Coachella

Over three months later, I’ve finally gotten around to writing about my experience at Coachella, oddly enough my first. For years I avoided going, with reasons varying from not liking lineups, to not wanting to travel to the desert at a busy time in the semester. I finally realized that I needed to venture out there at least once, and go through the Coachella experience (short of camping, because I’m 41 now, and F that). Here are some of my favorite things at the festival, along with artists to check out (lineup below):

• Coachella has an amazing main stage, with the best sound and screens of any fest I’ve been to. Hands down.
• I’ll be honest, I didn’t stick around for Ariana Grande. My friend and I left after 3 songs to beat the traffic. Still don’t regret the decision.
• Childish Gambino and Tame Impala were both fantastic as headliners, and yes, very deserving of those top spots.
• My favorite acts of the weekend: Childish Gambino, Janelle Monae, Rufus Du Sol, Anderson.Paak, King Princess, Khruangbin, Tame Impala, Weezer, Aphex Twin, Bob Moses, Billie Eilish, Ty Segall and White Fence, Interrupters, Jain, Gesaffelstein, H.E.R., Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Sofi Tukker, Lizzo, and Perfume.
• How do I know I’m old? Weezer was probably the most well-known rock act there. And the oldest.
• Aphex Twin was indescribable, and awesome. His rare American live set was everything I thought it would be, which was frightening for some of the younger concertgoers who expected to hear an EDM act akin to Zedd or Diplo. His visuals are what I’d assume a bad acid trip would look like.
• I didn’t bother to wake up early Sunday morning to catch Kanye West’s Sunday Service, which was also Easter Sunday. What interested me most about this event, was the cost of sweatshirts (there’s a pic below) running as LOW as $165. Socks were $50. And people were lining up for it. I got my dose of Kanye, when he showed up for Kid Cudi’s set, the night before. Wouldn’t mind seeing him do a full headlining set. You know, like he was supposed to originally do for this year.
• The most surprising set was Perfume. I just happened to be passing by the tent where they were performing, and decide to get some pics. This J-Pop group had fantastic visuals, and I’m glad I caught pics of a group that is poised to make it big beyond Japan.
• There were a number of acts that were repeats, where I’d caught their sets elsewhere over the last couple years. This included Janelle Monae, Anderson.Paak, Billie Eilish, Weezer, and Lizzo. All were worth watching again. Also, I’m glad that Lizzo is getting the love she deserves. She’s an amazing performer.
• All in all, Coachella was a great experience. Would I go again? Already have my ticket for next year. Just waiting for January, for that lineup to drop. If you love live music, and can get away for a few days, I would suggest going at least once. You even get used to walking through people’s mini photo shoots.
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Albums Currently Spinning

A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles // After watching Ron Howard’s movie “Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years,” I was reminded of how phenomenal the Beatles were. Give it a spin again, or for the first time.

Everything Hits at Once: The Best of Spoon – Spoon // Out today, this album collects the more popular tracks, from a group not known for having hit singles.

Tracks Currently Spinning

Stay High – Brittany Howard // The front woman from Alabama Shakes, sets the stage for her solo album, due out September 20.

Tenderness – Jay Som // The new single out from Jay Som (the stage name for singer/songwriter Melina Duterte) sounds great. Her album “Everybody Works” was one of my favorites from a couple years back, so I’m stoked for her new music.

Crowded Table – The Highwomen // The second single from this country ‘super group.’

Other Music Stuff…

• Blues Traveler is doing a free show in LA, at Pershing Square, on Saturday August 17th. Here’s the link to book your spot(s): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blues-traveler-and-special-guest-los-colognes-tickets-58970111190

 

• Cuco is doing a free show at Amoeba Music this coming Tuesday, July 30. This one will probably fill quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot with an album purchase. The link: https://www.amoeba.com/live-shows/upcoming/detail-4850/

 

• Outside Lands (SF) is in two weeks, in Golden Gate Park. Lineup is below. I’ll be there, to catch one of Paul Simon’s rare shows these days. Give the lineup a glance.

Peeps to Follow

This week’s focus is on Liv Slingerland, an LA based musician I’ve followed for a few years now. I first caught a glimpse of Liv when she played guitar for Paper Pilots, but she’s also played her own material, along with providing support for Alex Lahey, Lauren Ruth Ward, and Robert DeLong. I’ve seen her with some of these acts, along with her own sets at the Echo, and Echo Park Rising. She’s a badass musician, who’s got her own songs I dig. Check out that riff on Bad Dreams (below).

Also, check out her website (http://www.livslingerland.com/), or better yet, give her a follow on Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/livslingerland/?hl=en)

With Paper Pilots, from Federal Bar, Hollywood, January 2016

From Echo Park Rising, Echo Park, August 2017

Here’s my ongoing playlist, updated weekly with both new and old tracks I’m listening to.