Coachella Q&A: Capital Cities
Photo by Toby Giessen
Multi-color dynamics, swathes of cinematic hues, and sunshine-soaked synth tones overfloweth from Capital Cities. We're talking gusto and groove. Letting this LA-based duo be the musical background to whatever the occasion may be is always a safe move, and that's just what we'll be doing in less than two weeks! Leading up to their performances at this year's Coachella Music Festival, we had the chance to host a short Q&A with Ryan Merchant from the band and covered everything from what's in his desert survival bag, Buck Mason, and more! Check it out, below:
As a Coachella veteran, what are you most excited or most nervous about this time around? What's the one story that encapsulates your most memorable Coachella experience?
This is our second time playing Coachella so the nerves are somewhat reduced. That said, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to deliver something special at festivals of this caliber so our own expectations are high.
The first time we played was one of the most exciting weeks in my music career. I remember a couple of things: Private Jets, Brazilian Girls, Best Friends, 30,000 people dancing to Safe and Sound, warm desert air and our fabulous Mr Turk suits.
What's in your Coachella survival bag and does that bag include any extra special add-ons for your set that we can look forward to?
I am a terrible planner so I never have the accoutrements that one would need to properly to survive a Coachella experience i.e. Sunscreen, A hat, Ample supply of water etc…I can say that you should never wear shoes prone to generating odor. What happens in a shoe over the weekend can never be undone.
Describe how you envision the day of your performance to go:
9AM: Soundcheck
11AM: Get a cold brew coffee
1PM: Eat Lunch
3PM: Bake in the sun
5PM: Have a cold beer
7PM: Start to get butterflies in my stomach
9PM: Stress out about all my friends getting into the festival
11PM: Bask in the afterglow of a beautiful set
If you could have any celebrity front row during your show who would it be?
I would be stoked if Daniel Day Lewis randomly decided to show up at our set. I would also be happy to see Andie Mac Dowell and her two very attractive daughters.
What was the last song you listened to on repeat?
A song For You performed by Donny Hathaway
If you could partner with any brand, who would it be and why?
Buck Mason, a clothing line that I wear everyday. I would be a natural partner to push their product.
Post-Coachella, anything exciting on the horizon we should know about and share with the universe?
Yes! We have new songs coming out soon. Our second album is taking forever, but it all happens for a reason. We are honing in on the best productions to bring all of these great songs to life.