Exploring Indio: Our picks for Coachella Day 3
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.
Hardwell – With an Ultra set for the record books already in his rearview, Hardwell will continue to command the crowd’s undivided attention on Coachella’s final day. Come for the mash-ups and Dutch electro, stay for the unbridled energy of the Sahara after sundown.
Eric Prydz – This shouldn’t even be a question – it’s Eric Prydz on his continued domination of the American market. After his takeover of UMF and Miami Music Week it’s clear that Eric is ready to take his rightful spot at the top of the American EDM wave. Rather than appealing to pop sensibilities, Prydz maintains a laser-like focus on the music, creating intelligent and full-bodied progressive house. Embodying the sound at its most authentic, a set from Prydz is always an unmissable experience for dance fans old and new.
Paul Oakenfold – A veteran of the festival, 2013 will be Paul’s 4th appearance at Coachella and we have reason to believe that his performance is going to be one of the must see moments this year. With a rich history, impressive career and an expansive catalog of hits in his repertoire Oakenfold will likely pull out all the stops for his fourth appearance. Expect the unexpected here.
Disclosure – It would be impossible to mention acts at Coachella without talking about Disclosure, the British duo who have single handedly revived the UK garage scene. Climbing the Billboard charts and changing the sonic landscape of the recent EDM boom, Guy and Howard Lawrence are young, talented and refreshing – performing their songs with a tangled mess of live equipment squelching the “button pushing” argument with flawless ease.
Paul Kalkbrenner – Paul Kalkbrenner got his start in the Berlin club scene in the 90s, and since then has become quite possibly one of Germany’s best and most famous DJs/producers. He’s got a particularly melodic techy style to his work and puts a lot of time and attention into the experience of his live performances. His appearance at Coachella will be a rare treat for techno devotees and curious converts alike.
Jamie xx – One part prolific producer and remixer and one part member of the wildly popular band The xx, Jamie xx will undoubtedly deliver a set on Day 1 that’ll satisfy dance music nerds and indie fans alike. He remixes high profile talent like Adele, Florence + The Machine, and Radiohead and his DJ sets often contain his own work with The xx. It’s hard to know exactly which direction he’ll take at the polo grounds, but that’s just another reason not to miss his appearance.
Mord Fustang – After being dubbed Beatport’s Breakthrough Artist of 2011, Mord Fustang did what few successful DJs have managed to do: stayed under the radar. The Estonian producer is incredibly low-key, until he gets behind the decks. With sets that range from dubstep to poppy electro to glitch hop to wherever his head happens to be at, Mord has comfortably shared bills with everyone from Hardwell to Feed Me, and his perfected ratio of originals to samples has made him one of my go-to festival picks. With some recent SoundCloud activity, Indio may be lucky enough to be a testing ground for new material.
Jamie Jones – Hot Creations co-head Jamie Jones has had a busy 2013. With back-to-back top 5 placement on Resident Advisor’s acclaimed Top 100 poll, it’s no secret that his abilities behind the decks and in the studio come with merit. This year he played in Carl Cox’s Mega Structure at Ultra Music Festival, where he showcased a mix of deep disco cuts and pounding techno beats. When he plays the forthcoming Hot Natured single “Reverse Skydiving,” feel-good vibes will be in abundance.
Maya Jane Coles – Whether it’s the half-Japanese camaraderie in me or the budding love for her sensuous deep house, I have no doubt that Maya Jane Coles is primed to deliver one of the best performances of Sunday. While her production skills have proved near-flawless with releases like her Put Me in Your Box EP and Easier to Hide EP, her DJ sets are just as renowned. With two hours at her disposal, Maya’s set from the Yuma Stage has potential to be utterly sublime.
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.
Categories: Music