Seraphina Lotkhamnga on April 15th, 2015

0

Who: The Weeknd on the Main Stage
In 3 or Fewer Words: One-note show.
Memorable Because: When Abel Tesfaye — aka The Weeknd – made his live debut at Coachella in 2012, the lack of rehearsal with his band combined with his nerves made for a muddled mess melodic-wise. He was an obscure alt-R&B artist back then and the buzz saved him. Flash forward three years later, Tesfaye has two radio hits under his belt — “Love Me Harder,” his duet with Ariana Grande and “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)” off the “Fifty Shades of Grey” original motion soundtrack — his label finally backed him enough with promo and press that he was able to nab a headlining spot at the festival. (The use of “headliner” is debatable here since he followed Jack White on the bill.) This time around, he ditched a live band and opted for a slick barrier of lights behind him, as hip hop and R&B acts often do. His vocals were still butter smooth as ever and he undoubtedly tried to work his charm with the crowd (“Can I get sexy for you Coachella?”), but with his pacing on stage and a set list that was a bit too mellow, there was no sonic climax depsite the sensual delivery.
What I’d Tell My Friend Who Was At Axwell É… Ingrosso: I’m sure you were at least entertained by the light show. — S.L.