Artists over time and across all genres have captured their small vile of the ‘Cali Magic’ and shared its powers with the world. Amidst a breeding ground of musical innovation and exploration Coachella has found a home - the perfect setting for an artistic extravaganza of musical and human expression.
2011 marked my friend Alex and my 3rd annual Birthday Coachella desert excursion – the perfect culmination of raw heat, sweat and passion, what could better celebrate our Aries existences year over year?
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| Coachella 2011 |
In 2009 we just showed up, we were grossly underprepared with no idea what we were in for – but holy bananas was it fun. We drove up at around noon on the first day and got FREE tickets from a sponsor on-site (shout out to State Farm). We went on to experience M.I.A, Thievery Corporation, Michael Franti & Spearhead…an endless list of inspirational and awe inspiring performances.
From the first taste we wanted more…
In 2010 we came armed with a little more savvy and encountered a landslide of incredible memories at performances like LCD Soundsystem, MGMT, Vampire Weekend, Jay-Z, Yessayer, Passion Pit, Tiesto, Gorillaz, Bassnectar and Z-Trip.
After the second taste we were hooked…
For 2011 we knew we were going and shelled out some serious dough the minute ticket sales opened. The line-up (including the likes of Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill, Kings of Leon, Nas & Damien Marley, the Chemical Brothers, Warpaint, Cut Copy, the Strokes, Tokimonsta, Sleigh Bells, Arcade Fire, Chromeo, Magnetic Man and Kanye West) was much anticipated, yet largely irrelevant to stoking our overall anticipation.
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| Rye Rye Performing |
We’ve learned over the years that Coachella is so much more than each artist; it is the summation of all parts, both tangible and intangible, that is so special. It’s an investment in memories, not seeing one or two favorite bands. In fact the crown jewels of the weekend always turn out to be the unexpected. The thing is, there will always be a killer set you miss and one of your favorite artists will inevitably encounter A/V issues on stage. However there will also be the insane new DJ you dance to like a crazy person for an hour, and the sweet new friends you made after everyone you arrived with was lost to the seductive pulse emanating from somewhere else in the venue.
Before the 2011 festival installment was over I caught the phrase “next year let’s ___” being thrown around. Coachella is a craving. It infatuates its prey with artistic stimuli that arouses every sense. It drives an unquenchable thirst for the creativity and enthusiasm it exudes. Coachella, much like its birth place of California
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| Erykah Badu Kills It! |
At this point, after three glorious tastes, it’s in our blood…as self proclaimed addicts here’s a few words of wisdom to ride the Coachella high, enjoy!
1.) Camp. Better yet, camp with a random. The spirit of Coachella continues 24 hours a day, why stress about driving away when there is so much left to experience. Roller Skating, Farmers Markets, Art Tents, Human Powered Carnival-esc Rides…the list goes on. This year we didn’t have a car so we hooked up with a dude who didn’t have a camping pass – win/win – Lewis was the perfect addition to our weekend. He brought a fresh spirit to our group, along with lots of gear and fuel to keep us kickin’ all weekend long.
2.) Bring a mister & find the Heineken Igloo. It’s hot. Actually, that’s the most dramatically understated truth I have ever written, it’s swelteringly, deliriously hot and there is NO escape. Picture waking up at 6 am in a puddle of sweat, I don’t exaggerate. Bring a spray bottle filled with water and you will be the most popular person in a 50 ft. radius. When a misting will just no longer suffice, head to the Heineken Igloo and stick your head in the arctic air blower. You will never be so thankful for corporate sponsorship!
3.) Re-coup by a Pool. Everyone, no matter how hard you pride yourself on partying, needs a few days of recovery time after Coachella. If you don’t, you did something wrong.
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