Marauders' Most Anticipated: Desert Daze X

Photo courtesy of Desert Daze
MARAUDERS’ MOST ANTICIPATED: DESERT DAZE X
IF YOU’RE ATTENDING, YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT THESE SETS!
In 2018, my partner Paige and I were in line for the amazing lineup that was Desert Daze. Featuring some of my favorites like Slowdive, Death Grips, and My Bloody Valentine, the real prize for me was Tame Impala headlining the first night of the three day festival. Being one of my favorite bands, it was going to be a great experience being in the desert near the beautiful Lake Perris surrounded by fans of the new age psychedelic artists. Sadly, the night was cut short due to storming and lighting, so that ended our first Desert Daze. Now, four years and two lineups later, we are making our way back to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the fest, and we couldn’t be more honored!
This year boasts previous headliners King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard along with dream pop duo Beach House, but like in 2018, the greatest prize is Tame Impala once again headlining but with a treat: they are performing Lonerism in its entirety for the first time. This is something I have only dreamt about with many bands deciding to give their past works their day and playing them for fans. MMC* is also partnering with the festival to provide some surprise gifts for certain artists and fans alike. We cannot wait to experience the festival for the first time along with presenting our featured gifts. You can purchase tickets and get more info here!
Photo courtesy of Desert Daze
Here’s MMC*’s 5 most anticipated sets from each day:
SEPTEMBER 30
Sky Ferreira - Since I discovered alt pop star Sky Ferreira’s breakout LP Night Time, My Time, she has been one of my favorite artists to look forward to. Unfortunately, it’s been a long time coming for new music, so I went backwards into her previous discography, gathering B-sides and early songs like “Lost In My Bedroom” and “Red Lips.” However, Ferreira has been teasing her long awaited followup and even has a great single out. Needless to say, it’s one of the sets we are most amped for, and hopefully new songs are debuted!
Men I Trust - The lovely music made by Emmanuelle Proulx, Jessy Caron, and Dragos Chiriac is not to be missed. We are hoping their set takes place towards the end of the night, so the lighting can compliment the tunes in the best way possible. Having seen Emma and co. perform a few times before, we’re happy to catch them again on a grander scale!
Cortex - Mythical legendary French funk/jazz band Cortex are making a rare appearance at Desert Daze. Sampled by rap icons MF DOOM, Fat Joe, and Lupe Fiasco, the band shouldn’t only be celebrated for their features but for making great and unique jazz tracks. See that for yourself when they take the stage Friday night.
John Carroll Kirby - MMC* caught gifted multi-instrumentalist John Carroll Kirby at an intimate opening with Kacy Hill last year in LA. His playing transports you to a calmness that many of us can’t or refuse to find in life, and with all his credits working with giants like Mac Demarco, Eddie Chacon, and Steve Lacy, it’s only natural to be intrigued as to why so many artists want to work with him. Watch his set and you’ll find your answer.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - With over 20 albums in their discography and their ability to play three hour long shows, it’s great to have previous headliners back to celebrate the fest’s 10 year anniversary. RATTLESNAKE.
John Carroll Kirby by Jacob Alvarez
OCTOBER 1
Shame - The South London post-punk band remains a hit live act, with MMC* catching them twice before. From frontman Charlie Steen’s righteous antics and crowdsurfing while whaling into the mic, to bassist Josh Finerty running back and forth on stage, trying to complete front flips in the process; Shame are undoubtedly one of the UK’s best bands of the last few years, and they have new songs to try out as well.
Show Me The Body - The hardcore NY band will be sure to get anyone’s attention, from being in the actual crowd to passing by the stage debating on whether to jump into the pit or not. With singer Julian Cashwan Pratt’s vocals backed by aggressive drum patterns and hip hop influences, you’ll definitely opt for the pit.
Black Country, New Road - With the sad revelation of singer Isaac Wood departing, the band is playing completely new material along with some covers out of respect. Their first two albums are impeccable, balancing fragility with chaos, so we are eager to listen to what their set has to offer.
Surfbort - Singer Dani Miller’s stage antics and hectic combinations of clothing, makeup, and vocals have graced the band with Gucci ads and praise of heavyweights like Blondie, Interpol, and Idles. This punk band also from NY are going to be legends one day.
Tame Impala - Lonerism in its entirety.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
JJUUJJUU - The man behind the fest pulls double duty as show runner and performer, plus he brings the psychedelia with his SG guitar and memory man.
Hamilton Morris - Hamilton Morris of Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia is hosting a special screening of his show along with a Q+A that not many fans of his work get to exerpiecne. Lucky for you, Desert Daze has you covered so bring your best knowledge of mushrooms to Friday night’s showing. We’ll definitely be there.
OCTOBER 2
The Marías - A favorite of MMC*, The Marías blend RnB with alternative rock along with Spanish influence. With their debut album released to glorious praise by critics and fans alike, their performances follow suit with Jesse Perlman on guitar, Edward James on keys, Josh Conway on drums, and of course, María on vocals, they command the stage with cinematic elegance. A cannot miss spectacle.
JPEGMAFIA - One word to describe Peggy’s set is intensity. He plays in the crowd, comes up close to the photographers capturing his performance, and if asked, will transfer spit to those who consent to it. Damn Peggy.
BadBadNotGood - MMC* has been waiting to catch this group of jazz makers since we had tickets a month before the pandemic set in. We can’t wait to dive into their long plays and maybe a few guests will swing by for their collaborative tracks.
Fuzz - Ty Segall is your favorite artist’s favorite artist. A performer of the people, he throws everything into his shows and is sure to get the mosh pits going. With albums II and III under their belts, Fuzz will fire on all cylinders as more than just a great warm-up for Iggy Pop later. Hopefully they perform right before his set.
Beach House - The Godfather of Punk will definitely be missed this year but he promises to return once again to the lake. Beach House is a great sub in my opinion, as their shows feature unique lighting choices paired with expansive soundscapes that are truly perfect for a Desert Daze soundtrack.
The Marías by Jacob Alvarez
Jacob Alvarez