[Review] Summer Set 2016 brings unforgettable moments
The annual camping festival Summer Set returned for it’s fifth year to Somerset, Wisconsin. Summer Set was a weekend filled of memorable moments.
The camping festival brought out the best in some artist as tents filled the woods and camp grounds with festival goers burning through the three-day festival.
A six hours drive from Chicago, Summer Set brought the same electric and playful atmosphere that were accustomed. With many highlights from the summer coming from local Chicago festivals like Mamby on the Beach, the festival provided one of a kind experiences that made the six-hour drive worth it.
Day 1
The first day was stacked full of incredible performances throughout the day. Festival goers were able to check out early performances from the solid melodic sounds of Mielo. That also included the craziest that is the thrill ride of Porn and Chicken.
Flux Pavillion and Steve Aoki both respectfully, performed their best in recent years. Pavillion, usually a bit shy on the mic, was as vocal as the raving Summer Set crowd. Aoki a stable in electronic music, outdid himself in intensified energy packed set.
Notable performances came from Toronto rapper Tory Lanez. Lanez performed majority on his set in the crowd as dozens of fans rushed under him to hold him up. A true spectacle, Lanez gained many fans the first day due to his wild onstage and in the crowd pleasing antics.
The first night was closed off with Chicago’s favorite Chance The Rapper alongside with The Social Experiment. Seeing the top bill for the first night with other Chicago favorites in The Social Experiment was a real treat. They performed from Chance’s 10 Days, Acid Rap, and Coloring Book. The closing night was transformed into a Chicago listening party. Festival goers also heard records from the band's latest soul filled album“Surf”.
Seeing Chicago’s heavyweight perform a number of times didn’t account in his Summer Set performance. It was like seeing him for the first time as the showcased a number of crowd favorites from “Coloring Book”. Records including No Problem, Blessings, and Summer Friends helped Chance and The Social Experiment cement the first day into a night you couldn’t forget.
[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"
[youtube id="fJTuldpMwCg"]
Spring Awakening Music Festival same thrills, new location
The fifth anniversary of the mega popular Midwest electric music festival Spring Awakening has found its signature groove despite a slew of location setbacks. This year, the festival definitely did not disappoint for its anniversary celebration.
Past Spring Awakening attendees were accustomed to the stadium-size electric mecca at Chicago’s Soldier Field. With the move to the Addams/Medill Park on Chicago’s near west side community, Spring Awakening transformed the grass-laden fields into the best place in Chicago for electronic music.
With over one hundred acts performing this year, attendees were treated to some of the best artists in electronic dance music.
Day 1
Closing off the first night were some of the biggest recognizable names in electronic music, respectively. Steve Aoki brought his crazy antics and energy filled set to the Windy City, along side with his signature cake throwing. Electronic music bad boy Deadmau5 stole the show though, with his progressive house music anthems and crowd pleasing set. We last saw Deadmau5 in his long awaited return back to Chicago at Reaction NYE.
There were many signature moments from other artists, including Dillon Francis, Borgore, Flux Pavilion, and Jamie XX. Francis later crashed the middle of Deadmau5’s set to add to the already existing friendly melodic environment.
At Spring Awakening, the catchy beats and emotionally charged songs were met with individual fans who, collectively, grooved together. In a closed off space, Spring Awakening was still able to feel more tight knit. The distance between the stages was closer than previous years. This helped festival goers witness all that the Spring Awakening had to offer when it came to visiting each stage, and festival attraction like the Ferris wheel or the large water slide.
Day 2
Heavy hitters like Chicago’s own Kaskade, and a stable of electronic artists from Carnage, Nicky Romero, A-Track, and ShowTek all took over the second night of Spring Awakening. We also saw numerous memorable moments from the smaller branded stages throughout the three-day festival.
A-Track showcased his champion style of DJing and scratches that seemed nearly impossible. Due to an overheated laptop A-Track’s set was stopped abruptly as he to rallied up the crowd with friendly Chicago banter like not putting ketchup on hot dogs. He later thanked the crowd for not leaving while getting things started again.
With no other notable tech slip ups during the three-day festival, Spring Awakening held its own against the heat. The temperature played a factor during Spring Awakening weekend. With teasing reports of rain, Spring Awakening was prepared for the heavy heat by providing free water filled stations, CTA buses that were used for festival goers to cool off, and three tented stages that provided some much needed shade.
Acts like Above & Beyond, Chainsmokers, and Crystal Castles ended the final night on a high note. The well balanced lineup gave an opportunity for many to enjoy the different types of electronic music.
