GET READY FOR SEA.HEAR.NOW!

by julia finocchiaro

New Jersey’s annual beachside festival Sea.Hear.Now returns for its sixth installment on the Asbury Park boardwalk in just under three weeks, and with it will come performances by some incredible folk and rock performers, including The Gaslight Anthem, The Black Crowes, Trey Anastasio Band, The Revivalists, and more. Headliners include Noah Kahan and, of course, a three-hour-long set by New Jersey’s own Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, the group’s first appearance at the festival since its inaugural date in 2018. 

When & Where

This year’s Sea.Hear.Now festival takes place the weekend of September 14 - 15th, with gates opening at noon and a 10:30 pm curfew each night. To get there, fans can utilize the New Jersey Transit Asbury Park station, which goes to New York City’s Penn Station via a transfer at Long Branch. However, this ride will take you around 2.5 hours, so we recommend finding accommodations closer to the festival rather than staying in the city. For fans who decide to stay nearby, the festival will have a dedicated rideshare area for drop offs/pickups from the festival. 

Surfing? Art Galleries? Food?

Sea.Hear.Now isn’t just a music festival. This year (and for the past few years), the festival also hosts a professional surfing competition in the waters surrounding the festival grounds, making sure there’s always something to see in addition to just the music. One of the festival’s main producers is legendary rock photographer Danny Clinch, who has worked with Springsteen, Pearl Jam, and Foo Fighters, to name a few. His work will be displayed in the Transparent Clinch Gallery along with impromptu sets by some musicians. And of course we can’t forget about the food. With NYC to the north and Philly to the south, the festival promises delicious eats throughout the weekend.

Lineup

The full lineup and schedule for this year’s festival can be found on the Sea.Hear.Now website. This year’s lineup is packed with talent from household names to lots of smaller artists. Saturday’s highlights earlier in the day include Massachusetts rock band Guster and solo rock singer Grace Potter. On Sunday, make sure to catch high energy sets by The Aces and Larkin poe, as well as a soul-filled performance by folk and R&B singer Joy Oladokun.

Tickets & More

Tickets to this year’s festival are currently sold out, but fans can join the waitlist or view resale tickets on the Sea.Hear.Now website. Those coming with VIP tickets will get to enjoy front-of-stage viewing, VIP lounges, and express lanes for both entry and merchandise.

For anything we’ve missed, check out the festival’s comprehensive FAQ page here to get your questions answered.

We hope to see you in Asbury Park for this year’s festival!

 

5 NEW ARTISTS TO SEE AT NORTH COAST THIS YEAR

by emma zanger

North Coast Music Festival is on its way back to the Chicagoland area for its 14th year, and we’re so excited to see some of our favorites! Taking place August 30th through September 1st at Seatgeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL, the festival is set to have its largest year yet. Complete with an immense seven stages, hosting a broad lineup of artists, as well as an extensive collection of art installations, the festival’s attendees are in for a phenomenal experience.

The dazzling three-day festival includes powerhouse headliners such as Illenium, Above & Beyond, and Alan Walker. We’re excited to see popular artists like Seven Lions, Slander, Diesel, and Sullivan King, but let’s take a look at some of the newer artists on the NCMF scene. Make sure to take a break from the heat this Labor Day weekend to go see their sets!

TOMBZ

Bringing a bit of dark house to the festival scene, this Milwaukee artist is one we don’t want to miss. Known for an immersive mood that creates entire experiences for their listeners, Tombz is set to play day two of the festival. Be sure to head over to the Club Coast stage to hear their latest single “That’s What’s Up.”

PATRICK COLES

This Florida artist, who’s been releasing quite a handful of singles in 2024, brings a fresh and fast paced sound. Patrick Coles has an uplifting and euphoric sound, perfectly matched to the exhilarating festival experience. 2024 singles “Hypnotize,” “Falling 4 U,” and “Break A Sweat” are ones we can’t wait to add to our festival memories list! See you at the silent disco.

MAX WAGNER

New to North Coast but definitely not to Chicago, local house artist Max Wagner is set to bring a punchy, fast, and uplifted summertime vibe into the festival this year. Grab some friends and catch Max at the Shipyard on day two. His enthusiastic and popular presence around the Chicago scene is sure to bring your Labor Day weekend to the next level.

CAPOZZI

The Shipyard stage is due for an amazing performance by electronic artist Capozzi. Known for her collaboration with artists like Tchami, this girl is no stranger to the electronic scene. Her rounded dark electro mix between techno and spacey samples, sets up her own sound. Be sure to catch her on day two.

RAVENSCOON

Electronic force of nature Paul Conversano is set to play the Vega stage at North Coast this year, and there are several hits of his we can’t wait to catch. Having a reputation for combining many different genres (dubstep, trance, rap, DnB, etc.) in a seamless blend that reaches vast audiences, North Coast is blessed to have the sounds of Ravenscoon on day two. Ravenscoon sets are known for being enticingly experimental, and we can’t wait to experience it with you.

Tickets are selling fast, so make sure to grab your tickets to this incredible festival now. See you there!

 

5 ARTISTS WE'RE EXCITED TO SEE AT PITCHFORK MUSIC FESTIVAL

by isabel dowell

Pitchfork, one of the most trusted voices in music, just released their lineup for their 2024 Pitchfork Musical Festival. Taking over Union Park in Chicago, Illinois from July 19th - 21st, music lovers from across the globe will be traveling to see their favorite artists, explore the city, and take in all of what these Pitchfork-backed artists have to offer. Black Pumas, Jamie XX, and Alanis Morissette are set to headline, with Jai Paul, 100 gecs, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jessie Ware, Brittany Howard, and MUNA also holding prominent spots on the initial lineup. Whether you’re a Pitchfork alum or visiting for the first time, here are a few artists we are most excited to see and recommend you check out too!

