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8 Tips for Coachella 2013
01 day ago
Today, tickets for Coachella 2013 already went on sale. This was just announced a week ago and I’m still sucking in my three day experience that happened only a month ago. Unfortunately, I won’t be attending Coachella next year as I have plans for Ultra Music Festival in Miami. BUT, for those who are planning to buy their tickets for Coachella, I have several tips and some experiences from what I witnessed when I went. I hope you take some of them into consideration as they will make your trip to Indio better and even more memorable.
Check out my recorded videos of Coachella at YouTube.com/user/RoomNoise09/videos
1. Go With a Group of Friends
Luckily, I went with a group of 10-15 people. We all stayed at the same hotel, but went to Coachella at different times throughout the day. We always scheduled a time and place where we could all meet to see a band that we enjoyed. I spent most of Coachella with my best friend but even then, A LOT of people from what I witnessed went with a huge group of friends. It’s harder to maneuver across the huge crowd if it’s just two people. The more friends, the better to get around the crowd. The average was from 4-7 people, I find that going with a medium size is ideal because you have friends to enjoy that live experience with.
Extra tips:
- Have a meeting spot if someone gets lost (Ex. A1 Speakers on Mainstage).
- You will barely get any signal when you text someone, so add the time you texted them.
- People would carry a tall stand or wear a large hat so that you won’t lose track of where your friends are going in the crowd – many people did themes for their group.
- At the end of the night, if you lose your friends – just meet them back at the hotel or camping spot. It’s pretty much a stampede trying to find someone then!
2. Drink Lots of Water & Bring a Hoodie
Thank god they only sell water at Coachella for $2.00, what I did was kept the water bottle (or bring your own) and refilled it at the water stations. Keep a map/schedule with you, because those show you where the water stations are when you’re dying of thirst. You’re in the dessert for god sakes and in the sun from 8-12 hours – you do NOT want to spend $300 on a ticket and get a heat stroke.
During the day it gets really warm (25-30 degrees) but at night, you’ll pretty much freeze to death. So bring a sweater or a scarf to keep yourself warm after sunset.
Extra tips:
- Have someone in your group bring a small backpack or bag to keep essentials (water bottles, sweaters, etc).
3. Save Your Favourite DJ Sets for a 19/21+ Event
One major mistake I made was seeing all the DJ’s that I haven’t seen before at Coachella. You gotta remember that if you’re legal drinking age, then save these DJ’s for your hometown show. Coachella is an all-ages event, so do you really want to be in a crowd with teens who’s never been to a rave for the first time? I found it difficult to enjoy a show when there were teenage girls around me arguing if they should go to another tent.. or taking a shit ton of pictures of themselves (get out). Most of these DJ’s will cater to the crowd, therefore they will only play what people know. I’ve heard the same five tracks at four different DJ sets.
Unless you know that DJ rarely tours or goes to your hometown – then check them out!
4. Pick Your Bands Wisely
Schedule conflicts; it’s bound to happen. Tough decisions must be made and most of the time you gotta plan it out logistically.
To choose between the two bands with the same time slot, ask yourself/friends:
- Which band is most likely going to be doing a show near you? See the one that won’t come to your hometown or ever have the chance to see again.
- Do a vote between your friends – majority wins.
- Which band did you listen to first? See the one you’ve devoted the most listening time to.
5. There’s A LOT to Do, But Barely Any Time to Do All
You’re obviously at Coachella for the music, but there’s also an art gallery, installations, beer gardens and a damn ferris wheel! You’re not going to have enough time to do everything, so when you do have time in between bands, rest and go around to check things out. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to do much, but I know that Coachella schedules artists on certain days for a reason. Best day to take it easy and check things out is on the Saturday. You know you’ll go crazy on the FIRST and LAST day of the festival, so use Saturday to buy merch or get a CD signed by your favourite artist.
6. See New Bands – Even if You Haven’t Heard of Them
Say that you really don’t want to look around Coachella, then check out an artist you haven’t heard of before. There can only be two outcomes, you either hate it or like it! Every tent has a different crowd, what better way to meet new people and listen to something you haven’t before. I had the best time seeing Flying Lotus, I must say he was my favourite set. You’d be surprised by taking a chance at a band/artist!
7. Security Lines: They Do Body Checks – Twice
Worst. Part. Of. Coachella. The first day we lined up for nearly two hours just to get in! They did body checks on everyone… twice. Make sure you get there at LEAST an hour before the scheduled band you want to see. The last thing you want is waiting in line while you miss your favourite band on stage.
Extra Tips:
- Drugs, they look through everything: between the legs, under your bra, whatever zippers and sealed items in your purse. Guys, tape it you-know-where.
- They will not allow open commercial water bottles or juices.
