Desert Daze-d -- A Review of the Anti-Coachella (& Dust-Free Bonus Images)

  

My family and I (that's us below -- Luca, 12, with the dust-protecting bandanna, Hunter, 15, friend Izzy, and my wife Luisa) attended the dust-storm that was the Desert Daze music festival yesterday in Mecca, California -- only miles away from the Coachella mega-festival a few weeks back -- but a world away in virtually all else.  While Coachella is lush, grassy, and downright pristine -- Desert Daze was literally a dust storm and nothing but dirt (we are still coughing up that dirt).  While Coachella is expansive and massive -- Desert Daze was small and narrow.  While Coachella is EDM-driven -- Desert Daze was dark Indie-driven (with headliner Warpaint killing it on the main stage late night).  And while Coachella is filled with garlands in hair and white lace -- Desert Daze has no flowers at all -- and certainly no white frill.

But, all THAT is precisely why Desert Daze works!  It's the perfect 1-2 Coachella Valley punch -- the anti-Coachella, if you will.  And neither is "better" for most who attended, they are just fundamentally different.  Yes, Desert Daze's Mecca location is "random," but the small tent city and artisans who filled it were organized in their own very organic and earthy way -- a new kind of hippie society.  My kids loved it (above is a picture of them grasping Warpaint lead singer Emily's hand after they fought their way to the very front row like the true festival warriors they have become) -- my wife, Luisa, am not so sure.  But we all agreed that Desert Daze was an "experience" in every sense of the word.

And, isn't that what music festivals are all about?  (Other standout performances included goth-artist Chelsea Wolfe and guitar-driven DIIV.)

Top 5 Reasons Coachella Weekend 2 Beats Weekend 1 (Your "Cheat Sheet" Rationalization ...)

This will be my 7th straight Coachella -- and first with my wife, Luisa.  We are setting sail for Indio in 2 days.

Virtually every year I go the first weekend.  But, not this year.  This year we're trying out Weekend #2 -- shaking it up ... (not because we couldn't get tix for Weekend #1 ... no, that couldn't be it ...).

... which begs the question ... which Coachella weekend is better?  Weekend #1 or Weekend #2 (especially when Weekend #1 is the more obvious answer to most of you)?

Here are my Top 5 reasons Weekend #2 beats Weekend #1 -- and is the way to go, especially this year:

(1) I'll concede that it's tough to argue with the "new-ness" of Weekend #1 for both fans and artists/bands -- ALL of it is new to everyone (which alone generates great anticipation).  BUT, Weekend #2's sets likely will be "tighter" than Weekend #1's sets -- many artists/bands will modify their sets based on what worked (and what didn't).  That's a good thing for hard-core music fans.

(2) Speaking of ... Yes, it's true, one main reason for "real" hard-core, non-poser festival-goers like me (yes, I happily make that claim and can back it up) to attend festivals is to discover great music by under-the-radar artists and bands.  Music discovery in its purest form.  But, this year's headliners and overall line-up are much weaker than last year's killer year.  So, those of us going this weekend benefit from knowing about Weekend #1's buzz-worthy artists and performances.  So, while serendipity will still be a huge part of the experience for me, Weekend #1's social media "curation" will help make the most of the weekend (at least that's what I'm telling myself ...).

(3) Last year, many of the most buzz-worthy surprise guests took the stage during Weekend #2 -- and those live collaborations are always cool to watch.  Let's hope this happens again this year during Weekend #2.

(4) This year (not surprisingly) Weekend #2 will be hotter (literally!) than Weekend #1 by about 10 degrees -- approaching a very desert-like 100 degrees.  "This is a good thing?", you ask?  Well, just hear me out.  For those of you who, like me, have attended for years, there is something downright magical about the oven-roasting heat that paradoxically brings out even more energy and sunshine vibes in the crowds -- and certainly more free unbridled individual personal expression (how's that for putting it?).  Expect thousands more to spend significant time and dance with garlands in their hair in the ubiquitous water zones for which Coachella is famous.  Water guns here, there, everywhere.  Who can resist that?  Not even I!  Water brings out a certain "not a care in the world" emancipation that is fundamental to the Coachella experience.  Fun.  Hilarious.  Invigorating.  You see, heat can be a good thing!

(5) Drum roll please for Reason # 5 ... did I mention the heat?

See you at Coachella!

(okay -- keeping it very real -- I can easily make the case for Weekend #1 -- but why try? -- why not rationalize this year's choice?  Use this as your cheat sheet!)

