This is possibly a controversial statement but Coachella is overrated. Especially in this day and age.
I never understood the excitement of seeing a bunch of musicians on stage for two weekends surrounded by sweaty drugged up people, crowded places, toilets that don’t work and being in the desert?! It just looks and feels overwhelming to be there. I mean I love a good concert, I saw the band Ghost in concert with my aunt, minus the overstimulation.
I didn’t always have this opinion of Coachella. When I was young, I did want to go. Not for the right reasons of course, it was more or less for the vibe. But missing out on such a popular event can be dreadful for most people.
ORIGINAL COACHELLA
I think what makes me so sad about what has happened to Coachella is the original building blocks it initially had. It was created in 1999 by Paul Tollet and Rick Van Santen of the concert promotion company Goldenvoice. It was inspired by a 1993 Pear Jam Concert. Pearl Jam was furious about Ticketmaster’s high fees. So as a middle finger to the music industry, they threw a huge concert at the Empire Polo Club, located on the Coachella festival grounds.
The idea of Coachella was to create a European-like festival experience involving art and low-key vibes, showcasing rock, indie, and EDM music. Leaning towards an alternative crowd rather than the general public.
It all changed when the festival gained popularity in 2004 due to its first sellout when Radiohead headlined the event. Then selling out again in 2006 for Daft Punk. Ultimately with its growing fame, the 2010s became the Influencer Era. When the event changed its dates to an expansion of two weekends plus the added mainstream of pop and hip-hop. It turned into a demanded “must post” moment.
Why the FOMO?
As much as I love influencers (James Charles, Tara Yummy, Carter Kench etc.), they are possibly the reason why Coachella is being glamorized. Of course, they are having a fun time at the concert and any parties they get invited to, but their purpose is to promote sponsored brands that brought them to the festival in the first place.
It is sort of like a trade off between people; brands pay Coachella in order to host exclusive parties and events at their big venue. Such as Edelman (Bran Flakezz) getting sponsored by Starbucks to attend. In exchange for that, influencers get paid, go to exclusive events, promote the brand and enjoy Coachella at its finest.
Coachella has become the influencer network’s dream and the height of fashion. Which again, as someone who also enjoys fashion it feels a bit unnecessary to dress in glam and glory, when your heels or designer $1,000 shoes are gonna get dirty because of desert dust. Like what is the point? Truthfully, the festival is the epitome of gluttony and envy.
Yet it doesn’t stop there.
Pricing
My mind was seriously blown away by how expensive the festival was. I mean if you’re paying for the weekend it’s $549 to 649 for general admissions and if you want the VIP exclusive: $1,199 to $1,399. That is insane!? Especially with the economy that we live in? I can’t even pay for gas!
Actually, if you are broke you can just put down a payment plan! You heard me right, a payment plan. To be honest it just feels unnecessary. You are paying to go to possibly the most exhilarating event of the year, but is it really worth it putting a down payment on it? Literally you could be saving up for a car, or even a vacation for yourself. Or paying rent for your apartment. Even just paying bills!
However, that’s not even the most ridiculous part about it! We can all equally agree that scalpers are the absolute worst! Buying tickets or items for cheap just to sell them for TONS of money. You know how much they were willing to sell tickets for. . . $4000 to $5000 just for one weekend alone. Like what kind of deal is that. It’s insane! My blood runs hot when I think about that.
Don’t even get me started on the food prices at Coachella either. You think spending thousands of dollars for tickets is bad. Imagine spending $28 for carne asada fries! I don’t even spend that much money on fries like that unless God, Jesus, and the Holy spirit blessed and told me I will become immortal. Absolutely ludicrous. Thankfully some people did bring their own food to the event. Yet I feel bad for the unlucky people.
Sub-Culture and Mainstream
Look, I know I have stated in previous articles that I am an absolute hater when it comes to mainstream stuff. Sometimes I get sucked in and sometimes I don’t. But in truth when I look at anything about Coachella, I don’t get the excitement. It’s just a form of status, flaunting on the internet that someone had the opportunity to waste thousands of dollars to go to a couple concerts for a few artists that they like.
But I also know it’s not just a main-stream thing. Some people actually do generally like to go to events like this. Either for the vibes, getting to meet like minded people, getting to camp out in a tent or car, and making memories. Plus I won’t deny that the fashion is absolutely stunning. For something that is in a desert; a lot of people dress for the occasion. But again, you need to be smart when you are in the desert.
Also there isn’t just music there, pieces of art work are placed to be stared at and admired by the people. Mainly placed as a community interaction and social harmony. They are placed all around the massive area of Coachella to be profoundly respected. These artist bring their creations to life in order to make a statement to the community. Allowing social commentary and surrealism to bring people together.
I enjoy a good event or party as much as the next person, but there are such cheaper ways to enjoy events like these. Maybe they won’t have the same experience. On the other hand you can still save some money in your pocket. The sad thing is that it’s probably gonna get more expensive next year and probably the year after. Which sucks, due to its original roots being washed away on why it’s created in the first place.
Maybe it’s just not for me. Or I just have experienced it truly to understand the rage of the event. All I can say is that there are so many better things to spend your money on then going to an over-glorified festival. Go watch a local band in your area or save up for a singer you actually want to listen to. Better yet, save up for gas if you drive.
