Backstage Beauty: How to Get an Artist Pass for Coachella and What To Pack
Coachella Music Festival in 2017. Image courtesy of Andrew Ruiz on Unsplash.
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Before I became a beauty editor, I started my journalism career in the music industry as a host for a European music television channel. In my secret former life, you could also find me playing guitar in rock bands and working in artist hospitality for music festivals and venues.
If you want a peek into what it’s like to work behind the scenes in the live music industry, check out my former boss from The Roxy Theatre J.D. DeCosta's book: Backstage Pass. You may even spot me in the book!
During my time working as a music journalist, I'd often interview bands at music festivals, where I just might have mastered the art of sneaking backstage and planning for a long day in the sun. These are my tips for getting an artist pass and packing in-style for a weekend of music and fun.
Getting an Artist Pass
Behind the scenes at a music festival.
When I interviewed musicians at music festivals, we'd sometimes chat about how to sneak backstage. The most common tips rockstars told me were "act like you know what you're doing" and "walk in like you belong there." They often told me to look a little pissed off when you are doing this.
This might work at a smaller venue, but today security at festivals is tighter than ever — as it should be for everyone's enjoyment and safety. If you want to watch the music from the side-stage or enjoy backstage catering surrounded by your favorite artists, your best bet is to have the official credentials to be there. And you might need to plan ahead — as in, think Coachella 2027.
Most of the time you need to have some type of insider affiliation with the music industry to get these types of passes. If you're not an influencer with a million followers or already involved in the industry, here's how to do it with no connections:
Making Industry Connections
You're most likely not going to become best friends with Sabrina Carpenter or Justin Bieber overnight, though anything is possible. If you want to connect with people in the music industry, here are a few ways to do it.
If you play an instrument, joining a local bands (especially if you live in Los Angeles) is a great way to meet other people in the industry, even if you only play local dive bars.
For those who don’t play an instrument, but love live music, becoming a regular at a venue can be a gateway into industry connections. When you are a regular, you're going to meet musicians, techs, and audio engineers who work at their local music venues when they aren't on tour. I've seen regulars at the venues I worked at get invited backstage simply by making friends at their favorite hangout.
When I worked at music venues, I'd also meet crew members and close friends of performers who started out as fans. I don’t recommend working without pay, but sometimes fans would volunteer to help their favorite local bands/artists at their shows and wind up becoming good friends with the artists. One person I worked with even met his wife after volunteering to help out at her show.
You Don't Have to Be a Star to Perform On-Stage at Coachella
One way to get an artist pass? Perform onstage. And you don't have to be a famous DJ, singer, or even pick up a guitar to do this! Instead, you can be a background performer in a musical performance.
One year, an up and coming band asked me if I'd like to be on-stage in costume as part of their Coachella performance. While I declined, I did watch their performance. They had lots of extras, mostly consisting of fans and supporters, on-stage as part of their show. If you're part of the set, you're more likely to be offered an artist pass. Keep in mind these passes are limited, and being part of the show doesn't guarantee you'll get a pass.
You may have the best luck getting to be part of the show by connecting with bands that are lower on the lineup, with smaller crew budgets. They may be looking for volunteers to help with aspects of their show. You have nothing to lose by reaching out and asking, especially if you've already established a relationship with the band (see above).
Being a background performer is also how I found myself onstage for the opening act in the Grammys one year.
Sell Merch
Selling merch is a great way to meet people in the music industry and get opportunities to attend other shows, including Coachella. When I first started working as a beauty editor, I continued to moonlight selling merch for bands at various music venues around Los Angeles.
I met many artists, managers, and crew members doing this. And I received countless offers for tickets to Coachella and Coachella-related events from bands and artists I worked for—especially if I had just worked for them in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Sneaking Backstage
I have plenty of tips for getting backstage that work flawlessly, but I'll save those for another day. Mainly, this was just a long winded way to hook you into reading my festival beauty recommendations. I hope you'll stick around for my festival packing guide.
Packing for Coachella
These days Coachella isn't just about the music. It's also a beauty and fashion show filled with many brand activations. If I were going this year, here are the essentials I'd pack to stay comfortable, yet on-trend.
Comfortable Shoes
Real talk: Your feet are going to hurt by the end of the festival, especially if you are planning on attending for all three days.
If you're willing to make the outfit sacrifice, choose shoes that look cute with socks because this will help you avoid pain and blisters. Flatter boots or sneakers are good options. Otherwise, choose something that is well broken in. Remember to consider the weather and conditions. Some years it can be excruciatingly hot during the day or cold at night. It can also get dusty and muddy.
Here are tried and true festival-approved options (all available from Famous Footwear):
Women’s Gaucho Cowboy Boot. Image courtesy of Famous Footwear.
Cowboy Boots like Women's Gaucho Cowboy Boot
Madden Girl Chant Lace Up Boot. Image courtesy of Famous Footwear.
Combat Boots like Madden Girl Chant Lace Up Boot
Vans Asher Slip On. Image courtesy of Famous Footwear.
Slip Ons like Vans Asher Slip On Sneaker
Women’s BOBS B Cute 2.0 Slip On Canvas Sneakers.
Sneakers like Women's BOBS B Cute 2.0 Slip On Canvas Sneakers
Chuck Taylors. Image courtesy of Famous Footwear.
Chuck Taylors are always a festival classic. These are the Women's Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Lift Platform Sneakers.
Bags:
When you're dancing and on your feet all day, your bag can start to feel heavy fast. Keep it light if you can. Bags need to by 18" x 13" x 8.5" or smaller.
Wanderfull clear colorways.
Wanderfull is a great functional option, and it comes in plenty of colorways, including clear (though clear bags are not required at Coachella). It's compact, yet can hold all the essentials. I chose it for this list because it’s designed to carry a water bottle. Staying hydrated is a must!
This ergonomic bag is designed to have a place for all your essentials, with a phone pocket in the front for quick access, a lipstick loop, and a key leash. The adjustable strap is padded for comfort.
Sunglasses:
Diff sunglasses. Image courtesy of KCM Connect.
Shield your eyes from the bright sun, keep dust out of your eyes, and look cool while doing it. Sunglasses are an essential part of the Coachella outfit.
A few weeks ago, I stopped by the KCM Connect Desert Dreams Pre-Coachella event to check out their festival beauty and style picks. Two of the sunglass brands they selected for Coachella included Diff and Monday Swimwear.
Diff Eyeglasses Indy Polarized Glasses
I've been a fan of Diff for years, and love their polarized options. Diff is a charitable brand that has donated over 1.4 million pairs of reading glasses to those in need.
Monday Swimwear Milano Sunglasses
Milano sunglasses are a cute and stylish sunglass option from Monday Swimwear, a brand founded by "swimwear connoisseurs" Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman. Monday Swimwear also has some hats that could be a great for added sun protection and style.
Beauty Picks
Sunscreen
Korres Broad Spectrum SPF display at their pre-Coachella beauty event at the Andaz West Hollywood.
You're spending much of the day in the sun–don't get a sunburn! There are so many travel size sunscreens that you can easily fit in your bag. You can't bring aerosol cans into the festival, so if you're going to spray, do it before you head onto the grounds.
Minis and purse sized options include Ultra Violette SPF Supreme Screen SPF 50 Mini Mate, Korres Milk Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50, and Alleyoop Sunsational Daily Skin Tint (which clips onto your bag).
COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen. Image courtesy of COSRX.
I'd also pack La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Sunscreen SPF for my body and COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen for my face in my suitcase. Both have kept me burn-free through long days in the sun.
Lips
Here are some great options to keep your lips photo-ready and moisturized:
Dolly Parton Heaven’s Kiss Lipstick. Image courtesy of Dolly Beauty.
Dolly Parton is a music icon, and her lipsticks offer Dolly-level glam! Heaven’s Kiss comes in a rhinestone-studded case, and the formula contains fragrance notes of lychee blossom, rose petals, and vanilla orchid. It's not just lipstick, it's a bold outfit accessory.
Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Lip Balm Sunscreen
Designed to bring the brand’s signature, dessert-inspired suncare experience to the lips, this lightweight balm delivers a lightweight gel texture that melts instantly on contact. Infused with a nostalgic coconut-vanilla flavor, it combines hydration and protection while leaving lips soft with a sheer, velvety sheen.
This hydrating lip oil features a blend of jojoba, sweet almond, and meadowfoam seed oils.
A selection of Korres Lip Butter Stick colors at the Korres Pre-Coachella beauty event.
These hydrating lip butters are made with Greek Balsam Oil and Vitamin E to protect and moisturize.
Nails
I'm a big fan of imPress nails! They can be applied in just minutes, so they are great if you need a last minute manicure. My current favorites are the cat eye Color FX styles, but they come in a large range of color and design options.
Hand Sanitizer
Touchland and Bath and Body Works PocketBac hand sanitizers are great on-the-go options.
Post-Sun Care:
Personal Day Trust Me on This Hypochlorous Acid Spray
This purse-sized mist harnesses the power of hypochlorous acid which can help calm and refresh irritated skin.
This soothing mask is packed with calming botanicals and moisture-boosting ingredients.
Body Wipes:
Lume Acified Deodorant Wipes. Image courtesy of Lume.
Adress odors with Lume Acidified Deodorant Wipes. You may want to pack a few of these in a ziplock.
Other things you'll be glad you packed:
Loop Earplugs. Image courtesy of Loop Earplugs.
I always have a pair of earplugs with me if I know I'm going to be around loud music. Protect your hearing!
Loop Earplugs are a great Coachella option. They're stylish and are designed to preserve the quality of sound. A regular pair of disposable earplugs works just fine too.
You will be so sad if Justin Bieber asks to take a selfie with you, but your phone is dead. Amazon has plenty of good options.
You’re Going to Want a Spa Day
The Spa at La Quinta Resort and Club.
After a long, exciting Coachella weekend, you'll be exhausted and sore. A spa day is the obvious solution—you are reading this on Spa & Beauty Today, after all! Here’s our guide to the best spas in the area.
Lizzy Sherman, Co-Founder of Spa & Beauty Today
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer and editor. You can also find her work in publications including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo!, MindBodyGreen, Men’s Journal, Bezzy, and more.
She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals.
When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram : @zillizy.