It’s never too late to reflect on a lively and lovely affair; a little over two weeks ago, I attended Solar Tide, a two-day event held at the Patio Theater in Chicago, IL on May 10+11. I had an excellent feeling about this occasion, and largely because of my previous experience at Lunar Tide Music and Arts Festival on December 1+2, 2023 (if you haven’t already, check out my reviews). Though the location and venue changed from winter to spring, most of the primary aspects that made Lunar Tide fantastic fun remained consistent through this iteration. First and foremost, both are NSW Presents events, entailing a dedication to music, arts, and culture. Growth is inevitable when vision is consistent between production personnel, performers, and staff members. Speaking of consistency, Ronin Productions returns in handling sound for this happening. Also, many top tier producers and DJ’s have been recruited, along with a handful of visual visionaries and vendors to create a welcoming, wonderful experience for patrons to enjoy. Bear with me, babes, and you’ll discover why NSW Presents has quickly become one of the most trusted event organizers in Chicagoland and the Midwest.
The Patio Theater is a beautiful building and choice of venue. It feels like an old movie theater, originally constructed in 1927. Upon entrance, security personnel were very polite. Quick check of ID, general inquiry of possessions carried, the usual. Checks and balances, y’know? Past them, a concession booth offering beverages like beer and cola alongside classic theater items like popcorn, nachos, and glizzys. How about some ketchup, pal? What, no mustard?
Four entrances, two to each side of the refreshment center, grant access to the main chamber. The walls are beautifully adorned with sconces, the ceiling reminiscent of Northern Lights, and the stage equipped with DJ station and decks along with lights and a large LED wall for displaying visuals. A spacious floor for dancing, elevated balcony space for viewing, and ample seating for sitting offer further opportunities for patrons customizing enjoyment however they see fit. Maybe you like to sit and take pictures, or perhaps you prefer to boogie, get up, and get down! Add in live painters, vendors, and a couple of bars, and this has all the makings of an unforgettable time. Heck, we’ve even got Narcan and tester strips in the building, bruv. Bathrooms? You’ll find two staircases leading downwards across from access points one and four.
Pretty quickly, I run into Kemet. He’s manning Morphis Art Collective‘s booth (@Morphisart). As I was settin’ up a table with the homies for Live4Lali, fella popped into the corridor. I approached and said something like, “Lunar Tide!” Can we make that a slogan, a call sign? Kind of like Roll Tide, but it’s Solar Tide. Polar Tide. Maybe it’s a thing, we can do it. Obviously. We can do anything! Anyway, I caught up with Pharaoh Kemet, we chatted about a few things, and he showed me one of his pieces recently completed at Sol Fest. It felt like a combination of Afro Samurai, Boondocks, and Egyptian Mythological elements. I kept my eye on it until the second day, as it certainly resonated with my inner spirit. Kemet (@kemeticcreations88) represents many passions as an insightful visionary. There’s mysticism and eagerness for discovery in his work, which I support.
On the other side of the arena, left front the stage, were stationed more artists designing on canvases. Tom Loranz, The Whimsical Libra, Kyle Adkisson, Megan Nolte, Dakota Rogers, Derp, and Groovemeister. Alyssa Alyona, too. If I missed anyone, let me know in the comments. I appreciate artists for showing up and diligently creating in chaotic public settings for myself and others to source inspiration from. I love what artists do, and others do too. It’s not easy. I remember chatting with Maddie McClintock (@maddhousestyle) back at Wakaan, 2023, where she described the feeling of making a living as an artist and entrepreneur. “In a way it’s terrifying every day, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m the one in control.” Gravitating towards Kyle’s piece, it reminds me both of Majora’s Mask and a dear friend passed on. Recollections of games once played with loved one’s departed serves a touching remembrance that memories live on through us. Reflect fondly on time spent with friends and family. Like everything, it’s temporal. Kyle and I chatted about our shared love for The Legend of Zelda, which like us, continues on. Good stuff, indeed.
The sound quality for this event was excellent. The building shook vibrantly at times throughout, with the volume reaching a threshold that seemed to tremble walls and shake the foundation multiple times, Saturday night. I jokingly performed a few wall-sits to keep the building stable. Atlas, keep it steady! The fellas at Ronin Productions really know how to tune their Hennesy setup. It’s an added bonus knowing they’ll be lending sonic support to events I’m considering. Friday, 10 battleaxes, 4 haymakers, and 4 V-horns made the floor sink. Purging catacombs, or fillin’ e’m? Vanquishing Oni, bruh! They would be reinforced by 4 additional center fills, Saturday night. Well respected and highly regarded, this Ronin team works tirelessly in their endeavors. Their efforts are honored by myself and others. Well done, Ronin. Your style is strong.
One of the elements of EDM I prize most, above all else, is it as a global community. Despite diverse hometowns and places of origin, we are all one people. Set aside differences and let us dance together. Take that, empire. Over the course of two days, nineteen world-class artists ascended the stage showcasing masterful talents.
