Tag Archives: Spring Awakening Music Festival

Thursday’s Artist Spotlight: Dyro

by EDM, Happy • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Debuting at #30 in the DJ Mag Top 100 poll, this next artist became the youngest ‘Highest New Entry’ to ever grace the peculiarly weighted, but somewhat definitive poll regarding disc jockeying talent. Known for his signature driving bass lines, enchanting melodies and highly charged drops, Jordy van Egmond has seamlessly made the transition from bedroom composer to renowned international DJ/Producer. Dyro has surpassed any expectations with his rapid ascent into the highly coveted upper echelons of the dance music scene.

Previously garnering support from the likes of the most popular DJs in the world (including: Hardwell, Laidback Luke, and Dada Life), Dyro was unanimously selected as the group’s ‘Breakthrough Artist of 2012.’ With such a lofty title placed on his forehead, we believe that so far, the 21 year old star has effectively matched the highly esteemed praise with consistent releases and captivating live sets. The success of this swiftly rising talent just goes to show you that anything is possible. One day your sitting at your home computer, ripping the stems of your favorite producers to remix, the next, you’re sitting down in million dollar studios and collaborating with the very same musicians you had once idolized. Such was the case for young Dyro as Hardwell quickly sniffed out his prospective talents and slapped a Revealed Recording label on Jordy’s releases.

At this point in time, with all that has been said and done regarding this next producers short but enchanting career, it’s no longer a shock when Dyro delivers tunes with impeccable standards again and again. He is one of they very few DJs that can boast a production portfolio overflowing with quality and quantity. As Hardwell once put it, “Dyro is in my opinion, the world’s biggest up and coming DJ”. Maybe a little bias considering the man is paying for Dyro’s music, but what do I know. A lot, actually.

We believe Dyro to be a particularly special “must see” artist at this years Spring Awakening Music Festival because there is nothing more authentic than a DJ in the middle of actualizing their very own dreams.

Wednesday’s Artist Spotlight: 3LAU

by EDM, Funky, Happy, Heavy • Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Justin Blau, the name sounds familiar doesn’t it?

Better known by his stage name, 3LAU, this young and talented producer has grown into his own version of an icon. Justin represents a class of up and coming musicians ready to etch their name in the electronic music history books. He became enthralled with music at a young age, first teaching himself to play piano, guitar and drums. With a knack for success through his diligent work ethic and a keen dedication to his craft, 3LAU went from compiling mainstream mash-ups for DJs to creating some of the freshest tunes we’ve heard so far in 2014. Gaining creative insight from inspirations like Sigur Ros and Radiohead, Justin classifies his sound as beautifully melodic – an emotional journey through time and space.

A few months back, Justin provided the world with one of the finest sets in recent memory at the ever prolific Ultra Music Festival. Ever since that day, his name has been at the top of our radar list, and the anticipation for his next release goes unparalleled. This is an act you just cannot miss out on, which is why we’ve provided all of the information below to assure a front row seat for the experience of a lifetime.

3lau

 

Who: 3LAU

What: Melodic Electro and Progressive House

When: Friday, June 13th,  5:00 to 6:00 PM

Where: Equinox Stage

 

 

What We Learned From SAMF 2013, And How It Affects You!

by EDM • Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

For each and every Chicago youth (residing in the Chicagoland area for the past three years), there exists a unique and memorable summer experience like no other. To all of our parental dismay, we are overjoyed in presenting to you, our fans, Spring Awakening Music Festival 2014.

Returning once again to the gusty shores of Lake Michigan, SAMF represents the most anticipated annual EDM festival Chicago has to offer. With artists from all over the globe descending upon one of Illinois’ most famous architectural endeavors (Soldier Field) for three days of nonstop euphoria, how could one pass up on such an opportunity?

If you need help paying up for that oh-so-expensive three day pass or are under the age of 21, no need to fret. The only three day passes left up for grabs are for VIP only, meaning if you can’t drink you can’t buy a ticket. But, alas! All hail the single day passes, our bread and butter over here at Rager HQ. We would provide a link, but we think you can handle it.

Much like everything else in this world, a great thing cannot last forever; and sometimes, us festival-goers are forced to make a life-changing decision.

What kind of decision you ask?

I progress:

Due to some minor scheduling issues, there was a discrepancy between the time slots given for Zomboy‘s set (when comparing the handed-out, paper copy with the cell phone application). As the day progressed, we eventually teased out the true set time from a couple of the SAMF staff members. What a great crew!

However, it could not have come at a worse time.

Unfortunately, Joshua Jenkin (aka Zomboy) happened to be playing at the same time as another one of my favorite artists, the Bingo Players.

If you’ve ever been to a electronic music festival with a group of friends, you have probably experienced similar issues when attempting to coerce others to stray from the original “plan.” In the case of SAMF 2013, all of my friends wanted to see the Bingo Players and not my main man, Zomboy.

You can already guess where this is going…

The Bingo Players sucked live. End of story. It was an awful set.

I have regretted that decision with the strongest of convictions even to this day. It was a travesty, nothing less. However, I write of these shortcomings because I want you, the reader, to learn from my mistakes. That is why for the next two weeks leading up to the big day, we will be featuring one particular artist that YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO SEE.

And remember, never ever presume so you don’t make the same mistake I did. You heard it here first, this is J Grizzle signing off.

Until next time, fellow Ragers.