Calling all evolved Earthlings! It’s almost time to meet in the Valley of the Unbroken Horizon (aka, Moreno Beach in Perris, California) for yet another transcendent experience at Desert Daze — one of the last true music festivals left on this planet.
Originating over a decade ago, Desert Daze is an annual get-together of like-minded artists and observers.
And its authenticity to its craft is zero to none. From the festival’s aesthetics to its expressionistic performers, wellness ceremonies, and beyond, Desert Daze is a retreat of the soul more than a hodgepodge of all things vapid and spectacle. Its humble nature, incredible installations, and out-of-this-world talent is reminiscent of the early Coachella years — ones long since lost to the Top 40 dark side. If only all festivals can remain this pure.
And the 2024 installment is anything but disappointing. Revealed today, Desert Daze 2024 is returning to its lakeside home this October 10th through the 13th (read: four days in an oasis of community, camping, and creativity) with a lineup almost too good to be true. Guitar god Jack White is posited at the top, while shoegaze pioneers Cigarettes After Sex, rising alt name Alex G, the REUNITED prog rockers The Mars Volta, and the mind-bending bass performance of Thundercat support. Sticking to its anti-mainstream, yet A-list ethos, Desert Daze calls forth leaders in indie/alt, darkwave, hip hop, hyperpop, psych rock, and even stoner/doom metal genres, featuring the likes of Fleet Foxes, 100 Gecs, Sleep, Liz Phair, De La Soul, Marc Rebillet, Molchat Doma, The Kills, Beach Fossils, DIIV… it’s too many to list!
Even the lesser known names are insanely entertaining. Take for instance the thrilling all-female garage punk rock band Otoboke Beaver from Kyoto, self-described as a “wild, raging knockout”. Like more of a chill vibe? Go from “’93 to Infinity” with Souls of Mischief or nod your head to the steady darkwave beats of Drab Majesty.
If you’re seeking the weird, the wild, or the whatever, Desert Daze 2024 is destined to deliver.
Seriously, it’s not just music awaiting you in the Daze-rt. A lengthy list of projection artists, deejays, and large-scale installation architects have been announced, as well as this year’s “In The Desert” area, brought to you by Los Angeles-based venue, recording studio, and hotel, Gold Diggers. This curated tent will host a myriad of icons and artists, from Chicago’s jazz drummer, composer, and producer Makaya McCraven to skateboarding legend Tommy Guerrero. Late night programming is always available at the returning Outer Space area; also coming back for 2024 is The Sanctuary, curated by Cristopher Cichocki. Plus, LA label and promoter Jazz Is Dead will have a whole slew of their artists in the spotlight, including Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas, and co-founder Adrian Younge.
From a Thursday night welcoming committee to remote midnight messages, talks, screenings, and special appearances, this transmission is overwhelmingly in a music-lover’s favor. Tickets and weekend passes are on sale now — and make sure to grab your camping pass while you’re there! For more information, visit the links below and see you in the physical realm this October.
**UPDATE: As of August 30th, Desert Daze 2024 is officially canceled. Per the festival’s website, ticketholders will be refunded in full. Hopefully, some of this kickass lineup will carry over to 2025.
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