By Amanda DK

Photo Credit: Dylan Bell

It’s no big secret that artists need to have solid live show to be successful. Similarly, it’s always a disappointment when a great album does not translate to a dynamic live show.Los Angeles quintet Vanaprasta does not have that issue.  For the past few years the band has built a strong reputation almost entirely by their larger than life stage presence. They are a fixture on the music scene here, turning heads at the Sunset Strip Music Festival in 2010 and impressing audiences at their Satellite residency this past November. Nor are they strangers to the national arena; Vanaprasta made waves at this year’s CMJ Festival and have played at least a couple shows at every SXSW since 2009, really taking the festival by storm in 2011 with a total of eight shows during their time in Austin.
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by Mitch Campbell

Cadillac Ranch outside Amarillo, TX

Most of us can still remember those days when we were young tots (tadpoles!) buckling up for the seven-hour nightmare of a drive with our family and any mysterious body odors they chose to bring along with them.  Sure, road trips can be miserable…  if you want them to.  But that was not the case in my recent criss-crossing of this country from LA to NYC.  I strapped on an optimistic, eager attitude towards some good-ol’-Lewis-and-Clark-style exploration and packed up my VW Jetta (she’s my lil’ Sacagawea) with one personal challenge in mind:  to conquer the southern United States by simply driving through it.  Ambitious, I know, but that’s how old-school explorers operate.  So without further ado, I hereby claim this Tadpole Audio guest mixtape mine in the name of music-loving travelers everywhere!

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One of the most defining characteristics about Coachella is that it takes place in the desert.  There is absolutely no shade, save for what’s created by tents or various giant sculptures, so the sun beats down hard, making the already hot climate almost unbearable.  Loose, light clothing is uniform and the key accessories that will save your trip are a water bottle, sunblock and chapstick (I promise you one of the worst parts of your body to get sunburned are your lips).

For some great tips and logistics in a nutshell, check out KROQ “Locals Only” DJ Kat Corbett’s Web In Front piece this week “Surviving Coachella”

And Classical Geek Theatre’s “Coachella Survival Tips!”

The weather also plays a big role in setting the tone of the festival – warm, lazy, relaxed and a bit sweaty.  Just like the tunes below.

Coachella 2010: Desert Heat by TAtunes

When and where to feel the heat…

The Specials – Fri April 16, Coachella Stage @ 6:20pm

Fever Ray – Fri April 16, Mojave Tent @ 11:10pm

Bad Lieutenant – Sat April 17, Gobi Tent @ 8:15pm

Flying Lotus – Sat April 17, Gobi Tent @ 10:45pm

Pretty Lights – Fri April 16, Sahara Tent @ 7:50pm

Portugal. The Man – Sat April 17, Gobi Tent @ 2:15pm

Pavement – Sun Apr 18, Coachella Stage @ 7:45pm

Local Natives – Sun Apr 18, Gobi Tent @ 2:10pm

The Soft Pack – Sun Apr 18, Mojave Tent @ 12:55pm

Jets Overhead – Fri Apr 16, Mojave Tent @ 1:00pm

And because I want to be Zooey Deschanel when I grow up…

Performing Fri April 16 on the Outdoor Stage @ 5:45pm