Poolside has been the soundtrack to many a party and summer drive throughout the years. As architects of their own brand of sun-drenched indie-pop, the band continues to evolve and inspire as evident with their latest releases “Looking Backwards” and “What’s On Your Mind”. With a special DJ set at Coachella, Poolside founder Jeffrey Paradise returns to where it all started during a new chapter of his life.
“It was really aspirational… It felt like Coachella was this platform to elevate bands. Like if you played a good set at Coachella, it could change the trajectory of your career.”
Poolside frontman Jeffrey Paradise returned to Coachella this year, marking his first performance at the festival in 12 years. A true Coachella OG, he first attended in 2003 and DJ’d early parties in 2004 during the festival’s formative indie-rock era, when playing a strong set could significantly boost an artist’s career. As the festival has evolved, he finds appreciation in its mix of generations and sounds despite it’s obvious difference from when it started over 25 years ago. More recently, Paradise lost his home and recording studio in the Malibu hills during the devastating Palisades Fire. Losing everything from his musical equipment and personal belongings, he lost precious memories and sentimental items with only a backpack of essentials left. Now he’s on the rebuild of his life and a new perspective on living.
Jeffrey Paradise of Poolside speaks with B-Sides host Pete Mar about performing at Coachella 2026, his history with the festival that started with DJing, performing with his band and returning. He talks about losing everything during the LA wildfires, the mental toll and how he’s still recovering.
