SAAND
Wavefront grabbed our attention last year when it announced its first line-up, which blew us out of the water. It was so nice to see a new festival emerge that catered to a particular musical style and taste. Wavefront is back with an even more stacked line up this year, making it a contender as one of the top electronic music festivals in the country. Set on the beautiful Montrose Beach, Chicago, Wavefront is a special festival – we were frothing over the line up announcements. With so many great acts it’s so tough to choose who to go see, but here is a run down of what our 10 must see acts at Wavefront 2013. [Buy tickets here.]
#10 Damian Lazarus
The Crosstown Rebel’s head honcho always puts on a good show. He has played all over the globe and his Get Lost/Rebel Rave parties are famed around the world. From his awesome stage presence, to his amazing outfits, this man never fails to deliver. It also helps that he has access to some of the best tracks around. Make sure you check him and out and get sucked deep into the world that is Damian Lazarus.
#9 H Foundation
Hipp-e & Halo, aka H Foundation, are next on our list. These two have been tried and tested over the years and are a staple in dance music. You can still put on a record from 2001 by these two and it sounds just as fresh today as it did over 10 years ago. With their Surface label making lots of noise and their label parties keeping people dancing, these two have been major contributors to the scene. H Foundation are now on tour plus releasing some amazing music on One Records and Supplement Facts. Don’t miss these two in action.
#8 Shaun Reeves + Ryan Crosson
With all of the Visionquest crew in attendance, it’s always a tough choice who to see, but we love when Shaun and Ryan play together. They complement each other so well and always play wicked tunes. Both Crosson and Reeves have had an incredible year releasing some amazing music, and we can’t wait to see what they play. It also helps that these two are genuinely nice guys and always know how to have a good time
#7 Apollonia
The treacherous thrio that make up Apollonia – Shonky, Dan Ghenacia, and Dyed Soundorom – is a formidable one. Already incredible DJs and producers individually, as a trio they’re a force to be reckoned with. With the launch of their new label in 2012, their fabric 70 mix, and their newest EP ‘Trinidad,’ you would definitely not want to miss these guys.
#6 Frank & Tony
Francis Harris, aka Adultnapper, and Anthony Collins have certainly created something special. Their Scissor & Thread imprint, and its sub-label Natural History, have received a ton of buzz. Releasing one of the top albums of 2012, ‘Leland,’ it’s no wonder why Francis Harris is so in demand, and with more than a handful of good releases under his belt, Anthony Collins has proved he is an amazing producer as well. This is one set we would highly recommend catching.
#5 Crew Love Live with No Regular Play, Pillowtalk, Slow Hands, Tanner Ross & Navid Izadi
Although this is more than one act (actually four) this is something you don’t want to miss. When this crew gets together things get wild, and you can only imagine how great the music is going to be. Did we mention that all of the acts will be live as well?
#4 All Day I Dream with Lee Burridge & Friends
Lee Burridge is bringing his famed All Day I Dream Party to Wavefront this year and oh how lucky Chicago is. For the rest of the world who hasn’t been to Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Playa Del Carmen, or Burning Man, you have yet to experience this day of ethereal music and beautiful people. Straight out of a dream, these parties are unreal and something you have to experience. Lee is a maestro on the decks with his grasping tunes and he will surely take you on a journey. As support he is bringing along Christian Loffler, Gab Rhome, Mike Koury, and Hoj.
#3 Clarian Live
One of personal favorite artists over the last year, Clarian has been releasing some gorgeous music on labels like Visionquest. Whether as half of Footprintz, or releasing amazing tracks with the likes of Guy Gerber, and Clockwork, this artist is a future star. We are very excited to see him added to the lineup – and as a live act none the less. This is one set we would not miss for anything.
#2 Nicolas Jaar
This man can do no wrong when it comes to music. Whether he is giving us sublime beats, or remixing Daft Punk’s album for fun, this man is pure genius. His live show is truly something special. Be prepared to be taken on a journey when Nico hits the stage.
#1 Hot Natured Live
Maybe an obvious pick for many, but we are super excited for the new Hot Natured Live band to take the stage. Jamie Jones, Lee Foss, Ali Love, and Luca C have created this mega group with live vocals, keys, bass and drums. We are ecstatic to see these guys in action and where this live electronica is headed – it is nice to see live elements and instruments coming back into play here. When we first saw their live video from Brixton Academy, it captivated us, and we can’t wait to see these guys up close and personal.