party – Surfing the Soundwaves

TWERK OUT

Guys…I think I just hit the jackpot?? MUSIC WORKOUTS. I know, I know. You have probably already seen these before, but if you haven’t, I hope you’re as excited as me.

So, here I am, 10pm on what would usually be a wild Friday night out at the bars. Instead, I am sitting in bed watching a girl create workouts based on popular songs we all know and love. Turn down for what, am I right??

Seriously though, this shit is genius. Of course, I got roped in by seeing a song by The Weeknd first. After that, I was sold. She goes by MadFit, and without even trying her workouts yet, I am obsessed. You know it’s the first thing I am going to be doing tomorrow.

If you’re like me, you’re looking for any reason to dance. This pandemic tragically took away any form of concert and music festival for the remaining year. I won’t talk your ear off about it anymore than i already have. Promise. However, as much as working out from the comfort of my own living room sounds amazing, I need more of a party. Since ya know, we can’t actually rage anywhere right now. This is everything anyone could ever ask for. Not only do you get to dance to your favorite beat, but also burn calories! My favorite.

Now, if you aren’t necessarily looking for the dance party vibe, and don’t want to feel left out, she also has regular workouts as well. Something I really enjoy about these is that they’re short. Which means you can combine a bunch of them and create a little workout playlist. Or, if you’re not up for that, you can just do one as a warm-up or cool down. You really have free reign to do whatever you want with these, which is awesome. For my friends who cannot get to the gym right now, and may not have the means to pay for online classes, these are for you! For my current gym buddies, let’s add these into our daily routines too!

If you REALLY want to ramp it up, and I mean ten fold. I recommend working out to your favorite DJ’s sets on youtube. For example, the other day, I was listening to Loud Luxury’s Room Service Set while on a walk. I noticed that every song was fast paced, just begging for my heart rate to skyrocket. So, I came home, hijacked my sister’s indoor spin bike and went to town. It was amazing. I almost threw up, so you KNOW it was a killer workout. The set will be linked below for all my cardi-hoes. Get it? Wink wink. However, if you’re just a person of your own groove, or want a little more muscle toning tunes, I HAVE A PLAYLIST FOR THAT. You’re welcome in advance. Will also be linked below.

I’m keeping today’s post short and sweet, and concluding with three of my favorite workouts of MadFit. As well as Loud Luxury’s set. OH AND, my own twerky werky playlist. That way, instead of wasting time listening to me babble about it, you can be about it! Let me know if you try any of these, and let me know if you love them like me! Let’s get movin’ babyyyyyyy.

MADFIT:

LOUD LUXURY SET:

MY OWN PERSONAL SET:

Coachella – A Look Back

As you can tell from the title, we are about to take a fun trip down memory lane. I actually let out a little chuckle when forming the name of this disaster piece. It sounds so serious. When in reality, I am going to sum up MY Coachella for you. Not from the documentary, not Diplo’s experience, but little ol’ me.

Why not start from the beginning?

2014. This is about to be my first music festival ever, this is the year that released my inner “COACHELLA IS MY LIIIIIIIFE” beast. All it took was one weekend. I think this year was so special, because it just encapsulated my year of firsts. Concluding my first year of college, my first year of living out of state, with my first festival. Get this, nothing went wrong. When you are new to the Indio Valley festival, everything feels so dreamy. It’s hard to even focus on the blood dripping down your ankles, from the poor choice in sandals. You just feel so free! This lineup was just a flower crown wearing bitch’s dream. Lana Del Rey, Disclosure, Lorde, Foster the People, and so many more. Honestly, looking at the poster right now, you can tell the lineup was way less impacted. Less artists, for more time to see everyone. It’s hard to pick a favorite for me from that year, everyone was so amazing. However, if you look at the 2014 lineup compared to 2020, it proves my theory correct. I have this conspiracy in my head that every few years, the lineup repeats itself. Don’t believe me? Take a look for yourself. I’ll wait.