Everfest Online Launches to Celebrate Live "Offline" Events

Just in time for Coachella and the summer festival season, Everfest, a new digital startup founded last October with very big tangible analog ambitions, today announced the close of its $1.5 million angel round and official launch of what it calls "the world's most comprehensive online festival community" (as in live music, arts, food festivals -- essentially anything around which you can organize an offline/physical "real" experiential festival event).  Investors include Bob Kagle of BenchMark Capital and several execs from Google.

I have come to know this company and its high-octane co-founder, co-CEO and "Chief Explorer" Paul Cross well (Paul's co-founders are Jay Manickam (co-founder of uShip) and Brad Dixon (EVP of uShip).  And, I like the company's vision so much that I joined as an Advisor, together with Kagle, Sunil Bhatt (CEO of Reservations.com and former GM of Expedia), digital media maven Ken Hertz, author Peter Hirschberg and Joe Alcorta of Wilson (with whom I have done business in the past when CEO of SightSpeed (later acquired by Logitech)). 

While Everfest is a directory of sorts for the festival community -- a one-stop shop of "where to go and what to do" in a community near you -- it aims much higher.  Its ultimate vision is "to create a full festival community of revelers, festival organizers and brands" and to build "applications that connect and thrill each of these groups."  And, other big names are watching.  TechCrunch -- in today's article titled "Do Something Epic With Everfest's Festival Finder" -- just featured Everfest and concluded that Paul and his team have the potential to "become an essential tool for the adventurous."

I actually think the opportunity is MUCH bigger than that.  It is to be the home for festival goers -- and the overall festival and "experience" lifestyle -- period.   That lifestyle is something near and dear to my family -- both major family vacations this year are major music festivals ("Live Earth" in Paris in June, and "Outside Lands" in San Francisco in August).  That's why I signed up to be an Advisor to Paul and the company.

As several of my long-time readers know, one of my favorite recurring themes is the online/virtual world fueling the proliferation of (and need for) real, authentic and tangible offline/physical experiences.  In fact, I wrote about this specifically in the live event/festival context for Wired in an article titled "Media's Online-Offline Nexus: Connecting Virtual, Physical Worlds."  I further expanded this in my later piece for Billboard titled, "Digital Tech, Helping Monetize and Expand the Live Music Experience."

Well, Everfest hopes to be that connective tissue.  

And, it's absolutely the right time for this festival experience to launch.

Coachella Clash - "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" - This Year's "Must See" Artists

Coachella 2015 -- "To go, or not to go?  THAT is the question!"  (Or in the immortal words of The Clash, "Should I Stay or Should I Go?")

Last year's Coachella line-up was outstanding (here is my post about it from last year).  This year, not so much.  More bluntly, and sadly (in my view), not at all.

The long-awaited unveiling of this year's line-up occurred early this past week (here it is).  As I received the official email in my inbox, my fingers twitched with anticipation (with rumors of U2 swirling in my head).  Then reality set in as I first focused on the three headliners -- (1) AC/DC (a classic band, no doubt, but headliner ... really?), (2) Jack White (talented of course, but same question), and (3) Drake (ditto).  A triple head-scratcher.  A massive disappointment.

OK, those are the headliners.  But the rest of the line-up must be great, I thought to myself.  Right?  After all, Coachella is massively successful, so they absolutely can attract the absolute best.  But, as I very carefully mulled the list, I was beyond disappointed.  Very few of the artists and bands even remotely grabbed my interest.  And, long-time readers of my blog know that I follow the contemporary music scene very closely (and believe I have some fairly deep awareness of the artists and bands "of the day" across multiple genres).

I wasn't alone in my shock & awe.

In my informal poll taken in the aftermath of the "great Coachella unveiling," others whom I respect as (1) being music lovers, (2) having music depth (and who are taste-makers), and (3) are experienced Coachella/festival go-ers, like me -- all felt very much the same.  Virtually all of them also scratched their heads (several, more deeply than I)  -- and expressed not just deep surprise, but also deep disappointment.  And this theme carried through conversations during my past week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Whereas last year's list of "must see" artists and bands was long (again, here is the link to last year's post that followed last year's line-up announcement), this year's is downright diminutive.  Here are my picks -- day by day:

Friday -- Tame Impala (but, although a great band, second billing ... really? ... worthy of that kind of prominence already?), Lykke Li (maybe a "must see", but that is generous).

Saturday -- alt-J (definitely!  Although I have already seen them 4 times), Kasabian (maybe), Perfume Genius.

Sunday -- Florence and the Machine, Vance Joy (maybe ... but, again, that's a generous designation).