1. MUNA

Seeing MUNA on the lineup was the greatest gift we could’ve been given this summer. If you aren’t already familiar, this indie-pop band of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson has been absolutely crushing the sapphic hearts and playlists of queer folks everywhere. Kidding… but not really. They toured with Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Phoebe Bridgers, and Kacey Musgraves, so if they aren’t already a household name they will be. Their latest album, MUNA, was their first album as an independent artist and first being signed to Phoebe Bridges’ label, Saddest Factory Records. MUNA is known for their genre mixing experimentation, celebration of queer love, and thrilling and empowering tracks. We can expect to see all of that and so much more as they take over the Pitchfork stage on Sunday, July 21. Life definitely is so fun if MUNA is involved. 

2. Wednesday

Wednesday, an alt-rock band from North Carolina, originally started as a solo project led by Karly Hartzman (vocals/guitar). Growing to accompany Jake Lenderman (vocals/guitar), Xandy Chelmis (pedal/lap steel/banjo), Ethan Baechtold (bass), and Alan Miller (drums) allowed Wednesday to truly thrive and encompass the genre of alt-rock music that we all know and love. We are very excited to witness their set on Saturday, July 20th and experience the unique live show so many fans talk about. In just a few words, Wednesday rocks and we can’t wait to see them!

3. Akenya

Well-versed in the Chicago music scene, multi-genre vocalist, pianist, composer, and arranger Akenya will be making her Pitchfork debut following the release of her forthcoming debut album, Moon in the 4th, hinted to be releasing in May 2024. Akenya has worked alongside acclaimed musicians like Smino, Chance the Rapper, Anderson .Paak, and Hayley Williams, just to name a few. As a solo artist, Akenya’s music is unique and versatile. The lead single off of Moon in the 4th, “Hades Moon,” is now available and was coined “an excellent pop song” with “a testament to her skill as an artist” by Atwood Magazine. We are excited to experience Akena’s masterful talents on Sunday, July 21st. 

4. feeble little horse

Repping the Pittsburgh DIY-music scene, feeble little horse was born out of college dorm rooms and grew through basement shows and apartments that doubled as recording studios and producing spaces. Beginning in 2021, Lydia Slocum (vocals/bass), Sebastian Kinsler (vocals/guitar), Ryan Walchonski (guitar), and Jake Kelley (drums) have grown exponentially because of their “commitment to adventurous guitar tones, catchy hooks, noisy atmospheres, and dry, cutting lyrics,” according to Pitchfork. With this description backing them, they are set to bring an exciting energy to the Pitchfork stage on Saturday, July 20th. As their beginnings show, feeble little horse is fiercely independent and scrappy. We have no doubt that their set will gain them a slew of new fans to join in on their adrenaline spiking hooks and mesmerizing experimentation. 

5. Kara Jackson

Kara Jackson is also an Illinois-native known for her poetry, singing, and songwriting. Her musical debut came in 2019 with the release of her EP, A Song for Every Chamber of the Heart, and just last year she released her first full-length LP, Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?. Her debut album was also named Best New Music by Pitchfork which makes it no surprise that she’ll be gracing the Pitchfork stage on Saturday, July 20th. Her folk music is playful yet raw and observant, allowing you to live within her narrative. Her lyricism reads like spoken word poetry, clear and to the point, but combines beautiful melodies and layered instrumentals that bring a new level to her artistry. 

Bonus: Carly Rae Jepsen

Of course we can’t wait to sing our hearts out to “Call Me Maybe,” the single that catapulted this Canadian singer’s career into the limelight in 2011. Jepsen is known for her pop experimentation and catchy lyrics compelling listeners to sing along whether they realize it or not. Her latest back to back albums, The Loneliest Time (2022) and The Loveliest Time (2023), received endless accolades for their portrayal of isolation we all felt during the COVID-19 pandemic and the eventual freedom we were able to express after many years of separation, masks, and canceled events. Carly Rae Jepsen is known for her upbeat stage presence and contagious tunes. We can’t wait to dance with her on Saturday, July 20th.

 

NORTH COAST RETURNS 2024

by emma zanger

Returning to the Chicagoland area August 30th - September 1st, North Coast 2024 is set to bring one of the most heavily stacked lineups it’s seen yet. Just thirty minutes outside of Chicago, North Coast takes place at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.

Back for its 14th year, the festival boasts a massive lineup across a wide variety of artists, as well as a widespread collection of diverse art installations that will heighten your festival experience. We are most excited to see Seven Lions, ARMNHMR, Two Friends, and Illenium as they take over The Stadium stage this year.

Tickets to this sensational festival are now on sale, at northcoastfestival.com. See you there!

 

NORTH COAST RETURNS FOR ITS 13TH YEAR

by emma zanger

Returning to the Chicagoland area for its 13th year, North Coast 2023 is set to bring a one of a kind experience to its 90,000 attendees. Just thirty minutes outside of Chicago, North Coast takes place at the SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois over Labor Day weekend, September 1st - 3rd and we can’t wait to be there!

One of Chicago’s top festivals, North Coast has six stages that host an array of over 100 electronic, dance, dubstep and house music artists, including this year’s popular headliners Marshmello, Zeds Dead, and Flume. However, music isn’t the only thing this unique festival has to offer. The festival also boasts an expanded collection of immersive art installations that will interact with all your senses.

Passes to North Coast 2023 are now on sale, but going very fast! You can purchase tickets to this incredible event at northcoastfestival.com. Set times have also been recently released, so you can be sure to see all of your favorite artists and maybe even some new ones! Check out set times for each stage at the festival below: