Coachella 2023 Recap and Reflections on What's Next in Music
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert) · Solo episode
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Host note
Iron sharpening iron. Watching artists I knew in college, just talented, normal, teenage people, fully become themselves on a Coachella stage hit differently than any review could. Growth is slow and then it's all at once.
I break down what actually works at a festival: crowd engagement that earns the drop rather than just demanding it, why drum and bass are load-bearing walls that you can't hide behind a laptop, and how the way live music is being filmed is changing the vocabulary of performance itself. Fashion gets its own section because Coachella is one of the few places where self-expression through attire isn't just aesthetic, it's part of the set.
The question I kept coming back to: what's the nucleus of my set? Not the most popular song first, but what actually opens the world I want to share? That's the craft question this episode circles.
Selected moments
- Crowd Participation Techniques 2:17 I discuss effective crowd engagement methods, including prompting audience participation and hyping them up before major song drops.
- Festival Performance Challenges 3:49 I elaborate on how artists must adapt their performances to compete with the energy levels of other acts and DJs at festivals.
- Visuals & Music Integration 9:45 I reflect on the importance of visuals in music, sharing thoughts on incorporating quirky elements in stage presentation.
- Fashion Statements at Coachella 12:47 I share observations about fashion choices at Coachella, discussing the importance of self-expression through attire.
- Rearranging Music for Live Stages 20:15 I discuss how artists must consider the live performance context when arranging music for large venues.
- Unique Artist Personalities 5:15 I talk about how artists evolve over time, noting how early influences have shaped their current stage presence.
- Drum and Bass Roles 18:04 I emphasize the critical role of drum and bass in creating powerful live soundscapes.
- Creative Quirkiness in Art 8:17 I reflect on the importance of embracing unique individual artistic quirks to stand out in the music industry.
- Live Streaming and Music Production 15:46 I discuss the changing dynamics of live music production, especially concerning video integration.
Selected excerpts
But not only are you competing for those like, you know, people that are bought in, people that are sort of bought in, people that just maybe casually know one or two songs...
It's interesting to see people, especially in my genre, like, you know, like a Remi Wolfe or, you know, Moona...and it's really inspiring because I remember them in college as, you know, just like anybody talented, but just a normal kind of teenage person.
It's like iron sharpening iron, diamonds sharpening diamonds that over time you end up becoming this version of yourself that's in some ways unrecognizable from where you started.
...I think part of the reason why I make so much music rather than making so many videos.
Coachella is a really good place to catch those vibes because it's not just like the times I spent in LA where everybody's all dripped up and looking cool.
It's like bringing some of that fun, that state of play, just to the way you present yourself, I really appreciate that.
...what is the nucleus of mine? And like, how would I open a set that's not necessarily just like here's the most popular song?
It's cool just to be on both sides of it... the way that live music is being filmed, the way that's changing, that was very, very present in Coachella.
FAQ
What did you take away from Coachella 2023?
I share insights on performance dynamics, crowd engagement, and the importance of visual aesthetics in music.
How can musicians improve their stage presence?
I discuss competition among artists, energy management, and ways to effectively engage festival audiences.
What are the latest trends in live music performance?
I highlight the evolving nature of live performances, including increased focus on visuals and unique artist expressions.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.