Category: Viral

Festival season is in full bloom, and there’s no better spot to revel in the vibe than the sun-soaked paradise of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. With Coachella behind us and Stagecoach gearing up for the weekend, the desert is still buzzing with energy—and not just from the festivals themselves. All throughout April, the area transforms into a playground of music, fashion, art, and culture, thanks to an endless lineup of pop-ups, parties, and can’t-miss experiences.

In the lull between festival weekends, the scene is anything but quiet. Think pool parties at legendary hotels, underground DJ sets, bustling street fairs, and brand activations that blur the line between entertainment and immersive art. Whether you’re riding the high from Coachella or just rolling in for the country-tinged chaos of Stagecoach, there’s plenty happening beyond the main stages to keep the good times rolling.

One of the biggest highlights this weekend? Sparkling Sessions: a vibrant desert takeover hosted by Sparkling Ice and Uproxx. Designed to kick off the summer music season in style, this can’t-miss party will feature a live performance by Jessie Murph, top-tier DJ sets by Politik and Le Chev, and a curated crowd of tastemakers for an epic day-to-night experience that captures the spirit of the season. Check out the full details here.

We’ve put together a guide to the coolest happenings across the desert, everything from sun-drenched day parties to late-night hangs, plus a few ways to chill out when it’s finally time to rest. And when you’re ready to crash? We’ve got the lowdown on our favorite stays, whether you’re all about boutique hotels or low-key, luxurious Airbnbs for your post-party recharge.

WHERE TO PARTY

Rock Yard Concert Series

84245 Indio Springs Parkway | 7-11pm

The Rock Yard outdoor concert stage is an amphitheater-style area featuring two side-by-side stages holding audiences of passionate music fans. The Rock Yard runs from Spring to Fall and is always live, free, and outdoors. New beer and drink specials (often themed to the bands performing on stage) are offered weekly. Guests must be 18 and older to rock.

• Friday, April 25: Deepest Purple (Deep Purple Tribute) with Know Illusion
• Saturday, April 26: Bonfire (AC/DC Tribute) with Steel Rod

For additional information, click here.

Festival Weekend Poolside

Ace Hotel & Swim Club | 11am-7pm

Make the most of your festival experience and make Ace Hotel & Swim Club your home base. Throughout festival weekends, enhance your desert daze with our carefully curated sounds poolside — where they’ll have DJs, drinks & sun. Swim Club Pool events are open to hotel guests and day pass guests only.

• April 26th: Nam + more
• April 27th: Saint Gilo + more

For additional information, click here.

Desert Rodeo

Desert International Horse Park | 11am – 5pm

Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), DESERT RODEO is bringing the ultimate western experience to the desert on Friday, April 25th to Sunday, April 27th with world class cowboys such as 8x PRCA World Champion Stetson Wright and cowgirls like 4x WPRA World Champion Hailey Kinsel. Cowboy Channel + will also be livestreaming the daily performances, which will include 8 rodeo events such as Bull Riding and Barrel Racing.

Beyond the rodeo competition, DESERT RODEO is fusing a mix of iconic Western brands, including Wrangler, Boot Barn, and Stetson, alongside globally recognized names like Coca-Cola, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Código 1530 and Bud Light, the Official Beer Sponsor of Desert Rodeo. Innovative partners like Rivian also join the lineup, bringing a modern edge to the Western experience.

Open to all ages from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m, each rodeo performance will kick off at 1 p.m with a stirring delivery of the American flag by the Skydance SkyDiving Parachute Team followed by national anthem performances by country singer Lanie Gardner (April 25), singer/songwriter Genelle Seldon (April 26) and local singing duo, 12-year-old Audrey Lambert and 13-year-old Clarisse Pascoe (April 27).

DESERT RODEO will also incorporate community driven fundraising efforts each day to support the following organizations and their missions – Friday, April 25: California Fire Foundation, Saturday, April 26: County of Los Angeles Fire Department and Sunday, April 27: Golden Circle of Champions.

Friday’s festivities will feature a special appearance and meet-and-greet with the four farmers from FOX’s Farmer Wants a Wife, offering fans a chance to connect with the stars of the hit series: Matt Warren, John Sansone, Colton Hendricks and Jay Woods.

For additional information, click here.

Sparkling Sessions: The Desert

Von Dutch Ranch | 2-5 pm

Get ready, because Uproxx and Sparkling Ice are back and bigger than ever with Sparkling Sessions Season 2.0 on Saturday, April 26th.

Building on the success of previous ‘Sparkling Sessions’ events at major festivals – including Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits – this latest installment promises an unforgettable experience just two miles from the Stagecoach Festival grounds. Part intimate concert series and part custom cocktail-infused dance party, the ‘Sparkling Sessions’ series has provided intimate fan experiences with artists such as Pink Sweat$, Teyana Taylor, Justine Skye, Zack Fox, THEBROSFRESH, and Dasha, bringing a shot of flavor and an undeniable energy to some of the biggest cultural celebrations.

