"The Old Man of Coachella" - TJR interviews Robert Kinsler about his years attending Coachella

TJR interviews Robert Kinsler about his many years of attending the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in an informative and fun episode! Watch the episode HERE

Coachella 2023 Photo Gallery

The Coachella Valley Music Valley Music and Arts Festival is an annual event that is as much about the people and vibe of the event as it is about the music and far-flung lineup. Here is a collection of photos I took at Weekend 2 of the Coachellafest as well as some wonderful images of the artists I caught at the fest provided by Coachella...Robert Kinsler

A view captured early on the afternoon of Friday, April 21, 2023. "Eden" is an art installation by artist Maggie West featured at Coachella 2023.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Coachellagoers walk past "The Messengers," an art installation by artist Kumkum Fernando. Photo: Robert Kinsler

The Murder Capital was the first artist I caught at Weekend 2; the Irish post-punk band is seen performing in the Sonora Tent on April 21, 2023.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Los Angeles-based MUNA, from left Katie Gavin and Josette Maskin,
performing on April 21, 2023. Photo courtesy of Coachella 

Guest Phoebe Bridgers singing "Silk Chiffon" with MUNA's Katie Gavin
on April 21, 2023. Photo courtesy of Coachella

Wet Leg singer-guitarist Rhian Teasdale leading the Coachella faithful during
a loud and extended scream during "Ur Mum" on April 21, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Coachella

A view of the Coachella Stage during Burna Boy's impressive Friday night set.
Photo courtesy of Coachella

Nigerian singer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogula (known professionally as Burna Boy) performing on April 21, 2023. Photo courtesy of Coachella

Gorillaz singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Damon Albarn leading the collective through an impressive set on the Coachella Stage on April 21, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Coachella

Bad Bunny and Gorillaz on April 21, 2023. Photo courtesy of Coachella

Acclaimed jazz singer-guitarist Nat Palm performing with the jazz-funk band Hiatus Kaiyote on the Outdoor Theatre Stage on April 22, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Coachella
 

Jenny Juarez brought her melodic pop-meets-garage rock project 
Bratty to the Sonora Tent on April 22. Photo courtesy of Coachella

Sofi Tukker (Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern) killing it during a 55-minute set on the Outdoor Theatre Stage on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Coachella

An artful view of the Empire Polo Field in Indio, California, captured on Saturday afternoon. Photo courtesy of Coachella

A view of Coachella at dusk, including attendees checking out the "Holoflux"
art installation. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Sunset at Coachella on April 22, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Coachella

Coachellagoers getting their group photo in front of "Holoflux"
on April 22, 2023. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Coachella 2023 Favorites: Gorillaz, Sofi Tukker, Wet Leg, more!

"The Messengers" by Kumkum Fernando, comprises three monolithic figures, which appear at first as giant robots or action figures. But his “idols” — arranged in a row to create a colorful gathering place — pack volumes of meaning into their larger-than-life forms. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Robert Kinsler highlights six of his favorite performances caught at 2023's Weekend 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Images and details about some of the festival's impressive artwork is also featured in this post. A special "thank you" to Goldenvoice for the use of so many outstanding images taken at Coachella.

Los Angeles–based artist and architect Güvenç Özel engages the spectrum of human experience, from the physical to the virtual. His 60-foot-tall Holoflux is a portal to a broad digital ecosystem of ever-changing forms that you experience throughout the day. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Friday, April 21

Rhian Teasdale, left, and Hester Chambers of
Wet Leg. Photo courtesy of Coachella

Wet Leg — British indie rock duo Wet Leg (featuring singer-guitarists Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers) had a blast throughout their 40-minute late afternoon set in the Mojave tent. In fact, several times during the performance of "Too Late Now" Teasdale started laughing uncontrollably, obviously immersed in the moment. Wet Leg's super catchy New Wave-flavored indie rock was performed with an infectious energy that had concertgoers packed in the tent moving and responding to invitations to sing along. The opener "Being in Love," indie hit "Wet Dream" and ambitious "Obvious" (the latter with its Mazzy Star-flavored intro) were among the wonderful songs unleashed. Foo Fighters leader Dave Grohl even joined in the fun during "Ur Mum," where he joined the band and crowd for an extremely loud and extended scream. During the closing song, the band's hit "Chaise Lounge," drummer Henry Holmes helped propel the favorite to new heights with his hard-hitting style.

