Spring Awakening 2017 lineup: Phase one
Chicago's biggest electronic music festival returns to it’s new location at the Addams/Medill park. React Presents just released it’s first phrase of it’s massively stacked lineup.
The sixth annual festival will be host over 80 artists from Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11. Along with the lineup we already see which artists are performing at certain stages.
The phase one lineup includes returning favors with some local talent coming back home. For it to be just phase one, Spring Awakening surely has more surprises in store for when phase two is announced. React Presents along with the lineup announced this year’s six branded stages.

Festival fans will get to experience uniquely tailored lineups for each stage. Returning favorites like the Trance Area and Bass Kitchen stage with host a lineup of artists of grit and grime.
New themed stages we haven’t witnessed at Spring Awakening will be Sunday School, ANJUNADEEP, and music publication’s Dancing Astronaut. The two main stages are already announced to have some of the biggest names in electronic music today.
The Solstice stage with host artists from Afrojack, Alesso, Diplo, and Martin Garrix. While the Equinox stage with host Chicago’s own Louis The Child, Krewella, along with Die Antwood and others.
Check out the full lineup below. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Spring Awakening 2017 - Phase 1 Lineup (In Alphabetical Order)
- Afrojack
- Alesso
- Armin van Buuren
- Axwell ^ Ingrosso
- Datisk
- Die Antwoord
- Diplo
- Duke Dumont
- Excision
- Galantis
- GRiZ
- Jauz
- Krewella
- Louis The Child
- Marshmello
- Martin Garrix
- Yellow Claw
- ZHU

[Review] Mad Decent Block Party returns to Chicago
Diplo’s Mad Decent Block Party returned to Chicago despite negative feedback from previous years. This year hosted in Chicago’s heart of the Museum Campus, Northerly Island, Mad Decent definitely received a much needed facelift. On the shore of Lake Michigan, Diplo headlined the event at the First Merit Bank Pavilion. The beautiful city skyline was a perfect match as the background met the sounds of Mad Decent.
Surprise electric Chicago duo artists Louis The Child joined the lineup, making them the only Chicago based artist to Mad Descent’s stop in Chicago. The duo worked the growing crowd with there headlining caliber set list.
The clear fan favorite was pop mega star Kesha. The fans came in droves to see the new leased on life artist. With support from The Creepies. Kesha didn’t disappoint the crowd with her crowd pleasing performance of TiK Tok, Your Love Is My Drug, and Take It Off. Despite her recent legal issues Kesha’s performance speak for itself. Currently on tour, Kesha hasn’t lost her groove leaving Mad Decent fans with a rock out set.
Rae Sremmurd’s short career is met with discussion of their successful hip-hop longevity. The Mississippi brothers have proven time and again their place in today’s hip-hop discussion with record breaking single from No Flex Zone, No Type, and Come Get Her. Festival fans were treated with a hip-hop thrill ride. The non-stop energy seeped through the crowd as the duo of brothers didn’t stop giving an energy packed performance from start to finish. Definitely one of the biggest take away from Mad Decent is seeing these young hungry hip-hop artists.
Mad Decent creator and one of the biggest faces in electric music, Diplo closed off the night. Diplo a true music jack of all traits kept the Mad Decent crowd going into the night with a mixture of electric, hip-hop, and house classics. Diplo’s long list of hit records were present with performances from Where Are U Now, Revolution, and Take U There. The music master had incredibility balanced all type of electric music from trap, big room house, reggaeton, and moombaton.
Minor setbacks from the volume to time in-between sets didn’t hinder the fact that Mad Decent found it’s footing in Chicago.
A true treat Diplo had in store for Chicago was hiss final five minutes of his set. After thanking Chicago for it’s day one fans he ended his set with Chicago house and juke jams. A true appreciation for Chicago's music scene we’d love to see Mad Decent and Diplo come back bigger then before.
Mad Decent Block Party Chicago 2016 - Photos
[Review] Lollapalooza celebrates 25 anniversary in a big way
The Chicago staple of music festival excellence brought forth yet another unforgettable weekend of music and stellar performances. Lollapalooza celebrating it’s 25th anniversary in the biggest way possible. Extending the festival to four days created a marathon of incredible musical moments.
Lollapalooza had many highlights that came from inside and outside the music festival. Chicago transformed from the city with broad shoulders into, during for the four-day festival, music mecca.
The first two days had rain showers that spanned over a few hours. The temporary muggy start didn’t effect the mega celebration of the 25th anniversary. In fact, the only set backs to the festival were the uncontrollable rain and that the festival is already over.