The event is free to attend, but space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first-served basis. Guests must RSVP to secure their spot and receive location details.

For more information and RSVP for free, click here.

WHERE TO STAY

From poolside boutique hotels to retro-chic Airbnbs with desert mountain views, Palm Springs and the Indio Valley offer a wide range of stay options to match your vibe and budget. Want to be in the heart of the party scene? There are iconic hotels with on-site DJ sets and late-night lounges. Prefer something more low-key? Opt for a quiet desert oasis where you can recharge between sets under the stars.

Drift Palm Springs

This hotel has quickly become a Palm Springs staple and one of our favorites for a sexy escape. It’s stylish, boho, and feels impeccably fresh and clean. The pool scene is not chaotic but definitely features an array of Hollywood cool kids and plenty of mingling. The restaurant is an absolute highlight — with clever and elevated riffs on Mexican classics.

Perhaps one of the ultimate perks of this property is how solid and spacious it feels. Rather than feeling like you’re on top of other guests, the desert-minimalist rooms and soundproofed walls make your sanctuary feel private and quiet. Definitely the perfect property for anyone trying to balance the chaos of festivals with some deeply relaxing downtime. That philosophy is underscored by the numerous sound healings and yoga sessions available on site.

One big note: Our hotel review series always mentions “bed game” — well these beds are impeccable. The sheets are delicate and soft to the touch, with no harsh bleach smells. The pillows are soft and supple — you slowly ease into them when you lay your head down.

BOOK HERE FOR COACHELLA WEEKEND 2, STAGECOACH, OR MIDWEEK STAYS — $439/night

Onyx House

The Onyx House gets everything right. You walk into the place and immediately feel 20% cooler. Clearly, it was created by someone with good taste. But as great as the design and layout are, those aspects aren’t the property’s biggest perk. Here’s what hit me the hardest during a recent stay:

• Best Pool And Hot Tub Of Any Rental I’ve Ever Stayed In. This isn’t even up for debate. The pool gets up to 90 degrees (I didn’t figure this out until the morning I left, sadly) and the hot tub fits eight comfortably. Both are in-ground and incredibly sleek. They’re also both saltwater — meaning your skin doesn’t get dry and your eyes don’t water from excessive chlorine. Oh, and they have lighting systems for your night hangs!
• A Very Cool Gathering Space. The main living room of the Onyx house is actually separated from the bedrooms and kitchen by a hallway. There you’ll find a massive TV linked to all the streaming apps, a very comfy couch, and even barn doors to open the space up. Does it feature a bunch of cool art and rustic ceramics? You’d better believe it.
• A Yoga Platform. Every morning of my life, I wake up saying “I want to do breathwork! I want to do yoga!” But I almost never have time. I did both breathwork and yoga during my stay at the Onyx House because the space spoke to those sorts of pursuits but more importantly because I had room to practice them without distraction. The yoga platform is surrounded by desert and rocks and if you’re going to do some sun salutations I can’t think of a better place to do them than while watching the sun crest over the craggy hills.
• Nature All Around. The past few years have seen a land grab in “J-Tree” as LA folks with tons of style buy up properties on the cheap, remodel them, and give them cool names. But as much as everyone wants to lay claim to being an “oasis,” I’ve rarely seen a property that is truly built into the hills in this way. Whereas many trips to the desert include driving to trailheads, at the Onyx House we just walked straight up into the wilderness from the backyard. It was beautiful and made the home feel incredibly private.
• Big Hotel Energy. The Onyx House is not one of those “clean every dish, strip the beds, and mop the floors” type rentals that everyone (rightfully) hates. This property is refined and operates much more like a true hotel. Check-in was easy, check-out was easier, and the property was beautifully appointed. I didn’t feel like I was in someone’s bedroom — I felt like I was at a hotel. Except better because we were the only guests.

Price Per Night: $1165

BOOK HERE

JW Marriott Palm Desert

This is the perfect property for that friend who likes to do stuff. Like… a lot of stuff. And that’s why we love it so much. The features golf, tennis, pickle ball, a spa, an arcade… and not the “we’re just doing this to say we have it” version of those amenities either. These grounds are absolutely dialed. And immense — with multiple pools and on-site restaurants.

Seriously, look at this spot:

The rooms are well appointed and suites have sexy-as-hell tubs with a giant window out to the bed. Meaning that the sexiness rating of this hotel is very high. Especially when you take in all the opportunities for relaxation that are availible — from lounging poolside to spending a long day in the world class spa.

If you like a little room to move, tons of activities, and an oasis vibe, this is your spot. Folks needing to tap in with work will love the coworking space in the lobby!