That's it!  That's all that even remotely "excites" me.

Yes, I know, I know -- festivals like Coachella are very much about music discovery.  I "get" that -- and know that several artists whom I do not know right now likely will impress me when I see them play.  But, I also know most of the artists in the line-up.  And, very few of those do.

So, what to do at this point?  Coachella is an annual ritual for me and my fellow music compadres.  We have made the annual pilgrimage to Music Mecca 6 of the last 7 Coachellas.  And, we purchased our VIP passes and La Quinta Resort room reservations months ago.

After seeing this year's line-up, my initial reaction was "Nyet."

But, due to the coaxing of others, I have now pulled back a bit ... and have not made my final decision ... not yet.

I'll stream the music I don't know -- (see, streaming really does lead to music discovery) -- and then make my final decision.  But, in the end, I likely will go ... for the ritual of it all ... and because, after all, 2015 would have a gaping hole without the Coachella experience ....

[UPDATED SUNDAY JAN 11 -- OF COURSE I'M GOING!  It's Coachella after all.  There is nothing like being out in the desert -- with great friends -- and getting lost in the music ... my year would not be complete without it ... no matter what line-up ...].

Why Coachellas Exist -- "Let’s Get Physical"

Coachella weekend 2 starts today -- an appropriate time for me to republish my recent blog post from Wired in which I discuss how it is increasingly important for humans (that’s me and you) to find physical/communal sanctuary in this ever-increasing virtual world.  I should know.  I attended (and reviewed) Coachella weekend 1.  Here is a modified version of that post.

We frequently write and read about the virtual world of online media, but not so much about the physical world of live media experiences. But the virtual and physical worlds absolutely should be connected in this increasingly disconnected world in which we can all communicate with each other, but rarely really meaningfully communicate and feel that we are part of a real community.

First, let’s take film. Why do we still go to the movies, still fight traffic and the throngs, and still pay for expensive popcorn when we can watch from the quiet solitude of our own homes? Precisely because we are social creatures, and we don’t always want quiet solitude. Have you experienced watching a thriller in a theater and, then, the same thriller at home? It’s an entirely different experience due to the entirely different energy generated in the big communal room versus your smaller private room. It’s simply more thrilling to watch a thriller with others who gasp when you gasp and jump when you jump.

How about music? Music business models are disrupted. Traditional revenue streams are drying up. All doom and gloom, right? Wrong. Music festivals are sprouting all over. Why? Because these festivals become so much more than the music itself. The music draws you in, but the real magic comes from the like-minded community and shared immersive experience created during that moment in time. Coachella embodies these possibilities. Yes, Coachella is an extremely lucrative business. But it is also absolutely an authentic physical community experience where the audience bonds over music, literally (frequently, very literally) connects with each other, and creates a magical moment in time.  

Take the EDM-filled Sahara Tent.  In a strange (very strange) way, it is not a faceless or frightening mass crowd you see dancing under its pulsating lights.  Instead, a feeling of human intimacy and connectivity permeates it.  Maybe this generation of digital natives are so devoid of physical connection amidst their day-to-day lives of virtual interaction that the Sahara becomes a refuge of sorts.  Maybe the late teens and twenty-somethings just want to know what it is like to really “feel”?   That intense human contact is not daunting -- it is not claustrophobic -- it is desirable.  And not for any untoward reason.

So, how many online movie and music services get it right and fully embrace their physical alter-ego? Not many.

Take Netflix, the grand-daddy of premium online video services. Netflix is great in many ways, but the customer experience is all virtual. Why shouldn’t Netflix try to differentiate itself from its increasing list of behemoth competitors with significantly more diverse business models (Amazon, Google/Youtube, and Apple) and bring the Netflix brand and experience into the physical world? That doesn’t necessarily mean theaters alone -- myriad possibilities exist (Netflix-branded community screenings, film festivals). After all, online video services like Netflix gather deep user data of like-minded viewers in cities across the country. If any of these premium video service providers successfully create physical communities under their individual banners, then they can leverage these new offline experiences to drive further and magnified success online.

The same can be said for music. As examples, take leading online music purveyors like Pandora. These pure-play companies suffer from increasing competition from industry behemoths (like Apple and Google), as well as challenging artist relations and costs of goods (primarily ever-increasing music licensing costs). What’s a Pandora to do amidst these daunting realities? Perhaps differentiate itself from all others by bringing their customer experiences into the physical world of music festivals. Expand their connection with their virtual customers. Deepen them. Create a real differentiated and fully realized community. The Pandora “Unboxed” Music Festival! Gold Jerry, Gold! Again, the online community drives offline success – and then the offline more deeply connected community drives further online success.

