North Coast 2022 has come to a bittersweet end with Porter Robinson appropriately closing out the festival with his heartfelt sound. Fireworks and beaming lights lit up the night sky as attendees danced together one last time. On the other side of the grounds, heads were banging to the soul-shaking bass coming from Svdden Deaths VOYD set that shut down the Vega. Meanwhile, Kaytranada wrapped things up with an absolute dance party at the Canopy stage. The Vega stage was my personal focal point on Sunday as the lineup was truly immaculate. From the start of the day to the end, Vega had some great names in the bass music scene from Hvdes, Must Die!, Eptic and more.
My favorite set of the day was Slander’s sub-headlining set at the Stadium. The LA-based duo has their debut album releasing on the 22nd later this month which I’m excited for, and seeing their set just fueled that flame. I’m a sucker for drum and bass music and Slander undoubtedly provided. “Sientelo”, a track released under UKF by Mefjus and Camo & Krooked, was a highlight within Slander’s hour-long set.
Beyond all the music, I wanted to give recognition to how smoothly the festival ran. Logistically, there were zero issues on my end. Additionally, the entire weekend was such a wholesome experience… everyone was in a good mood and every run-in or conversation I had was a positive one. Compliments flying and kandi exchanges left and right, as well as countless hilarious totems out in the crowds. This was my first time shooting a music festival and it was the most fun I’ve ever had in my photography endeavors. Huge thanks to everyone behind the scenes at North Coast and Collectiv Presents for putting this all together. Until next year, summer’s final frontier.
Photos and Words by Arthur Siwek for Pursuit of Dopeness
