COACHELLA 2017: Line-Up, Preview with KCRW’s Jason Bentley, Randall Roberts

I was just minding my own business one day last year when I noticed Coachella was trending on twitter. So being the nosy person that I am, I went to see what was happening –and next thing you know

I GOT TWO TICKETS FOR COACHELLA!

And now that the line-up was announced yesterday and

RADIOHEAD

is headlining on Friday night, I am so excited!

And more tickets went on sale TODAY January 4 at 11am!

To celebrate, KCRW DJ Jason Bentley dug deep into the line-up with Randall Roberts from the LA Times. So beyond RADIOHEAD and BEYONCE, who is playing? And who should you go see?

Well first, Randall Robert says that Beyonce is a bit of a surprise because she is a massive popstar and he’s excited about it. Personally, I could care less about Beyonce, and would never go to see her but that’s what I love about Coachella– I’ll experience artists that I would never go see otherwise –whether they are big and established like Beyonce, or super small and I’d never heard of them. But at Coachella I do go check them out.

As Jason says, everyone brings their A game to Coachella.

Radiohead performing is not big news or not a surprise and while they say there have been ample opportunities to see them in LA, I have not had that chance.  The closest I got was 10 back in line to see them at the Santa Barbara Bowl.

Father John Misty is on Friday night just before Radiohead, and Roberts says he’s a great performer. I know I’ve enjoyed Father John Misty on KCRW so the name was familiar. Here’s a well-known song and a great video:

Who’s missing? Roberts would like to see some “insane metal bands” and there’s some bands like the Atomix. But there is one legacy band that is important and playing at Coachella: Bell Ville Three. Jason and Roberts agree that techno wouldn’t exist as it does now with out them, but no big reunions this year like when Stone Roses played the main stage but few people attended which was the same as the Buzzcocks (that I wouldn’t miss!)  But as Jason and Randall say, it is important to include some of these important bands to know where we came from and where we’re going.

So who is down the list that might be new to you to discover at Coachella?

Jason played a track by Daphni which I LOVED;  definitely going to hit that one. I’d heard this song before and loved it but never caught who it was. And now I bet I’ll get to hear this at Coachella!

There’s creativity that comes with the Coachella ecosystem says Jason, as he defended the big festival scene to Roberts who chimes in that there’s the opportunity to hear new people before they get famous.

I’m betting on SOFI TUKKER. Check this trippy tune and video out for “Drinkee”:

Along those lines, Roberts says he likes the smaller stages, less crowded and discovering new acts but then again being tin the midst of the Sahara Stage can be really intense and awesome. Sahara has gone from being the home of EDM to a whole lot more. To hear the sound so well is also notable.

We’re in the golden age of music festivals, says Jason.

They named three down list that I am also really excited about: AVALANCHES, Toots and the Metals, and King Sunny Ade. I’d add to that list the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. All four are high on my list to see, right under Radiohead and far above Beyonce! One of my favorite Avalanches songs from about 10 years ago is above, and here’s a new one:

Sunset slot is always magical on Coachella; while we don’t know yet who is playing at what time or on what stage, Jason Bentley and Randall Roberts suggest that Tycho at sunset on an outdoor stage is not to be missed. Catch their complete discussion at KCRW. I’m sure it will be archived soon. There is so much great music every year and this year is no exception. I’m delighted to have tickets –now to figure out where to stay! Should we get a camping spot for our VW van or stay at a friend’s in Palm Springs? Hmm.

In the meantime, here’s  Tycho’s “Division”– good luck getting your tickets! Who are you excited to see? Who would you like to see? Who do you think should be at Coachella next year?