8. ENJOY YOURSELF
Try not to get in a fight, I saw plenty of girls cry because they got in a fight with either their girlfriend or boyfriend. Come on, it’s a music festival. Bring a camera, keep hydrated, enjoy the scenery and music.
Zedd – Stars Come Out (Dillon Francis Remix)
This poster is 100% accurate:
Constance Chan
The Summer of EDM Festivals
0First of all, I know I’m a horrible blogger for barely posting anything in the past month. But what can I say? I was super busy from hearing all these crazy festivals hitting Toronto this summer! I hope my readers will be stopping by to this beautiful (and crazy) city to check out the numerous concerts that are brought to you by fellow music promoters.
Within just one month, four major new festivals were announced through social networks with some of the biggest international DJ’s and Producers headlining it. Toronto is used to having to accommodate weekly EDM events throughout the city, but having a two day, 12 hour festival featuring various genres of the EDM community? Never. That’s why I’m more excited than ever to be living in Toronto this summer to experience all four hometown shows, I hope all of you have the same opportunity as well.
To celebrate these announcements and welcoming, as well as promoting international to local DJ’s, I have compiled a list of mix tapes of DJ’s that will be hitting Toronto this summer. Because believe it or not, this summer will be all about the EDM Festivals.
Which one are you most excited for? Tweet at us through @_RoomNoise or Like us on Facebook.
DIGITAL DREAMS:
Kaskade Live At Coachella 2012 by Kaskade
Alesso – Essential Mix – 24.03.2012 by edmtunesTV
Chuckie – Essential Mix 27-01-2012 by edmtunesTV
FULL FLEX EXPRESS:
Sirius XM Blow Your Head 11 by diplo
Eight And A Half – Scissors (TOKiMONSTA Remix) by TOKiMONSTA
IDENTITY FESTIVAL:
Identity Festival Lovers Mix by Arty
Alexandra Palace, 26th November 2011 (Full Set) by Eric Prydz
VELD:
Knife Party UKF – Liveset by Knife Party
Essential Mix BBC Radio 1 (28-04-2012) by Nicky Romero
Enjoy these mix tapes, it will keep you hyped until you see these guys live!
Constance Chan
Favourite Albums of 2011
24 months ago
I must start off by saying I was rather disappointed with my personal selection of my favourite albums of 2011. In my opinion I felt that this year for music went through a huge wave of different trends and hits. And those trends were both good and bad. Obviously, it is pretty much impossible for me to listen to every genre that there is out there, so I try my best to listen to everything I can.. when I can.
Some of the great things that happened this year was the success of many producers and DJ’s that had finally gotten the recognition they deserved. And the way that live music can be experienced at any where and at anytime. With the help of websites such as Turntable.FM and Boiler Room, more and more fans have the opportunity to hear and see what their favourite DJ’s/producers are playing at live shows. Another great event that happened throughout this year is the press and documentation of music trends and collaboration. Earlier this year we saw the release of The Electro Wars - a documentary focused on how the online music world has evolved as a genre and as well as the business side of it. And just a couple of weeks ago we saw the interview clips for the upcoming film Re:Generation The Music Project featuring various collaborations between artists of different genres.
I feel that the downside to this year’s music was how certain genres exploded onto the mainstream group and the creativity of some genres such as Dubstep is no longer what it was. I’ve read several of articles on the history behind it, and I’ve seen this genre from when it just hit the North American music scene. Now, producers such as Skrillex are selling out shows as much as any other popular musicians on the top 40′s chart. Music is music, but I feel that some people are just throwing stuff on top of other music samples and labeling it ‘X genre’… when in reality it’s pure junk.
Overall, I’m not TOO upset about these albums, but I wish I had more time this year to listen to what other musicians had to offer through an album… and not just singles and remixes.
10. Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
I’m sure many Coldplay fans would agree that this album felt a bit forced, as in it wasn’t what the band wanted as a group naturally. It felt that Mylo Xyloto was pushed by the band’s record label to just produce another album.
9. Lady Gaga – Born This Way
Despite her massive success in the past three years, I must say I was SUPER disappointed in this album. Yes there were several great tracks, but the whole album just made no sense as a concept. It sounded like one big messy mixtape inspired from different musical eras.
8. Adele – 21
Adele has put so much passion onto every single, it’s definitely a beautiful album to listen to when things isn’t just going right. I’m sure the millions of fans who bought her album would agree.
7. The Strokes – Angles
Some great tracks on Angles but there were many other singles that made me wonder how they managed to put this album together. This album’s sound is definitely a bit different compared to their older albums.
