It’s hard to believe I’ve been going to music festivals for nearly a decade already! In those last ten years, I’ve seen many dramatic changes in the EDM world. From the style of music to the style of outfits (TBH I miss making flower crowns and kandi), and definitely the style of festivals. One thing has become certain in that time frame, Insomniac completely dominating the industry.
Insomniac has without a doubt solidified itself as the premiere host of electronic music events not only in America, but in the world. People travel from all over the country, and even internationally, just to get to experience the top tier events. So how lucky am I, as an LA local, that HARD Summer is in my backyard this year!? Los Angeles natives everywhere are rejoicing at the return of this legendary event to our city, after several years of the rave being held over an hour away in San Bernadino. Whether you’ve never been to HARD, or if you are about to attend for the third year in a row like me, I’ll highlight all of the reasons why this event is one you don’t want to miss.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
I know the sudden change in location may be heartbreaking for those who call the Inland Empire home, but I will speak on behalf of all Angelenos when I say we are thrilled! A new location means new energy for this summer staple festival. I personally can’t wait to see how Insomniac plans to completely transform the LA Memorial Coliseum. I know we will feel completely transported and immersed into another world like always!
If you’re confused on the visual or logistics, they’ve released this GIF to give festivalgoers a clear expectation of the set up.
LINE UP, OBVIOUSLY?
It may seem a little too “on the nose” to include the line up in my article explaining reasons why you should go, but it would be remiss of me not to mention! HARD is one of my favorite Insomniac Events due to the inclusion of rap on the line up. Insomniac has basically become synonymous with EDM, but HARD is one of the few events that they choose to branch out.
Who am I most looking forward to you ask? As a huge Kid Cudi fan, his name of course caught my eye. (His Hard Summer performance in 2019 still stands out to me. SO good.) But as far as the rap side of things, 21 Savage and Ludacris sounds like a blast. One for current, and one for nostalgia, we love the variety!
EDM wise, of course John Summit is the hot new name in the business so I will have to go check out his set. But there are plenty of OGs whose names have been on lineups for the last ten years like Diplo, Dillon Francis, Gorgon City, Kaskade, Skrillex, and Black Coffee. I really feel like they perfectly captured a lineup of both current stars and household names. I’m really excited for the variety of entertainment this year!
THE CROWD
HARD really does reel in a crop of great people. I’m always amazed each year by how music brings so many likeminded people together. If you want to get a feel for the crowd, I encourage you to check out our on-site coverage from last year!
So, We’ll See You There?
If the Insomniac name, prime location, fire line up, and wonderful collection of humans wasn’t enough to sell you, I don’t know what will! However, if you are looking for a killer way to close out your summer, look no further. You can buy tickets here!
Here at Mic Drop Music, we can’t wait to attend our third HARD Summer and look forward to many years to come for this epic event.