Concert Preview: Coachella Accommodates Your Taste

Coachella caters to your taste, and I don't simply mean by the wide-ranging line up; they boast food carts as eclectic as the artists and the tents the artists perform in. As a food addicted music lover, I have paired my favorite festival food options with select must-see sets I caught... If you're going for round two this weekend, follow the guide below for the ultimate sensory experience.

ASAP Rocky

Paired with: Tempeh Salad from the Organic Vegetarian stand

Because the crowd for this set comprised of lil’ kids so young they must not like vegetables yet. The small ones were hopping the barrier into the VIP area, sitting on the fences, and pushing forward as if those extra cramped millimeters would give them a more intimate audience to artist experience. But when Rocky did a new track, which he announced as an ode to youth, I realized these hooligans are the taste makers, the world-turners…, and I'm not even that old yet. So, I threw my lettuce overhead like confetti and joined in on their pushing and in unison we chanted "Coke and White Bitches".

Death Grips

Paired with: Mexican corn on the cob from the baked potato stand

Because, when I finished eating I could use the skewer it came on to stab fellow crowd members. This is the closest a strict rap head will get to a true hardcore show experience. Their sound was harsher and more distorted than on record, which only added to the intensity of the experience. Sonically, it was a bit sloppy as I barely recognized the songs I knew by heart but Zach hill is incapable of missing a beat. His live drums and the yell raps brought their online mysticism to perfect execution of what you’d want from their show, just as long as you don’t expect to sing along.

Tune Yards

Paired with: Nothing.

Because it was unseasonably windy for the desert and I was afraid one of Marrill’s armpit hairs would taint my tasties. She is just so damn organic… everything about her and seeing her live was natural. She brought her record to physical space. Two horn players, Marrill Garbus center stage with waist high drums and an army of pedals, her ukulele, and a dude on bass. No dancing or flashiness (minus the artful touches you’d expect on her black dress fashioned by her friends), just a proper musical execution of their unprecedented album recreated live, step by step, to the t. Rub mud on your face like war paint and go.

The Weekend

Paired with: Chocolate dipped strawberries and bananas on a stick from the cart that also has chocolate drizzled frozen cheesecake on a stick

Because it’s sensual for sexy time. When Abel Tesfaye hit the stage, I was surprised how chubby and charismatic he was… reminded me of a handful of theater majors I went to college with. Yet, somehow, my panties are still soaked, bro. His voice live is better than I imagined a live voice could be. Really. I assumed they tweaked him through effects and tubes to get that warm and eerie vibe he has on his three digital releases. Nope. That is happy ol’ Abel… swoon.

Azealia Banks

Paired with: cunt

Because "that cunt gettin eatin".

Due to her short-list of released music, and this being her big US debut, I had no expectations. Damn… damn, damn, damn. This was a highlight up with the heavyweights. Most live rappers, no matter how huge, can come across garbled on the mic, miss lyrics for breaths, and fall into performance clichés. Not Azealia. Her rapid fire flow was audible down to the syllable. She kept up with the two high-fashion dancers who accompanied her on stage. She communicated with her DJ. Her singing would make American Idol finalists jealous, and I am a hundred percent sure I saw a tear roll her makeup to her chin when she announced how big this was for her, and how much she appreciated it… bitches. After, casual listeners are guaranteed to anticipate her debut.

Company Flow

Paired with: Ruth’s Chris steak sandwich

Because I was feeling primal, and you will too.

This was the emptiest I have ever seen a tent at coachella, which is just how a true co-flow fan would want it, and expect it to be. I love Big Juss but EL-P carried this one, which only reinforced his iconic status as a solo artist.

If you know the record front to back like most of us at SYFFAL, you won't want to miss this... Or the steak sandwiches.

Dre

Paired with: Gin, juice, chronic, and a Waffleman Ice Cream Sandwich

Because of the munchies…

And after that I wasn't sure if the hologram was actually happening or if I had imagined it... Until I woke up to see all of your Tupac tweets.