COACHELLA 2024: LOOKING FORWARD
By Clara Seely-Katz
@haydenstills @coachella
Coachella 2024 was a unique experience. It was a hot, sweaty time full of surprises, and it made me think about music festivals of the past and what the implications of the present-day Coachella are for not only the music industry today but also the ways in which we relate to one another through shared events and a shared love of music. Unlike years prior, this year's Coachella festival did not immediately sell out; in fact, it never sold out at all. Some have attributed this to the fact that the Coachella culture has shifted away from a music-forward affair to more of a social-media-focused free-for-all, while others say it is simply the end of an era. Either way, Coachella has morphed from simply an event to something more poignant. It’s a marker of the moment and a sign of things to come.
Coachella is both more and less relevant than it was ten years ago, and it is still trying to figure out how that is so. Much like Vogue that was once (but no longer is) the final say on fashion, Coachella that was once the ultimate determiner of good new music and influenced the “normies” on what is and isn’t “in,” is now realizing they no longer wield such power. In fact, the masses are the ones determining the headliners and showing their outrage when their opinions aren’t taken into consideration—see this year’s headliners, the fan reactions, and the lack of Weekend 2 ticket sales.
Today, when we all have access to YouTube and Spotify and endless collections of music and music communities, people no longer look to establishments for answers about what is hot or not. Instead, they turn to niche music communities and mostly just follow their ears. As we increasingly become connected, everything is becoming increasingly democratized, and it is a messy but wonderful process.
So, what is the point of a music festival if not to define the music industry? I think now more than ever before, the festival is a connection point, and the festival runners should lean into that aspect. The music is still as good as it was, and the performances are arguably better, with better special effects and sound, but it isn’t about that. It never was. Coachella can continue to be relevant if it lets go of prestige but holds onto a good time.
For the Bad:
Coachella clearly recognized this pattern of change, and so this year, it tried to be a bit of everything for everyone. And, unsurprisingly, it fell flat. The festival was fun and lively, no doubt, and if you loved a few of the artists (as I did), you would be sure of having a pretty decent time. Not all hope is lost, but the spirit of the event certainly was different. There were too many people recording every inch of the event and worrying more about Instagram than actually being present; the early shows felt more like artists paying their dues than anything kinetic and alive. I think it could be so much more! More unique events, areas to relax, and ways to connect with each other and meet new people.
For the Fantastic:
There were some amazing moments at Coachella 2024. Lana Del Ray glistened and sang us all lullabies. Although I don’t agree with the ethos behind much of her music, she truly is a star and a mesmerizing performer. There were great surprise guests, such as Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo, who were relevant and bubbly in their performances. Weekend 1 was as hectic as ever, while Weekend 2 was more relaxed and, honestly, more enjoyable. It felt closer to what Coachella used to feel like. Just a music event in the Coachella Valley.
*Quick Highlight: The DoLab was one of the more fun and fresh moments of the festival! With quirky performers and a dance club atmosphere, the DoLab won me over with its colorful and frenetic energy.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan won the weekend for me, hands down. Chappell Roan is a newer voice on the gay-pop scene, and her new album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” is one of the most underrated releases of the past year. At Coachella, Roan was one of the most engaging performances by far. Her songs are just so fun! As a queer artist, Roan draws inspiration from drag queens and makes sure to pay tributes to those who came before her. She is funky and weird and makes me feel things. What more can you ask from a Midwest pop princess?
Roan’s “trashy” and gaudy vibe is a sweet tribute to the colorful and free, often forgotten moments of childhood, where we played dress-up in tacky fake beads and plastic pumps. Her music puts you back in dress-up, a popsicle in one hand, the other sticky and red. She makes me want to jump around and dance like a freak.
@haydenstills @coachella
@haydenstills @coachella
Suki Waterhouse
@haydenstills @coachella
Suki Waterhouse is another artist to watch. Her recent song “OMG” has been on repeat for me, and ever since I saw her live a few years ago, I knew she was one to watch. She is pained and beautiful, and she brings something complex to her performances that I can’t quite put my finger on but really appreciate. She was stunning at her Coachella set, and I hope to see more of her in the future.
Conclusions:
Coachella is still fun! If you want music and exploration, maybe meet a cool person or two and bond over hating the crowds; you will have a good time. Coachella is different now! Let's not pretend like anything can ever stay the same.
Today, Coachella is more about the fashion looks, being there, and maybe catching the Lana Del Rey set, and less about the vibes. But that’s ok. It is a live thing, a changing thing, and I'm excited to see where it goes next. All I hope is that the Coachella team doesn’t get too scared to experiment and adapt. Right now, the festival is a bit stuck in 2014 days while catering to 2024 social media stars. What we need is something new, something fresh, something that promotes community at this time when we are all starved for it. Let’s not forget why we love music in the first place. To feel connected, feel a part of something—to just feel.
Coachella is still good, but it could be great! I, for one, am excited about the future changes to come: more artists like Chappell Roan, more fun, and something new.
Some music we loved from the festival!
COAchella 2025 dates have been announced: April 11-13 & 18-20 2025… See you there
