The Dark Side of Coachella

Around this time of year, social media is often filled with pictures and videos from a music festival called Coachella. Set in the southern California city of Indio, the event first occurred in October 1999. Though Insider reports that this first Coachella was not as profitable as the founders may have hoped, the festival has managed to hold strong for two decades.

Though Coachella was canceled in both 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, they still managed to put together a stellar lineup this year. The festival ran April 15-17 and 22-24, featuring some of today’s biggest artists. Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Swedish House Mafia, and The Weeknd were the headliners, with artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Ari Lennox, and Joji also making appearances. It is estimated that 150,000 people attended the festival each day. 

Coachella is also known as a hotspot for social media influencers, especially for promoting brands like Sugar Bear Hair vitamins and Revolve clothing, as made example in YouTube star Smokey Glow’s latest video. Influencers will often be paid – either in cash or in items – to attend the festival and post content that will boost sales for the brands. As Smokey Glow says, Coachella is a place where people go to “be seen.” Influencers like Emma Chamberlain attended the festival this year.

Despite the music, food, and fun-filled extravaganza that Coachella may seem like, there is a dark side. Phillip Anschutz, the owner of Coachella, has a past that contradicts what many of the appearing artists stand for. He has donated copious amounts of money to organizations that are notoriously anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion, among other things. He denies any claims made against him, often calling them “fake news.” Anschutz is a billionaire, making his wealth in several different industries and having one of the concert industry’s biggest companies, AEG, in the palm of his hand. 

It is also important to note the problematic norms surrounding Coachella, including the “fashion.” The style, in some cases, can become cultural appropriation, with traditional Indian jewelry, bindis, and even Native American headdresses being seen. Festivalgoers often do not wear these items correctly, contributing to the sexualization of cultures. On top of that, many that attend the festival contribute to the ongoing issue of fast fashion. Not everyone can avoid fast fashion, but many have criticized celebrities and influencers who attend the festival and promote the phenomenon.

Some have called for the boycott of Coachella, but many still choose to attend or indulge in the festivities over social media. Whether everyone that attends knows where their money is going is unknown, but as Paper Magazine points out, an even bigger question is: how do the artists feel? How is Anschutz able to book artists that, by the standards of some of the organizations he has donated to, shouldn’t have the right to be their true selves?

It is important to keep in mind – and continue to educate people about – these details. While Coachella can be one of the biggest moments in an artist’s career, giving money to people like Anschutz allows organizations like the National Christian Foundation to continue to spread hate. The decision of supporting the festival is ultimately up to the individual, but with more conversation, these decisions can be more informed. 

Carly Webster

Reporter