But, don’t stop there. Music festivals -- harness the energy from your magical weekends. That energy typically dissipates when the weekend is over. Mobilize that passionate community you created. Continue its life and extend that energy online. Continue the “conversation” beyond the physical venue itself via virtual interaction and social media. Drive even deeper differentiation and engagement by adding a dose of “giving back” and philanthropy to the equation -- a la the “Life is Good” festival -- and then, man, you really have something. A virtuous -- truly virtuous -- cycle of online/offline/impact and connection. To forge bonds and mobilize like only music and media can do.

Outside Lands -- The ANTI-Coachella

Just got back from Outside Lands.  And, as I write this, I reflect on the vastly different experience this SF-based festival is compared to Coachella (an annual musical rite of passage I attended once again this past Spring).  Vastly different.  Yet, in some critical ways (the headliners!), very much the same.  Yet, both classic in their own way.

DIFFERENCES

-- Outside Lands' Northern California vibe v. Coachella's Southern California -- a very different mind-set and way of life;

-- which different way of life is very much fueled by the fundamentally different weather, which directly impacts the festival experience -- Outside Lands was drizzly and frigid again this year (I last attended 2 years back and experienced the same), whereas Coachella (as always) was scorching sun and blistering furnace-like heat (temperatures regularly surpass 100 degrees);

-- this fundamentally different weather leads to vastly different clothing and overall festival atmosphere; Outside Lands is multi-layered (upon layer!), dark clothing, big boots (but definitely not cowboy boots) and more serious overall; whereas Coachella is completely de-layered (frequently no layers of clothing at all!), light airy clothing and colors (when clothing is worn), and flip flops (or bare feet), making the overall festival vibe "lighter," frenetic and frequently LA sexual;

-- which is driven even more deeply by the very different musical themes underpinning each festival;  Outside Lands primarily rocks out (with a heavy dosage of old school classic rock), whereas Coachella -- which has always been very indie -- has now seemingly become overtaken by EDM (with the Sahara Tent taking center stage this year).

SIMILARITIES

Despite these fundamental differences, especially this year, both festivals shared many of the same headliners and secondary acts -- including headliner Red Hot Chili Peppers, second stage main act Phoenix, main stage thriller Vampire Weekend, indie darlings Foals and on an on .....  Now, with each festival featuring well over 100 acts, overlap is bound to happen.  But, this year there seemed to be more than usual which likely impacts overall festival attendance for Outside Lands, since it comes later in the year.

Finally, another similarity -- both festivals are well-oiled machines at this point.  Each festival becomes a major city in itself over its respective weekend, drawing well over 100,000 attendees.  That's a lot of porta-poddies to set up an deliver!  Yet, each gets it right.  Yes, there are lines.  But, nowhere do I see any major festival melt-downs.

Oh yes -- and one more thing.  Both festivals are "must attend" events (at least once) ... exhausting ... yet mandatory for any person who considers him or herself a music fan.

Outside Lands 2013 -- Day 2 Reviewed

Am here in San Francisco at Outside Lands, the major 3-day music festival in Golden Gate Park, where the music is hot, but the weather is cold, cold, cold (note to self -- LAYER!).  My last Outside Lands was two years back, and the footprint and layout is essentially the same.  Producer Superfly has it all dialed-in.  Well-oiled machine.  Here are some observations about day 2:

(1) MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS -- for me, Grizzly Bear, Baauer and Youth Lagoon (in that order).  Have never seen Grizzly Bear before, glad I did.  They sound as good live as they do recorded.  In some ways -- particularly how they carry themselves on stage -- they remind me of Yeasayer (although their music is very different).  Impressive.  Baauer?  Why Baauer?  The energy of course.  Even though he spun in the afternoon -- in fully daylight -- and even though he spun on the second smaller stage -- his set was engaging and thumping.  There is no denying the power of EDM (as we saw at Coachella this past Spring when EDM stole the show).  Outside Lands sprinkles it in, but still stays true to rock and roll first and foremost (although Kaskade closes out the second stage tonight).  And, finally, Youth Lagoon.  Obviously indie -- and not for everyone.  But, I listen to the band all the time in my early mornings and late nights.  Really like the vibe.  Problem is that he/they sound quite a bit better recorded than live.

