Words by Timo Mitchell
For me, the new year overwhelmingly means one thing. The release of the Coachella lineup looms imminently. And, as I find myself alone in an office on a pow day, I find comfort in anticipating the lineup just as a bear finds comfort when seeing first light after months of hibernation. Coachella has started to post songs on their Facebook page hinting at the artists to expect in April. Thus far, the most notable is The Magician. One half of what was the duo Aeroplane in 2010, the Magician broke away from his aeronautical roots to establish his solo project. At first, I was deeply saddened by this tragic breakup. But, this new project has proved to be all that Aeroplane was and much much more. Disco is alive and well in 2014 thanks to the productions and mix tapes from artist like The Magician.
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Having attended Coachella three of the previous four years (2010, 2012, and 2013), I can attest that headliners do not make or break this festival whatsoever. However, some of the most incredible live shows that have ever taken place on this Earth have been headliners at Coachella. Gorrilaz, Jay Z, and Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg are some of the acts I have personally had the pleasure of immersing myself in during that time.
Last year lacked some of the luster which we have come to expect from the headliners in the dessert night. The Red Hot Chili Peppers closed the festival marking their fourth appearance in Indio. I assume the previous three were much more captivating, because the performance I witnessed (weekend 2) was far from a show deserving of the final curtain. Luckily, during their set, these teenage prodigies from the U.K. were throwing one of the best bass-infused dance parties the Coachella Valley has ever witnessed (they are known as “Disclosure”).
So where does that leave us in 2014? Well, lets start with the Daft Punk rumors. They seem to have as much validity as they ever have with a confirmed upcoming performance at The Grammys. They have yet to tour the new album, and Coachella seems to be a likely launch point for a summer tour.
OutKast Official has already confirmed that their reunion tour makes a stop in Southern California. Honestly, this one show is enough for me to confirm my trip to Indio. Ever since I became a patron of live music and festivals in particular, I have longed to experience one of the greatest hip hop groups ever enacted. I’m fucking ecstatic my dream will become a reality in a few short months.
The icing on the cake, and the completion of what would be the greatest trio of headliners since…EVER, would be the inclusion of Arcade Fire and/or David Bowie. These two have proved that comparisons of great bands to fine wines are still warranted in certain instances. Both have albums out in 2013 that rival any of their previous works and expand on their creative palette. After last year, we deserve four headliners. But, three out of these four would still ensure a once in a lifetime trip to The Empire Polo Club in 2014.
Well, I’m boiling with excitement, and I’ve never been more excited to drop $350 for an event. See you in April.
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