BOOK HERE FOR COACHELLA WEEKEND 2, STAGECOACH, OR MIDWEEK STAYS — $413/night

Amaru Muru

This house is really… well, to be honest, it’s what people fantasize about when they plan a Joshua Tree weekend. It’s ultra clean, very minimalist, and almost impossibly sexy. A sister property to the Onyx House, this B&B is even more stylish (and spacious). You are plopped right in the middle of the desert with views in every direction. If you do decide to venture off property, coffee is close and Joshua Tree National Park is just a few miles away.

The highlights:

• Heated Saltwater Ozone Pool
• Saltwater Ozone Hot Tub
• Yoga and Ceremony Room with walls that can be fully pushed open.
• 3 Bedrooms plus a 2nd living space with a sofa bed.
• In-ceiling Sonos surround sound speakers throughout the house.

When I stayed, we ate under the stars every night and swam in the pool deep into the night. The property was created with immense care, and I can’t say enough about how deeply that translates into the design. Like the Onyx house, there’s almost no plastic in sight. It’s really a spectacular thing. Moreover, no expenses were spared. Sometimes you rent a really nice house and everything in it is the “rental version” (read: super cheap). But here everything is dialed.

Our highest recommendation for a sexy desert retreat.

 

Price Per Night: $500

BOOK HERE

WHERE TO DECOMPRESS

After the dust, the dancing, and the all-night sets, a little decompression is essential. Luckily, Palm Springs knows how to slow things down just as well as it knows how to party. Whether you’re nursing a post-festival haze or just craving a bit of peace and quiet, the desert offers plenty of mellow ways to recharge.

The Spa at Séc-he

As soon as you walk in The Spa at Séc-he, it’s clear that every aspect of the space was thought through in great detail. From the design elements honoring the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the circular layout of this massive wellness center, the unique, one-of-a-kind massage tables, the decor of the waiting rooms — everything has a story, a reason for being, and an in-depth explanation.

On top of that, Séc-he is truly an epicenter for all of your wellness needs. Not only do they offer every type of massage therapy you can imagine (the list is longer than the Cheesecake Factory menu), but with a “Taking of the Waters Day-Pass,” one can easily spend an entire day taking advantage of the spa’s many amenities and still walk away as relaxed as ever.

The pass allows access to some things that you’ve seen at most spas—access to a steam and sauna room, cold plunge, fitness center, pool, and hot tub access, relaxing common areas, and grooming amenities. But even these offerings are far from typical. The steam room has eucalyptus for promoting skin health and improving your respiratory wellness while acting as a natural stimulant to re-energize you. The sauna includes menthol inhalation, which is known to provide symptomatic relief for upper airway congestion and reduces capsaicin cough sensitivity. The showers are equipped with aromatherapy steam and vitamin C-infused water. The bright smell and feel of this water was so divine, I took three showers during my day visiting this spa.

Not for nothing, but if you want to see famous people at leisure during Coachella… this is the spot. That said, they’re here to relax — let them be.

To book a day pass and spa services, click here.

Reinvention is often considered the lubricant of genius. David Bowie, Prince, Madonna, Miles Davis – these are all icons whose longevity is partially attributed to an ability to pull a daring stylistic switcheroo on their audience. But that doesn’t mean we can’t show an appreciation for the art of consistency, and the stars who retain relevance across eras while maintaining a steadfast dedication to certain core tenets of their sound.

Take R&B’s laureate of Auto-Tune, the robo-soul Ray Charles, the man the sharpers and the strippers call Tallahassee Pain (long for T-Pain, of course). The rappa-ternt-sanga’s refusal to turn his back on the software he’s been so closely associated with since the mid-2000s is a glorious display of raw determination. It’s a marriage of man and machine that has survived expectations that Auto-Tune was a novelty fad that would quickly fade and inaccurate accusations by critics and other artists (Jay-Z, Usher) that it was utilized solely to mask a lack of talent. Through it all, T-Pain stayed true, stayed dignified, and his innovation and foresight have belatedly been recognized. But could he have also dominated another genre at the same time?

Last year, The Breakfast Club dug up some old interview clips that demonstrated T-Pain’s passion for what on the surface might appear to be a very different style of music: country. So strong is T-Pain’s connection to the genre, in fact, he revealed that during a two year stint living in Nashville he penned songs for genre stars Rhett Akins, Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, and even Taylor Swift. You just may not have heard about it because T-Pain preferred not to receive a credit for his work because of “the racism that comes after.”

That quote aligns with uncomfortable undertones that have plagued country music as high-profile Black artists have attempted to etch out a place in the culture. Lil Nas X saw his ubiquitous hit “Old Town Road” removed from Billboard’s Hot Country Songs list for supposedly being incompatible with the principles of the genre. Beyoncé declared her album Cowboy Carter to be inspired by “an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed” and was subsequently stonewalled by the Country Music Awards. (It’s worth noting that Bey has received some criticism from Black country artists.) In its reporting of the Lil Nas X story, NPR invoked the image of “Nashville gatekeepers,” conjuring images of a shady cabal ruling country music with an iron fist. Picture a squad of Augusta National Golf Club members but in ten-gallon hats instead of green jackets.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that T-Pain, who performs at country music showcase the Stagecoach Festival this weekend as part of its Late Night in Palomino line-up, has an affinity for the genre. He is, after all, a southern artist – from Florida, the state where the rancheros once preferred the term “Cracker Cowboys” – and with southern rap and country sharing a geography and heritage, they’ve often naturally aligned.

