The EDM scene has been taking over the world with its pulsating beats, infectious energy, and captivating live performances. And one of the biggest names in this realm is Jauz. This American DJ and producer, known for his unique blend of genres such as bass house, dubstep, and trap, has been making waves in the EDM world since his debut in 2013. With sold-out shows and millions of streams on his tracks, Jauz has become a household name in the electronic dance music community.
But one city that holds a special place in Jauz’s heart is Chicago. The Windy City has been a hub for EDM lovers for years now, and Jauz has made his mark here with unforgettable performances and collaborations. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of Jauz and how he has taken over Chicago’s EDM scene.
Jauz’s Rise to Fame
Early Beginnings and Musical Influences
Jauz, whose real name is Sam Vogel, was born in California in 1994. From a young age, he was exposed to various genres of music, thanks to his parents’ eclectic taste. However, it wasn’t until he discovered electronic dance music that he found his true passion. Jauz cites artists like Skrillex, Zeds Dead, and Rusko as some of his biggest musical influences.
He began producing music at the age of 15 and released his first EP in 2013, titled “Dreams.” This caught the attention of industry professionals, and soon Jauz was signed to Borgore’s label, Buygore Records. His unique style of blending different genres and creating a signature sound caught on quickly, and he gained a loyal fan base.
Breakthrough with “Feel the Volume”
Jauz’s breakthrough came in 2014 with his remix of “Feel the Volume” by DJ Snake. This track became an instant hit, garnering millions of streams and gaining support from industry heavyweights like Diplo and Skrillex. It also earned him a nomination for Best Remixed Recording at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.
Following the success of this remix, Jauz released several popular singles, including “Rock the Party,” “Get Down,” and “Squad Out.” He also collaborated with other artists such as Marshmello, Snails, and Tiesto, solidifying his place in the EDM scene.
Shark Squad and Live Performances
One of the things that sets Jauz apart from other DJs is his loyal fan base, also known as the “Shark Squad.” Inspired by his love for sharks, Jauz has created a community of fans who share his passion for music and marine life. The squad has become a big part of his brand, with merchandise and meet-and-greets at shows for its members.
Jauz’s live performances are known for their high-energy and captivating crowd interaction. He has performed at some of the biggest music festivals, including Coachella, Tomorrowland, and EDC Las Vegas. And he has sold out numerous headline tours all over the world, showcasing his talent as a performer and not just a producer.
Chicago’s Love for Electronic Dance Music
A Brief History
Chicago has been a hotbed for electronic dance music since the early 1980s. The city played a significant role in the development of house music, thanks to pioneers like Frankie Knuckles and Derrick Carter. The underground rave scene grew in the 1990s and early 2000s, with the birth of clubs like Smart Bar and Crobar.
The rise of EDM festivals, such as Lollapalooza and Spring Awakening, further solidified Chicago’s reputation as a hub for electronic dance music. Today, the city continues to attract some of the biggest names in the industry, with clubs and festivals drawing in massive crowds year after year.
Jauz and Chicago: A Match Made in EDM Heaven
Jauz’s love for Chicago is evident in his music and live performances. The city has always held a special place in his heart, and he has expressed his gratitude towards his fans here on numerous occasions. In an interview with EDM Identity, Jauz even stated, “I feel like Chicago maybe just gets it a little bit more than other cities.”
Jauz has made it a point to include Chicago on all his tours, whether as a festival stop or a headline show. He has also collaborated with local artists, such as Ghastly and Sullivan King, further cementing his connection with the city and its music scene.
Jauz’s Impact on Chicago’s EDM Scene
Bringing Different Sounds Together
One of the things that make Jauz stand out in the EDM world is his unique sound. From blending different genres to incorporating samples from popular movies and TV shows, Jauz’s tracks are a testament to his creativity and versatility. And this has had a significant impact on Chicago’s EDM scene, which has traditionally been dominated by house and techno.
With Jauz’s inclusion of bass house and dubstep in his sets, he has introduced a new sound to the city’s EDM lovers. This has opened up doors for other artists with similar styles, diversifying the music scene and catering to a broader audience.
Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Another aspect of Jauz’s impact on Chicago’s EDM scene is his ability to bring together artists from different backgrounds. His collaborations with local artists have resulted in unique tracks that fuse various sounds and styles. This has helped to bridge the gap between different genres of electronic dance music and foster a sense of community amongst artists.
Jauz has also been known to incorporate elements from Chicago’s hip-hop scene into his music, paying homage to the city’s rich cultural heritage. This has gained him even more fans in the city, with many appreciating his efforts to bring together different cultures through his music.
Jauz Unforgettable Performances in Chicago
Spring Awakening Music Festival 2017
In June 2017, Jauz took over the Equinox Stage at Spring Awakening Music Festival in Chicago. The crowd was already buzzing with anticipation as he took the stage, and he did not disappoint. His high-energy set had the entire crowd dancing and singing along to some of his biggest hits, including “Rock the Party” and “Feel the Volume.”
North Coast Music Festival 2018
Jauz made a return to Chicago in 2018 for the North Coast Music Festival, where he headlined the second night of the festival. Performing on the Hangar Stage, he delivered an unforgettable set filled with his signature bass house tracks and surprises. He even brought out Snails to perform their collaboration, “Motherfuckers,” much to the delight of the crowd.
Navy Pier Performance 2019
In September 2019, Jauz performed at Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier as part of his Dangerous Waters Tour. This was a special show for him, as he had previously stated that playing at this venue was one of his dreams. And he made sure to make it a night to remember, with an epic set that included mash-ups, remixes, and unreleased tracks.
Conclusion
In just a few years, Jauz has managed to make a lasting impact on Chicago’s EDM scene. His unique sound, unforgettable performances, and love for the city have solidified his place in the hearts of electronic dance music lovers here. And as he continues to grow as an artist and push boundaries, we can only expect to see his influence and legacy continue to thrive in Chicago and beyond. Additionally, his collaboration with the Head and the Heart band brought a fresh and captivating dimension to his music, further enriching the city’s vibrant music scene.