Coachella weekend (or should I say “weekends”) is a virtual local holiday for the serious live music fan, drawing thousands of excited concert-goers to the sunny polo fields of Indio.
This year, cheers of “The Stone Roses!” “Phoenix!” “Jurassic 5!” and “The Postal Service!!” could be heard across the internet once the lineup was announced, and you’d have to be a musical Scrooge not to find something to like. At the same time, you’d also have to be chained to YouTube or Soundcloud to be totally familiar with every band playing over the course of the three days, so I’m here to help.
I recorded brief chats with a number of bands, many of whom are playing early in the day, as a way to introduce them to the uninitiated and to encourage attendees to check out the wide diversity of music Coachella offers. From returning favorites such as Stars and Aesop Rock, to newcomers like Allen Stone and Deap Vally, to a reuniting 80s favorite like the Three O’Clock.
Check them out below and find further Coachella coverage from KCRW’s music staff right here.
ERIC J. LAWRENCE