Returning for its 13th year, North Coast Music Festival takes over the Windy City this Labor Day weekend from September 1 – 3, 2023. Whether you’re a Chicago native or live further away, you will want to mark your calendar for this well-regarded event.
North Coast debuted in 2010 and has since become an annual Chicago tradition, taking place every year except during the pandemic in 2020. One of the first EDM festivals to return in 2021 following the lift of COVID-19 restrictions, North Coast set the bar remarkably high among event organizers. The festival relocated to a bigger venue at Seat Geek Stadium and dropped the best lineup Chicago had seen, with big-name artists native to the city, such as Kaskade, Louis the Child, Green Velvet, and so many others.
With a great outcome in 2021, North Coast raised expectations for 2022 and delivered in a big way with a lineup that included headlining trio Armin van Buuren, ILLENIUM, and Porter Robinson. In 2023, North Coast organizers have outdone themselves yet again, bringing an absolutely jaw-dropping list of artists.
To give an idea of just how stacked this roster is, imagine a festival where artists like Big Gigantic, NGHTMRE, Chris Lake, DJ Snake, Duke Dumont, Lane 8, and Liquid Stranger will not be playing on the main stage. The Stadium (main stage) will feature genre-defining DJs such as Alesso, Alison Wonderland, Flume, Ganja White Night, Marshmello, and Zeds Dead, to name just a few. And the talent doesn’t stop there, either.
One factor explaining how North Coast manages to secure such incredible talent is through its stage takeovers. In 2022, Subtronics, Seven Lions, FISHER, and Diplo engaged in individual stage takeovers, bringing specially catered lineups each day of the festival. At North Coast 2023, we will see takeovers by Liquid Stranger, Lane 8, and Chris Lake. Let’s dive into each of them.
WAKAAN Takeover
Closing out the Vega stage on Day 1 is Swedish-born electronic music producer Martin Staaf, better known as Liquid Stranger. His consistent ability to produce, mix, and blend various genres helped him succeed early in his career. In 2015, Liquid Stranger launched his record label, WAKAAN, which quickly became one of the most successful boundary-pushing and genre-defying labels of the modern dance music era. Wakaan has released music from some of the industry’s biggest names.
On Friday, September 1, 2023, Liquid Stranger and his label WAKAAN will take over the Vega stage at North Coast. During this takeover, Liquid Stranger will be headlining, with support from prominent artists such as Champagne Drip, Wreckno, Jansten, and Lab Group. You can expect a high-energy, experimental, and overall fun vibe at the Vega stage on Day 1.
This Never Happened Takeover
One of the most unique record labels in the world, This Never Happened, was established by Daniel Goldstein, better known as Lane 8, in 2015. In addition to being a successful label, This Never Happened is a movement that encourages us to experience music and dance culture more profoundly and meaningfully. Goldstein launched the label and the coordinated event series intending to create immersive and intimate experiences that elicit connections with the music and amongst people.
Characteristic of This Never Happened events, phones are not allowed, which might make some of us feel a little anxious, but for fans of Lane 8 and this label, it provides a chance to eliminate distractions, focus on the music, and build unforgettable memories. On Day 2 of North Coast 2023, Lane 8 and This Never Happened will take over the Canopy stage. As part of this takeover on Saturday, distinguished artists Jerro, Le Youth, and Sultan + Shephard will join Lane 8. Not to mention, grammy-nominated artist, Elderbrook will be playing direct support to help close out what is sure to be an incredible Night 2 of North Coast.
Black Book Records Takeover
Known for his catchy tracks and energetic performances, Chris Lake has found immense success over the last several years, bringing a new wave of fans to the ever-evolving world of house music. Chris Lake started Black Book Records in 2017 as a platform to help support up-and-coming artists and champion a movement of innovative and cutting-edge sounds in the tech and bass house scenes.
Attendees who enjoy dancing and smiling to lively beats with their friends will want to visit the Canopy Stage on Day 3 to catch Chris Lake, along with supporting artists Bruno Furlan, Miane, Kyle Watson, and Cloonee. For those who like house music, this takeover is a must-see!
North Coast 2023 has a stacked lineup with incredible talent performing on all three days and some unforgettable stage takeovers by EDM pioneers. The artists behind these takeovers are helping shape our world of dance music. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to grab your tickets and follow Moon Lvnding to keep up with the latest coverage in dance music.
