F L A U N T
Every year, Do LaB welcomes a new thrilling lineup with surprise sets each night at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festical. As we say goodbye to our desert memories, let's see what our favorite Do LaB artist's have to say about this season's festivities.
Julian McCarthy—aka MCR-T—is a genre-bending musician who refuses to stay within the confines set by the music industry. Fusing raw energy with a wild cocktail of heavy metal, rap, and techno, MCR-T channels his German, American, and Jamaican roots into every DJ set. His latest album, NOT THE SAME ≠ (Deluxe), is a musical rollercoaster, merging Miami bass, ghettotech, and hard techno, all encompassed in a glitzy 80’s pop wrapper.
First concert you ever went to?
All right, first first concert I ever went to. I don't remember which came first, but it's pretty much one of the only two concerts I've ever been to like this where I bought tickets. It was either deadmau5 or Odd Future, both in 2012. I don't remember which came first, but it was one of those two.
Is it better to speak or to die? Explain.
It's always better to speak, because you're still going to die if you speak. But if you die, you're just gonna die. And then nobody, nothing matters. So at least take, you know, the half glass full type of life. Take a chance, take a gamble, speak, make yourself known. And you know, maybe you don't have to die then.
Biggest career milestone?
One of the biggest milestones in my career has definitely been being here [at Coachella], along with playing my first show to a 10,000-person crowd in Belgium.
Yeah, because, you know, I didn't get a cosign or shit handed to me at any point. I'm here because I did this, so yo, these moments really matter. I can't say which one. Yeah, there's so many.
Who has been your biggest musical influence thus far?
It's a clusterf*ck of everything, Odd Future, Tyler The Creator, around the storytelling, everything around West Coast rap, RBL Posse, Eazy E, NWA, and specifically Easy E. Then anything like from down south, from home state, Florida, Memphis music. Yeah, that's the biggest influence. And then obviously, also, man, it's so fucking much. German, like German electro people like Boys Noize or The Hacker or Miss Kitten. There's too much a name.
Any favorite festival memories?
Any favorite festival memories? Yo, for one, just like existing at Fusion Festival in Germany for all the folks out here. If you ever get the chance to go to a festival that is truly free and unregulated by police and conventional laws, come to Fusion Festival.
It's one of a kind, has over a 30 year heritage, countless memories of just existing on this military airfield and stuff. Endless nights. Yeah, that's pretty much my whole teens from like 17, 18, 19, 20. Just fun times at one of the 30 floors out there.
LA-born and raised, Sophia Ziskin, who uses the stage name FIFI, is pushing the momentum of her music career on and off the stage. Known for pushing the boundaries of electric pop and vibrant house music, FIFI is an ever-evolving artist. Now releasing her own music, including the recently released single, Ima go down, FIFI’s styles are heavily influenced by reggaeton and afrobeats, as well as her French-Algerian roots.
2016 or 2026 and why?
2026 cause I’m present and I like to keep it pushing.
First time you fell in love with a crowd, and most recent time?
Dublin was a heartwarming experience. The most electric audience, and everyone was really looking after each other.
Where / how do you find new music?
My favorite way is digging in record shops, especially in foreign places. Nothing better. Also asking locals especially taxi drivers, if you’re ever in a different country and want to know about old club music.
Any favorite festival memories?
FORM festival, which is one of my managers/dear friends' festivals. Truly a life-changing weekend for me. There’s nothing like it, I highly encourage you to do some research on Arcosanti, Arizona. Peak place to listen to music. Also, no overlapping sets, so you can truly enjoy everything and not be in a constant rush!
Anfisa Letyago is a Naples-based DJ and producer whose musical style is defined by groovy techno beats and melodic electronic pop. With a history in the Italian club scene in the early 2000s, Anfisa Letyago pulls inspiration from her adoration of the sea and nature’s elements, creating atmospheres influenced by color and energy that resonate with her listeners. Her latest album, In My Arms (Remixes), incorporates organic tempos and hypnotic house sounds, harnessing Anfisa Letyago’s euphonious rhythm.
First concert you ever went to?
The first concert I attended was 'Le Vibrazioni,' an Italian pop-rock band.
Where do you feel music in your body the most?
