Remix publisher Tim Phin gets crazy in LA for Coachella!

I’ve just recently returned from a wicked long weekend in LA – after what could have turned into a travel disaster story due to that whole eruption disruption. I was supposed to be heading over to Sweden for a couple of weeks, but the day my flight was scheduled to go was the very first day that Icelandic volcano Mt Eyjafjallajokull erupted, closing the entire northern European airspace. However, I had a stopover in LA en route so I went ahead anyway, expecting to be able to continue on to Europe as scheduled - but we ended up having to cancel the European leg of the trip and hang out in LA for a few days longer. Despite the stress of not knowing what was going to happen, Air New Zealand were more than helpful and made my trip possible at a time when every airline was having major issues. Nothing anyone could do about it - it’s an Act Of God!

So, here’s a brief rundown on my epic long weekend in LA – City of Angels.

Day 1

I’m finally sitting in the Air New Zealand Koru Lounge. I’m flying business class with Air NZ for the first time too – the only way to do long haul apparently! Flat bed, movies, fine food by top chefs here we come!

I arrived feeling super fresh and relaxed after a good sleep and great food. When you get to LA the only way around is by car. I figure when in the States do as the locals do – I rent a Hummer H3, it’s been discontinued so there are very few of them nowadays. “Hybrid” is the buzz word here. Driving on the other side of the road takes a little bit of getting used to but pretty soon I was all over it.

I’m staying at a hotel In Beverly Hills which has a pool bar on the roof and seems to be full of semi-celebs. Coachella is on this weekend and the Gorillaz are staying at the hotel. Celeb-spotting is a given when you’re in LA.

My LA friends have text to convince me to come out to Coachella, the massive three day music festival out in the Palm Springs desert with 100,000 people and 150 bands performing. It’s headlined by Jay-Z who is ‘so hot right now’. It’s also sold out and I can’t get any tickets! Scalpers are trying to sell them off at US$600 a pop!

I take the 2.5 hours drive out to the Springs anyway. Turns out the real parties are at private ranches and houses that people are staying at. I’m invited to a couple of “brand” parties – Lacoste has put on an event at a Polo club right next to Coachella. Very Lacoste, there’s a pool full of inflatable crocodiles and an open bar which we like very much!

The party to be tonight is at the Oasis – a ranch with a joint party put on by Blackberry, Guess Clothing, and Heineken. It is mental!! 1000 people, with a mix of celebs, Hollywood industry folks - and a kiwi called Tim.  David Guetta’s here with Will.I.Am from Black Eye Peas DJing and performing live, just casually…

The party finishes up at 5am and it’s a limo back to the hotel for more partying before sleep.

Day 2

Today I thought I really should finally check out Coachella before heading back to LA city. Leaving on Monday so I need to make the most of it…

See the June 15^th edition of REMIX for the full story and our picks of LA’s hotspots.

Get over to LA on Air New Zealand! Check our their special LA deals here.