6. Frank Ocean – Nostalgia/Ultra
This whole album is just purely beautiful. From singing about Coachella to sampling Coldplay and MGMT. This 24 year old has already earned writing credits from John Legend, Beyonce and even Justin Beiber. You’ve probably seen Frank Ocean in Odd Future, but this mixtape is completely different from what he might sound like when he’s with Tyler, The Creator. Definitely a must listen if you haven’t had the chance to check it out. Ocean is listed as one of the top musicians to look out for in 2012.
5. Theophilus London – Timez Are Weird These Days
LISTEN TO: All Around The World, Stop It, Wine and Chocolate
I was absolutely a huge fan of Theophilus London in 2010 and finally he released a full-length album this year. I couldn’t get enough of it. He got even more recognition because of HTMIIA (RIP) as his single “I Stand Alone” was featured in one of their promotional trailers. Theophilus London will stop by Toronto on February 17th at Wrongbar.
4. Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch the Throne
LISTEN TO: No Church In The Wild (feat. Frank Ocean), Lift Off (feat. Beyonce), Why I Love You (feat. Mr. Hudson)
I must admit, when I first heard this album I was kind of disappointed…but it was definitely one of those albums that grew on me throughout the months of listening to it at parties, events and just when I needed some sort of ‘hype’. Musically, they had great collaborations and major sampling from various electronic/dubstep artists such as Cassius (‘Why I Love You’) and Flux Pavillion (‘Who Gon Stop Me’). I guess when two major hip-hop artist collaborate.. it won’t be a let down.
3. Kaskade – Fire & Ice
LISTEN TO: Turn It Down, Ice (feat. Dan Black), Room for Happiness (feat. Skylar Grey)
I have always been a huge fan of Kaskade, he is one of the producers who have been working endlessly on this genre from the beginning. And because of the recent trends in Electro he’s finally getting huge recognition by everyone. I definitely loved the collaborations in Fire & Ice, mainly because most of the guest vocalists are still up and coming musicians who need this great exposure. Check this album and his previous ones to see where I’m coming from.
2. M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
LISTEN TO: Intro (feat. Zola Jesus), New Map, Claudia Lewis
Absolutely speechless. M83 had surprised me. I heard Midnight City and my first impression was “just another one hit wonder”. It wasn’t until I checked out the entire album and was 100% blown away by it. From the short instrumental tracks to the big band sounding singles with synths and sax, it’s one of those inspirational albums that makes you appreciate music in a whole different level. Anthony Gonzalez mentioned many times in his interviews that Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins played a huge role in the sound of Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. It’s great to hear inspirations from 90s’ bands mixed into the current trends of music. I have so much more respect for a band like M83 because this two disc, 22 track, hour long album had the ability to make anyone feel a mix of various emotions by simply just listening.
1. Foster the People – Torches
Foster the People has become one of those bands that blew up in the span of less than a year. I remember listening to their single ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ in an Entourage episode back in 2010. And it wasn’t until the summer of 2011 that they hit the radio waves with that same song. Now they’re selling out shows across the globe and despite their popularity, they did earn it no matter what. They are the perfect example of how successful bands can become with the help of music blogs/aggregators and music supervisors. Most of their success came through sending their EP to music licensing companies to air on television shows. And because of more hype from blogs, it instantly led them to a record deal. FTP has only been together for two years, so I hope their next album won’t be a let down.
Honorable Mentions:
Metronomy – The English Riviera
Bombay Bicycle Club – A Different Kind of Fix
- Constance
It’s an EDM Christmas?
04 months ago
Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all the readers who are stopping by Room-Noise.
Here’s a roundup of some Christmas songs and videos for your listening pleasure. Let’s just say, Kaskade should just make an entire Christmas album.
Frank Sinatra – Mistletoe And Holly (Kaskade Mix)
By Kaskade
Bing Crosby – White Christmas (Kaskade Mix)
By Kaskade
Check out this hilarious skit made by my good friends at The ElEmEh Show:
Video premiere of Skrillex – Ruffneck
Special thanks to Kathy for sending me the Kaskade tracks!
- Constance
New Music: Korean Pop Hitting the U.S. Top 40′s
05 months ago
As a blogger, I never really write about the music from my culture or even any others to be quite honest. I decided to do something different with this topic and showcase the upcoming international acts that have already collaborated with American electronic producers. I do love writing about the latest musicians from the US, UK and Canadian market, but how often do you see or read popular online music blogs who showcase the same genre, but in a different language? Sure, you and I might not understand what they’re singing, but you can’t say no to a good/catchy background beat…
During one of my late nights of researching and reviewing music, I stumbled across a Korean boy band by the name of Super Junior. And let me say… I was surprised that there 13 members in one band. 10?! You can make up to 2-3 bands with that size, but in the South Korean market, that’s how they like to do it. While listening to their track and checking out other labels in South Korea.. I came across 2NE1. If I were to put Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and J-Lo, this would be the equivalent of that. These girls are huge… so popular that just last year Will.i.Am invited the group over to his studio to produce an album.