(2) VENUE/TRANSPORTATION -- so long as you know where to enter the park, it is relatively user-friendly.  Trouble is, I didn't.  So, we walked literally around the park for one hour to find our entrance.  But, on the flip-side, we took the light rail Muni to get to the park (although we took the wrong stop).  Was easy.  Was cost-effective ($4 for round-trip!).  Certainly beats taking a cab (although we took Uber in the night to return -- exorbitant rates in the evening, by the way).

(3) VIP TENT -- Outside Land's main VIP area shows Coachella how it's done.  Love hanging out in this VIP tent for many reasons -- not crowded, easy drinks, easy restrooms, beautiful, and plenty of shelter during the inevitable Golden Gate Park cold and drizzle.

So, what do I look forward to today?  FOALS!  Saw them at Coachella, loved 'em at Coachella.  This is a great band -- with an eclectic sound (ranging from full out driving rock to light/quirky dance).  Who else?  Vampire Weekend of course (this will be about the 4th time I see this band -- also saw them most recently at Coachella this past Spring).  If you haven't seen the band, go see them.  They are the real deal absolutely.  Kaskade -- closing out the second stage in the dark tonight -- is a must for me.  I want to see and feel the music.  Biggest curve-ball for the day?  The late afternoon set by Hall & Oates.  "Abandoned Luncheonette" was one of the first albums I listened to as a kid (thanks to my big sister).

Will try to also squeeze in the Chili Peppers ...

First Coachella, Next Bottle Rock in Napa

I am an ardent music fan, as regular readers of my blog know.  And, I love the live festival experience -- and attend major music festivals frequently.  Here is my review of the inaugural SS Coachella, on which I sailed in December with my wife Luisa.

Just recently, I purchased my tickets for my 4th near-consecutive Coachella in April.  And, just last week, I learned about a major music festival called "Bottle Rock" in Napa on May 9-12th.  The line-up is incredible for this 4-day festival (here it is).  As soon as some friends invited me, they had me at "hello"-- and, my wife and I will be there.

Likely a new annual tradition, together with Coachella, SS Coachella, Outside Lands and myriad "regular" music concerts on a monthly basis (like the MUSE show in January in San Diego -- which opened with this song).

In Praise Of Converse All*Stars -- In Praise of True Partnerships

Sneaker-Cam -- the view of my All*Stars from my desk at Sorenson Media

Converse All*Stars.  Nothing like 'em.  Comfortable.  Cool.  Iconic.  They are more than "just a shoe." They represent a state of mind.

Case in point -- these shoes were my constant companion on my recent epic adventure with my wife, Luisa, on the inaugural SS Coachella cruise (a full review of which is here.)

So, why am I writing this?

Because I just recently re-connected with Geoff Cottrill, a great and talented guy who is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Converse.  Cottrill is a force.  High energy.  Immensely creative.  And, instantly likable.  I took this picture from my desk immediately after I caught up with him and just happened to be wearing my Converse sneaks that very day.  I texted this pic to him.  And, I showcase it here, because it reflects my state of mind -- the "attitude" within which I like to work.  This is the view from my desk where, just beyond my All*Stars, you will see my framed autographed record and picture of U2 (a classic iconic band that fits perfectly with my iconic sneaks).  These sneaks also represent so much more.  Here's why.

How do I know Cottrill?  From my days at Universal Studios and his days at Coca-Cola.  We met when we sat on opposite sides of the table negotiating a mega corporate sponsorship agreement valued at hundreds of millions of dollars -- the deal was so big that it was featured in the Wall Street Journal.

Cottrill and I bonded.  Challenging negotiations.  But, ultimately a great result for all involved.  And, it was constructive during the whole wild ride.  More than constructive.  It flowed.  We hit it off.  We stayed in touch.  And, we did another big and innovative deal when I was President & COO of online music pioneer Musicmatch.  The Musicmatch/Coke deal broke new ground at the time.  Back to the Universal Studios/Coke deal.  I remember finalizing the deal about 2 am in Atlanta and then going to celebrate with him in a greasy-spoon Atlanta diner at about 3 am -- and I remember our shared passion for music and playing "In the Air Tonight" on the diner's juke box.  We were exhausted, but laughing.  Was one of those classic professional moments.

And, that's the power of long professional relationships.  You establish trust.  You explore mutual benefit.  You have fun.  And, ultimately, it may lead to a great result for all involved.  THIS is the power of establishing real partnerships.

At a minimum, you meet great people -- and stay in touch with them.

And, you revel in wearing (and otherwise supporting) the iconic stuff that they are now directly involved in creating.

So, back to the sneaks.  Love 'em.  And love the fact that my buddy Cottrill is leading the charge over there with his charisma, passion and overall love for the game.

He too is iconic in my book.