Every week, La Alternativa delivers the very best from the Latin alternative scene by curating a blend of emerging and established artists within the Latin diaspora, while providing a platform to champion our growing local music scene. Listen on demand here and on 88Nine from 10-11 p.m. every Wednesday.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is iconic for its grand stages, fashionable attendees and exuberant costs. The hottest artists took the stage during the two-weekend festival that beckoned thousands of fans to the California valley.
You’ve probably seen photos of a celebrity or another at the festival or in recent years, and maybe even caught the concerts streamed online. If you did this year, you may have noticed that the lineup felt a little more intentional toward Latine representation.
It's important to recognize that Latinos make up a majority of the Coachella Valley residents and workforce. According to research from USC Dornsife, “roughly 440,000 of the Valley residents are Latino and make up 62% of the workforce.” Working in the farming, fishing and forestry industries, they are a huge source of the area’s labor market. That representation made its way to the stage this year.
Karol G made history as the first Latina to headline a main stage at the festival. Performing songs from her iconic albums, she brought Tropicoqueta to the center with “Latina Forever” and other hits like “Provenza.” The performance was a beautiful celebration of women and Latine culture, bringing out Becky G, J Blavin, Wisin and more.
There were also softer moments from Not for Radio, Maria Zardoya’s independent project. Employing a visually stripped-back stage, we were left with Zardoya’s silky voice and a lush atmospheric soundscape.
Another historic moment came from Los Hermanos Flores as the first Salvadoran artists to take the Coachella stage, with their Cumbia salvadoreña providing further evidence that expanding the festival’s soundscape makes it a more fulfilling experience for everyone.
Episode playlist
- Karol G, “Tropicoqueta”
- 54 Ultra, “I’m Hooked”
- The Two Lips, “talk”
- Gigi Perez, “Sailor Song”
- Los Retros, “New Humanity”
- Carolina Durante, “Las Canciones de Juanita”
- Not for Radio, “Vueltas”
- ROZ, “CÓMO QUIERES”
- Morat, “Tu Carcel”
- Idea Blanco, “Violeta, tu estrella del la frente”
- Luisa Sonza & Kayblack, “Sagrado Profano”
- Rusowsky & LATIN MAFIA, “neo roneo”
- Hermanos Flores, “La Enfermera”
- Del Mar, “SO COOL”