2015, we skipped. As you can imagine, my little heart was broken. I was just starting to get into The Weeknd, I know, I was late. However, when I first start listening to an artist, I am infatuated. My friends at the time, didn’t understand. Honestly, I’m not really sure they still do?? Does anyone?? Oh wow. Anyways, so we didn’t go, I threw a tantrum. Next.

2016, everyone’s favorite year of mine. HONESTLY, I am going to come out and say that this was the most iconic Coachella. I mean, yes, the lineup was insane. Like Guns N Roses?? Iconic. Ahem, if you would like to take a look at my conspiracy theory again…go ahead and compare 2014 to this lineup as well. Again, I’ll wait! So, if you are really new here, I will link below one of my first tales on here. “Pineapple Cider In Indio.” One of my best works, if I do say so myself. I need you to read that first, and then we can meet back here. Okay? Okay. With it being 4 years later, I can confidently say, I still have not had Pineapple Cider again. I just know the flavor will take me back to that hot desert. However, it may be kinda funny. Should I try them again for old times sake? Shit. Maybe I did blackout off of two ciders that year. Maybe that blackout was a product of heatstroke. We will never know. All I know is, Matt and Kim will never be the same. Honestly, I haven’t even really listened to their music since then either. Again, IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW.

2017, our last year of college baby! Also, our last year of Coachella as a trio. For those of you who don’t know. I used to frequent concerts with my two best friends, Alex and Summer. Rightfully so, they decided to tap out after this year. Again, I wrote about it, will link down below. For a little recap though, this was the first year we decided to try car camping. NEVER AGAIN HUNNIES. The phrase, “You live and you learn,” really came into play here. Lineup wise? Fantastic. Beyoncé decided she didn’t want to give birth on stage, and I think we all kind of resent her a little bit for that. Lady Gaga was her replacement though, and personally, I think she’s amazing. Did we go see her? Nope! We had other things to do. Like carrying around a haunted purse for the weekend. Confused? Good. To make a long story short, Summer found a purse on the ground and decided to carry it around. Waiting for the perfect time to take it to lost and found, which honestly was inconvenient to our busy schedules. However, once we obtained that purse, we realized maybe it was better lost. Bad shit on bad shit kept happening to us. Right up until we turned the purse back in. Oh you want me to explain what I mean? Almost immediately after we got the lost item, our friend’s phone vanished. Poof. You wanted to take a video of the next set? Sorry. Super bummer. THEN. Guys…..then. Our campsite caught on fire. I literally cannot make this stuff up. Alex decided that Ramen was a good idea for camping. Which, I agreed. However, the mini stove she brought with had other plans. Like to simply blow up. As if our tent living was not impoverished enough. Just look at the cover photo for this post. Enough said.

2018, honestly the year that changed my life. I didn’t even go to Coachella this year. Alex and Summer decided enough was enough. However, ONCE AGAIN, The Weeknd was on the lineup. Insert X-Files theme song here. I was in full tantrum mode. I’m talking crying at work tantrum mode, then taking shots all night. Classic! However, a beam of light. Life is Beautiful Festival. That was my redemption moment, and I cannot thank Alex and Summer enough for unintentionally giving me a push to try something new.

2019, the last Coachella. LOL. I’m being so dramatic. However, it feels like 2020 doesn’t count for anything right now, so it’s true. This is my first Coachella with my new lil squad. Alana and Emily. More always join, but the three of us stay constant, and stay connected at the hip. It’s not like one of us totally has a little fun with our girl Molly and thinks that it’s time to run around and make friends with strangers. Who would do that? Psh. This is their first Coachella, and I feel like I put it on myself. While at this point, I am favoring Life is Beautiful a tad more, I don’t let on. It’s freaking Coachella, you can feel the hype all throughout the air. Oh what’s that? Chuck from Gossip Girl just casually walked by to get some water? NO BIGGIE. Lineup? Phenomenal. This was the year I really tapped into my EDM phase. As a true Dillon Francis groupie, I must say, Sunday night was the winner for me. However, my friends introduced me to Gryffin this trip, and my life hasn’t been the same since.

ALL IN ALL. I know this is a really sad time for music festival lovers out there. People call us basic, and hate us for our singing Instagram videos. I get it. However, waking up this morning, I decided I didn’t want to think about the negative. It’s all that is going around right now. Instead, I am using COVID-19 to re-center, and think about how grateful I am. We all work hard to make our festival dreams come true. Or, if you’re like me, you spend money you don’t have and reap the consequences of debt for a year. Whatever your flow is, we will be dancing soon. Hell, we can even be dancing now. So many good live streams for the Indie lover, or the EDM lover. Just tune in, and disconnect for a second. I promise, it slightly helps. Just a little.

https://surfingthesoundwaves.com/2018/05/18/pineapple-cider-in-indio/

https://surfingthesoundwaves.com/2018/05/30/burnin-up-in-indio/

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE AFTER HOURS?

The Weeknd dropped his album ten days ago, and I am now finally ready to talk about it. Technically, he released three bonus tracks yesterday (March 30), which I still haven’t fully digested. However, the show must go on.

If you’re wondering how I am writing this so calmly, it’s because on Day 1, I spilled wine all over my computer in excitement. My 2013 Macbook almost did not recover from that, truly. Also, not going to lie, this album has me moody as hell. The lyrics are dark and sad, in OG Abel fashion. However, the beat is bangin. So, clearly, my mind and my body are in two different stages. Do we want to dance or cry? I guess in quarantine both is acceptable. Also, can I just point out that the music hits so different while being locked inside your house. You have no choice but to digest the lyrics quicker. My usual method of operation is to drive around and listen to a new album. Sounds like a total waste of gas and extremely pointless, but IT’S MY GROOVE AND I LIKE IT. However, driving with the windows down and music blasting, is a little less appealing with a nasty virus circulating.

Okay let’s get into it, bonus tracks included.

So, here’s the deal with The Weeknd. His albums are meant to tell a story. Same goes for his music videos. If you check out his Youtube channel, start with Heartless. Every recent video after that picks up where the last one left off. Keep this in mind as we move down the line of songs.

We start off with the track, “Alone Again.” Yep, you already know this shit is going to be sad. However, you keep going, because you’re addicted to his voice. I won’t go track by track, because you lazy asses can do that yourself. For this album, The Weeknd went rogue with his promo. From teasing songs on his Instagram stories, to full on performing an unreleased song on SNL, we really had no idea where he was going. He debuted “Scared To Live,” on SNL, as a shock to everyone. My initial reaction was, am I a fake fan?? I assumed this song had been out for ages, and I just missed it. However, upon taking to Twitter, I realized it was brand new. It was lovely. The song has him really self reflecting, and giving his ex (Bella – we all know), some closure. Admitting he was the reason she was hurting, and that she shouldn’t be scared to go live her life without him. WHAT A KING.

The album gets a little darker, before we can all start dancing again. “Escape From LA,” really struck me immediately. It’s honestly a little sad once you realize the parallels from his first album to now. If you are a fan of “The Morning,” you’ll know that he was talking about California being the goal. “Order plane tickets, Cali is the mission…” You know. However, like any other person who moves to LA expecting something spectacular, he is over it. He sings, “Cali was the mission, but now a n**** leavin.” A little sad that this city couldn’t be what he wanted. I will say, growing up in LA’s surrounding areas vs. moving here fresh, sounds like an entirely different experience. If you don’t have the right mindset, all of a sudden you’re stuck with superficial people, wanting to live an Instagrammable life. No substance. However, I think he might be doing just fine.

A cult favorite, “Heartless,” is up next. Here is where he starts to take us home dancing. Also, remember when I mentioned everything telling a story? This chunk of songs is where it becomes clear. Initially, I had no idea. After seeing a well thought out Reddit thread, I finally saw the light. In this track he talks about being back to his old ways. Money, sex, and drugs. Casual! The next song, while still an absolute bop, gets a little dark. The end we hear sirens, which leads into another favorite, “Blinding Lights.” Here’s where the Reddit thread threw me for a loop. APPARENTLY the lights that are blinding him, are the AMBULANCE LIGHTS??? Who knew?? Not me. I was busy Tik Tok dancing to the song.

