Exploring Indio; Our picks for Coachella Day 2Coachella Day2

Exploring Indio; Our picks for Coachella Day 2

The Coachella Arts and Music Festival has been host to some of the most groundbreaking talent in music throughout its 15 year history. Although relatively modest, this year’s electronic dance music presence at Coachella is the largest since its 1999 debut. Staying true to form, Goldenvoice’s bookings represent some of the most exciting artists in electronic music today – a group whose talents extend across a broad swathe of sound and styles. With the 2013 lineup heavily expanding its electronic offerings, we felt it only appropriate to share our must-see picks from the viewpoint of four fans heading out to Indio for the type of musical experience only three days in the desert could provide.

Senthil’s Pick

Bingo Players – Making their Coachella debut at the Sahara tent Paul and Maarten will bring their unfaltering electro house to Day 2’s heavier electronic lineup. With a fully stocked arsenal of tracks crafted exclusively to eviscerate festival tents, this Dutch duo will give you the electro jump start you’ll be needing as you head into your second night in the desert. Get ready to make your “Duck Face.”

Andrew’s Picks:

Simian Mobile Disco – Having played the festival in 2008,  Simian Mobile Disco’s sophomore appearance promises to be strange and experimental trip through drippy synthwork and ethereal electronica. Expect to hear a lot off their recent A Form of Change EP as well as classics like “It’s the Beat,” and “Tits and Acid.” Appropriate soundtracks for an evening spent in Indio.

Major Lazer – Balancing cerebral dance music and over-the-top antics is an important  part of the festival experience, and when it’s time to let loose there is no better way to do so than with Major Lazer at the helm. If their performances at Ultra Music Festival were any indication, this mad-hatting troupe of misfits will be responsible for the best party all weekend.

Cara’s Pick

Julio Bashmore – He’s the originator of the “Bashmore bass line,” owner of the accidental megahit “Au Seve,” and smashing the production game with Hyetal as Velour. His crate digging is impressive and his set will be full of unrecognizable underground gems. Can’t wait to catch this DJ out of a dark club and in the smoldering Southern California sun.

Allegra’s Pick

New Order – While you won’t see New Order’s tunes floating around on Beatport, over thirty years after their formation their material is still being sampled and remixed. The British group dominated the dance scene after revamping their rock sound with 1983’s iconic “Blue Monday” – a track that used a four-on-the-floor beat with a heavy synthesizer base. Sound familiar? I missed their set at Ultra 2012 but after a harsh scolding and a lesson on the virtues of New Wave, I won’t be making the same mistake twice.

Michael’s Pick

Booka Shade – Having seen Booka Shade deliver mind-bending sets at both Ultra and Identity Festival, I can’t recommend their closing set enough. While it’s admittedly hard to reason skipping Phoenix, Sigur Rós, New Order, and Knife Party to catch the German duo, their performance is bound to be a truly engrossing experience. Their deep productions take on a live ethos during sets as Walter and Arno perform on synthesizers and drums, reacting and engaging with the crowd and ultimately creating a more intimate experience than your standard DJ set.

If you are heading to Coachella, don’t miss out on checking out the various day parties – they are some of the best times of the weekend.

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Categories: