[FESTIVAL PREVIEW] Top 10 Best Artists to see at North Coast 2025

Chicago summer is finally here and there’s one thing locals and EDM lovers alike are counting down to—North Coast Music Festival.

Returning to SeatGeek Stadium over Labor Day weekend, August 29-31, the beloved festival brings together electronic, house, bass, and everything in between across uniquely immersive stages. With the 2025 lineup stacked to the brim, this year is shaping up to be incredible.

Not sure where to begin? Check out iEDM's Top 10 Artists to see at North Coast 2025 below.

10. NGHTMRE

NGHTMRE throws down some of the most explosive sets in the game—blending trap, bass, dubstep, and hip-hop influences into a sound that’s uniquely his.

With collaborations alongside heavy-hitters like SLANDER, Zeds Dead, Dillon Francis, and The Chainsmokers, he’s earned a reputation as both a genre-bending producer and high-energy performer.

Whether he's lighting up festival main stages like EDC, Coachella, and Ultra, or dropping face-melting sets in intimate clubs, NGHTMRE keeps crowds on their toes with unpredictable drops, cinematic intros, and pure bass-fueled chaos.

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9. KREAM

KREAM is a Norwegian electronic duo made up of brothers Daniel and Markus Slettebakken. Known for their sleek blend of deep house, future house, and UK garage influences, they’ve carved out a signature style that’s smooth, soulful, and dancefloor-ready—with just the right amount of grit.

Their breakout track “Taped Up Heart” (feat. Clara Mae) put them on the map with a perfect mix of emotional vocals and a thumping groove. Since then, they've built a strong following, and for good reason!

8. Timmy Trumpet

Name someone else who plays trumpet live, jumps around the stage, and still manages to drop banger after banger.

Timmy Trumpet is a one-man party and his energy is electric—equal parts musician, hype man, and dancefloor commander. Whenever he's on the lineup, you're in for a show.

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7. Chris Lake

Chris Lake has been shaping the house music scene for nearly two decades, but his sound has never felt more current.

The British producer and DJ first gained attention in the mid-2000s with hits like “Changes” and “Carry Me Away,” which topped dance charts and earned him global recognition. But it was his late-2010s resurgence—marked by a grittier, tech-house-influenced sound—that really set him apart.

Whether he’s playing a late-night warehouse set or closing out a festival stage, Chris Lake brings a hypnotic, high-energy vibe that keeps crowds locked in from start to finish. If you’re into chunky basslines, tight grooves, and dancefloor heat—he’s your guy.

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6. Ian Asher

A breakout star thanks to social media, Ian Asher has quickly become one of the most talked-about rising names in the EDM scene.

His genre-blending sets fuse house, trap, bass, and viral remixes into high-energy performances that feel fresh, unpredictable, and made for the moment.

Known for turning trending sounds into dancefloor anthems, Ian’s ability to read a crowd and keep the energy peaking has earned him a loyal following—and some massive festival slots. I haven’t seen him live yet, but I’ve only heard great things, and his set is high on my must-see list this year.

@ianasher Im performing at Slate NYC this Friday July 21st… should I play this? #housemusic #cola #itgoeslikenanana ♬ NANANA COLA IAN ASHER EDIT Out Now On SoundCloud - Ian Asher

5. Kaskade

Chicago native, Kaskade, is always a vibe. His ability to mix nostalgia with fresh beats makes every set feel both timeless and brand new — packed with emotional builds, euphoric drops, and that signature energy that keeps crowds entranced.

4. Tinlicker

Tinlicker

For those who like their EDM a little more euphoric and melodic, Tinlicker is your ticket. The Dutch duo masterfully blends progressive house, melodic techno, and trance to create emotionally resonant tracks that build slowly and beautifully.

Known for their lush synths, hypnotic builds, and atmospheric vocals, their sets are less about drops and more about building a vibe that takes you to another planet.

Whether it’s their rework of alt-J’s “Breezeblocks” or originals like “Because You Move Me,” Tinlicker delivers a soul-stirring experience that’s both danceable and deeply moving.

3. Zeds Dead

Zeds Dead

For the bass heads and rail-riders, this one is a non-negotiable. Zeds Dead's live shows are an all-out sensory experience: bone-rattling drops, hypnotic visuals, and an energy that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

If you’re anywhere near the rail, be ready to throw elbows, lose your voice, and leave drenched in sweat (in the best way possible).

2. Louis the Child

Louis the Child

Hometown heroes through and through, Chicago-based duo Louis the Child brings an infectious energy to every set. Their blend of future bass and pop always feels fresh—and the local love makes it even better.

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1. Deadmau5

A legend in the EDM scene and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s your first time seeing him or your tenth, Deadmau5 always delivers with visuals and tracks that hit just right.

This year, he’s switching things up with a special drum and bass set and fans are counting down the days to witness this performance.

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With a strong lineup of EDM talent, North Coast 2025 is shaping up to be the event of the summer. So grab your friends, your fest fits, and maybe a pair of earplugs—Labor Day weekend is going to be loud in all the right ways!

Purchase North Coast tickets HERE.