Let’s talk about the bonus tracks he released only a MERE day ago. I feel like they have been out for longer, because I got lucky when I popped in on his live stream last week. He was playing them like they were nothing. No biggie, just some unreleased songs you guys have never heard. They’re all extremely mellow. Songs about missing his ex. Classic. And then a “Final Lullaby” to end it all. Who doesn’t love a lil sleepy time trio to fuel their six quarantine naps?

I am going to end this by talking out of my ass for a second. Yes, it sucks that everything is cancelled. Yes, it sucks that we are all out of work (or some of us). Also, yes, it sucks that we can’t be social with the ones we love. BUUUUUUT, it doesn’t suck that all our artists are releasing things they’re proud of, even in moments like this. So, let’s take the time to stream their albums, watch their livestream, and give them praise. After all, right now, all we have is music to get us through this. Okay that is probably not true for 99% of people. It feels like it though.

So lastly, wash your hands you disgusting monsters. I don’t know about you, but I am so beyond ready to go to an open plot of land and start dancing.

See you later skaters.

PS: Remember when I saw The Weeknd for the first time? Check below.

I LIED…

Hey….

I’m here! I know. Right now, I look like the shady ex who is coming back when he’s bored. That is TOTALLY not the reason. I for sure do not have slightly extra downtime now that there is a crazy virus going around. Couldn’t be true. I lied, that is EXACTLY what is going on here.

The truth is, I really had no idea what I was in for when I wrote the last post. Don’t get me wrong, work is going better than I imagined (oh, just wait), in such a short amount of time! However, it is hard to balance this AND that. My itty bitty, teeny tiny brain is struggling. Good news though, I have tons of music stuff to recap you on! This week you’ll be hearing from me at LEAST twice, and I’m going to tell you why.

First off…THE WEEKND IS FINALLY DROPPING HIS ALBUM TONIGHT. I will need some time to emotionally balance myself. He released the track names a few days ago and let me tell you, we will all be in our feelings. Could not be more perfect timing. Who doesn’t want to think about their ex who ruined their life, while being quarantined against their will inside? I know I am definitely looking forward to that. If you have been living under a rock, now is the perfect time to catch up on his last three songs, before the album hits.

Now, this is where things get juicy. Remember when I was talking about work? Well, it seems like COVID-19 is releasing it’s wrath on the music industry, myself included. While it is definitely scary, I am learning to find the beauty in the quiet. OR if we want to keep things on theme with The Weeknd, I am learning to find the Beauty Behind The Madness. We’re all going to get through this together! Filing for unemployment, and not really knowing the future of your job, definitely is scary. However, it makes me feel a little better, knowing that a lot of people are going through the same thing. It also has me feeling extremely sympathetic to all my favorite artists, who’s dreams of playing certain festivals/tours have come to a halt.

Okay…moving on! Speaking of festivals. If you don’t know who the mastermind of Insomniac is, his name is Pasquale. I know, a unique name, for a unique person. Instead of leaving the world without music, and the artists without a platform, he is running online streams. Beyond Wonderland, was postponed until this summer. However, we will be getting a mock festival, all from our phones! Let me just say, Loud Luxury was not on the San Bernardino lineup, but they will be playing! Keep checking in with Insomniac and Pasquale for more information, they have been going live almost daily on Instagram.

With that being said, it hasn’t been that long that we have all had to resort to staying inside. This is probably the best time to find new music, right?? Something I have discovered recently, and then rekindled with this quarantine, is MINT Canada. Usually, I try to keep my music talk pretty broad, to include Apple Music AND Spotify. However, Spotify is winning today’s round. It struck me that I probably listen to a lot of Canadian artists, because this was recommended to me, as opposed to just the MINT playlist in general. I assume that one is generally based toward Americans. Let me just say, Canada knows where it’s AT. I was addicted to this playlist at one point on a random day at work. Yesterday, it popped up on my recommendation, with new tunes to check out. Now, this playlist is not for everyone, I’M SORRY. Typically ranges anywhere from underground house music, to regular EDM. Not everyone’s cup of tea.

So, while I have nothing better to do than to rekindle my love for this blog, I will be on the hunt for new music for EVERYONE. Playlists for the indie lover, and playlists for you sad bitches who love to cry. We’re all in this together….as soon as I decided to actually make my payment on this website. Times are hard OKAY.

This past week leading up to the album, The Weeknd has been imposing an important message that I want to leave this with. “Let music heal us.” While everyone at the end of the day may not have the same interests, or same career paths, I know we all love music. I mean that’s why you’re here, right? So, I will leave you with that thought in mind. Whatever emotions you’re feeling on lockdown, let the voices of others heal you!

See you sooooooooon…I promise this time.

2020 New Beginnings

Happy New Year! I thought I would start my first post in 2020 with a little life update. Maybe even take you on a little journey in my personal UFO if that’s okay with you? Throw in a little spicy storytime. Who knows.

So, what is this all about? YOUR GIRL GOT A NEW JOB. I have kept everyone in the dark about this situation, except for my close friends, up until very recently. I just wanted to marinate in the moment, okay?? I didn’t want to wake up and have it all be fake. If you are attentive, I briefly mentioned in my post about Life Is Beautiful, I quit my job to be there. Aren’t I so fun and dramatic? In all reality, I quit my job, and THEN went to have my own celebration at the festival. However, I never really touched base on anything after that. You want to know why? Finding a job was hard as hell that’s why.

Let me backtrack quickly for a second. Upon graduating college, I thought with my thin paper degree, I was set. However, I was brought back to reality, shortly after that thought crossed my mind. For some, finding a job in their career path was actually simple. They had their minds made up in college, and stuck with it. While I always truly knew where my heart was heading, I constantly teetered on if it was “doable.” This is why in college, I didn’t think to look for internships or simple music jobs. I was ignoring my heart and my gut. So, that just meant I was going to have to bust my ass from that moment forward. Which is exactly what I have been doing for the last 2 years. I took a small break after graduation and was ready to grind. I took a small part-time job at a bar in Orange County, which I still hold very near and dear to my heart. While it was only a marketing and promotions position, I figured this title would look great for an entry level music job. I got settled in the job, and continued to look elsewhere. My heart could not rest. I loved the bar and I loved the family that it provided me, but I still felt restless. Coming home from music festivals I was sad, almost like I was longing for more. I MEAN I WAS. I just didn’t know what.

Now, we’re approaching Fall 2019. Life Is Beautiful is around the corner, and my heart is starting to become unhappy. It is becoming increasingly obvious to the people around me. I am no longer where I need to be. While at one point, this job was the first step in the right direction, now it was time to put another foot forward. So, I quit. Didn’t even give my parents more than a 2 weeks notice, like my boss. I set my last day to be right before the music festival, so I could have one last chance to dance. Not forever, c’mon. Just ya know, before I cried every night applying to jobs. If you know me, you know that’s exactly what my sensitive ass did.

I mean, it wasn’t all bad. I did spend countless nights crying in frustration. Wouldn’t you?? If your initial thought was “no,” maybe sit at your computer for 8 hours a day, emailing the void. Now occasionally those emails did produce a response. However, the majority of the response was negative. This is what differentiates 2019 me from 2017 me. In 2017, I would see the rejection, get mad, and quit. This time, I saw the rejection and used it as a fire to spark my next move. Don’t get me wrong though, I still cried…A LOT. All the tears eventually paid off. In early December, I got an interview that would set the tone for my new decade. Upon leaving the interview, I went to visit my best friend at work. I remember telling her I HAD TO HAVE THAT JOB. I have never left an interview feeling like the perfect fit, until that moment. Like everyone should do when looking for a new job, follow up. Seriously. Be annoying. I emailed the company, and almost immediately got a response. It was good news, and he wanted to call me that Friday to finalize everything. This is where things come full circle for me.

Friday rolls around, and I am going on a girls trip to San Diego, for my friend’s birthday. We arrive a little early, so I can take my call in one of the rooms before the festivities begin. I got the job. At the time it still didn’t feel real, still doesn’t. However, this is where it all comes looping around. I quit my job a few months back, and had my last moment of stress-free bliss at one of my favorite music festivals. In San Diego, I started my NEW stress-free bliss dancing at Gryffin! See what I mean, full circle. What’s meant to be will be.

All this had me reminiscing on what my life has been like in the past two years. All the music festival moments, random vegas concerts, and spontaneous trips to go see my favorite artists. At the time, those were all the moments that inspired me the most. They still probably will in this new chapter of my life. All the “too drunk” moments at Coachella, blisters on my ankles, and post festival comedowns. Those were the memories that kept me working hard, and dreaming bigger.

Now, this definitely isn’t the end. With this new job, you’ll get to see me thrive even more. AND I AM GETTING PAID FOR IT??? Imagine that, getting paid to do something you love. I think I’ve heard some sayings about that in the past. What I can say for sure, is you can expect to still hear me scream singing all my favorite songs, except more frequently. This blog will still be thriving, once I find time and content. There are definitely more interviews coming up, so keep an eye out for that. Also, more music festivals, so possibly more disasters?? You know it’s bound to happen with me. Maybe this time someone will actually steal my Iphone 6, so I have no excuse to not get my upgrade. So, until the next musical journey we meet on, I’ll be back soon!!

Life Is Still Beautiful

HELLERRRRRR. Yeah, maybe Life is Beautiful did happen 3 weeks ago, but I have finally recovered from the loss I felt of it being over. While people had many mixed reviews of the festival this year, I thought it was as beautiful as ever. Let me tell you why.

Let’s start with my journey to Vegas. We had a little rocky start arriving, but it quickly turned over for the better. While getting to the city was extremely breezy, I experienced a little shake up at the grocery store. Of course, right? Something weird has happened to me at every festival. So, I am about to be in the heart of Vegas, when I decide to go to the store just outside of the city. We are obviously on a mission to capture some White Claws. And bagels…always bagels. So, I am picking up my case of Claws. I set my phone down maybe a foot away from me. I turned around to put the Claws in my cart and when I looked back, my phone was gone. Me being me, I assumed I put it back in my backpack for safe keeping. As I start to walk away, I realize that is not the case. Who jacked my broken Iphone 6? And how? I was standing right there, not another soul in sight. I power walk to the front, and ask the woman about a lost phone. As I am speaking to her, the cashier tells me that the phone has just been turned in. Weird, right? It felt like the universe was playing a prank on me. Since I had gone on the outskirts of the town to the store, I would have had no idea how to get to my friends apartment. Let alone, I would not have a phone for the entire weekend! Any other time, this would not be an issue, but at a festival?? Not going to happen. However, I was extremely lucky to get my belongings back. Upon checking out, I proceeded to race to the comfort of Emily’s apartment and start getting ready.

It’s day one! Not to mention, Alana and I’s one year anniversary. Such a special moment, realizing you met one of your amazing friends at an amazing festival. Iconic, one would say. Obviously this is Alana’s night. Gryffin is playing and Alana is his #1 supporter and promoter. I had no idea who he was before she came into my life. I am hyped to finally get a chance to wear my hair in space buns, like I had been practicing for weeks. We walk into the festival, and there it is, that feeling you get when you’re finally where you need to be. As some people may know, I quit my job right before the festival. My whole plan was to leave after, but it just felt right to end my journey with live music. I had been feeling overwhelmed, but all of that immediately went away. We had about an hour until our first set, ARIZONA, and I was excited to get a Vodka Redbull. Would you think any less of me? Unfortunately, I was hoping for a cute souvenir cup, but this year that concept didn’t exist. Like all years, we just HAD to sneak each other into VIP for a little bit. Let’s just be real, the porta potties are nicer, and the grass is greener. So, we spent ARIZONA’s set in VIP, vibing with my Vodka Redbull. My favorite part of this entire set wasn’t even the songs. This is absolutely no shade to ARIZONA, they were phenomenal. However, at one point, the lead singer gave a mini speech. He said something along the lines of: if you aren’t where you need to be, with the people you want to be with, you have the power to change that. And while a little lump in my throat formed, Alana put her hand on my shoulder from behind me. In that moment, I really had no doubts about any of my prior decisions. I was going to be okay, actually I was going to be FANTASTIC.