Miami’s booty bass music of the 1980s firmly established the potential for the south to forge a different sonic path than New York’s bohemian beatnik rap and Los Angeles’ steely gangsterisms. This would blossom into a deep sense of regional pride. In a direct challenge to the northern hip-hop haut monde, UGK’s Pimp C once declared, “This ain’t no motherfuckin’ hip-hop records, these country rap tunes.” Artists like Bubba Sparxxx penned verses about cold beers and John Deere in a manner that appeared tailored to young white Southern listeners who’d otherwise be drawn to raucous country rock. Artists seemingly from both sides of the country-rap divide have come together to collaborate: Lil’ Black and Willie Nelson, Nelly and Tim McGraw.

When Three 6 Mafia won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2006, they received a congratulations note from none other than fellow nominee and country music deity Dolly Parton, declaring, “We’re proud of you guys, and I’m just glad that the Oscar came back to Tennessee one way or another.”

T-Pain’s style has been more of a ringtone raconteur – sticky hooks, chromatic beats, slick drums. His voice has a coating so smooth and lustrous, it’s often assumed he’s got his Auto-Tune switched on even when he’s singing au naturale. But there’s always been evidence that country music has inspired T-Pain. It’s easy to forget that one of his earliest and most crucial hits, the now two-decade-old “I’m ‘n Luv (Wit a Stripper),” was built on a steel-string acoustic guitar hammer-ons. There are noticeable parallels with a common problems-themed tune like “Going Thru a Lot,” or the booze-soaked achy-breaky heartbreak hit “Bartender,” to classic country fare. Even the vocals themselves, as the singer has insisted, draw from the genre. “Country music is where I got all my harmonies,” T-Pain told The Breakfast Club, putting the genre on par with gospel among his influences.

Then there are his own cross-genre collaborations. Back in 2008, years before she tried to cross into pop on a highway of “sick beats,” Taylor Swift teamed up with T-Pain to help guide her through a short, daffy rap parody of “Love Story” called “Thug Story,” a song that features the future cultural behemoth hitting bars like, “I’m like eight foot four, blond hair to the floor/ You shorties never thought I dreamed about rapping hardcore.” And just this year, T-Pain joined Kesha on her single “Yippee-Ki-Yay,” an Instagram-friendly contemporary country pop track featuring the pop star singing about trailer parks and Miller Lite with the help of, as it happens, Auto-Tune, a fun fusion of T-Pain’s artistic impulses.

In a more direct expression of his love for country music, T-Pain has covered some famous hits. The churchly, stripped bare recording of “Tennessee Whiskey” impressed genre traditionalists, while his version of Gavin DeGraw’s 2003 hit “I Don’t Want To Be” brought forth the song’s natural Roadhouse vibe. And at Stagecoach last year, T-Pain made a guest appearance alongside rap-country fusion bigwig Jelly Roll for a crowd-pleasing performance of Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” His return to the festival this year represents another step into the country arena. Don’t be surprised if these tentative wanderings became a full-blown foray, with T-Pain speaking country grammar with perfect fluency.

Selena Gomez told her fiancée Benny Blanco she loved him first, and the Grammy-nominated producer’s recent romantic gesture shows why.

During the “Sunset Blvd” musician’s appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Blanco talked about his elaborate birthday festivities. Instead of celebrating himself, Blanco arranged a prom-style photoshoot for Gomez.

Yesterday (April 24), the producer took to Instagram to reveal the adorable images (find them here).

“My fiancée has never been to prom before,” he said. “So I asked her if we should take prom photos together at a mall. And she said yes! I even rented a limo for us!”

While the couple tried on their elaborate looks on at home, they slipped into something comfortable to make take the truck over to the photography studio. The clip then cuts to Blanco and Gomez sharply dressed on set. After working through more traditional poses, Blanco and Gomez let loose stepping into their silly personalities.

As a global celebrity, Gomez has done a lot of things most couldn’t even fathom. Still, Blanco found a way to cross something off of her wish list.

I Said I Love You First is out now via SMG Music/Friends Keep Secrets/Interscope Records. Find more information here.

Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe has not only paved the way for his wildly successful standalone shows but also launched a zillion imitators. Alright, that’s an exaggeration, but there have at least been several efforts by other streaming services to replicate that neo-Western success. From American Primeval to Ransom Canyon, there’s clearly an audience appetite for more, including from Sheridan himself.