Burna Boy — Afro-fusion artist Burna Boy led a large ensemble of backing singers and musicians — including a great horn section — for an intoxicating set on the Coachella Stage. The Nigerian artist and company artfully blended soul, reggae, R&B and world music across a masterful set. He closed his 50-minute appearance with a moving take on the anthemic "Last Last."

De La Soul with Damon Albarn, right, of Gorillaz. 
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Gorillaz fans who caught the Damon Albarn-fronted collective on the Coachella Stage on April 21 were treated to a parade of bona fide surprises. Indeed, when Albarn declared early in the set that "Weekend 2 is better than Weekend 1," he wasn't kidding. Beck, Little Simz, Thundercat, Bootie Brown and that night's headliner — Bad Bunny — were among the high-profile guests who made notable appearances during the virtual band's 75-minute set. Highlights of the outing included the aforementioned Beck joining Damon for an energy-filled "The Valley of the Pagans," a killer run through the infectious title track ("Thunder Island") from the latest Gorillaz album with guest Thundercat, the powerful and timely "Kids With Guns" and shimmering "New Gold" (the latter featuring Bootie Brown). Gorillaz' best-known material capped the set, with De La Soul joining the fun for a spirited take on "Feel Good Inc." and Del the Funky Homosapien sharing the stage for "Clint Eastwood."

Saturday, April 22

Bratty — Culiacán, Sinaloa native Jenny Juárez brought her bedroom pop meets garage rock project known as Bratty to the Sonora Tent on Saturday afternoon. Singing in Spanish, her catchy rock style and obvious strengths as a singer and rhythm guitarist were obvious throughout her brief 35-minute set. Only 22, this charismatic young artist is definitely one to watch.

Ethel Cain on April 22, 2023.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Ethel Cain — Singer-songwriter Ethel Cain's riveting performance in the Sonora Tent was among the best performances I caught on Saturday. Armed with a voice that is as emotionally detailed as it is beautiful, Cain delivered a seven-song set highlighted by the heavy "Family Tree," rootsy "Thoroughfare" (the latter featuring Cain's great harmonica work), brooding "Gibson Girl" and dramatic closer "Crush." 

Fans dancing during Sofi Tukker's performance on the Outdoor Theatre on April 22.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Sofi Tukker — Florida-based duo Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern — attracted a massive crowd to the Outdoor Theatre on Saturday. Halpern took the stage and asked: "Coachella!... Are we ready?" Almost instantly the large grass field was transformed into a gigantic dance floor with thousands of Coachellagoers moving to the undeniable groove of the duo's 2015 single "Drinkee." The momentum of their 55-minute outing seemed to gain sway by the minute. A creative stage setup with curved monkey bars (that doubled as a percussive instrument), a swing made from vines utilized by Hawley Weld on "Matadora" and exciting dance troupe known as Bob's Dance Shop collectively amplified the rush. Standouts included "Sacrifice" with Hawley-Weld's beautiful vocals showcased, the Latin-mining "Jacaré," catchy "Batshit" (the latter featuring Hawley-Weld's flashy lead guitar work) and rapid-fire closer "Purple Hat." 

