they dropped their best lineup to date at the time with Kaskade, Louis the Child, Green Velvet, and so many other Chicago natives headlining the festival to kick off the 2021 season on a high note.
With such a great outing in 2021, North Coast has high expectations for 2022, and they have delivered in a big way with an even better lineup for 2022 stacked with some of the biggest artists they’ve ever announced. Headlined by artists like Armin Van Buuren, Illenium, and Porter Robinson, the Phase 1 lineup featured artists in almost every genre of dance music, with a little bit for everyone.
North Coast released their Phase 1 lineup back in December and finally released their Phase 2 lineup earlier this week, and they certainly outdid themselves. Phase 2 features some massive names including Subtronics, Madeon, Two Friends, Boogie T, Dirt Monkey, Eli & Fur, Gettoblaster, Martin Ikin, Moksi, Rusko, Solardo, Luttrell, Mersiv, MitiS, William Black, Wooli, Yotto, Baynk, Channel Tres, and TSHA.
With so much talent in one weekend, it can be hard to navigate, especially if you’re newer to the scene. Thankfully we got you covered. Here are Moon Lvnding’s top picks from the Phase 2 Lineup that you don’t want to miss out on:
Friday
Subtronics
Closing out the Vega stage Day 1 is Jesse Kardon, better known by his stage name of Subtronics. One of the best bass artists in the scene today, Constantly pushing boundaries and pioneering a new era of bass sound, Subtronics is guarenteed to be one of the most unique and unforgettable sets that you will ever experience. Even if you are not a fan of bass music, this is a set you will absolutely not want to miss, and is the perfect way to close out Day 1 of any festival.
Martin Ikin
One of the most experienced house producers in the world, Martin Ikin has been producing and releasing music for over 30 years. He has one of the most immense tracklists with hundreds and hundreds of songs and mixes to his name. If you love house music, you already know that Martin Ikin is a legend in that genre. If you don’t know much about house music, this is a great artist to start to immerse yourself in the genre. This is a set you’ll want to plan around once set times are released.
Saturday
Photo Credit: M4ximus
MitiS
If you’re looking for a set to hold your boyfriend/girlfriend during or just want a good cry, MitiS is an absolute must see. MitiS grew up playing as a classical pianist and that is well reflected in his music. All of his songs are sure to get you in your feels. Melodic dubstep fans will confirm that MitiS is one of the best and most pure artists this scene has been blessed with. Make sure to make time for this set because it will be one of the most euphoric and happiest memories you will ever experience at a music festival.
Photo Credit: Rukes
Wooli
This dubstep and riddim producer is one of the versatile bass DJs on the entire North Coast lineup. Wooli has produced music in nearly every subgenre of bass music and has released some of the best dubstep tracks of the last 5 years. His sets are a great mix of hard-hitting dubstep and emotional tracks. This will be one of the most hype sets of the entire weekend and is definitely worth checking out.
Sunday
Photo Credit: Yazz Alali
Channel Tres
One of the most soothing voices on the entire planet, Channel Tres is a master at meshing multiple genres together, including rap, pop, and house. He has been one of the best well kept secrets in dance music, and is now emerging as a star in the scene. North Coast has blessed us by booking him on the lineup. This is a set you will definitely be singing and dancing along to in September.
Photo Credit: Annie Reid
TSHA
One of the most unique artists in the world, this London DJ specializes in a wide range of music including euphoric, emotional house music. It’s rare to see house artists incorporate emotional tunes into their sets as well as TSHA does. TSHA will have you in your feels and moving your feet at the same time. This is not a set you will want to miss.
North Coast has a stacked lineup with incredible talent performing on all three days. Whether you follow our suggestions, camp out at your favorite stage, or spend the festival exploring, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable weekend this upcoming September.
Purchase your tickets here.