The recent season finale of 1923 shattered a few hearts and paved the way for the next Yellowstone prequel, 1944. So even though there has been no word from Sheridan on that 6666 cowboy series, there will be more Dutton stories from the World War II era after a 20-year time jump. And we darn well know that part of the story will involve worrying over outside forces encroaching on the ranch because that’s how Sheridan rolls. But there are potentially more stories involving Spencer Dutton to be told, so maybe some head scratching is warranted on the following question.

Will There Be A 1923 Season 3 From Taylor Sheridan?

Nope. Variety reported that 1944 will carry that torch forth, and 1923 is done.

That doesn’t mean, however, that Spencer’s onscreen story is over. Granted, Sheridan hasn’t said jack on that subject, but Brandon Sklenar threw his cowboy hat into the ring to be aged-up for 1944. Even without Alex in the story, Sklenar informed Hollywood Reporter that he is down to experience “some gout, a little hunch and some salt and pepper” in order to keep that train going. He will even “gravel the voice up a bit,” for real.

Will Sheridan go there? The secret is probably locked up in his writing bunker right now. For now, we’ll have to wait for The Madison, which will take the Yellowstone saga forward.

Stagecoach, country’s premier music festival, is much more than just a Coachella cousin with twang. Sure, it takes place on the same stage grounds, the Empire Polo Club Fields, with the same dreamy desert backgrounds and iconic landmarks that make it’s sister fest so instantly recognizable, but that’s really where the similarities end. Silent discos are traded for cowboy corrals. Denim-covered trading posts and rhinestone saloons become the go-to hangout spots. Leather, cowhide, and suede are the #OOTD inspo, and Diplo hosts a honky-tonk. Stagecoach is a wild mix of music fans and genre artists, all converging on this desert oasis to enjoy good food, good times, and some damn good music. But whether you get to experience the eclectic lineup of rising country stars, hip-hop heavyweights, and EDM cool kids in person or online, you’ll need a game plan to make sure you don’t miss the weekend’s biggest moments.

Below is your roadmap to the best the festival has to offer, from performance set times for headliners like Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, Lana Del Rey, T-Pain, Nelly, and more to the best eats, under-the radar artists, and the watch info you’ll need if you want to experience the magic of Stagecoach from the comfort of your own home.

Stagecoach Lineup Set Times

After studying the festival’s lineup announcement, the question isn’t, “Who’s performing at Stagecoach?” it’s “Who’s not?” As a genre, country music has expanded over the last few years, welcoming collaborators and newcomers willing to expand the idea of what country is, and Stagecoach’s weekend schedule reflects that evolution without forgetting the genre’s roots. Here’s a full look at the performance schedule for Stagecoach 2025.

Under The Radar Stagecoach Artists

Experienced festivalgoers know that it’s not just the main stage acts that make the music-going experience worthwhile. Half the fun of spending an entire day sweating under the blazing sun in this dusty frying pan is discovering the new music and rising artists that make up Stagecoach’s smaller font offerings. We broke down a few of those on-the-brink acts here, names like Brent Cobb, Tiera Kennedy, Alana Springsteen, Carter Faith, and Waylon Wyatt who’ve already got Grammy nominations, Beyonce collabs, and Grand Ole Opry debuts under their belts but pay attention to names like Dasha and Kashus Culpepper too.

Best Stagecoach Food Spots

A good spread is essential to any respectable country throwdown, and this year, Stagecoach is placing an emphasis on comfort food. That means that, yes, there will be BBQ (and plenty of it.) Food Network star Guy Fieri is inviting some pit masters along for a smokehouse exhibition complete with musical guests, but hungry music fans can also scrounge up local So-Cal eats and Michelin-quality bites if they know where to look. We rounded up some of the tastiest options at Stagecoach this year (which you can find here).

Where Is Stagecoach?

Every year, Stagecoach makes good use of Coachella’s stomping grounds, turning the Empire Polo Club Fields in Indio, CA into the kind of elevated, modern-day hoedown worthy of the Gram. The festival’s website has all the info you’ll need to plan the long trek to the Coachella Valley, complete with shuttle times, carpool parking, campground need-to-knows, and more. Check it out here.

Where & How To Stream Stagecoach Live

For those not braving the crowds but still hoping to catch artists like Mumford & Sons live (the latest surprise act added to Stagecoach’s lineup), livestreaming the festival is now an option. Stagecoach has partnered with Amazon Music and Twitch to give fans the opportunity to take in all the action online, all weekend long. The festival’s even hosting live Watch Events in cities across the world. Head here to see if yours is on the list.

Coachella 2025 is over, which means it’s now time for country music to take the stage: This weekend, from April 25 to 27, is the Stagecoach festival. Coachella had a livestream that made the fest more accessible for those who couldn’t attend in person, and Stagecoach is getting a similar treatment.

