10 Artists You Need to See at Spring Awakening 2014 + Ticket Giveaway

Final exams are over, the weather is finally agreeing with us and the pools are starting to open. You all know hat that means…FESTIVAL SEASON. Many of us Chicago natives will be kicking our Summer Festival Circuit on beautiful Soldier field with an insane lineup, with an even more insane crowd.

We teamed up with React Presents this year and have an amazing opportunity to host a ticket giveaway for one pair of of three day passes (which are now sold out). Check out our pic of 10 Artists you need to see at Spring Awakening this year if you’re trying to do it up right. Check out our top 10, and you can enter the contest at the bottom of the post. Gluck!

Manic Focus

Manic Focus has been killing the electro soul game, and is no stranger to performing on huge stages opening for the likes of Big Gigantic, Paper Diamond and Griz. Manic Focus will be making his Spring Awakening debut, playing in his hometown. He recently had his first headlining show in Chicago playing to a nearly sold out Concord Music Hall. Make sure you check out one of the most innovative sounds in the game today.

Zebo

Those that are not part of the Chicago nightlife regularly need to absolutely experience a set by Zebo. He is Chicago’s premier resident DJ, and has opened for headlining acts like Justice, Diplo, Alesso, and Skrillex…just to name a few. He is one of the few DJs left in Chicago that spins with vinyl, and he is not afraid to use it. Attendees of shows in Chicago, have been trained to expect amazing showings from Zebo from any set he plays, and I am sure he will not disappoint

Regulators

Since forming in Chicago when trap emerged and made its way to mainstages across the world, the duo made up of SWGGRBCK and Atlis have left more than their footprint in the trap game. Their high energy sets, and stage presence have captured many’s attention, and Spring Awakening is just a small step on a huge career for these two

Diplo

It’s hard for me not to put Diplo near the top of my must see DJs of the summer. Regardless of his productions lately, his sets are always top notch and he has no regards for genres. He plays a combination of the hottest tracks you have already heard, and many others you have never heard before. Plus, he will probably bring a slew of Chicago girls on stage to twerk for him.

A-Trak

A-Trak is by far the best pure DJ on the lineup. His scratching skills are second to none. When he’s not busy with Fool’s Gold Records, he is playing shows to thousands of people by himself or when he teams up with Armand Van Helden with Duck Sauce. His track selection is eclectic, goofy and exciting all at once.

DJ Snake

DJ Snake is this year’s breakout trap star. His hit song with Lil Jon ‘ Turn Down For What‘ quickly broke the mainstream barrier and a trap banger was once again on the radio (See: Harlem Shake). This Summer may be the busiest year of his life, due to the festival circuit, and I am excited to see how his sets this summer play out. Hopefully this is not only his busy summer.

Pretty Lights

It’s still unknown if Pretty Lights will be taking the stage on Soldier Field solo, or with his full band that has been gracing stages all across the nation as of late. Either way, we are in for a treat. Pretty Lights is enjoying a whole new kind of fame after having his album nominated for a Grammy. His sets with the live band combine jams, with some electro-funk/soul bangers that keep everyone on their feet. Either way, get excited.

Feed Me

What intrigues me the most about Feed Me being on this lineup is that it is labeled as a ‘DJ set. His most recent headlining show in Chicago was a two night run at House Of Blues that featured his Teeth set up and he played only Feed Me songs. Feed Me has not been very prevalent in the scene as of late, so I am extremely excited to see what kind of tracks he plays out, especially since they will not be all Feed Me Tracks.

Dillon Francis

Dillon Francis has slowly been building hype for his new album, and his sets as of late have been breathtaking. Since breaking onto the scene as one of Diplo’s ‘Moombahton babies’ Dillon Francis has not slowed down. Whether it be making videos with his buddy, DJ Hanzel, or making huge crowds shake their booties from the front row to the back of the venue, Dillon Francis is always a busy man.

Big Gigantic

Quite possibly the most innovative duo on the lineup, Big Gigantic, captured the minds of many with their unique sounds. Dom and Jeremy from Colorado combine Saxophone, live drumming, and extreme funk to create a sonic experience unlike any other. It is no surprise they went from playing at 3:30 PM to headlining festivals in such a short time.

 

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It was incredibly hard to pick just ten artists from this amazing lineup, but if you peep these dudes you will not be disappointed.

Make sure to enter our contest below. The winner will be contacted via e-mail on June 1st! Good Luck! Hope to see all of you out there.

Win 1 PAIR of 3 Day Passes to SAMF 2014

 

 

 

-Nick Isasi

 

10 Artists You Need to See at Spring Awakening 2014 + Ticket Giveaway