Looking back at Coachella 2012
written by Theresa Rodriguez

Each year music enthusiasts from around the globe embark on a pilgrimage to the desert town of Indio for Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Despite traditional Coachella it turned into two-weekends this year which left many of your typical hipsters in a pickle with synchronizing plans and tickets.

Luckily, I scored golden tickets to weekend 2 from help of a good friend. Increased tension existed between weekend 1 and weekend 2 goers. Weekend 1 confidently argued that they were going to experience the festivities first, but weekend 2 fans were able to see the same show minus all sound and artist glitches and technicalities. Coachella underlying set an initial vibe for the beginning of this cultured, exciting festival season.

I could confidently use the word sweat to convey my weekend 2 experiences and all attendees would universally agree. Temperatures reached over 105, so ruthless that your ice-cold beer would turn warm within sips. Fortunately nothing stopped 35,000 nomads from flooding the gates on Friday morning. Upon getting through what seemed like the Mexican border patrol, my heart immediately brought me to The Do Lab. One can only describe The Do Lab as an Oasis in the middle of the boiling hot, hippie stank, Indio desert. Here your standard barefoot gypsies and bass heads can escape out of the mainstream realm and get down to the most incredible underground music. 

The Do Lab masters never disappoint their fans and this year was no different with their creative stage, impressive lineup, and an unlimited supply of water to cool their fans off with. Weekend 1 hosted acts like Pumpkin, GoldRush, NiT GriT and Gladkill, and received phenomal reviews. My favorite act of week 2 was GRiZ, who absolutely held it down weekend 2. It is honestly difficult to relay how badass his set was! From ‘Jump Around’ to ‘Sunday School’, not one song dissatisfied listeners. I look forward to every single one of his future performances because his talent is limitless.

I stumbled upon Sub Focus after rumors of his remarkable, creative time warped set from weekend 1. Luckily I brought my LED pimp light up cane for defense against his circular ring of bright lights and heavy bass. With my eyes closed, it was impossible for me not to imagine myself playing a challenging game of space invaders mixed with Mario Cart of the future. I can safely say that my feet did not stop moving and my cane did not touch the floor. Walking away, I was left speechless, with a smile humming the incredible tune of ‘Rock it’ Sadly, silly Coachella engineers would not let him continue his encore; Sub Focus, you were nothing less than amazing!

I can only dream to one day say “Whats my mothafucking name” and have 35,000 fans respond in their loudest and most energetic voices. Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s set also featured guests Warren G, 50 Cent, Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, Tony Yayo, Currupt and even the departed 2pac as a hologram . It was pretty getting down to those favorite OG classics. As soon as music began, lighters were lit, and clouds began to rise and disperse above the audience. My dreams were complete when 50 Cent came out, as any native New Yorker would agree. At times it was too much; how could there be that much swag on a stage at once?

The Coachella Ferris Wheel is on every attendee’s bucket list. This year it was a goal of mine to experience it both during the day and at night. Riders are blessed with an impeccable view of what seems like ant-size campsites and what seems like forever skyline. In my unforgettable experience, the riders in the cart ahead had the 3-minute opportunity to literally ride the ride. Kudos to that quickie, it was hysterical and legitimately made my day.

When Monday unexpectedly strikes, tents begin to be put away, music begins to fade and goodbyes begin to be exchanged. Just like the day after Christmas one can only begin to dream about next year. Coachella is a magical, mystery land filled with laughter and memories while continuing the celebration of life. Festivals create the happiest fictional empire where attendees escape societies norms and transform themselves into their own creative beauty. Although Coachella has developed into a more mainstream type of festival, it has done so in a manner that preserves its core values while increasing its appeal to unite those intrigued and passionate with the music festival culture. Coachella, until we meet again.