THROUGH THE LENS: Hip-Hop and Country Make Harmony at Stagecoach 2024

The Stagecoach Festival bills itself as “California’s Country Music Festival,” but features acts from far beyond the Golden State’s borders. Held April 26-28 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Stagecoach covered a lot of ground in its lineup, including headliners from the country mainstream (or, as Peter Dervin calls it below, “country pop”) as well as roots music performers and ND faves such as The War & Treaty, Charley Crockett, Asleep at the Wheel, and Katie Pruitt, though those were way down on the billing.

Three performers — Tanner Adell, Shaboozey, and Brittney Spencer — were among the contributors to Beyoncé’s groundbreaking album Cowboy Carter (ND review), and made their Stagecoach debuts with sets that to varying degrees infused hip-hop into country. Fifty years into hip-hop’s history, its sound has seeped into modern country music, which should be no surprise. For decades now, hip-hop music, sensibility, and fashion have permeated American culture. I have seen it even here in rural Appalachia. One could call it a more modern look on the taking back of country music. It was just a matter of time.

All in all, there was more than enough roots and roots-inspired music at Stagecoach, including some outstanding discoveries, to make the trip worthwhile for ND contributors Peter Dervin and Liza Orozco. Below are their reports and photos.

Stagecoach 2024 by Peter Dervin 

Stagecoach, with its mix of country influences, in a different sort of festival for me. There’s traditional roots, which I have more affinity toward, but also lots of commercial country pop, something that isn’t in my wheelhouse. I was there for what we call “Americana.” I had seen some of these artists before, but my new discoveries are what made the weekend a memorable one. Here are a few.

It was a delight to hear Tanner Adell’s hip-hop infused country songs shimmering in the bright California sunshine. Adell did backing vocals on Beyoncé’s cover of “Blackbird” on the Cowboy Carter album. Shaboozey, a late addition to the Stagecoach lineup, was extra special as his hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart during the fest. While I was unable to get into his fan-packed 15-minute set, we were able to have a sit down for some portrait photos and a quick chat. Shaboozey was also on Cowboy Carter, as was Brittney Spencer, whom I’d seen before. The Beyoncé’ vibe was a noticeable one. 

In the tradition of George Jones and George Strait, Zach Top has that classic country sound. I was able to meet up with him for some portrait photos and a chat. Top, who said he’d dreamed of being a country musician since he was 5, was mightily impressive and is certainly on the verge of breaking out to a wider audience.

Wyatt Flores was a pleasant surprise, as he wasn’t on my radar, and his band did a great set of tunes. Paul Cauthen is an artist whose sound I discovered again. Stepping onstage in a full-body fur coat, he proceeded to blow the roof off.  With a band of 20, Carin León played a set of Hispanic country ballads that wooed his fans. His set seemed like one long sing-along.

Stephen Wilson Jr.’s brand of grunge-imbued country really grabbed me. Southern California-native Annie Bosko delivered an intimate set for her fest debut, even though she must have been in some discomfort, or even pain, as she performed with protective clothing following a recent burn incident. Bravo, Bosko! Charles Wesley Godwin and his band knocked out a killer collection of rockin’ country tunes.

Stagecoach 2024 by Liza Orozco

As I arrived to Stagecoach late I was not able to cover as much as Peter did. However, I second his comments on Zach Top. I, too, was able to briefly chat with him and get a couple of informal photos.

Otherwise, I had two highlights. First was finally getting to see Dwight Yoakam. He, of course, delighted the crowd with his many signature songs, and invited Charley Crockett to sing “Streets of Bakersfield” with him. Crockett had his own set where he, Yoakam-style, danced and pranced around the stage as he performed his own string of well-known songs, including the just released “$10 Cowboy.” Unfortunately, Yoakam had a no photo policy. 

My other highlight began as a question, “Where is Nikki Lane?” Her socials indicated that she would be hosting parties all weekend long at Gallery Desert House. Luckily I was able to make the “Swimsuits & Cowboy Boots” pool party with music by the Y’all Star Revue, featuring Lane and some friends. As it was about two blocks away from the festival grounds, with palm trees, shade, grass, a pool, cabanas, and plenty of free drinks to go around, it was nice breather from the large crowds next door.

Click on any photo below to view the gallery as a full-size slideshow.