Guide to Made in America

Labor Day weekend is coming up soon, which means you’ll repeatedly hear the question, “Are you going to Made in America?” We’ll make it easy for you. Your answer is YES. 

Having gone to Made last year, I can confidently say it was one of my favorite parts of first semester. Made does not have that typical festival feel in that it’s not in the middle of nowhere, like Coachella, or in a massive park, like Outside Lands. However, it has a vibe unlike many others in that it lies in the blocked off busy streets of a major city. Hearing music in the heart of Philadelphia, jumping up and down by the Rocky Steps, and seeing some of the best performers in the world all make going to Made worth it. 

For freshmen, Made's a great opportunity to do something fun with the NSO friends you just made. For sophomores and upperclassmen, Made makes it feel as if you’re extending NSO for just one more weekend before school really starts. Scheduled every year on Labor Day, Made allows you to go as hard as you want without being haunted by class the next day. 

The bottom line: Made is really, really fun. So just go.

Now that I’ve convinced you, let’s get to the important part: Who should you see once you're there? You have to spend your time wisely. You can’t see everyone. There are a couple approaches you can take before the headliner.

First, you can choose a few artists you really want to see and stick with them for the whole set. Or, you can hop around to try to see as many artists as possible. Both options are good. I personally prefer the first option (Ed. note: listen to Noah!). I found that staying for a whole set really lets you to get absorbed by the performance in a way you just can’t if you’re switching from artist to artist in the middle of sets.

Here are some of the biggest names, who you should see, and what songs you should look out for.

Jay Z

Sadly, since I am not a Tidal subscriber, I haven’t listened to Jay Z’s new album. However, it is supposed to be his true return to form after the somewhat disappointing Magna Carta. Being that this album was released in late June, this will be one of the first times anyone sees it live. Also, Jay Z is also a legend, and he’s sure to perform some of his greatest hits.

Should you go? Is this even a question?

Songs to look out for: 99 Problems, Empire State of Mind, Big Pimpin’

J. Cole

J. Cole's one of my favorite artists, meaning he's someone I'm really excited to see. Coming off his album release in December, he’s sure to be performing plenty of that and his older stuff as well. Considering his new album has a bit of a slower tempo, I’m counting on him to perform lots of 2014 Forest Hills Drive.

Should you go? Yes, but may be a bit disappointing if he plays less popular songs

Songs to look out for: No Role Modelz, Neighbors, G.O.M.D.

The Chainsmokers

Even if you don’t love the Chainsmokers, their performance is sure to be one of the best at Made. Hearing all their songs at party after party just about about guarantees you’ll know all the words to almost every song. You can assume everyone else will as well. Everyone singing along is sure to make the show ridiculously hyped.

Should you go? Yes, the energy here will maybe be unparalleled by any other show at Made

Songs to look out for: Closer, Something Just Like This, Don’t Let Me Down

Marshmello and Kaskade

Although EDM isn’t really my thing, I definitely see the appeal of seeing DJs live. The crowd is always really strong, and the performers do a great job of getting you and everyone else energized. Be prepared to be exhausted by the end of their sets.

Should you go? If you like EDM, definitely. If not, maybe give it a shot—you never know

Songs to look out for: 

Marshmello: Ritual, Alone. 

Kaskade: Sweet Memories, Disarm You

Migos

I think this is bound to be one of the best performances at Made. Quavo, Takeoff, and Offset are sure to bring some spirit to the festival that may not be found by other artists. Even if you don’t like rap, with a bunch of bangers in their repertoire, Migos will keep you thrilled with every song they perform.

Should you go? Yup

Songs to look out for: Bad and Boujee, T–Shirt, Brown Paper Bag

Solange and Sampha

A couple of the bigger R&B artists performing at Made, Solange and Sampha both have really pleasant sounds that are wonderful to listen to. They’ll present a change in tone if you've been seeing Migos, Marshmello, Kaskade, and some more high-tempo performers. However this can be a good chance take it easy for a bit in the middle of the festival. Both being a little more low key, seeing them may also be a great time to expose yourself to some new music without getting destroyed by crowds.

Should you go? Yeah, they’ll present a nice break from the more energy-sucking performers

Songs to look out for: 

Solange: Mad, Cranes in the Sky, Don’t Touch my Hair. 

Sampha: No One Knows Me Like the Piano, Incomplete Kisses

Run the Jewels

Having a bit of a more old–school style of rap, Run the Jewels will be an interesting shift from the other rappers performing. Having released their new album earlier this year, RTJ will surely be performing many new songs and many old.

Should you go? Maybe, depends on if you like their style

Songs to look out for: Blockbuster Night Part One, Legend Has It

Little Dragon

Containing a bit of an alternative feel, Little Dragon is one of those groups that you may have never heard of but can turn you onto a whole new style of music. They’ve got a some great songs with an electric-rock-soothing sound.

Should you go? Not a must

Songs to look out for: Wildfire, Ritual Union

An artist you probably never heard of but may fall in love with: Stormzy

Coming from the U.K. and bringing his style to the U.S., Stormzy is relatively unknown in the States. However, his genre, grime, is one of the hottest in the U.K. and you might be pleasantly surprised. The style takes a little getting used to, so I’d suggest checking out a few of his songs before you commit to seeing him.

Should you go? We're big believers in trying most things once, so yes

Songs to look out for: Shut Up, Big For Your Boots

If you want more rap...catch 21 Savage,Pusha T, Vic Mensa, DMX, Kyle, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie

If you want more poppy, electronic music...hit Cash Cash, R3Hab, Getter, Dirty South

Other artists you should probably see...Francis and the Lights, Marian Hill

Of course there are plenty of awesome people to see other than these, so don’t limit yourself to these artists. If you’re getting to the festival early, there many other more low-key performers who would be great to check out. Not all are big names, so you may stumble upon someone you really like that you’d never heard of. Have a great time and stay safe!

Also, here’s a playlist of all the songs mentioned above and more that you might catch at Made!

Oh, and if you've never been to a festival, check out our guide to navigating this experience.