With ARC Music Festival just around the corner, I’d like to revisit and highlight our usual dozen acts that have me excited for the fest. If you’re looking for a mediator to solve your set conflict problems, or if you need that extra boost of convincing to check out this or that artist, here are 12 acts that I’m most looking forward to catching this Labor Day weekend:
Eric Prydz presents: HOLO – Friday – The Grid
My visceral reaction to seeing Eric Prydz HOLO when the lineup first dropped was a freakout. The HOLO live show has been a stepping stone in how we as spectators experience concerts as a whole. A large-scale traveling production like no-other, the live show is seen as one massive LED screen towering in front of Eric, displaying stunning visuals that pair seamlessly with the excellence in the Prydz/Pryda progressive house we all know and love. Since seeing videos of the HOLO sets for the first time all those years ago, I’ve been twiddling my thumbs waiting for the day I could witness this spectacle in person.
Tinlicker – Friday – The Grid
With a set on the earlier half of the day on Friday, Tinlicker will be a vibe in the sun as the weekend kicks off. A go-to artist to play when I need some chill music to work to, Tinlicker is one of the best in the progressive house game right now. With live sets played on drum pads and midi keyboards, Tinlicker presents a show of artistry that blends perfectly with the environment they’re playing. If you’re more into chiller, melodic house, Tinlicker is absolutely a set for you.
FISHER B2B Loco Dice B2B Nic Fanciulli – Saturday – Expansions
I was fortunate enough to catch the FISHER b2b Loco Dice set at EDC: Las Vegas earlier in May, and boy was it a party. Adding Nic Fanciulli in the mix will only make the sounds more massive and the party even harder. Combining the skills in mixing with these three will certainly make for a good time. This unique B2B is one of many that ARC is providing this year and this one is definitely one to highlight.
James Hype – Friday – ELROW
James Hype is seriously one of the most talented, hard-working DJ’s in the industry right now, and he also gives you the opportunity to live vicariously with his video series Moving Differently. The thought and effort James puts into his work add a level of professionalism you don’t see in every electronic artist. With no two sets being the same, James Hype is a wizard behind the decks who holds none of his mixing tools behind during his performances. A set of his in the environment of ELROW is one I’m really looking forward to.
John Summit – Saturday – The Grid
Chicago’s very own John Summit is set to return for a hometown show to close out Saturday. Everyone in the loop with electronic music in this city knows the tear that Summit has been on. His bender-fueled personality resonates with a lot of people, and he’ll surely turn out a massive crowd at the Grid. Every house-head has to see a John Summit show at least once.
Eli Brown – The Grid – Saturday
Coming off the massive release of Be the One earlier this year, Eli Brown is getting his slots at main stages to spin his massive techno sounds. A pioneer in this techno resurgence we are currently seeing, Eli Brown is a perfect booking for ARC and definitely a set to catch if you’re looking for something likely on the heavier side.
Mochakk – Sunday – Expansions
Like many of us, Brazilian DJ and producer Mochakk came onto my radar from his viral clips floating around on social media some time ago. The energy this guy puts out at his shows is truly noteworthy. Sporting a sick mustache I’m definitely not jealous of, Mochakk is spearheading the house scene with high-energy sets that put him on the map in the first place. If you find festing catching up to you on Sunday and need a pick-me-up, Mochakks set at the Expansions stage will be a great place to source some energy.
Fatboy Slim – Saturday – The Grid
Does this man need an introduction? Fatboy Slim is an OG. The electronic scene was in a completely different landscape in the 90’s and early 2000’s when his singles “Praise You” and “Right Here, Right Now” among others were released. Don’t let his age fool you though, this man knows how to DJ to a crowd to this day. Bouncing around between samples and breakbeats, Fatboy Slim will be a blast from the past set that I can finally cross off of my bucket list.
Black Coffee – Sunday – Expansions
Another OG on this lineup, hailing from South Africa is Black Coffee, a DJ who is well-versed in keeping the party going. Closing the Expansions stage on Sunday, Black Coffee will be a great way to wrap up the weekend with some great melodic house music.
Boys Noize – Friday – Expansions
Genre-bending Boys Noize is one of the most talented producers on this lineup. With an extensive discography that features collaboration efforts with the likes of Skrillex (as the legendary Dog Blood), ABRA, and Pussy Riot, Boys Noize has the ability to produce tracks that become instant classics. Live, he lets his German roots influence the industrial four-on-the-floor sound that you commonly find in clubs in Europe. If you’re into the heavier side of techno, this is surely the set for you.
The Blessed Madonna – Saturday – Expansions
Providing a modern spin on disco, The Blessed Madonna is such a treat on this lineup. After hearing her featured on Fred Again…’s “We’ve Lost Dancing”, I dove into her discography and found nothing but gold. I can’t wait to put on my boogie shoes and have a moment with those in the crowd.
Vintage Culture – Sunday – ELROW
Closing out the ELROW stage for the weekend is Vintage Culture, a perfect artist to play at an ELROW event. With collaborations with multiple artists on this ARC lineup, Vintage Culture is a powerhouse house producer who throws down at his live shows. Mixing that with the eclectic nature and pounds of confetti in the stage production, ELROW will go out with a bang.
Although 3-day passes are sold out, you can still pick up day passes if you haven’t gotten your tickets already. Labor Day is coming fast, so make sure to snag those before they inevitably sell out. Soon enough we’ll all be bonding over our love for house and techno in Union Park.
Words by Arthur Siwek
