Grammy-Nominated DJ Kaskade Makes Return to Coachella Weekend 2

Yahoo

15-04-2025

Grammy-nominated DJ Kaskade is making a highly-anticipated return to arguably the most popular music festival of the year. His return will take place at Coachella weekend two on Saturday, April 19. He will perform alongside actor and DJ Idris Elba, known as IDRIS in a special back-to-back set.Both artists have performed solo sets, but this year marks a new collaboration between the artists. With the aim of pushing creative boundaries, the duo is coming together to reshape their live performances during this exclusive, one-of-a-kind set. Ahead of his return, hear from Kaskade himself about this upcoming performance and what listeners can expect this weekend.
1. This year, you're returning to Coachella for a special b2b set with IDRIS at the Quasar Stage. What drew you to this collaboration, and how did it come together?
I really wanted to get out of the predictability box. I reached out to a lot of people, asking who the ideal person for me to b2b with would be, but there were so many answers that echoed what I've done in the past. That's a huge compliment but I'm looking with my eyes forward. When we were bouncing ideas around, IDRIS' team reached out for something unrelated, and the stars aligned. He's a big player in this space, in a different way than me, and that felt exciting to explore.
2. How would you describe the creative chemistry between you and IDRIS? What sets this b2b apart from previous collaborations you've done?
I've been impressed with how IDRIS steps out of his own shadow when he plays. There's a tough obstacle to overcome when you have a level of notoriety in a different field, people may assume you're only getting gigs because of that clout. That's not the case with him. Getting together we speak the same exact language, with different dialects. That is both figurative and literal.
3. What can fans expect from your set at the Quasar Stage? Any surprises in store?
Don't expect anything. I want my fans to show up ready for some things they've never heard from me. Expectations would limit that - waiting to hear the favorites. They may or may not make an appearance but the best way to enjoy this set would be to find your spot on the dance floor and explore whatever happens next.
4. Coachella introduced the Quasar Stage last year as a new immersive dance experience. What are your thoughts on the vibe and energy of that stage, and how do you think it compares to other areas on the festival grounds?
Quasar Stage is a very welcome, experience-heavy, music-centered environment. I think the feeling there is more underground 90's coded warehouse vibes but updated with 2025 visuals. The longer format really is ideal for DJ's like me, who used to do 4 or 5 hour sets back in the day.
5. Last year, you did a surprise b2b set with Alison Wonderland at the Do Lab Stage. What do you enjoy most about back-to-back sets, and how does that format challenge or inspire you creatively?
Playing b2b with anyone requires a lot more flexibility and agility than a single player set. I guess it's a little like playing a 2-player video game vs. one-player. Both are amazing and both are challenging. I think the challenge is to complement what's happening with the other person rather than compete. There's a mood there that can be created with the input of both people that otherwise would be completely different. I also think the audience enjoys watching the interaction.
6. You've played Coachella many times over the years. Do you have a standout memory from a past performance that still sticks with you?
When I played in 2015 I had the largest main stage crowd gathered up to that point in history. I was kicking off my Automatic Tour and that was the maiden voyage. Coachella was baptism by fire - this set, the songs, none of it had been road tested. Then when I saw the size of the crowd, I literally could not see where it ended - it was a flashpoint for me. I knew that I'd remember that feeling forever.
7. You made a surprise appearance at the Pacific Palisades community block party a few weeks back. What inspired you to pop in, and what does being part of the Palisades community mean to you?
I am a member of that community, that is my home. There's no world where I wouldn't jump in to help if asked. Playing music is an easy ask to help raise my community's spirits.
8. How does it feel to be performing at one of the biggest music festivals in the world while also staying so connected to your local roots here in L.A.?
It feels normal. My life in this industry has never been the sum of my life outside of the industry. On a given Saturday, I might be arranging things in my garage or surfing - maybe both. I love the world I work in and the world I don't work in. Just like anyone, I weave in and out of both.
Watch Kaskade and DJ IDRIS take the stage at 8 p.m. this Saturday. Tickets are available for purchase here.