Robert Kinsler

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Fridays, April

Mercury Studios debuts trailer for "Have You Got It Yet?" the story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd

Fans of classic rock great Pink Floyd will want to get details on an ambitious documentary ("Have You Got It Yet?") coming soon. You can check out the enticing trailer now...Robert Kinsler

MERCURY STUDIOS DEBUTS TRAILER FOR  “HAVE YOU GOT IT YET?” THE STORY OF SYD BARRETT AND PINK FLOYD SETS THEATRICAL RELEASE IN UK 15 MAY IN EVERYMAN CINEMAS AND LATE JUNE VIA ABRAMORAMA FOR THE USA AND CANADA PRODUCED BY MERCURY STUDIOS, BELIEVE MEDIA AND A CAT CALLED ROVER Watch the official trailer HERE www.sydbarrettfilm.com

LONDON, 26 April 2023 – Mercury Studios, Universal Music Group’s innovative and multi-faceted content studio, today announced the theatrical release of Have You Got It Yet?, a compelling story of one of the UK music’s most influential figures, Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd fame. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Roddy Bogawa and the late, acclaimed album cover designer Storm Thorgerson (Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, and Black Sabbath), the feature length documentary lifts the lid on the relationship between Pink Floyd - the visionaries behind prog rock and British psychedelic music – and founding member Syd Barrett, who left the group before they met stardom. It was Syd who gave the group their moniker by combining the names of two obscure blues players – Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Intimate interviews with band members David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Roger Waters uncover Barrett’s ongoing impact on the group. Narrated by actor Jason Isaacs, the film also features original band managers Peter Jenner and Andrew King, as well as The Who’s Pete Townshend and Blur’s Graham Coxon. Director Roddy Bogawa, the filmmaker behind Taken by Storm: The Art of Storm Thorgerson and Hipgnosis, said, “Would anyone care about the story of Syd Barrett if Pink Floyd hadn’t become one of the biggest bands of all time? Would Pink Floyd have existed without Syd? I miss Storm probably in the same way as many of those in our film miss Syd, a friend who they dearly loved and shared fond memories and adventures – Syd just happened to become one of the most famous cult icons in music.” Syd and Pink Floyd crystallized a cultural moment where anything seemed possible but where that freedom could come with a cost. Was Syd just another drug casualty? Did he suffer from an undiagnosed mental condition? Or did he dislike the attention and fame as the fun turned to work? While there are no clear answers which might be the case, there is the feeling by all those around Syd that something went terribly wrong. Have You Got it Yet? is a chronicle and a mosaic of Barrett’s creative and destructive impulses, his captivating presence and absence - a portrait of the complex puzzle that was his life”. Photographer and A Cat Called Rover founding partner, Rupert Truman, says, “During Syd's lifetime, Storm and the Floyd were fiercely protective of him. Storm would refuse all interviews about him and tell me nothing of Syd's life. After Syd's death, Storm in discussion with Roddy Bogawa and Dan Abbott felt that he should make the film, having known Syd since school days, with Roddy directing. Storm knew everyone in Syd’s personal and professional life well and the film would be a kaleidoscope of impressions, a more accurate picture of Syd made from the sum of its varied parts.” Mercury Studios CEO and Have You Got It Yet? Executive Producer, Alice Webb, added, “Working on this project with Roddy has been a real honour. At Mercury we’re driven by our passion for, and purpose of, storytelling. And, when we get to share the moments, emotions and characters behind music that has soundtracked memories and milestones of fans all around the world, we know we have something special. That’s what this whole project has been to us, special.” Producer Orian Williams (CONTROL, England is Mine) commented, "The music of Pink Floyd bears witness to Syd Barrett’s exceptional talent and inner turmoil. Their unconventional approach and ground-breaking sound expanded the horizons of music. Friends, family, bandmates and admirers shed light on all aspects of Syd’s enigmatic life in our film." Produced by Mercury Studios, Believe Media, and A Cat Called Rover, Have You Got It Yet? will premiere at Everyman King’s Cross in London on 27 April 2023.  Click www.sydbarrettfilm.com to view the official trailer and theatrical release details.