Although this isn’t the first time we’re seeing Korean musicians in the North American music charts (BoA, Wonder Girls), it’s only a matter of time that we’re going to see this become even more popular. Going back to 2NE1, I was really surprised at their sound and in a way.. their originality (in a Korean music stand point). Just last month, the group won MTV Iggy’s Best New Band in the World, gaining even more recognition with the North American market and from producers such as Diplo. In the video above, was an interview conducted earlier this week at MTV Headquarters in NYC. The girls had the chance to perform at a live event for the first time with the network, bringing even more attention to their upcoming full-length English album produced by Will.i.Am, which is set to be released in early 2012.
Personally, by just listening to only three tracks so far by these girls.. I’m already addicted to their stuff. Even Diplo had a couple of good words about 2NE1, mentioning that “they’re crazy live…and they already have a head start”. I hope this short post will give you an idea on what’s about to happen in the new year with international musicians. And that there’s more to the Top 40 charts, right now we see more and more Canadian acts in the American market, but will we soon get acts from Asia? We’ll just have to wait and see.
2NE1 – Can’t Nobody (English Version)
- Constance
Does the Personality of the Artist Change the Way You Listen to Music?
11 year ago
While recently listening to Lady Gaga’s new track, Judas, I thought of how much she has changed. Not just her musical style but also her personality and the way she appears to her fans. This got me thinking even more, I personally don’t know if listeners out there really think of how musicians change when they get more popular. As for me, I have been on movie sets where I witnessed the true meaning of “candid celebrities”. And while I also deal with musicians for events and such, I also see how superficial and sometimes annoyingly cocky these bands can really get. But as a student who interns and really sees what goes on behind the scenes – do the fans of these popular artists do? It’s amazing how record labels and artists can sometimes blind the fans on how they come off on screen and how they really are behind it. This got me thinking; does the personality of the musician really affect the music that they make and the fans who support them?
I remember watching an interview of Lady Gaga with Louie La Vella back in 2008 at the Winter Music Conference. This interview was conducted right before she shot her first music video for Just Dance, this was the true emerging artist before her Fame Monster. If you watch the interview, you will see how different she has become. Gaga was one hundred percent about her LABEL, her music and for once, she was hyper. Not only is this a different side of Gaga that many fans have probably never seen but she also talked a lot about her background as an Italian and the fact that Interscope has helped her a lot.
Now moving on to 2010 when she agreed to do a live studio interview, answering questions from her fans. I was amazed by the contrast between the two interviews and how much she has changed physically and personality wise. She appeared to be much calmer and quieter than her 2008 interview. It demonstrates how fame can really change an artist and how they appear to be.
Now you’re thinking, Connie, what is your point? My point is – does this change the way we feel about their music or in the end does the personality of the musician really matter? I personally still love her music. And it illustrates how unimportant it is for hating on the person from that one band and how it will not make difference for the music they make. Sure some musicians may come off as a prick, but do you still enjoy their music? My argument in the end is that people shouldn’t be music elitist if they purely depend on the music they listen to on the artist themselves. Gaga might of changed but I feel that her music is still on a good level with me. She might not be the perfect example to show, but what I’m trying to state is that people should just enjoy music the way they want it and hating and judging other people on what music they listen to is just stupid.
Lady Gaga – Born This Way (Grum Remix)
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Lady Gaga – Born This Way (Dada Life Remix)
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- Constance
The New Room-Noise
01 year ago
by Constance Chan
in Blog
I’ve had to revamp this blog at least three times in the past year, and it’s mainly because being dedicated to something such as this site takes a lot of time and effort. So I’ve decided to make some changes towards the way I blog and to somewhat keep it informal and simply post the music that I love to share with others. Most blogs nowadays post so much music everyday and I give these bloggers so much respect because it is literally a part time job.
What I have concluded is to blog is to start analyzing or also “rant” about some of the trends in music today. A couple of months back I wrote “Is Britney Spears a Musical Genius” – which I must say I was proud of writing something like that. I might not be a true music journalist. But I believe in writing about something that I’m very passionate about is as good as putting up free music for everyone to listen to. Clearly this blog is not about gaining popularity, but it is simply for music lovers such as myself to gain more knowledge about music and to share it with others out there.
So for PR’s, labels or other musicians, please keep sending me your submissions! I do look over them. But sometimes I choose the ones that I feel works well for me, and the viewers of this blog.
Thanks,
Constance
HIATUS
01 year ago
by Constance Chan
in Blog
There’s been too much going on, and I feel awful for not updating this site. We’re just going on a short break, and hopefully we can revamp it one more time.
Keep on sending in your tracks to room.noise09@gmail.com!