How To Watch The Stagecoach 2025 Livestream

Amazon is hosting the livestream and will broadcast it across two channels, available via Amazon Music, Prime Video and Amazon Music’s Twitch channel. The broadcasts begin each day of the festival at 4 p.m. PT.

The headliners for this weekend’s festival are Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, and Luke Combs. Also highlighting the lineup are from Lana Del Rey, Nelly (celebrating 25 years of his album Country Grammar), Goo Goo Dolls, T-Pain, Creed, and Backstreet Boys, as well as more country-associated artists like Brothers Osbourne, Sturgill Simpson, Shaboozey, Midland, and Scotty McCreery. Just today, Mumford & Sons joined the lineup as a last-minute addition.

The livestream schedule appears to be rolling out gradually day-by-day, so for now, check out the scheduled for the first day below.

Stagecoach 2025 Livestream Schedule for Friday, April 25

Channel 1

4:10 p.m. PT — Nikki Lane
4:45 p.m. PT — Bryan Martin
5:20 p.m. PT — Sierra Ferrell
6:10 p.m. PT — Dylan Scott
6:55 p.m. PT — Mumford & Sons
7:50 p.m. PT — Brothers Osborne
8:50 p.m. PT — Lana Del Rey
9:55 p.m. PT — Zach Bryan
11:25 p.m. PT — T-Pain

Channel 2

4:10 p.m. PT — Tanner Usrey
4:30 p.m. PT — Tigirlily Gold
5:05 p.m. PT — Drake Milligan
5:35 p.m. PT — 49 Winchester
6:20 p.m. PT — Avery Anna
6:50 p.m. PT — Tucker Wetmore
7:35 p.m. PT — Paris Hilton
8:15 p.m. PT — Whiskey Myers
9:00 p.m. PT — Diplo
10:10 p.m. PT — Carly Pearce
11:05 p.m. PT — Vavo

Next month, Saturday Night Live viewers will be treated to a live performance from Arcade Fire. The timing is good since the “Unconditional I (Lookout Kid)” band is about to drop a new album, Pink Elephant. Today (April 25), the band shared the title track. Similarly to the track’s production, the “Pink Elephant” lyrics paint a story of emotional restriction.

“Take your mind off me a little while / In the darkest place I saw you smile / And the way it all changed / Makes me wanna cry, but / Take your mind off me, yeah,” sings Win Butler.

While the song may be new to some supporters, Arcade Fire premiered “Pink Elephant” during their performance at Willie Nelson’s 2025 Luck Festival.

As NME notes, Butler discussed the mechanics of making the record on Arcade Fire’s Circle Of Trust app.

“When you feel like you’re making a record, sometimes a song contains the universe, that you know other songs – even if they haven’t shown up yet – are gonna show up,” she said. “Cause they’re related to the universe of that song.”

He continued, “It’s like, if you’re in a desert, and you find a well. It’s the only well in that part of the desert. And you see one animal walk up – you know other animals are nearby, ’cause everyone’s coming to the same well. If you find that one exotic creature, other songs are gonna come to hang out in the same place.”

Listen to “Pink Elephant” above.

Pink Elephant is out 5/9 via Columbia. Find more information here.

Oasis fans have faced issues when it comes to ticket sales for the band’s long-awaited reunion tour. That’s not even taking scammers into account: As Far Out notes, bad actors have collectively swindled fans for around £2 million, or about $2.6 million. And, it seems, that’s just in the UK.

Per a report from Lloyds Banking Group, fans have lost an average of £436 (roughly $580) per scam, about £200 ($266) more than the bank sees with concert ticket scams. The bank found Oasis tickets have made up over half of all reported concert scams so far in 2025, and that one fan lost over £1,700 ($2,260) trying to get a ticket.

Liz Ziegler, the Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds, said, “The fact that so many cases start with fake listings on social media, often in violation of the platforms’ own rules, underscores the importance of these companies taking stronger action to tackle scams.”

Meanwhile, Oasis is once again nominated for induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and Liam Gallagher once again couldn’t care less. In February, he tweeted, “RNR hall of fame is for WANKERS.” A user replied, “What are you gonna do if you win,” and Gallagher responded, “Obv go and say it’s the best thing EVER.” In another tweet, he said, “I’m gonna go and pick up the award and say I’ll let you off this is a wonderful honour and id like to thank all of the GODS starting with MYSELF.”

It has never been easier to get into the world of mezcal. A few years back, when the artisanal mezcal market started to really pop off, all sorts of new brands emerged. Many of those brands were made from interesting varieties of wild agave and utilized traditional small batch production techniques.

This resulted in a lot of great bottles, which were so prohibitively expensive that it led many beginning drinkers toward tequila, since it was easier to find and generally much less expensive.

But since then, the mezcal market has exploded, and now we’re getting all sorts of great bottles for a much more affordable price. To help you find the best entry point — or, if you’re already a seasoned mezcal lover, point you in the direction of some great affordable bottles — we put eight bottles to the blind taste test.

