The windy city shines away into solace, while giving us one last hurrah for the summer of 2024. We danced all season and went to incredible venues that showcased premier acts in the EDM scene. And now, we have come back to Arc Music Festival in Chicago. This one feels extra inspiring as this weekend marks a year since I’ve been a writer for EDMTunes (Yayyyy!). And, after four fantastic times I have stepped into Union Park, this is the first time I am able to write a review for Arc Music Festival. Labor Day weekend never shies away from a good time. Now we can get intimate and discuss what we loved, what we liked, and what we think the Auris Presents production should consider in changing for the future. Let’s get to it.
Arc Music Festival
The Music
We truly can’t honor the birthplace of House music without a top-notch lineup. In this regard, Arc provided us with multiple crazy B2Bs that left our jaws on the floor. From Green Velvet b2b Carl Cox and Green Velvet B2B Mau P at Elrow to sub for MK that couldn’t make it, to Detroit finest’s Carl Craig B2B Moodyman and Golfos (Dennis Cruz B2B Pawsa). We can’t forget incredible headliners such as Charlotte de Witte, Sara Landry, Disclosure, Dom Dolla, Salute, Kaskade Redux, and Nico Moreno. All this energy was transcribed into Arc After Dark. Almost every single headliner had their own afterparties, including exclusive acts that were not on the day lineup. Highlight sets of the weekend include ANOTR’s jazzy and euphoric melodies, Charlotte de Witte’s hypnotizing and cerebral vibes, and Klangkuenstler’s art of the Schranz. We were sad to miss a couple of artists that couldn’t make it to the festival. But they adapted quickly to offer longer time slots to different artists.
The Production
Bury me at Expansions, no really, fill me up in that glorious dirt. This year’s production truly had us in awe. The Grid upgraded its visuals, even after a well-equipped HOLO Show from last year. Besides, it had plenty of fuel for the flame towers that offered majestic heat to most drops. Moreover, the perfectly timed fireworks each night encapsulated gave closure to all the memories we made on the dancefloor. And alas, all our prayers were answered: the New Expansions saw a wider, more open stage with incredible sound, intricate light pillars, and enough room for everybody. Compared to last year, the stage did not feel overcrowded or uncomfortable for any sets we saw. We also had new art installs this year, which provided amazing photo opportunities. These included the mirror arch (one of my favorites), and the glowing mushroom lady by expansions. Very trippy!
Area 909 felt tiny compared to last year, as it hosted huge B2Bs and it felt a little cluttered for the closers on Sunday. Maybe it will need an expansion for next year as well. Lastly, it hurts for me to say this but Kaos Garden at Elrow did not pass the sound check this year. The production was as whimsical and beautiful as ever, but the volume could not match the energy the crowd was bringing into the neon-decorated tent. On a lighter note, the festival continued to be easy to navigate and the lines to get in, bar or concession lines never got too overwhelming.
The Vibes
The Chicago crowd is by far one of the most PLUR crowds there is. They understand the assignment and enjoy the music, while respecting their surroundings and each other. Yet again, Arc attendees are some of the most musically adept individuals, oriented by the true love of community and music. Along with their connection to Detroit. The House and Techno snobs reign supreme at Arc Music Festival. Moreover, the festival is also one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly experiences from festivals across the country. The crowd is extremely diverse, and the lineup heavily reflects its values. Artists like Honey Dijon, Purple Disco Machine, and Derrick Carter are at the forefront of the LGBTQ+ and POC underground that gave the foundations for this festival to even happen.
Final Thoughts
Arc Music Festival is one of those moments that completely exceeds expectations each time. The music, the people, the weather, it all worked in our favor to have three incredible days of amazing underground House and Techno. This is one of Auris’s best projects, and Arc will continue to represent the home of House Music for years to come. See you all next year!
