North Coast Music Festival 2022 - Photo credit: Mosie Hillis

North Coast Music Festival 2022 Review by Mosie Hillis for Front Row Music News

North Coast Music Festival 2022

Tailgating on last week’s Sacred Rose Festival, Front Row Music News is back at SeatGeek Stadium. Over Labor Day weekend, it’s time for North Coast Music Festival. 

Walking up to the North Coast Music Festival in Bridgeview, Illinois at SeatGeek Stadium, the energy was palpable. The line for entry extended for about a quarter mile long, each attendee clad in their most brightly colored outfit, excitedly talking about their agenda for the weekend. 

This year’s North Coast Music Festival held from September 2-4 outside of Chicago brought to the stages some of the biggest names in the EDM genre with Armin Van Buuren, Illenium, and Porter Robinson headlining the largest stage, the Stadium, each night respectively. 

Other stages included the Incendia Fire Pit, the Silent Disco, the Chill Dome, the Vega, and the Canopy–they each brought their unique energy. While both the Chill Dome, the Silent Disco, and The Canopy were spots to vibe out to music in a more low-key way or have fun dancing to the beats, the Vega and the Incendia Fire Pit hosted some of the most hardcore artists of the festival, such as Svdden Death and Subtronics. 

I had the opportunity throughout the three days to capture quite a few moments, both of the artists’ performances, as well as the crowd having the time of their lives. Of all the music festivals and concerts which I have attended personally, North Coast had the most impressive special effects and pyrotechnics I have ever seen. With almost every stage having floor-to-ceiling LED walls and the ability for fireworks, shooting fire, smoke, and lasers, it brought the crowd experience to another level. 

Wrap-up

After spending the weekend at North Coast Music Festival, I had two major yet similar takeaways. First and foremost, not only was North Coast one of the most organized festivals I have ever attended, but the crowd contained some of the most genuinely kind and caring people I have ever encountered in the setting. Every person I interacted with, from the festival staff to the vendors to the attendees, was so nice, clearly looking out for everyone there. Adding on to this, it had never occurred to me how truly uplifting and encouraging the lyrics of some of the artists were. As I listened to countless musicians sing about being true to yourself and proud of who you are, it became even more clear to me why people are lifelong fans of the genre. 

Already looking forward to North Coast Music Festival 2023!