KATSEYE Inspired by Beyoncé for Coachella Debut Without Manon

The pop group discusses their upcoming festival performance, new single 'Pinky Up,' and the temporary hiatus of member Manon Bannerman.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:53pm

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An abstract close-up image featuring a textured, glittering surface of sequins and shattered disco ball fragments, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to convey the glamour and energy of a major music festival performance.KATSEYE's Coachella debut promises to be a dazzling, high-energy spectacle drawing inspiration from the festival's most iconic headliners.Indio Today

The pop group KATSEYE is preparing to make their debut at the Coachella Festival in Indio, California on Friday, April 10. In a new interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, the group members discussed how they are heavily inspired by Beyoncé's iconic Coachella performance, and how they want their show to be a 'circus' with constant excitement for the audience. The group also talked about the release of their new single 'Pinky Up,' which is their first not to feature on-hiatus member Manon Bannerman. The band members expressed their love and support for Bannerman as she focuses on her health and well-being.

Why it matters

KATSEYE's Coachella debut is a major milestone for the rising pop group, and their comments about drawing inspiration from Beyoncé's legendary 2018 Coachella set highlight their ambition to put on a visually stunning and high-energy performance. The absence of Manon Bannerman, a founding member, also adds an interesting dynamic as the group navigates this new chapter.

The details

In the interview, KATSEYE member Lara Raj said the group is 'heavily inspired by Beyoncé at Coachella' and wants their performance to be a 'circus' with constant excitement for the audience. The group's new single 'Pinky Up' is also influencing the outfits and set design for the Coachella show. The band members discussed the challenges of preparing for the performance in just two weeks, as well as their excitement to debut the new song live.

  • KATSEYE will make their Coachella debut on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • The group's new single 'Pinky Up' was released on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the day before their Coachella performance.

The players

KATSEYE

A rising pop group preparing to make their debut at the Coachella Festival.

Manon Bannerman

A founding member of KATSEYE who is currently on a temporary hiatus to focus on her health and well-being.

Lara Raj

A member of KATSEYE who discussed the group's Coachella inspiration and preparation in the interview.

Sophia Laforteza

A member of KATSEYE who talked about the group's restless energy and desire to make an impact with their music.

Daniela Avanzini

A member of KATSEYE who expressed excitement about performing their new single 'Pinky Up' live for the first time at Coachella.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like we're heavily inspired by Beyoncé at Coachella. I mean, the most iconic. We are so inspired by the 2000s and how the showmanship of those artists were so valued, and to have shows that were so maximal and so many things going on. I think that's something we really want to carry. We want it to be a circus; people are watching and they're constantly excited by something that's going on. That's definitely a big inspiration.”

— Lara Raj, KATSEYE member

“Manon has been on hiatus and we love her so much and we know that she's doing well. You know, she got to talk to the fans about it and we're just really excited and we're really just rooting for all of us, like each other. You know, we've gone through so much with each other.”

— Sophia Laforteza, KATSEYE member

“I think we also want to say like she's our sister forever. You know what I mean? Like we love her so much and we built this together. So we just want to give her all the space and love she needs right now.”

— Lara Raj, KATSEYE member

What’s next

KATSEYE will also take the stage at the second weekend of Coachella on April 17, 2026.

The takeaway

KATSEYE's Coachella debut without founding member Manon Bannerman showcases the group's ambition to put on a visually stunning and high-energy performance inspired by iconic acts like Beyoncé. The band's support and love for Bannerman during her temporary hiatus highlights the close-knit bond within the group.