As music lovers across the world flock to the California desert each spring, the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival continues to spark conversation. Not just for its headliners, but for what the festival truly represents.
“I don’t know, but the one thing that’s stuck with me when I think about Coachella is Kendall Jenner’s outfits in 2016,” said Riana Das (‘26).
Though originally founded to celebrate alternative music and arts, Coachella has evolved into a pop-culture powerhouse. Many now associate it with fashion trends, influencer culture, and expensive admission prices more than the music itself.
“In my opinion, half the time people are paying for the idea of Coachella, not the actual experience. You want to say, ‘Oh, I went to Coachella,’ but then when you get there, it’s hot and sweaty,” said Das.
A Star-Studded Lineup
For others, the music still matters, especially when the lineup doesn’t directly add up to their taste.
“I honestly didn’t like the lineup – I don’t like Post Malone as much anymore. However, I liked Travis Scott’s performance of FE!N—that’s my favorite song,” said Sree Kata (29’).
Others reflected Kata’s sentiment, feeling disappointed with the lack of authenticity in the lineup.
“I feel like this year’s lineup felt safe and underwhelming, like it was curated by someone who just typed, ‘popular artists 2025’ into Google and picked the first few artists,” said Das.
Despite the criticism, students had clear visions for their dream headliners.
“Dominic Fike, Ed Sheeran, and Juice WRLD would be my top three that I would like to see perform,” said Prachet Kadaba (26’).
For the Love of Music
The rising cost of music festivals remains a pressing concern, with students expressing mixed opinions on how much one should reasonably pay for the experience.
“I think lowering prices would help more people experience concerts. I have heard about prices going up, and I really think that it makes concerts a lot less attractive,” said Kadaba.
Coachella remains a premier venue where artists captivate massive audiences while infusing their performances with unique, personal flair—making it a truly worthwhile experience for attendees.
“In my eyes, one of Coachella’s main goals should be to feature musicians from around the world, across diverse genres and styles. It’s a chance for people to discover a wide range of artists and truly appreciate the global music scene,” said Kadaba.
