Spring Awakening 2019: Bigger, Better, Longer

EDM From A-Z (Photo: Ashley Lawrence / React Presents)

Despite moving out from CHICAGO proper to the SEARS CENTRE in northwest suburban HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL, SPRING AWAKENING 2019 offered a colorful and comprehensive EDM experience to more than 80,000 attendees over three days.

And despite early weather-related glitches, the larger, more comfortable setting led to a much more hospitable event than the previous AWAKENINGS held in the city at SOLDIER FIELD and ADDAMS/MEDILL PARK.

Over 60 artists performed during the three days; DILLON FRANCIS, DJ SNAKE, GRIZ, ILLENIUM, MARTIN GARRIX, REZZ and ZEDD were the headliners, but the AWAKENING's strength was in its diversity, exemplified by appearances by DESTRUCTO, BENNY BENASSI, OLIVER HELDENS, MALAA and YELLOW CLAW, among many others.

The main problem came right at the start, as a plethora of rain in the days and weeks leading up to the event created untenable muddy areas, which prompted the temporary closure of the Solstice Stage. Construction equipment moved mounds of mulch and dirt to solidify the ground, so by 4p the area was good to go for the rest of the festival. Even that temporary disruption did little to impact the overall quality of the event; the site's 27 acres (compared to 10 acres at last year's site) comfortably accommodated the fest-goers. 

That allowed plenty of time for surprise artist collaborations onstage. After finishing his own set on SATURDAY, MALAA visited DJ SNAKE during his performance and interacted with the crowd.

Many artists used this festival as a way to premiere never-before-heard music. YELLOW CLAW's set ended with a trap track. DILLON FRANCIS premiered two tracks featuring EPTIC and RL GRIME. GTA featured multiple new tracks, one of which included a catchy melody and female vocals. BENNY BENASSI included some really slick throwbacks as well as new remixes of old tracks and some arresting mashups, too.

-- WILL R. S. reporting

All photos courtesy Ashley Lawrence (React Presents)

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