Coachella Band Preview: Porter Robinson

It always makes me laugh when I type out the title of these previews when I’m previewing EDM or pop artists. When I first started previewing Coachella acts, it was in anticipation of the first Coachella I attended. There were so many bands I was stoked to see because the lineup use to contain plenty of bands I listened to. Since then, the lineup has changed and so have my music interests, slightly at least. I definitely like more electronic music now. This week brings electronic artist, Porter Robinson, who I listened to for the first time in 2020, while participating in Couchella. I watched Porter Robinson’s 2017 set with Madeon as part of my at home double weekend celebration of the Coachella that never came to be. This year Porter Robinson is back at Coachella for the first time since his 2017 set, but he’s playing solo.

Porter Robinson began his electronic music career as a pre-teen and then signed to Skrillex’s label Owsla at the ripe age of 18. He released his first EP Spitfire in 2011 under his new label, followed by his first big single “Language” in 2012. His debut album Worlds came in 2014, which called for a world tour, including festival stops at Ultra, EDC, and Coachella. In 2016, he released his most popular single to date, “Shelter,” which is a collaboration with long time friend and artist Madeon. The electronic artists toured together worldwide following the release. The tour culminated in a final performance at Coachella 2017.

In 2017, Robinson began releasing music under the alias Virtual Self, which lead to a 2019 Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording for the 2017 single “Ghost Voices.” Robinson also curated his own festival in 2019, Second Sky Festival, with the help of Coachella promoter Goldenvoice. In the beginning of 2020 Robinson began promoting his second album, Nuture, which continued through 2020 and into 2021, before the April 2021 release.

Porter Robinson’s music is a mix of electro pop, house, indie pop, and synth pop. It has such a light, airy sound. His style creates a dreamy feeling very similar to Madeon’s and also draws similarities to 2022 Coachella artist Lane 8.

Porter Robinson plays Sunday at Coachella. It’s a toss up at this point whether he plays Sahara or a bigger stage like Main Stage or Outdoor Theatre. I’d expect a late day, early evening set from the 2-time Coachella alumni. I usually love a Coachella sunset set but I feel like a Porter Robinson set right as darkness falls is the mood we need for the final night. If you’re in the mood for a fun electronic set at Coachella, here’s the Porter Robinson songs you want check out:

1. Shelter
2. Look At the Sky
3. Language
4. Something Comforting
5. Everything Goes On
6. Sad Machine
7. Goodbye to a World
8. Get Your Wish
9. Divinity
10. Flicker

Coachella Band Preview: Disclosure

January was a total blur for me being in Mexico. However it’s finally February and I’m home for just under two weeks! Can’t wait to ski for days and think of the hot afternoons and cool evenings on the polo fields. It warms my heart. I have another 2 1/2 weeks in Mexico next month into the beginning of March, but after that it’s full on Coachella prep. I’m crossing my fingers that I get to be there again this year, but after a few discussions over this past month I think I will be. However, we’re 2 1/2 months away from another spring in Indio after a 3 year hiatus and it’s time to preview more bands. This week it’s Disclosure.

In 2020, I anticipated seeing Disclosure at Coachella. I hadn’t yet previewed the band when the festival was first postponed so I figured I should dive into them early this year. Disclosure is a British electronic duo composed of siblings Howard and Guy Lawrence. The brothers first started recording music and posting it to Myspace in 2010, which earned them a record deal. After several hit singles in their first few years, they dropped their first album Settle in June 2013, which was a big year for the duo. They toured worldwide playing shows and festivals. Settle was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Dance Album.

Their second album, Caracal, came in 2015. This album also received a Grammy nomination along with a number one spot on the UK Albums Chart upon release. After a one year hiatus from 2017-2018 and a few other breaks along the way, the band released their third album Energy in August 2020. They likely booked Coachella 2020 in anticipation of this, but unfortunately the event didn’t get to happen. The album released as planned though and the group received a Grammy nomination for it.

Disclosure plays a house/deep house style of electronic music. I always feel like deep house music has such a vibey sound and Disclosure’s music is no different. Their tunes will likely take a late set time spot at the main stage or Outdoor Theatre or even a headlining spot at Sahara.

They last played Coachella in 2016 and played the main stage on Saturday night. They play Saturday this year too and will be bringing plenty of new material to the desert. I hope to be able to be at their set. I’m not a huge Disclosure fan, but I know this is one electronic set not to miss this year. Start prepping your looks and get ready for this non-stop vibe of a dance party by listening to:

1. Latch
2. You & Me (Flume remix)
3. Magnets
4. Know Your Worth
5. You’ve Got to Let Go if You Wanna Be Free
6. Talk
7. Omen
8. Ultimatum
9. Help Me Lose My Mind
10. In My Arms