COACHELLA 2: RETURN OF THE #HENCHHIPSTER
Yes, I went back for seconds. Consequently, all my toes feel as if they’re about to fall off and my level of misanthropy is at an all-time high.
As the dust begins to settle on Indio’s mecca for music lovers (and in my lungs), a general consensus proves that Weekend 2 provided the dominant Coachella experience.
For one, it was much less hectic, and most importantly, the performances
were at their prime.
Abel Tesfaye, professionally known as The Weeknd, irrefutably captivated overjoyed listeners, headlining after an incendiary performance from guitar virtuoso Jack White, who announced he’s taking a break from performing after a handful of acoustic dates later this year.
Tesfaye’s soulful serenades are unmatched and the energy at his live show is luminescent. It’s pretty safe to say that there’s really no one out there who can nail Beyonce’s “Drunk in Love,” aside from, you know, Beyonce.
And obviously, the big moment belonged to Kanye West, who appeared on stage with the Fifty Shades of Grey featured artist for what seemed like a concert within a concert. The two performed “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” Chief Keef’s “I Don’t Like,” “Black Skinhead” and West’s current single “All Day” before Tesfaye closed with a wow-inducing “Earned It.”
(The Weeknd)
Drake fans went absolutely bonkers as they geared up for his smash-filled set, chanting “Drizzy” in a moment that was almost tribal. This time around, he was notably joined by “Truffle Butter” rapper Nicki Minaj for a quick cameo. Don’t fret; no tongues were harmed in the making of said cameo.
(Drake)
Florence Welch, who sang with the voice of a dark angel, encouraged attendees to jump around and remove articles of clothing. She was of course chair-ridden due to the foot she broke weekend 1. The quote of the weekend has got to be, “I think you’re healing my foot with your boobs! I’m not even kidding!”
(Florence Welch)
Alabama Shakes provided another goosebump-inducing set, thanks to frontwoman Brittany Howard’s soaring vocals. FKA Twigs, meanwhile, hypnotized undoubtedly inebriated minds with a tantalizing dose of alternative R&B-drizzled electronic ear sex. Stromae, the Belgian rapper already massive in Europe, strutted his stuff for an avant-garde and extremely interactive live performance, which will surely help to create some stateside roots.
(Stromae)
Columbia’s breakout sensation of the year, Hozier, glowed with pride after another explosive performance. And labelmate George Ezra, who was absent for his set the previous weekend due to viral laryngitis, returned with vigor and proved that the show really must go on.
(FKA Twigs)
Thanks again to SiriusXM for allowing those unable to attend and those too busy party-hopping to listen to performance streams from a vast array of artists that spanned from Drake to Hozier to buzzing U.K. DJ/producer Jamie xx. If you didn't know, this was actually the first year Coachella performances (live and recorded) were broadcast on the radio.
(Hozier)
Drawing in nearly 100k attendees (each weekend), the event’s ability to almost seamlessly create a melting pot for rock, rap and dance listeners is pretty amazing. Even if most of them are either rolling on the ground in their designer threads petting the grass or just too busy on their iPhones to bust a move, it makes me proud to be a music fan. As Jack White memorably cheered, “music is sacred,” after all.
