Coachella: The Do LaB "Coachella's Secret Weapon"
With the Coachella lineup being released in January and the opening of the festival gates getting closer and closer by the day, the excitement is oh so real. We are still buzzing about some of the great artists that will be gracing the ears of approximately 99,000 attendees for two weekends in a row on the Polo Fields. Drake, Gesaffelstein, Jack White , Chet Faker, and Jon Hopkins are just a few of the 152 artists performing. That’s a lot of phenomenal talent…. but what if I told you that there’s MORE?
The Do LaB, which has been a part of Coachella for 11 years now, has grown massively over the years. What started out as an art installation at the festival in 2005, has now become one of Coachella’s seven stages, and personally, my favorite stage. The Do LaB stage runs from 11 A.M. to around 12:30 A.M, just like the entire festival itself- with some of the best sets, vibes, and energy that makes the Coachella experience what it is. The artists set to play The Do LaB are hand picked by the DL crew themselves, and therefore, the lineup is released separately from the initial Coachella lineup- usually a couple weeks before the event.
In the past, the stage has hosted artists such as Gorgon City, Salva, Odesza, Chrome Sparks, Paper Diamond, Kastle, Christian Martin, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, and much more. Some of these artists have even made it on the main lineup this year, proving that The Do Lab spots talented artists very early. This is just one of the many reasons that one should spend some time at this stage over the Coachella weekend(s).
Not only does The Do LaB bring some of the greatest artists, the stage itself is an experience on it’s own. Every year, the crew designs a unique, well-structured stage that creates a habitable festival space for dancing, chilling, and escaping the Indio heat (There’s even a crew on stage that cools the crowd off with super soakers!). The production and work that goes into The Do LaB stage is apparent from the moment you set eyes on it from across the massive field, and even more apparent when you are actually IN IT.
The vibe of the stage seems to go hand in hand with each hour of the day, from each set being played to the feel of the crowd. From midday when the sun is high and everyone is full of energy, to when the sun sets and The Do LaB’s art structures gloriously light up- there’s an unexplainable, steady feeling of unity. It’s refreshing to know that the DL team considers every aspect of music, art, and emotion to make The Do LaB stage a truly remarkable experience.
Over the years of attending Coachella, I’ve found myself staying at this mind-blowing stage for a good majority of the festival. The talent, beautiful structures, and awesome atmosphere makes it too hard to leave! The excitement continues to grow until it’s time for The Do LaB lineup to be released, but it’s well worth the wait. Whether it be creating art installations, producing their own events (like their highly anticipated Lightning in a Bottle gathering), or having a designated spot in one of the best festivals in the world, The Do LaB has made it clear that “NOBODY PUTS DO-LAB IN THE CORNER.”
COACHELLA: Website | Facebook | Twitter THE DO LAB: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
AUTHOR CREDIT: BROOKE SLIGER