WEEK 1
Tourists: Tourists is an anthemic pop punk band formed in 2021 by Nick Galvan, Billy Gargan, and Zach Rivizzigno. Nick wrote the lyrics and backbone to their first album, while Billy and Zach added their flare to the bass and lead guitar parts respectively. The group took off after meeting Xavier Ocegueda and adding him to the band's roster in the summer of 2022. The band quickly began regularly playing gigs throughout the Coachella Valley, as well as the high desert in Joshua Tree.
Tourists' music is reminiscent of early 2000's indie rock, as well as J-rock and math rock. They take inspiration from bands like The Killers, Chon, The Pillows, and Deftones. The band plans to release their debut studio mastered album in the summer of 2024.
Salton City Surf Club: Salton City Surf Club is a surf punk band based out of the depths of the Salton Sea in California. The band is just as unconventional as the mutating and toxic Salton Sea that once was home to thousands of tourists, as the group explores a number of different surf genres, from rock, to indie, to new-wave, while keeping a light-hearted and fun approach. The band’s live shows are fun and engaging for every audience member, from the cartoonish demeanor of the group to the oceanic shifts in sound.
Jetta King: Jetta King is an alt-rock powerhouse from Palm Desert, California, blending raw energy with infectious melodies. Known for their dynamic stage presence and anthemic sound, the band weaves together epic guitar/violin solos, BOLD vocals, and heartwrenching lyrics that hit like a desert storm. Drawing inspiration from both classical and modern alternative, they create a sound that's both fierce and heartfelt. With their electrifying performances and undeniable chemistry, Jetta King is poised to make waves far beyond the desert.
WEEK 2
Empty Seat: Empty Seat is a bulletproof band that has persevered through the So Cal Rock scene since 2002. The foursome, led by fiery lead vocalist Erin ‘RED’ Marie, cut their teeth playing the Punk and Rockabilly scene of “Gateway City’ Whittier, California. They gained recognition in the punk and rockabilly scenes, playing alongside legends like Slim Jim Phantom and Lee Rocker of The Stray Cats. After taking a break in 2008, they re-emerged in 2018 in the Coachella Valley, winning multiple Coachella Valley Music Awards, including ‘Best Alternative Band’ and ‘Best Song.’ Their hit single "Rise" features Cherie Currie of The Runaways, and their music has been featured on SiriusXM and local radio stations. Empty Seat consists of Erin Marie on vocals, Anthony Ferrer on guitar, Rickey Villalobos on drums and Matt King on bass. The band has reestablished themselves in the mythical High Desert and are consistently working on new tunes.
Patient Amy: Patient Amy has quickly been making a name for themselves as a nostalgic journey of raw emotion and powerful melodies. Their commitment to their craft is evident in their debut album “Something That I Can’t Erase” which is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Whitewater: Hailing from the deserts of Southern California, "Whitewater" is an alternative rock group with a distinct and visceral sound. Influenced by bands such as Soundgarden, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana the band is willing to cross boundaries and venture into soundscapes both vintage and new. Dedicated and prolific, big things are on the horizon for this fresh desert rock outfit.
WEEK 3
Optical Blindness: We are Optical Blindness and we come from Beaumont California. We play grunge/alternative rock style music. Our goal is to help people feel that they aren't alone in this cruel world. All our songs have a message behind them about honest life experiences that people go through.
Basson: Introducing the desert’s hidden gem, BASSON, an all original, classical rock style band, with 3 highly acclaimed albums released around the globe. Instead of competing against currently leading trends in rock music, Basson stands out by recreating a musical atmosphere of an era that only could be experienced by listening to 30+ years old recordings and it’s increasingly hard to find newly released music that gives you that same vibe. Originally intended for older audiences, surprisingly Basson has gained a sizable (and growing) group of younger followers as well.