This year’s Coachella was one for the books. Was it Gagachella? Bratchella? Heatchella? The culture around these weekends has led it to become one of the most influential festivals in the world.

With headliners Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone, they each brought different vibes to their sets both weekends, but was one weekend better than the other? While one was scorching hot and the other had dirt-ridden winds, the festival crowd was prepared to brave the 3 days to make their money and travel worthwhile to see their favorite artists. 

Attendees were prepared to dress to impress. Considering that the festival takes place in the desert, it’s assumed that many people are wearing boho chic and western clothing to get them through the weekend. However, the heat of Weekend 1 was definitely hitting harder while waiting for the next sets and if you didn’t bring a bandana for night, you’d be hoping that you didn’t leave with a throat full of dust. Friday night, Lady Gaga took her monsters through a night at the opera where she unleashed her new persona, Mayhem. She led them through a night of her old and new hits, and ended with an encore of “Bad Romance”. From the front of the stage to the very back, she had the entire crowd dancing and singing, wishing they could have one more song with her. Some more noticeable acts from Day 1 include Missy Elliot, Mustard, Yeat, LISA, and Benson Boone.

Day 2 was feeling prolonged, and while Green Day was the headliner for Saturday, Travis Scott ended the night. Green Day and head singer Billie Joe Armstrong brought a night of nostalgia and punk rock with hits such as “American Idiot” and “Basket Case”. To end Day 2, Travis Scott came out with a choir and performed more than half of his show away from the main stage to better appeal to those surrounding him from the front to very back of the crowd. Some songs were a little underwhelming but nevertheless, a good performer. Granted, he’s Travis Scott. Other artists from Day 2 including Charli XCX, The Original Misfits, Clairo, T-Pain, Disco Lines, and Jimmy Eat World delivered amazing sets and unforgettable memories. Pop icon, Charli XCX brought a night of clubbing as she brought out the best guests possible for her set such as Troye ISvan, Billie Eilish, and the recently M.I.A singer, Lorde.  Also, Clairo decided to open her set with an in-person message from Bernie Sanders himself, reaching out to the youth of America to educate themselves and take action on the new policies from the recently-elected President and his office. Definitely a memorable night. 

Sunday ended a little bit earlier with Post Malone and, as expected, he continued his new country discography and proceeded to pay homage to his old music, circa 2010 and up. His set was a little controversial after because many people felt like they were at Stagecoach rather than Coachella because of how much country music he decided to play, but his voice still carried him through the night and he ended with an acceptable performance to his hit-song “Sunflower”. More Day 3 artists include Megan Thee Stallion, Zedd, JENNIE, and beabadoobee. Although these are only the more well-known artists, that isn’t to discredit those who are on the rise and delivered some of the best crowds of the both weekends. Honorable mentions from all days include The Dare, A.G. Cook, horegiirL, 2hollis, Chris Stussy, Sara Landry, Arca, and Snow Strippers. When asked about the artists at Coachella, Senior, Skylar Fredieu states, “Honestly this year’s lineup at first was a little questionable for me, but I just knew it was going to be good so I bought my ticket and I’m so happy I did. This year’s lineup was absolutely amazing in-person and every artist I saw showed up and showed out. I had no disappointments when listening and watching every set I went to”.

Another big change that Coahella has made within the past years is implementing the use of influencers more and working with brands to take more people to the festival. However, a lot of attendees and outside perspectives feel as though they are taking away from the main culture of Coachella which is to go out for 3 days and either camp or find the cheapest and nearest place to stay while you’re not spending time on the festival grounds. Now, they’re actually paying influencers to attend Coachella and sending them through these brand trips where they get set up in spiffy suites or houses and get paid to promote certain brand products. And while their viewers thrive from this content, those who have been around to understand the origins of Coachella itself are not as please with the way the culture has quickly shifted throughout the past years into a money-making promotion rather than a festival in the desert where people go to brave the difficulties of camping and run from stage-to-stage to listen to their favorite artists. 

While both weekends were filled with talented artists, some definitely carried higher expectations than others. They were very thankful for their crowds and made sure that they were taken care of in the heat and high winds. With all of the artists and their guests, this year’s Coachella was one to remember. As we look forward to next year, there’s some questions that may need to be considered: Will the influencer culture take over this festival in years to come? Will Beyonce finally make a reappearance? Does walking in cowboy boots for 12 hours ever get easier? The crowd’s answers to these questions will be decided between two weekends next April, see you then.