Methodology:

To keep this list as affordable as possible, we decided on a below $50 price point. At this price, you’ll find some seriously delicious bottles that won’t break the bank but still contain some of the magic that the higher-end artisanal varieties provide.

Here is today’s tasting class:

• Amaras Espadín Joven
• Dos Hombres Espadìn
• El Silencio Espadín
• Illegal Mezcal Reposado
• Madre Mezcal Espadín
• Maguey Del Vida Puebla
• Manojo Mezcal Joven
• Rosaluna Joven

I sampled a pour of each at random in an unmarked glass, recorded my initial tasting notes, and ranked each accordingly. This roster was a mix of bottles we were familiar with and some new brands on the market. While there is an obvious hierarchy, a lot of our picks were neck and neck for this taste test, so if you come across one on sale, take the deal!

Let’s drink.

Part 1: The Mezcal Blind Taste Test

Taste 1:

Nose: Very vegetal on the nose with notes of green pepper and celery leaf joined by a touch of smoke.

Palate: Chili pepper spice hits the palate first, followed by a fresh leather flavor and a heavy spiced wood.

Finish: You can really taste that barrel on the finish, with minimal smoke. This one goes down smooth.

Taste 2:

Nose: A mix of agave, salt water, and wet clay. Very natural.

Palate: I’m tasting bright and buttery popcorn tones with a sweet vanilla kiss, followed by zesty pepper and wet soil.

Finish: That vanilla reappears on a very short finish mixed with a touch of hit and smoke.

Taste 3:

Nose: A bit of cotton candy joined by toasted caramel notes and a crisp woody character.

Palate: Smokey as it hits your palate before those sweet caramel notes come in, followed by butter, and a subtle burn.

Finish: Very buttery on the finish, joined by notes of pine.

Taste 4:

Nose: A hint of green apple skin joined by acetone and milk chocolate.

Palate: Bright, crisp, and very fruity. I’m tasting peach, grapefruit, and caramelized agave.

Finish: A light smoke kiss with a stone fruit finish.

Taste 5:

Nose: A mix of tart green apple skin and banana peel, joined by a hint of bubble gum.

Palate: I’m getting a lot of charred fruit here, specifically mango, with a white pepper funk and some smokey mesquite tones.

Finish: This one ends a bit short and flat.

Taste 6:

Nose: Rich roasted agave notes on the nose joined by fresh jalapeño.

Palate: A nice layer of citrus and tropical fruits. I’m tasting mango, pineapple, and grapefruit.

Finish: Silky smooth with a long kiss of mesquite smoke.

Taste 7:

Nose: Bright and crisp with some soothing herbaceous notes.

Palate: Cilantro and celery on the palate with a touch of sea salted pear.

Finish: Surprisingly lacking in smoke. It’s smooth and crisp, rather than smoky and spicy.

Taste 8:

Da

For the price, it doesn’t offer enough flavor. We can imagine this one working well as a cocktail base though.

Part 2: The Mezcal Ranking

8. Dos Hombres — Joven (Taste 5)

Price: $44.99
ABV: 43.2%

The Mezcal:

Dos Hombres is most known for being the brand by Breaking Bad costars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul. I’m sorry to the boys, but this one fell flat to us in this blind taste test.

An unaged joven made from hand-harvested espadín agave, we found this mezcal to be too mellow and smoothed out.

The Bottom Line:

For the price, it doesn’t offer enough flavor. We can imagine this one working well as a cocktail base though.

7. Madre Mezcal — Espadín (Taste 2)

ABV: 40%
Price: $38.99

The Mezcal:

This expression from Madre is made using a single varietal of agave, espadín, sourced from the foothills of Oaxaca Mexico and sports a tasty — but simple — earthy flavor with a sweet aftertaste.

While this one is missing depth, it serves as a great over-the-rocks sipper, which is a rarity for this price range.

The Bottom Line:

It didn’t take our tastebuds on a journey like a lot of the other bottles we tasted today, but the flavor was good. We’d flag this one as a good bottle for mezcal beginners.

6. Illegal Mezcal — Reposado (Taste 1)

ABV: 43.2%
Price: $32.99

The Mezcal:

Illegal’s reposado was the only aged mezcal in our tasting lineup today, so it was pretty easy to pick out. We tried not to let that affect where we ranked it. Generally, an aged mezcal is going to run you easily over $50, so picking this up at this price is a steal!

This repo has received Gold Medal recognition from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was named the Best Reposado in 2023 by Esquire.

We wouldn’t go that far, but this one was pretty good, especially if you shy away from the smokey notes of mezcal.

The Bottom Line:

A nice middle ground between the smoky and spicy flavors of mezcal, and the more mellow bright notes of tequila. An ideal bottle for tequila drinkers looking to dip their toes in the mezcal waters.

