Spring Awakening 2013

Is there a way to go back to Spring Awakening weekend?!?! I wish… Having gone to previous EDM events and concerts, I thought I knew what to expect when Spring Awakening rolled around the corner. I was wrong. The energy at Spring Awakening was so much stronger than any one-day event in Chicago. The first festival I have gone to left me speechless and recovering for a few days. According to others, in its second year Spring Awakening Music festival rocked Soldier field right here in Chicago harder than before. The festival seemed to be a larger production in general with a slightly different stage arrangement with expanded assortment of lights and effects. Da Main stage was larger and looked great and Da Equinox stage transformed to a grand open-air stage instead of being a tent-covered stage like the Drive Stage (which stayed the same). Da Colonnades received a tent and was turned around 180 degrees to minimize noise overlap of from the stages.

During day 1, Bingo Players played a great set with all their hits. We couldn’t be at EDC LV this year, but since we love Bingo Players here is their live set:

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Too bad the garbage cans that people were dancing on were taken away during their show. Everyone was having a blast. The night was closed out with Moby. His song choices and impeccable light show left an insane impression on me. I could not believe how amazing it all looked and how great the crowd was. Even though a lot of people complained about his “old” music, I still think he was one of the best. Day 2 and 3 included some of our favorites such as Nervo, Wolfgang Gartner, Krewella, the Porn n Chicken Crew, Calvin Harris, and Bassnectar. Even though it started pouring during Bassnectar’s set (also rained during Skrillex’s set last year), a ton of people stayed on the field. The lighting turned out to look pretty cool while raining, especially the lasers (see pictures below).

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As mentioned in last years (here is the LINK), beers were $8.50 and water was not permitted inside unless you walked in without a cap. There were plenty of refill stations though if you needed to refill a bottle that you purchased.

Overall, it is safe to say Spring Awakening blew me away. We are excited for any upcoming events (especially Kaskade in October) and festivals! Make sure to tag us in any Instagram photos/videos and Facebook posts (#whysochi & @whysochi)!!!! Can’t wait to see everyone there. Oh, and remember… don’t be shy, just stay Chi.

 

Some SAMF Tips

It’s that time again; Spring Awakening Music Festival is back at the historic Soldier Field with Chicago’s amazing skyline as its backdrop. This year it expands from 2 to 3 days; which means more music, more lasers, more memories to make and more time to meet new friends. Having attended the entire festival last year and attending a few other ones since then I’m sharing with you a few pointers on how to have the most fun and enjoy yourselves.

1. Be Aware

This means be prepared to see anyone from young “ravers” aka ragers wearing kandi bracelets, to the stereotypical “douche bag” that is very prominent in Chicago’s Club scene to old school Chicago house purists. It is what it is just chill and focus on enjoying yourself, everyone is generally  there for the music.

2. Be Smart

This will tie in with point number one and a comment I made in my Spring Awakening post from last year (FOLLOW LINK HERE TO READ IT) but I feel it’s important. Don’t complain about water being overpriced. Better yet don’t complain about any prices. This is a major corporately funded music festival which means the prices will be at a premium. Make sure to scope out water REFILL stations and keep your original bottle of water and you’ll set. There is no need to constantly pay $5 for water if you are prepared.  Also if you or anyone you know part takes in any extracurricular activities please be safe, festivals are supposed to be happy events not tragic ones.

3. Be Positive

Many people are traveling from across the us to attend this festival, don’t assume its all local kids. Be open to meeting and seeing people that you don’t see on the regular. Be friendly and bring good vibes and you should have a good time. Make sure our out of town friends have a good opinion of Chicago and all of its residence when they leave after the festival. Don’t be a douche.

4. Be Supportive

If time and your work schedule permits, try to make it out early to get to see some of our local talent. It’s always good to support our own as it motivates them to keep working on  their craft.

5. Be Open

I’ve learned at other festivals that exploring artists you may not know could be just as rewarding as seeing the headliners and favorites. it never hurts to add to your music library and favorite playlists with new tracks.

Spring Awakening daily artist, after party and day pass info

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EDC Chicago has come and gone and with it Chicago’s festival season officially started. We’re just 16 short days away from Spring Awakening Music Festival 2013. With that being said the daily artist list has been released as well as information on the official after parties and locations as well as single day tickets. Full artist schedule to come soon. If you still need a 3 day pass get yours here. If you plan to attend the after parties follow this link for  tickets. Below check out the daily artist breakdown and after party info.

Lineup

Friday:

Moby, Bingo Players, DJ Bl3nd, Carnage, Dean Cohen, Dirty South, John Dahlback, Nero, PantyRaid, Rehab, R3hab, Robbie Rivera, Zomboy, Danger Wayne, Digitial Departure, Ekho & J.Worra, Justin Reed, Konrad Gainnes, Louis the Child, DJ Magix, Milk N Cookies, Moiez, Paul Universe, Peter Kontor, Popsh!t, Radiohiro w/MC Zulu, DJ Rozz, Striz

Saturday:

Bassnectar, 12th Planet, An21 & Max Vangeli, Auto Body, DotExe, Felix da Housecat, Flosstradamus, Gramatik, Green Velvet, Lucky Date, Nervo, Nicky Romero, Oliver, Paul Oakenfold, Savoy, Walden Wolfgang Gartner, Zedd, Zed’s Dead, Adam Abstrakt, Bisharat, Dakota, David S, Don Dada, Jack Trash, Kings of Class, Knuckle Children, Mighty Thor, Na Palm W/Sephano & Torio, Phnm, Robots on the Run, Ryan B, DJ Solo, Stratus, Team Bayside High, The Dub Knight, Xposur

Sunday:

Calvin Harris, ATB, Boys Noize, Break Science, Chuckie, Clockwork, Excision, Figure, Green Lantern, Joachim Garraud, Krewella, Minnesota, Mord Fustang, Nathan Scott, Orchard Lounge, Porter Robinson, Showtek, Stafford Brothers, Tommy Trash, Topher Jones, Alex Kislov, Boji, Compact  Disco, Enoptix, Erik K, Gun Love, Gus Karas. DJ Intel, Lobounce, Mario Florek, Nordjs, Porn N Chicken, Ramsen, Regulators, Trentino, Xonic, Yos

Afterparties:

Friday:
Moby and Revolvr at the MID
PANTyRAiD & Zomboy at the House of Blues
Dirty South at SpyBar
DJ Bl3nd at Volkan

Saturday:
Nicky Romero at the MID
Zeds Dead with Salva at House of Blues
Cajmere at SpyBar
Nervo at Palladium

Sunday:
Calvin Harris at the MID
Excision and Minnesota at House of Blues
Boys Noize at Spybar

Monday:
SAMF Closing Party at Evil Olive w/ Porn and Chicken