2013 Cochella Indio Weekend 2 Preview

Josh Buchanan
On April 18, 2013
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Coachillin- The PD Guide to 2013 Cochella Indio Weekend 2 Preview

A week ago today, the California desert was the only thing on my mind. The countdown to Coachella had finally ended and the anticipation had kicked into overdrive. With the schedule having only been out for two days, mapping out the artists I wanted to see was both exciting and frustrating; conflicts, conflicts everywhere. In those few days, I tried to anticipate what I would need, what to expect from the festival, and who would be up to task of rocking my socks off. Having since returned with a severe case of nostalgia, I hope this guide will serve you well…and also act as a memento for these glorious days

While I could try and write an itinerary for your ultimate desert dance party, I will attempt to provide you a swiss army knife guide to getting around and what to look out for.

Obey your thirst- Empire Polo Club, the site hosting Coachella, is equipped with multiple refill stations near the bathroom areas. These are your friends, especially if you opt to bring Camelbaks, Geigerrigs and water bottles. The lines appear more intimidating than they are. If you are without, bottles of water are sold for $2 and can be refilled here and will pass festival security if it is empty. Alcohol is sold for $9 in designated areas requiring wristbands for admission. The beer selection includes Heineken, Heineken Light and Newcastle Brown Ale. Other Speakeasy style bars inhabit the festival grounds offering cocktails and other libations, but is usually packed and difficult to navigate through.

Take in your surroundings- Experience the gigantic snail amble through the festival at night, take the ferris wheel for a spectacular view overhead, or make an offering to the giant recycling T-Rex. While this is regarded as one of the largest music festivals, many artists display their pieces and exhibits throughout the 280 acre spread. It also doesn’t get any better than the Do Lab stage where the audience is cooled off in car wash fashion.

All who wander aren’t lost- For newcomers and veterans alike, meeting up with your group can be a tricky business; cell phone reception isn’t reliable, rally points may not be established, and people tend to drift when assimilating into a festival mentality. In urban festivals like Lollapalooza in Chicago, this can frustrating and a major buzz kill since your focus is diverted from the reason you are there. Luckily, Coachella’s layout alleviates many of those fears through numerous landmarks populating the grounds. It also doesn’t hurt to have a flag or a battle standard like a yellow duck umbrella when you are trying to find your friends.

Afterthoughts- Having travelled to festivals around the country, Coachella’s west coast vibe certainly exceeded my expectations. The youthful ebullience of SoCal students, residents and artists was overwhelming. Having travelled to California a couple of times now, I was pretty sure I had a sound understanding of the differences that separated East Coast from West Coast, usually at the expense of the California, but that has since changed. While attitudes may contrast about work, religion and government, music is still a unifying bond that brings people together to celebrate and enjoy all the great things in life.

Below, my recommendations for banks to see by day:

Friday

Dam Funk- Galactic Fun

Polica- Dark Star

Metric- Help, I’m Alive

Alt-J- Taro

Passion Pit- Sleepyhead

Local Natives- Airplanes

Beach House- Norway

Yeah Yeah Yeahs- Sacrilege

Band of Horses- Laredo

Jurassic 5- Concrete Schoolyard