Over the years Lolla grew not only in size but it also grew in multiple genres. It first started as an alternative rock festival in 1991 as a farewell tour for Jane’s Addiction. Now with over 170 acts and an extended four-day festival, Lollapalooza provided many history making moments.
It was announced by Lollapalooza that next year’s music festival will also be a 4 day festival.
Thursday, July 28 (Day 1)
Lollapalooza fixed up this problem from past years. The clear winner to the first night was hip-hop. Hip-hop actually had a deeper impact throughout the festival but it made a bold statement the first night with performances from Chicago’s own Towkio, G-Eazy, and J. Cole. Danny Brown also gained many fans with his energetic performance. Towkio brought out Chicago’s Joey Purp and Vic Mensa in a complete Chicago music takeover. Towkio from sneaking into Lollapalooza before his musical break to now setting the stage definitely was a crowd pleasure.
Another Chicago artist made headlines closing off the Perry’s stage this time from the electronic music duo Flosstradamus. They didn’t disappoint bringing their signature non-stop thrill ride of electric beats. They also brought out surprise guest Chance The Rapper, Michelle Williams, and Dwyane Wade.
From “Wet Dreamz” to “Work Out”, J. Cole stole the show with non-stop performance of hit after hit. With no back track, fans matched Cole jumping and rapping along with the Dreamville rapper. It’s important to note that Cole was the only rapper to close off the Samsung stage throughout the weekend. The others were Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and LCD Soundsystem. The biggest stage at Lollapalooza was the perfect fit for J. Cole’s unforgettable set.
Interview: Borgore gives insight on his musical beginnings
Israeli Asaf Borger is better known to his millions of devoted fans as the dubstep producer and DJ Borgore. Transcending from his first found success Borgore has branched out to other forms of electronic music like drum and bass and house music.
He has also seen recent success in his hip-hop endeavors. His newest video single 100s showcases Borgore’s rap skills. Borgore has been associated in the past with collaborations with heavy hitters like G-Eazy, Miley Cyrus, and Diplo.
Electronic music and all things considered EDM have been looked at under a microscope in recent years for its fanatic and massive sellout crowds. The stereotypical never ending party antics, overly suggested drug usage, and the sexually aggressive atmosphere still haunts the growing music community.
Borgore is no stranger to controversy. The producer/DJ has been criticized for his suggestive and misogynist lyrics and his on stage antics. His persona is one of the loudest in your face in electronic music today. His unapologetic actions and records are a continuing sign of holding nothing back when it comes to his world of DJing.
A music prodigy growing up, Borgore had a not so average up bringing. After graduating at the age of 18 years-old he spent three years in the Israel’s national army. Borgore also has his own label Buygore.
We sat down with EDM’s bad boy at the fifth annual Spring Awakening Music Festival.
CM: You recently released the video for “100s." Not only do you showcase your rap skills but you also say “You don’t have to love, but I’m here making millions." What do you mean by that?
B: I’m a strange person in the EDM world. I don’t one hundred percent fit in, in a classical EDM way. That gets a lot of people mad. When people aren’t used to something they either love it or hate it. That’s a fact, you don’t have to love me but regardless I’m still doing pretty good.
From the Israeli army to producing music. How has that journey been coming from a place of uncertainty?
When I was in the army I was one hundred percent sure what I was going to do. I was in the army, my girlfriend broke up with me, I was miserable and was stuck with five hundred dudes getting shot at everyday.
That’s when I said to myself you know what I don’t want to be in this position. I want to be successful. I’m going to be successful.
I started trading stocks and did really well actually but that didn’t fulfill my life emotionally, so I want back to music. Music is something I’ve done my whole life. But you know what, if I wasn’t good at music I would do something else. I’d be a great lawyer or doctor. Fuck it, it’s all a matter of perspective. If you want to be great at something, then be great at it. Just work hard for it.

Your music has been attacked for what many suggest to be overly sexualized and misogynistic. How do you now reflect dealing with that and how many interrupted your music?
I don’t disrespect anyone. I don’t care what’s your gender or where you’re from as long as you’re a good person I respect you. If you come to my show and you want to show your tits if you’re a dude, chick, or trans (sexual) do it, I don’t care.
I’ll give you that option. You have the freedom to do whatever the fuck you want. How am I misogynist? You want me to tell them to stay at home and wear hijabs and stay in the kitchen all day?
When being criticized, the misunderstood culture of electronic music in being overly sexualized towards women is attached to your debate. How is it not only representing you but a specific culture of electronic music?
