Day one of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival solidified dance music’s ever-growing imprint at the dusty three-day engagement in the desert as some of music’s most talked about acts left us with the most unforgettable moments. If judged by attendance at sets like Jack Ü, Nicole Moudaber and Black Coffee, it’s undeniable the impact electronica has in the festival’s modern day staying power, showcasing an eclectic crop of digitally imported talent. They say to pace yourself at festivals, but Coachella pulled out all the stops and surprise guests on its 2016 debut night alone. Here are some of day one’s most buzz-worthy moments.
Jack Ü
Diplo and Skrillex, known collectively under their super duo alias Jack U, are hands down two of the biggest in-demand influencers and collaborators in music right now, so much so Yeezus himself even came out to give his blessing. Kanye West, who recently became the first ratite in history to score a number one album on Billboard primarily via streams, stood blank-faced, clapping and bobbing his head to his 2010 anthem “Power” for a mere 30 seconds before exiting the stage. While Ye didn’t perform, his sheer star power certainly shined through and proved to be enough for the eager crowd. Other guest appearances by UK electronic pair AlunaGeorge and upstate “White Iverson” rapper Post Malone displayed the super duo’s wide breadth of musical collaborations and genre-bending versatility. With an endless menagerie of productions, this is definitely the era of Diplo and Skrillex — and their impact was itched into the Coachella history books last night.
Gallant
One of the industry’s most hyped and critically acclaimed newcomers (rightfully so), Gallant, emblazoned his meteoric rise with his signature falsetto and heartfelt lyricism in the Mojave tent during sunset yesterday evening. Fans seemed to be quite familiar with the budding alternative R&B star’s debut LP, Ology, shouting along to tracks like “Bourbon” and his 2015 breakout hit “Weight In Gold,” which he brought out Seal to duet on just like the latest episode of his “In The Room” YouTube series.
Ellie Goulding
Fresh after announcing her indefinite departure from music after her current tour run, Ellie Goulding took to Coachella’s mainstage for an hour-long dose of sing-along radio smashes. While fans and critics alike speculated whether or not her breathy vocals would be enough to uphold the mainstage fervor, Ellie poured her soul into each note as she galavanted around the stage performing hit records such as “Love Me Like You Do,” “Burn” and “Lights.” While Ellie hasn’t quite achieved superstar status in her career, her force in pop music and mainstream radio are undeniable, and her high-energy performance exhibited that last night.
Nicole Moudaber
The sorceress of techno, Nicole Moudaber, continued her nonstop voyage of dance last night in the pitch-black Yuma tent, allocated for the festival’s best in house and techno. After legendary house act, Sasha, made a last-minute cancellation, Moudaber took the reigns by extending her set another half hour which fans seemed to be quite pleased with. As the day’s only female techno performer, Nicole is done proving she can hang in the boys club as she’s truly transcended all status quo as she puts her talent where her mouth is.
Bob Moses
Canadian electronic outfit, Bob Moses, have had an incredible past year after the release of their latest album, Days Gone By, and their nonstop touring in support of the record came to a climax yesterday afternoon at the Gobi stage. Performing many of the cut’s hit singles, including “Too Much Is Never Enough” and latest release “Tearing Me Up,” the subtle and melancholic vibes served as the perfect transition into the latter half of the day and a refreshing jolt from other high-intensity dance acts. Bob Moses are proudly waving the electronica flag while incorporating their seamless musicianship performing with their live set up, providing an artistic backbone for the genre while simultaneously dispelling the notion from critics that electronic acts aren’t actual musicians.