My fifth visit to the iconic Southern Californian festival (during Weekend 2) was musically as strong as ever. Yet, for me, the appeal is almost as much visual as aural: the art installations, the desert mountains, and palm trees. The organisers, Golden Voice, have perfected the planning of the festival, making the experience wholly enjoyable, except for the dust caused by high winds. Budget is less of a consideration than at British festivals, so lighting, sound, and stages were top notch, and the new wrap around video screen on the main stage a welcome innovation. There is criticism each year that these resources come at the expense of popularism in the headline artists away from indie rock towards EDM. Yet, I saw only three acts all weekend on the main stage, and Coachella remains a broad church musically, with the welcome addition of jazz to the lineup this year. The first Coachella weekend is particularly associated with starry guests, yet I was surprised by the appearance of Kendrick Lamar on one of the smaller stages. The art installation 'Besame Mucho' which means 'many kisses' extended a welcome towards hispanic visitors in a political climate in America marred by xenophobia from Trump's campaign. Yet, Coachella inevitably excludes on the grounds of wealth: as Lush reminded us, the ticket prices mean that the audience (even in General Admission) is confined to the privileged. Changes in my own circumstances mean that this is likely to be my last visit to Coachella for the foreseeable future, but if you're lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend, don't hesitate.
No comments:
Post a Comment