It feels natural. I’m going to do that for my whole life. For me art is theory. There’s so many questions I cannot answer. I don’t know what happens after death.
The world is fucking vague. The one thing I do know is the music makes me happy. This is what I’m going to do even if I’m not successful in making music, I’m still going to be making music.
Being involved and having a hand in every step the process with your music, from your label, production, to now rapping on "100s." Why is that important to you?
That’s the way it should be. If you’re a so called DJ, you better fucking know how to play some instruments. You better know how to produce. The whole idea of people becoming famous from other producer’s work is bullshit.
We are musicians - this is our job. First and foremost, we are all musicians you better know the notes in a C major scale, that’s basic! You got to know the basics.
Just bouncing back to "100s," how was it making the video for this light-hearted track?
It was amazing to shoot. We had a great time; I love the song. For years I was working with directors, some were great some weren’t. I was so happy to work with someone that I had so much fun with. All my friends were there together just fucking around. While on set I literally destroyed a golf cart for the music video. (laughs)
Borgore's "100s"
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FIFA Unveils Official 2014 World Cup Song and More
2014 World Cup fever is well on its way as we draw nearer to the June 12th kickoff in Brazil. FIFA has released the album's track listing along with the official song, "We Are One (Ole Ola)," by Mr. 305 (Pitbull), Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian pop singer Cláudia Leitte. The album, titled One Love, One Rhythm, features new music from Shakira, Ricky Martin, Santana, The Isley Brothers, and more.
Like most soccer fans, I've caught the fever, as well, and am pretty amped for this year's games. The USMNT looks good, and we might have a chance this year. Unless you are an Outlaw making the trip to Brasil this year, most of us will be wathcing the games at home or at the neighborhood bar. To our luck, most games will be played at decent hours, so no waking up at 4am to try and catch a match. Nike helped kick off the World Cup 2014 hype by unveiling the USMNT away jersey kit last week. The very popsicle looking kit comes with red socks, shorts, and a predominantly red top with white and blue stripes. Nike tapped musical artists Diplo and Haim and film director Spike Lee to show off the kit in their new campaign, along with athletes Andrew Luck, Ndamukong Suh, Allyson Felix, Erik Koston, Sean Malto, and soccer players Clint Dempsey, Sydney Leroux and USMNT O.G. Alexi Lalas to show off American pride.
Check out photos from the campaign below, and head here to purchase the new jersey in time for kickoff. You can also see the track list and hear the new song below, as well.
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FIFA 2014 - One Love, One Rhythm Tracklist
1. Pitbull feat. Jennifer Lopez & Claudia Leitte – We Are One (Ole Ola) (The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup TM Song)
2. Santana & Wyclef feat. Avicii & Alexandre Pires – Dar Um Jeito (We Will Find A Way) (The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup TM Anthem)
3. Arlindo Cruz – Tatu Bom De Bola (The Official 2014 FIFA World CupTM Mascot Song)
4. Ricky Martin – Vida (Spanglish Version)
5. David Correy – The World Is Ours
6. Psirico – Lepo Lepo
7. Sérgio Mendes & Carlinhos Brown – One Nation
8. Shakira – La La La (Brasil 2014) feat. Carlinhos Brown
9. The Isley Brothers – It’s Your Thing (Studio Rio Version)
10. Bebel Gilberto and Lang Lang – Tico Tico
11. Adelén – Olé (Stadium Anthem Mix)
12. Magic! – This Is Our Time (Agora e’a nossa horra)
13. Baha Men – Night & Day (Carnival Mix)
14. Rodrigo Alexey feat. Preta Gil – Go, Gol
[Songs of the Day] 2/17/14 (Feat. Beyonce, Kanye West, PARTYNEXTDOOR & More)
There was a huge influx of new music over the weekend, and we're here to round it all up, organize it, and make it a little easier to sift through it all. Unless your head has been firmly buried in sand somewhere, you may have heard Beyonce dropped an unexpected album, the lead single of which ("Drunk In Love") has been burning up the radio waves and Internet. Everyone and their mother seemed to get on a remix of the Jay Z/Beyonce track as Diplo, Kanye West, T.I. & The Weeknd all highlighted a heavy dose of Bey. Weathering the "Drunk In Love" storm was Canadian product and OVO signne PARTYNEXTDOOR, who dropped off a new song in "Persian Rugs" and Trinidad Jame$, who celebrated Valentine's Day the way only he can, with a new record in "EtheREAL". Jeremih & Shlomo's latest track, "No More" got a remix from Boots and some EDM from Jr. Hi, who got Childish Gambino on "Trillion Girls" and Ellie Goulding who unveiled a new Skrillex track on her latest mix for BBC Radio 1. Kanye West made the list twice, with producer Hudson Mohawke leaking the original cut of "Bound 2" featuring Tyler, The Creator in Leeds over the weekend, Big Boi continued his series of "Mash-Up Mondays" with a new track in "Damaged World Mash-Up" which comes complete with animated visuals and Trash Talk & Flatbush Zombies got together for "97.92". From Honduras we got a fresh song in, "Ace" and The Trouble With Templeton showed up with "Soldiers". In other news, Treated Crew member Mic Terror teased his latest album, Fresh Prince of Darkness, with "Anti-Swag" featuring Taylor Bennett and The GTW of JODY fame dropped a dope little dance number in "Calling Cards". Check it all out, streaming below.