Bruce Cockburn "On A Roll" announces 44 Date North American & UK Tour in support of forthcoming album, 'O Sun O Moon'

Exciting news that singer-songwriter/guitar master Bruce Cockburn is touring in support of his forthcoming new album "O Sun O Moon." Check out the terrific advance cut "On A Roll" too...Robert Kinsler

Listen to the single “On A Roll” and Pre-Order/Pre-Save Album Here

“Time takes its toll,” sings the 77-year-old Bruce Cockburn on the opening song, “On A Roll,” his 38th album, O Sun O Moon, out on May 12 via True North Records.  “But in my soul / I’m on a roll.”

 

April 16, 2023 SAN FRANCISCO    Bruce Cockburn has enjoyed an illustrious career shaped by politics, spirituality, and musical diversity. His remarkable journey has seen him embrace folk, jazz, rock, and worldbeat styles while earning high praise as a prolific, inspired songwriter and accomplished guitarist. He remains deeply respected for his activism and humanist song lyrics that thread throughout his career. On all his albums Cockburn has deftly captured the joy, pain, fear, and faith of human experience in song.

 

Bruce Cockburn has won 13 JUNO Awards, an induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, and has been made an Officer of the Order of Canada, among many other accolades. He has 22 gold and platinum records including a six-times platinum record for his Christmas album. Cockburn continues to tour internationally.

 

He’s on a roll.

 

BRUCE COCKBURN 2023 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 

 

JUN 1                    PLYMOUTH NH FLYING MONKEY CENTER

JUN 2                    BEVERLY MA THE CABOT

JUN 3                    HARTFORD CT INFINITY HALL

JUN 4                    NEW YORK NY CITY WINERY

JUN 7                    BETHLEHEM PA MUSIKFEST CAFÉ

JUN 8                    PHOENIXVILLE PA COLONIAL THEATRE

JUN 9                    WASHINGTON DC WARNER THEATRE

JUN 10                  GREENSBURG PA PALACE THEATRE

JUN 12                  BUFFALO NY ASBURY HALL BABEVILLE

JUN 13                  KENT OH KENT STAGE

JUN 14                  ROYAL OAK MI ROYAL OAK THEATRE

JUN 16                  CINCINNATI OH LUDLOW GARAGE

JUN 17                  NASHVILLE TN CMA THEATRE

JUN 18                  ATLANTA GA VARIETY PLAYHOUSE

JUN 24                  KENSINGTON CA COVENTRY GROVE

AUG 10                 WHISTLER BC OLYMPIC PLAZA

AUG 24                 OXFORD UK ACADEMY 2

AUG 25                 LONDON UK SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE

AUG 26                 KETTERING UK GREENBELT FESTIVAL

AUG 30                 BOULDER CO ETOWN HALL RADIO TAPING

SEP 1                     PEGOSA SPRINGS CO 4 CORNERS FOLK FESTIVAL

OCT 11                  HAMILTON ON FIRST ONTARIO HALL

OCT 12                  MONTREAL QB GESU-ELISE

OCT 14                  QUEBEC CITY QB IMPERIAL BELL

OCT 16                  FREDERICTON NB THE PLAYHOUSE

OCT 17                  CHARLOTTETOWN NB CONFEDERATION CENTRE

OCT 19                  MONCTON NB CAPITOL THEATRE

OCT 20                  NEW GLASGOW NS WELLNESS CENTRE

OCT 21                  HALIFAX NS REBECCA COHN

OCT 23                  PORTLAND ME STATE THEATRE

OCT 24                  OLD SAYBROOK CT KATHARINE HEPBURN ARTS

OCT 25                  NORTHAMPTON MA ACADEMY OF MUSIC

OCT 27                  RUTLAND VT PARAMOUT THEATRE

OCT 28                  NY HANGAR THEATRE

OCT 30                  NELSONVILLE OH STUART’S OPERA HOUSE

NOV 1                   CARMEL IN TARKINGTON CENTRE

NOV 2                   MILWAUKEE WI SOUTH MILWAUKEE PAC

NOV 3                   CHICAGO IL OLD TOWN SCHOOL

NOV 4                   CHICAGO IL OLD TOWN SCHOOL

NOV 17                 SANTA MONICA CA MCCABE’S GUITAR SHOP

NOV 18                 SANTA BARBARA CA LOBERO THEATRE

NOV 30                 SACRAMENTO CA CREST THEATRE

DEC 1                     BERKELEY CA FREIGHT & SALVAGE

DEC 2                     BERKELEY CA FREIGHT & SALVAGE

Craft Recordings and Varése Sarabande bringing essentials to Record Store Day 2023