Day 3
The final day saw a well-balanced mixture of artist from trap to even traditional house music. House legend Green Velvet had a special set that many festival fans will rave about for years to come. Velvet's set was filled with throwbacks and classical house jams.
A touching display to note were the moments of silence that both the Chainsmokers and Above and Beyond held for the Orlando victims from the mass shooting that occurred just night before. This was a somber moment that, even during a three-day music festival, reminded its festival goers the human side of the issue.
Ending on a high note, Spring Awakening, despite its rocky first announcements and venue location change, was able to pull off another memorable experience for Chicago’s electronic music scene.
Fans brave rain as Chicago gets in formation for Beyoncé
Beyonce's "The Formation World Tour” sold out two shows in Chicago at Soldier Field. On the first night despite the heavy rain fall fans left Solider Field seeing Beyoncé at her best.
Back on tour for the first time since her ambitious “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour” in 2013. Beyoncé’s "The Formation World Tour” was announced following her appearance during Super Bowl 50. Receiving high acclaim for her latest album Lemonade, Beyoncé was praised for her boldest and craftiest work to date.
Beyoncé brought out Chicago’s and Roc Nation artist Vic Mensa for a surprise performance. Performing “U Mad” and “16 shots”, Mensa felt right at home. Mensa was well received for his notability and his authentic rap personal. Just performing two songs, fans missed out on some of Mensa’s best.
Opening for Beyoncé was Atlanta rap duo Rae Sremmurd with their energy filled favorites “No Flex Zone” and “Throw Some Mo”. These two easily are continuing to break the ‘one hit wonder’ chatter that has been following them since the beginning of their short career.
A 70-foot-tall rotating video screens were die center in the middle. Visually the stage was stunning, the video screens and THX sound system embodied everyone in the stadium. Video from Beyoncé’s Lemonade teased fans as it spun three times bringing out Beyoncé and her dancers.
Performing majority of her set from her hit Lemonade album. Beyoncé brought us back in time with songs “Baby Boy”, “Crazy in Love’, and Destiny Child’s “Survivor”. She also performed covers of Nicki Minaj’s “Feeling Myself”. For the full set list view below.
The track history of hit records from Beyoncé was visited with songs that fans grew up on. A nice touch to that history was a video that showed a just turning 16 year-old Beyoncé explaining what she would do to someone who disrespects her.
Near the end of her performance Beyoncé paid tribute to the fallen legend Prince. Using the video screens, nothing but the color purple was on while Prince’s "Purple Rain" played. A tribute that felt even more touching as light rain was coming down at that time.
Literally singing in the rain, Beyoncé didn’t disappoint while setting the bar high for future shows. The term “rain or shine” will now be looked at differently as if Beyoncé could give this stellar showcase of her incredible talent so should everyone else.
It’s important to note Beyoncé’s status while on her "The Formation World Tour”. Hearing her last night was a pure pleasure for many reasons. The obvious one is the huge block party feeling that came with a community of fans dancing together singing word for word every song while in the rain. The underlining reason is the heavy meaning she brings in songs like ‘Formation’.
Beyoncé’s voice was one of the many highlights of the night. A typical backtrack was missing making Beyoncé the only things fans heard that night. This created a unique experience for music lovers especially when it came time for her acapella song “Love on Top” and her blues renditions of “Daddy Lessons”.
Fans who attended the sold out stadium show left feeling a sense of familiarity with the mega star. With that connection Beyoncé fans left the first night of her tour in Chicago with the feeling of knowing her on a personal intimate level through her stellar performance.
Beyoncé’s setlist Friday:
- Intro (with samples of 'No Angel' and 'Formation')
- Formation
- Sorry
- Kitty Kat
- Bow Down
- Run the World (Girls)
- Superpower
- Mine
- Baby Boy
- Hold Up
- Countdown
- Me, Myself and I
- Runnin' (Lose It All) (Naughty Boy cover)
- All Night
- 6 Inch / I Care / Ghost
- Don't Hurt Yourself
- Ring the Alarm
- Diva
- Flawless (remix)
- Feeling Myself (Nicki Minaj cover)
- Yoncé
- Drunk in Love
- Rocket
- Hip Hop Star / Freakum Dress
- Daddy Lessons
- 1+1
- Love on Top (Acapella)
- The Beautiful Ones (Prince cover)
- Purple Rain (Prince song)
- Crazy in Love
- Naughty Girl
- Party
- Blow
- Die with You / Blue
- Freedom
- Survivor (Destiny’s Child song)
- End of Time
- Halo