Friday was heavy on Drum and Bass, thank you very much. Saturday’s sounds were rife with dubstep and grime. Delicious. There was more I detected too, tempos and tracks too unique to simply typecast as a singular genre. It definitely was an international gathering of one-of-a-kind sounds and styles.
Some of my favorite performances from Friday night were Monty (Germany), Halogenix (United Kingdom), Taiki Nulight (United Kingdom), and Bou (Algerian born, Manchester, UK). Halogenix and Taiki were brand new to me before this night, and I was much impressed with Taiki’s bass house display. Furthermore, I truly adore DnB, and having these many top tier talents on one day was absolutely bonkers. I loved it! As well, I spoke with a young man by the name of Tom who vociferated how lucky we are to be able to enjoy the talents of Bou in this location and setting. Agreed. Many of these artists from abroad have tremendous followings back home, and we are blessed to be able to have them.
Saturday’s lineup was equally spectacular, with standout presentations from Distinct Motive (Toronto, Canada), Joker (Bristol, UK), Sicaria (United Kingdom), The Widdler (Israel born, Austin, TX), and Caspa (United Kingdom). That’s not to say that the other performers weren’t excellent as well, but I can only attest to that which I saw. These guys and gals continually upped the ante from one set to the next. Purveyors of unique sound design, Joker created his own genre termed ‘Wonky’. Wonky is an integration of elements from crunk, chiptune, dubstep and instrumental grime, and video game music. That’s dope. The Widdler is an absolute beast, and his music always makes me feel like I’m exploring space far beyond or the depths far below. Caspa, before and after his performance, repped a slick Bulls Jacket, nodding to a city of championships. His set felt like a hearkening back to dubstep of old, while infusing contemporary elements. Dude’s an animal. Hearing ‘Wake the Fuck Up’ live is indescribable, and the spirit he displayed before, during, and after his performance is legendary. I thanked him with a handshake and some kind words, and he was equally polite in return. Truly a champion, bruv.
It’s remarkable to have such a skilled contingent of electronic maestros assembled from abroad along with stateside talents like Baby Boy and Rowhm from Chicagoland, TWNNFLAME from Kansas City, MO, and Nic Baker hailing from Philadelphia, PN, to name a few. Not only that, many of Solar Tide’s performers made themselves available throughout the two nights to interact with longtime fans and supporters, and many who were witnessing them for the first time. That’s a beautiful nod to patrons and attendees, and goes to show these artists respect cultures and peoples who embrace them. The musical magic on stage was aided by masterful Ronin sound engineering alongside terrific VJs, Uhnomaly and Zpacely. Visual sequences emanating from the stage were skillfully layered amidst the music, and these two fellas deserve recognition for the services they provide.
As I alluded to earlier, I volunteered to help friends Cody and Taylor Puch operate their Live4Lali table by handing out free Narcan and fentanyl tester strips. Harm reduction is something I believe in, we should all be passionate about, and being a resource to the community while helping to break stigmas through discussion is something I’m happy to help with. We answered questions while giving guidance and instructions on the proper use and application of these tools. Furthermore, I’m a big supporter of causes like NAMI, another organization represented by NSW Presents on their website. Thoughts influence actions, which in turn shape realities. Having a healthy headspace and mindset is integral to wellness. That’s not always easy to do, especially with growing numbers of distractions in today’s climate. I believe it’s important to be open to conversing on topics that at times might make some feel uncomfortable. That being said, it’s a big deal, to me, seeing organizations like Live4Lali welcomed and respected at events like this. Having outlets invested in directly combating stigmas and arming the community with knowledge can potentially save a life. It makes a difference to people who are embattled in their own struggles by letting them know they have support. That’s one of the central ideas behind harm reduction, is encouraging others to speak when they are suffering. We’re not in this alone, and no one should feel shame in asking for a helping hand.
Putting together an event of this magnitude is impressive, to say the least. NSW’s penchant for booking top tier talent, incorporating multiple levels of artistry like live painting and flow arts, and representing unique culture through vendors and organizations, will continue their growth and upwards ascent through community collaboration. If the turnout on Saturday is any indication, there’s a collection of bass enthusiasts across Chicagoland and the Midwest who are eager to enjoy new experiences which NSW Presents is invested in organizing as they continue to expand their reach.
Before ending, I want to share a few words of encouragement to our community from my good friend Taylor Puch. Not only is she a volunteer for Live4Lali, but also works behind the scenes connecting new age health practitioners (psychedelics) with patients looking for alternative methods. Furthermore, she develops initiatives aimed at affecting legislation in making a more compassionate society for people of all walks of life. “Everybody deserves to have love. We can all be that support for each other. We all have to recognize that life is hard, and sucks sometimes. The more we can be there for each other, care and love each other, the better off we all are. The more community we can foster, the safer we all will be. The happier and more content people will be, and more connected. We sometimes forget how much we all are so similar.” Well said, Taylor. I couldn’t agree more. Keep an eye out for others. Lend a hand, and ask for one, when need arises.
Be well, be successful. Bear Swiftly.
–Electro Scribe–
