Reggie Watts Says Coachella Has Lost Its Soul

In a recent interview that’s stirred both nostalgia and debate, musician and comedian Reggie Watts didn’t hold back when asked about the current state of Coachella.

Once seen as a mecca for musical discovery and cultural expression, the iconic desert festival has, in Watts’ eyes, traded its spirit for spectacle.

“Coachella used to be about music and connection,” Watts said. “Now it feels more like a branded photo op.”

Watts, known for his improvisational genius and genre-bending performances, has long championed authenticity in the music world.

His critique isn’t just a swipe at the festival—it’s a reflection of a broader conversation happening across the music industry. As festivals grow into billion-dollar enterprises, some artists and fans alike are questioning what’s being left behind.

Coachella’s transformation over the years is undeniable. What began in 1999 as a relatively low-key gathering for alternative and indie acts has ballooned into a polished, influencer-studded mega-event. Think less Radiohead and Rage Against the Machine, more luxury VIP lounges and branded content.

Watts’ comments tap into a collective sentiment among longtime festivalgoers who remember a different Coachella—one where music discovery was the priority, not the selfie angle.

He’s not alone. Other artists have voiced similar concerns, lamenting the lack of spontaneity and risk-taking in today’s festival culture.

There’s no denying the level of production and star power Coachella brings in today. Beyoncé’s 2018 headlining set (“Beychella”) set a new bar for live performance.

This year, however, many critics argue that the lineups feel more curated by algorithm than artistry.

Watts suggests that the saturation of commercial interests has made it harder for experimental or genre-defying acts to break through. “It’s all about what’s trending now,” he said. “The soul of the thing gets lost in that noise.”

Whether or not you agree with Watts, his critique raises important questions about the evolution of music festivals. Can events like Coachella still serve as platforms for innovation, or are they destined to remain glossy showcases for big-name brands and even bigger headliners?

As the music scene continues to shift and younger generations carve out new spaces—both online and off—it remains to be seen if Coachella will evolve again. Maybe, just maybe, it can find a way back to its roots.

For now, though, Reggie Watts’ message is clear: sometimes the biggest stage in the desert isn’t the one that matters most.