Track of the Day: The Weeknd: "Drunk In Love Remix"
Beyonce: “Drunk In Love Remix” (Feat. Jay Z & T.I.)
Beyonce: “Drunk In Love” (The Weeknd Remix)
Beyonce: “Drunk In Love” (Diplo Remix)
Beyonce: “Drunk In Love” (Kanye West Remix)
PARTYNEXTDOOR: “Persian Rugs”
Jeremih & Shlomo: “No More” (Boots Remix)
Trinidad James: “EtheREAL Love”
Jr Hi: “Trillion Girls” (Feat. Childish Gambino)
Ellie Goulding: “Goodnight Valentine Mix”
Honduras: “Ace”
The Trouble With Templeton: “Soldiers”
Trash Talk & Flatbush Zombies: “97.92”
Mic Terror: “Anti-Swag” (Feat. Taylor Bennett)
The GTW: “Calling Cards”
Kanye West: “Bound 1” (Prod. Hudson Mohawke)
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Big Boi: “Damaged World Mash-Up”
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Paper Diamond Announces Wynn Residency with Diplo Remix
The EDM world is a fast-moving one, and few know that better than Colorado-based producer/DJ Paper Diamond who rode a successful 2012 into performance at last year's North Coast, TommorowWorld and his own headlining tour. It's enough to keep anyone's head spinning, but Paper Diamond just keeps it coming, today announcing a Las Vegas DJ residency at The Wynn which starts March 26 at Surrender. The announcement of the eight months residency came alongside the drop of PD's remix of Diplo's "Revolution" track, which comes as part of the fellow Wynn resident's Revolution Remixes EP out today on Mad Decent and streaming below. The residency comes on the heels of Paper Diamond's 2014 headlining tour which takes off tomorrow in Birmingham and runs through March 2. Check everything out below.
Tour Dates:
1/23 Birmingham, AL Workplay *
1/24 Knoxville, TN NV *
1/25 Nashville Anthem *
1/28 Carrboro, NC Cat’s Cradle *
1/30 Asheville, NC Orange Peel *
1/31 Athens, GA GATH *
2/5 Charlottesville, VA Jefferson Theatre **
2/6 Philly TLA **
2/7 NYC Webster Hall **
2/8 Boston Paradise **
2/12 Washington DC 9:30 Club **
2/13 Syracuse, NY Westcott **
2/14 Burlington, VT Higher Ground **
2/15 Portland, ME PCMH **
2/16 Northampton, MA Pearl Street **
2/18 Pittsburgh Rex Theatre +
2/19 Columbus, Newport +
2/20 Cleveland, OH Beachland +
2/21 Detroit Magic Stick +
2/22 Grand Rapids Intersection +
2/23 Urbana Canopy Club +
2/26 Milwaukee Turner Hall +
2/27 Madison Majestic +
2/28 Chicago Concord +
3/1 Minneapolis Mill City +
3/2 Omaha, NE Slowdown +
Manic Focus *
Gent & Jawns **
Branchez+
[Video] Nardwuar Vs Diplo
Nardwuar has become a must-stop for any artist rolling through Vancouver on tour or for a show for awhile now, keeping a steady stream of Q+As coming from our neighbors to the north. Most recently, he linked up with Diplo, in town for Contact Festival back in late December, to discuss the ins and outs of strip clubs, take a trip down memory lane with an old photo of the two, and get into a spirited discussion over who really discovered a certain EDM DJ. Towards the end, Nardwuar gets a bit of a surprise before a fitting exit. Nardwuar interviews never disappoint, and this installment is no different. Check it out here below.
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