5. El Silencio Mezcal — Espadín (Taste 8)

ABV: 43%
Price: $30.99

The Mezcal:

We know bottle design isn’t anything, but it’s kind of amazing that you can get a mezcal that looks this nice and premium, but only costs $30. But that’s the mezcal market for you — a spirit that prioritizes aesthetics.

El Silencio’s mezcal hails from Oaxaca and is made from hand-picked 7-9 year old espadín agave that is slow-roasted, crushed, and double-distilled.

The Bottom Line:

Smokey, yet sweet, El Silencio’s espadín is a versatile bottle that is ideal for sipping, shooting, and mixing.

4. Manojo Mezcal — Joven Espadín (Taste 7)

ABV: 47%
Price: $49.99

The Mezcal:

Manojo is significant, if not only because it’s hands down the most expensive mezcal in this lineup (it sits right under our price cut off). This brand comes from famed Mexican chef Enrique Olvera (head chef of CDMX’s Pujo and NYC’s Cosme) and is produced by the mezcalero power couple Joel Velasco and Felicitas Hernández.

The mezcal is produced in San Luis del Río from nine-year-old espadín agave that is cooked in an earthen oven, tahona crushed, fermented, and twice distilled through copper pot stills.

The Bottom Line:

It tastes great, and is supremely smooth. To our palate, this tastes like a mezcal that was designed to be a solid cocktail base. As such, you might not get as much out of sipping it as you’d hope for the price, but if you want a mezcal that elevates your cocktails rather than distracts, this is the ideal pick.

3. Rosaluna — Joven Espadín (Taste 6)

ABV: 40%
Price: $33.99

The Mezcal:

Tasting Notes:

Rosaluna is going for a very specific type of mezcal drinker. The brand proudly totes itself as organic, gluten and carb-free (what mezcal isn’t?), plant-based (what mezcal isn’t?), and vegan (again, what mezcal isn’t?!).

Teasing aside, Rosaluna is serious stuff that is produced using a six-generation process that utilizes the hearts of over-ripened agave that is harvested after eight years, charred in an oak earthen put, tahona extracted, fermented in pine fats for eight days, and double distilled through copper pots.

The Bottom Line:

Balanced between fruity and smoky notes with a pleasing spicy finish.

2. Del Maguey Vida — Puebla (Taste 4)

ABV: 40%
Price: $30.99

The Mezcal:

Often cited as a “beginner’s mezcal,” the reason Del Maguey Vida’s single village joven mezcal, Puebla, is so inviting is because of its easy-to-drink flavor that balances smoky earthiness with a sweet fruity finish.

This mezcal is produced in Axocopan, Puebla from local agave that is slow roasted in an earthen oven, naturally fermented, and distilled in copper pots.

The Bottom Line:

Incredibly easy to drink. This light and fruity mezcal is heavy on the sweet tones and keeps its smokier notes gentle and palate-pleasing.

1. Mezcal Amaras — Espadín (Taste 3)

ABV: 37%
Price: $34.99

The Mezcal:

Amarás’ Espadín is a multi-gold medal-winning mezcal made from espadín agave sourced from the Oaxacan mountains harvested at peak maturity (about 8 years old). The agave is slow-roasted in a conical stone oven lit by oak, Egyptian milled, and fermented in pine vats before being distilled through a copper pot.

What stood out to us immediately was just how smoothly this expression travels across the palate, but it still contains those smoky and herbaceous notes we expect out of mezcal. While it was hard to rank some of the others on this list, this was an easy pick for our top spot. For the money, it tastes like it punches way above its weight, and that’s just what we’re looking for!

The Bottom Line:

Gentle and crisp, with a nice mix of herbaceous, smoky, and buttery notes. This one is very easy to drink, so be warned.

With his sixth studio album, Wild, set for release this summer, Russ has already shared “April 7” and the dates for his Into The W!ld tour.

Today, he continues the album’s rollout with the video for “Pent Up In A Penthouse.” The simple but striking video features the artist rapping in front of a blue background, with his face covered in grisly injuries. As he continues his performance, though, the injuries undo themselves, one by one, until he looks fresh as a daisy.

The effect parallels his lyrics, which recap his self-improvement and attitude toward his recent successes: “Scared of success once my pre-frontal cortex developed / Perfectly good opportunities feel like a setup / That sh*t be hobbling me, I cannot get a leg-up / Out in Tribeca, book me the penthouse ’cause all of this pressure is pent-up.”

Russ’ successes have stacked up rapidly over the past few years, both materially and in his esteem from fans. Earlier this year, joked about “finally” getting a post from the Pop Crave Twitter account, joining the elite list of celebrities who “stun.” His was also one of the four faces that graced a fan-generated Mount Rushmore of white rappers, highlighting fans’ appreciation for him.

Watch Russ’ “Pent Up In A Penthouse” video above.

Wild is due on 6/6 via DIEMON. You can pre-order it here.