Violent Femmes' groundbreaking 1983 eponymous debut, as well as an eagerly-awaited Travis live album and composer John Powell's 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' soundtrack featuring Sigur Rós’ Jónsi are among titles coming on Saturday, April 22, 2023

Record Store Day arrives on April 22 with music aficionados ready to arrive at their favorite area record shop in hopes of getting a limited-edition exclusive, long out-of-print rarity or favorite cult classic. It's important to note that there are two different types of titles released as part of the event; "Record Store Day Exclusives" (RSD Exclusive) are titles that are only going to be available on April 22 while "Record Store Day First" (RSD First) releases will debut on that date but will be more widely available in the future.

Craft Recordings is releasing a number of wonderful new exclusive titles as part of Record Store Day 2023. The event is coming to your favorite Record Store on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

Craft Recordings is issuing a number of exciting titles. The Violent Femmes' 1983 eponymous album is widely considered one of the great debut rock albums of all time. Craft Recordings is releasing a special 40th anniversary vinyl exclusive picture disc version on Record Store Day. Among the classic cuts that sound better than ever on vinyl are "Blister in the Sun," "Add It Up," "Gone Daddy Gone" and "Kiss Off." Violent Femmes is a 1-LP release, and is limited to 6,000 copies worldwide.This marks the very first Violent Femmes picture disc – mimicking the classic cover image on Side A and the jacket’s reverse side on Side B. 

Travis is one of this writer's favorite rock bands to emerge in the 1990s. Now the Scottish troupe's The Invisible Band (Live) (2-LP; Clear Vinyl) will be released as an RSD Exclusive vinyl limited to 5,000 copies worldwide and is pressed on clear wax. This 2-LP release marks the only physical edition of The Invisible Band (Live). Recorded in Travis' hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in May 2022, the concert recording captures the group performing every song from their 2001 album The Invisible Band. Highlights on the terrific sounding set include a powerful take on the soaring "Sing," gorgeous Baroque pop reading of "Flowers In The Window," yearning "Safe" and power pop-flavored "Follow The Light." As a bonus, the physical vinyl package includes exclusive unseen tour photography from Ryan Johnston.

Varése Sarabande is releasing an expanded and collectible 2-LP, red multi-color splatter vinyl edition of the motion picture soundtrack for 2014’s How to Train Your Dragon 2. Featuring music by John Powell and Sigur Rós singer-songwriter/guitar great Jónsi. How to Train Your Dragon 2: Music from the Motion Picture is a truly exclusive version that features the film's theme song "Where No Gone Goes" (performed by Jónsi). In addition, the physical packaging features interviews with composer Powell and film director Dean DuBois. The release follows RSD's 2021 green multi-color splatter pressing of the first How to Train Your Dragon film soundtrack.

For more information on Craft Recordings and Varése Sarabande visit the label's website HERE. 

Among other promising titles set for release on April 22 are the Cranberries' Wake Up And Smell The Coffee (a RSD First available for the first time ever on vinyl), the first-ever vinyl edition of Blur's 1994 audio CD collection Blur Presents The Special Collector's Edition (a RSD Exclusive coming to vinyl), the first-ever vinyl reissue of Jonathan Richman's acclaimed 1990 LP Jonathan Goes Country. The Cowsills' The Rhythm of the World, Chet Baker's 1959 instrumental classic Chet, four titles from The Doors, Billy Joel's Live At The Great American Music Hall, Pearl Jam's Give Way and many more.

Get more information and view all of the upcoming titles coming on Record Store Day HERE.

Robert Kinsler