North Coast Music Festival hosts diverse talent across seven unique stages. Find out which artist you absolutely can’t miss at each one!
North Coast Music Festival is returning to its home base at Seatgeek Stadium right outside the City of Chicago this coming Labor Day Weekend. With only a few weeks left before the 13th annual event, anticipation is rising for new and returning coasties. As someone who is taking on their third North Coast, I can attest that one of the highlights of the festival is the variation between stages and the artists who play at each one.
This year, North Coast offers a total of seven diverse stages. First, The Stadium stage is located directly inside Seatgeek Stadium and is home to some of the most famous headliners on the bill. The Shipyard stage — or as past coasties will call it, the NCMF Yacht Club — is where fans can dance the night away to some of the best in house and techno. Now back with an improved design, The Vega is suitable for bass music artists thanks to its 600,000 watts of sound.
Want even more bass in your face? The Fire Pit heats things up by hosting smaller bass acts. The Chill Dome, located inside the full-field soccer dome, is the place to cool down and relax to some sick beats. On a smaller scale, Silent Disco and secret speakeasy Club Coast will offer a fun escape from the madness.
If you haven’t already snagged your passes to North Coast Music Festival 2023, do so now! While you’re at it, listen to our exclusive mix from LAYZ ahead of her set at The Vega.
Top Artists to Catch at North Coast Music Festival 2023
Of The Trees
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First up for the top picks of North Coast Music Festival 2023 is the innovative producer and visual artist Of The Trees. His set will take place on the Stadium Stage, and based on popular releases like “The Owl Song” and “Honeydust” it promises experimental, boundary-bending bass music. Having launched his own music label and collective Memory Palace, the artist has put his all into the underground bass music community not only with his sounds but also helping other artists showcase their talent. Of The Trees always brings a set that not only exceeds expectations but shocks listeners.
Elderbrook
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Our artist pick for The Shipyard is multifaceted British musician, songwriter, and producer Elderbrook. The GRAMMY-nominated artist puts on incredible performances featuring live instrumentals, soulful vocals, and deep house beats. His collaborations with respected and eclectic artists like CamelPhat, Diplo, and Rudimental have earned him a reputation as an influential contributor to the electronic music scene. In addition to his latest album Little Love, make sure to check out his other popular singles such as “Cola” featuring CamelPhat and “Inner Light” with Bob Moses.
Lab Group
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The beloved, innovative bass music project Lab Group are our must-see at The Vega stage. Founded by Potions, Supertask, and the forever cherished CharlesTheFirst, the group came to include Tiedye Ky and Player Dave as essential songwriters. Working towards their forthcoming album Lab Group 2, the group has delivered a plethora of notable releases and played unique venues like the Jacksonville Museum of Science and History for their curated New Years event alongside G-Jones. The boys are an unstoppable force not to miss!
A Hundred Drums
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Musical powerhouse and renowned producer A Hundred Drums will shake things up at The Fire Pit stage. She has a way of transporting her listeners to a euphoric world with her musical soundscapes. Whether it’s her psytrance remix of Subtronics‘ “Flute Dub” or mystical downtempo like “Dream State,” it is without a doubt that she will bring the heat. She recently announced the From Beginning to End Tour with dubstep don Coki. The two will continue their musical partnership and shake up stages nationwide post-North Coast.
EVAN GIIA
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Known for making pretty bangers, EVAN GIIA will bring a totally rad experience to the Chill Dome. Her indoor cycling experience Giia Move will quite literally get riders’ blood-pumping fitness style. With pop, house, and even melodic bass influences, EVAN GIIA is sure to make riders feel uplifted and ready to conquer the rest of the festival. After fantastic appearances throughout festival season and on tour, you can expect some gems when you catch her play at North Coast this year.
aboywithabag
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For coasties searching for some boots and cats, look no further as aboywithabag will be taking over the Silent Disco. The Chicago-based artist brings immaculate energy to his sets. With tech house tracks like “Treat U Wrong” and “Chicago Handshake” featuring Sherm, aboywithabag is sure to have the Silent Disco bumping. Don’t sleep on this rising artist in the scene!
BLUPRNT
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Up-and-coming, Chicago-based house duo BLUPRNT are the act you do not want to miss on the Club Coast stage. Opening for other duos like Ship Wrek and TWINSICK, the two have been making a splash in the hype house space. Most recently, they’ve dropped their six-track curation of remixes and edits, Summer of BLUPRNT. There is surely no better way to close out the summer than with an upbeat BLUPRNT set.
