Backstage at Coachella with Music Legends and Rising Stars

KROQ goes behind the scenes with Fatboy Slim, DEVO, Royel Otis, and more at the 2026 Coachella festival

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:27pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering sequins and shattered glass, capturing the luxurious, high-contrast textures and dramatic lighting that define the Coachella music festival experience.The vibrant energy and high-fashion aesthetics of Coachella 2026 come alive in this abstract close-up of the festival's signature textures and lighting.Coachella Today

KROQ reporter teams embedded backstage at Coachella 2026 to capture intimate conversations with a diverse lineup of musical acts, from veteran performers like Fatboy Slim and DEVO to up-and-coming artists like Royel Otis and Hot Mulligan. The interviews offer a glimpse into the festival experience, creative processes, and cultural impact of these artists.

Why it matters

Coachella remains one of the most influential and high-profile music festivals, attracting both legendary acts and emerging talent. These backstage interviews provide fans with a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the festival experience and insights into the artists' creative journeys, offering a deeper understanding of the festival's enduring cultural significance.

The details

KROQ reporters spoke with a range of artists backstage at Coachella 2026, including electronic music icon Fatboy Slim, new wave pioneers DEVO, rising indie rock band Royel Otis, pop punk group Joyce Manor, post-punk stalwarts Interpol, hardcore legends Black Flag, and up-and-coming emo outfit Hot Mulligan. The interviews covered topics such as the artists' festival experiences, creative processes, cultural impact, and plans for new music.

  • Coachella 2026 took place in April 2026.

The players

Fatboy Slim

A pioneering English DJ and record producer who helped define the big beat electronic music genre and has been a regular performer at Coachella since its early years.

DEVO

An American new wave band formed in the 1970s, known for their satirical take on modern society and their iconic energy dome hats.

Royel Otis

A rising indie rock band making their Coachella debut in 2026.

Joyce Manor

A California-based pop punk group returning to Coachella after a 10-year absence.

Interpol

A veteran post-punk band known for their atmospheric sound and brooding lyrics.

Black Flag

A pioneering hardcore punk band that helped define the genre in the 1980s, now with a new lead singer.

Hot Mulligan

An up-and-coming emo/pop punk band making their Coachella debut.

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What they’re saying

“I'm like the crazy old uncle who keeps coming back to check on the kids at Coachella. It's amazing to see how the festival has evolved over the years.”

— Fatboy Slim

“Festivals like Coachella are the perfect place for us to connect with both longtime fans and new generations discovering our music.”

— Gerald Casale, Member of DEVO

“Playing Coachella for the first time was a surreal experience. We're just soaking it all in and can't wait to see what the future holds.”

— Royel Otis, Lead singer of Royel Otis

“It's been 10 years since we last played Coachella, and it's amazing to see both familiar and new faces in the crowd. We're excited to be back.”

— Barry Johnson, Lead singer of Joyce Manor

“I've got a hip-hop playlist I listen to before every show to get pumped up. Gotta keep the energy high for the Coachella crowd.”

— Paul Banks, Lead singer of Interpol

The takeaway

Coachella continues to be a premier destination for both established and up-and-coming musical acts, offering a platform for artists to connect with fans, showcase their creativity, and cement their cultural legacy. The diverse lineup of performers backstage at the 2026 festival underscores the event's enduring appeal and ability to bring together a wide range of musical genres and generations.