After the set, we decide to head over to our favorite tent, and watch everyone before Gryffin. An act that caught me off guard, for the better, was Jonas Blue. I had always walked to class in college to his song, “Fast Car.” So naturally, I assumed the set would be more mellow. I was wrong. However, it was the perfect pregame to Gryffin. Of course, I just HAD to scream my heart out to the song, “Remember.” For those of you who don’t remember (lol), Coachella was the first time I saw Gryffin. On my drive home, I knew there was a song I loved, but I just couldn’t think of the name. Upon shuffling his music, I realized this was the one. So, since Coachella, I had been listening to “Remember” almost everyday. On repeat. After screaming my lungs out, and dancing like a maniac, it was time to close the night. We finished with Louis the Child. Who was obviously amazing. We decided, with a long weekend ahead of us, we needed to go home early tonight. Of course, not without a little pit stop to McDonalds.

It is day TWO baby. I wake up a dusty, crusty mess, while Emily gets her booty up to go to SoulCycle. What a goddess. I went right back to bed. Let’s just say this day was the best for so many reasons. The first being, it was unofficial cheetah print night on the grounds. When we walked in, almost every person we encountered was in cheetah, including me. How did I get the telepathic memo?? We decided to walk around a little bit and check out the art. My favorite part about this year, were the notes to strangers posted all over. I think the movement has been in museums for a while, but for some reason, seeing them in person was super impactful. It was like all the notes posted, were meant for me to see. It was giving me a little extra pep in my step. However, here is where the REAL pep comes in. I had originally planned my trip to stay longer to see Loud Luxury at the clurb (not a typo). However, my friend’s hookup was no longer in Vegas, leading to a dead end for us. I was super bummed, just trying to play it cool. My friends get a text in the venue, Loud Luxury is playing the Bacardi Art Motel in 30 mins. I SCREAMED. We had to go. It was obviously a pop up, Bacardi Art Motel is teeny tiny. So we get there, and I cut the line. I cut about 70 people, absolutely no shame. In my mind, those people probably did not get the text, they were just waiting to go in and get their aesthetic photos. Not today! I still do not feel one ounce of guilt. While I was most excited for Jauz that day, the vibe completely changed. The song “Love No More,” is the bad bitch anthem I am always talking about. I am in love. So, obviously, the secret set was everything I ever dreamed.

After Loud Luxury, we attempted to find our friends and go to Jauz. Unfortunately, one of our buddies was extremely excited to see Lil Wayne, who came on stage for one lyric, and then cancelled his set. So, with her night being essentially ruined, she decided to return home. We go to Jauz and make some really cool new friends, who later we go to the next set with. However, we don’t stay long before we decide it is time to hit the after party. Where do we go? Well OBVIOUSLY, Encore Beach Club. RL Grime was playing the after party, and I was not going to miss it. Let’s just say, he’s my new Beach Club crush.

It’s day three. Emily still finds it in her soul to get up and workout, while I go right back to bed. It always sinks in on the third day, that it is ending. While I don’t intend for these sad thoughts to creep in, they always do. I just want it to last forever, ya know? So, I put on my favorite festival bodysuit, and we mob over for the last day. Of course, upon arrival, all sad feelings dissipate. Nothing extremely exciting happens, but we do get to end the night with Oliver Heldens, NERVO, and last, but certainly not least, POST MALONE. Can I just say, going into the night, I genuinely was under the impression that Post Malone heavily used autotune, even live. However, I was extremely surprised to find out that he is an AMAZING performer. He managed to put everyone in their feelings, but also hype them up simultaneously. The performance was so good, I have even considered seeing him on tour.

I know I no longer have any wild fables to tell, like my first Coachella post on here. However, I think people enjoy reading about how festivals can actually be a fairytale, as opposed to a nightmare. I will say though, as you grow up, the festival disasters may lessen, but the party STILL is crazy. I mean, c’mon, not everyone can dance for 12 miles a day. This festival never fails to remind me that no matter how tough my life gets, or how overwhelmed I may be, life is still beautiful.