Coachella is often described as the perfect festival. So, whether you're actually there or doing it from home, you need to eliminate any chance for mistakes. We've recruited one of the best in the biz, seasoned Coachella-goer Coach Ella to give both festivalgoers and couch-watchers a few insider tips.
Prepare To Take The Perfect Sunset Shot
You’ve only got three opportunities to do this come game weekend so you’ve got to think about what your action plan is. Google images, search through Instagram, maybe even practice your framing. You’ve got three days to get it right so try different things. Be experimental on the first day, include your friends on the second and on the third day nail it. You’ve got this, kid.
Be Open To Discovery
Sure, you can go to Coachella at 7pm and spend the day sipping cocktails by the pool but you won’t come away with anything new except a hangover. Look at Coachella’s bottom lines before you go and prepare to discover new things. Rihanna collaborator SZA, British newcomer SG Lewis, ‘90s-tinged HAELOS and Aussie acoustic kid Cloves are just a few of our suggestions.
Clean Your Selfie Lens
Basically, your weekend at Coachella has to look like Kylie Jenner’s Snapchat story. You’ve gotta look a little bit vain, like you’re having the best time of your life and like you’re meant to be there. Come prepared. Clean that selfie lens, maybe even try a number of lenses and nail your perfect filter. You don’t want to come back with selfies soaked in HDR toning.
Choose Your Outfit And Then Choose It Again
Do you want to go to Coachella and compete with the Hailee Baldwins of the world looking like you’ve ducked down to Woolies? You need to nail desert chic which was actually invented by Coachella itself because deserts used to be a home for people like Mad Max rather than a fashion runway. Anyway, you’ll wanna look like this or this or this.
Don’t Miss The Headliners Because It’s Cool
Yeah, we know LCD Soundsystem are overrated, Guns N Roses should’ve remained in retirement and Calvin Harris was better in 2007 but part of the joy of a festival like Coachella is experiencing the sheer scale of it. Thousands of people singing to Sweet Child O Mine or first pumping to We Found Love will make your heart swell to the size of Axl Rose’s ego.
Come With Bus Line Games
Getting out of Coachella if you’re not camping can be a lengthy experience at the best of times. You’re going to want to find ways to entertain yourself and each other. How long will it take to get on the bus is a fun but tiresome game and spot a celebrity is pointless unless you’re using Uber Chopper to get home. I Spy is a classic, Kill, Kiss, Marry with the Coachella acts is entertaining and good ‘ol conversation also works.
Get A Head Start On Splendour And See The Acts Before They Come Here
There are a bunch of Splendour acts playing Coachella so do your research and find out which ones so you can act as the group clairvoyant come Splendour time. Flume, Snakehips, Years & Years, Courtney Barnett, DMA’s, The Kills and more are all playing, so there you go, we’ve already done half the work for you.
Check You’ve Left These Items At Home
There are some things you don’t want to be carrying around. Using an iPad to take photo is so off trend right now as are Indian headdresses so scrap those. Also hats that extend further than your arms can reach are a big no no. Somebody will have told you it gets cold at night, that doesn’t mean bring a jumper. There’s nothing warmer than adrenalin.
If You’re At Home This Is All You Need…
You’ll need a coach, a fridge next to the couch, a working internet connection and an endless supply of Cheese and Bacon Shapes (they’re the best ones and you know it).
Words and Illustrations by the interns' Sam Murphy & Bianca Bosso