I feel the music in my entire body; I believe it has been a part of me since I was born. Music is like an organ for me, just like the heart, the brain, or the lungs.
Biggest career milestone?
Certainly, my collaboration with Moby on our song 'You & Me' has been one of the most beautiful and unforgettable experiences of my life.
2016 or 2026 and why?
It depends. In terms of vibes, 2016 definitely had something more magical because mobile phones weren't as widespread as they are today, so people were much more focused on the music and real life at that time. On a personal level, 2026 is very important for me because it is the year when I deeply feel my rebirth!
Who has been your biggest musical influence thus far?
My musical influences come from the 90s: Aphex Twin, Björk, Jeff Mills, Moby - certainly, all the visionaries of electronic music fascinate me because they had the courage to experiment and elevate our scene to the next level.
Who’s an up-and-coming artist you’ve been noticing?
Yes, in fact, I meet many local and emerging artists at all the festivals and clubs where I perform around the world. I always arrive early to have the opportunity to hear them, and I never leave right after my set; I try to stay and listen to the artist playing before me. There are so many talents out there, but if I had to name one, it would definitely be Unfinished Portraits - he's an Argentine live act artist.
Rising artist, Jackie Hollander, is a self-taught DJ and producer best known for the genre-blending and dynamic approaches in her work. Originating from San Francisco and spending her college years in Los Angeles, Jackie Hollander has emerged into the electronic club and rave scene, as she continues to sell out venues. Her latest single, High On You conveys dark and captivating tones with percussive and modern techno.
First time you fell in love with a crowd, and most recent time?
The first time was when I played in Bristol, UK with Gorgon City. No one was on their phone and it was such a beautiful moment. Also, the most recent time was at Coachella, I cannot believe how packed the stage was so early for me and everyone screaming the words to my songs. It made me so unbelievably happy!!
Where do you feel music in your body the most?
Definitely in my stomach, whenever I hear a song I love it gives me butterflies!
Biggest career milestone?
Either selling out Sound Nightclub in LA, selling out my first headline at Austin’s Concourse Project, or playing Coachella and packing out my set at 3pm :)
Who has been your biggest musical influence thus far?
John Summit, Mau P, Peggy Gou, and Gorgon City
Biggest Coachella Do’s and Don’t’s ?
Do’s: go with the flow, discover new artists, go to afterparties
Don’t: get too stuck on a schedule, miss out on trying the food!!
At the crossroads of house and techno music is Swiss-French DJ and Producer, Deer Jade, known for her vibrant, high-profile remixes and a constant blend of musical genres. Her record label, I AM YOU, reflects the curiosity and emotional connections inscribed in her music. Fostering community and connection, Deer Jade’s style extends beyond the monotony into a melodic and heartening experience.
First time you fell in love with a crowd, and most recent time?
Playing in the Gardens of Babylon in Amsterdam for the first time, unforgettable memory! Most recent time was just now at Coachella, what an insane energy the crowd has!!!
Where do you feel music in your body the most?
In my heart - I feel like music opens it and expands it, every time to greater depths of unconditional love!
Who’s your dream B2B and why?
Solomun and Laurent Garnier - for their incredible devotion to music and great range of expression.
Who has been your biggest musical influence thus far?
I grew up listening to Bob Marley, Manu Chao and Jimi Hendrix - Somehow their music really hits home in my heart! For electronic music I’m a huge fan of Polo and Pan as well as Rampue.
Who’s an up-and-coming artist you’ve been noticing?
EMJIE is a rising star coming from Belgium. She’s an incredible producer and DJ, she just released an EP on my label I AM YOU and played our last showcase in NYC. Great talent to watch!!!
Biggest Coachella Do’s and Don’t’s ?
Don’t : Spend your time backstage, just talking or taking photos.
Do: Leave your phone behind, completely surrender to the music and dance like nobody’s watching!
Where / how do you find new music?
Friends send me their new music - I listen to tons of promos DJs send, plus tons of sets on soundcloud - new mixes, old mixes.. I dig on Beatport, Bandcamp, Juno… My ear is always out wherever I am, out dancing at a festival or in a random coffee shop, maybe an interesting track comes up that sparks new ideas :)) Finding new music to me is like a life style, a way of living, it’s a part of me each and every day, like a continuous process that never ends.
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