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“Back in March, Nash Money showed off a pair of Nike Air Force 1s that he had turned into desktop speakers — pretty rad, but hardly flashy enough for a supervillain / rapper. The professional sneaker customizer has significantly stepped up his game after being commissioned by Sneaker Freaker Magazine, creating two pairs of speakers from some giant suede Pumas. Nash consulted MF Doom for the project, and the masked emcee offered up suggestions like “sci-fi and laser guns,” “modern architecture and geometry,” and “mad exclamation marks.” The finished Sneaker Speaker Doomsday Edition (how timely is that?) Models have mic inputs and red, green, and blue lights with eight effects, like speed control and a dim function. They’ve got plenty of power and can can only be fired up by someone with the key — in this case Doom and the magazine, both of whom walked away with a pair.”

When it comes to planning, few music festivals require the detail-oriented preparation as Coachella. Of all the decisions you must make, who to stay with can be the most crucial of them all. Sure, it’s important to plan your band schedule, but there’s always another act if you miss one or two. But if you choose the wrong companions, your whole weekend can be shot. Here’s a break down of the various personalities-types you want to include in your Coachella posse. Strike the right balance, and you’re all set for a great weekend.

sponsored by Puma

The Organizer
Someone has to mail in the deposit money for the vacation house that you will call home for the weekend. Plus, there’s tickets to be secured, beer to be stocked, and carpools to be, um, pooled. Hell, I’ve seen these alpha-personalities do other people’s laundry mid-weekend. Otherwise referred to as the Den Mother.

The Couple
They inevitably get the first pick of bedroom—as if anyone is going to be sleeping all weekend. A good fun couple can be your best friends all weekend. But beware, a bad couple means inevitable fights and drama.

The Party Guy
This is the person who will drive The Organizer crazy. The dude who is three beers down before the rest of the house even wakes up in the morning. It’s tempting to just write this dude off and let him run wild all weekend, but don’t sell him short. He might make the best breakfast of anyone in the house.

The Newbie
There is nothing like the first time. But since you can’t relive that magic moment, do the next best thing and bring a first-timer to the desert. You’ll get to feel the vicarious excitement through their ever widening smile. And you’ll get to spend the weekend as a sort of sage expert to this wide-eyed Coachella virgin.

The Veteran
This is the man with the plan, and the big floppy hat and comfortable shoes. He knows exactly what he wants out of his Coachella, and he know how to get it. He will be the first one to head to the concert, and the last one home. And he will try to take the newbie under his wing.

The Single Guy
Yes, Coachella has more beautiful girls per square foot than any other music festival in North America. This dude might act like he’s here for the music, but his every waking moment will be spent strategizing to find the gal of his Coachella-dreams.

The Single Gal
True story. Last year, my single guy friend stayed with us at our Coachella house. There he met a single gal who came with some other friends. They didn’t hook up that weekend, but now they’re getting married this Memorial Day. And they have been promoted to The Couple, with first choice of bedroom.

sponsored by Puma

Missing Attachment ]]> http://www.urb.com/2011/03/24/how-to-choose-your-coachella-posse/feed/ 1 http://www.urb.com/2010/10/20/puma-social-club-la-launches/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=puma-social-club-la-launches http://www.urb.com/2010/10/20/puma-social-club-la-launches/#comments Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:25:29 +0000 Joshua Glazer http://www.urb.com/?p=52465 [promotion]

Pop-up stores are a dime a dozen in major cities around the world. But a pop-up party space is something still worth heading out your door for. Puma has launched such noctunal enclaves, Puma Social Clubs, in London, Los Angeles, Milan and Rome, all with the fundamental theme that the sports we play during the day aren’t nearly as competitve a the games that happen after dark.

With drinks, DJs, foosball, table tennis and the toughest competition of all—mingling—in full effect, Puma Social Club runs from today until Oct. 28, with events by Stones Throw Records and screen print posse Hit + Run happening soon. Learn more about the Puma Social here, and put you game face on

[promotion]

[BPM]

And then there was the music and entertainers. What would an African-themed event be without costumed and bootylicious dancers shaking their hips to the beats provided by The Very Best and live drummers? Yes, the crew cleared entry (last time I was to see them, they had visa problems) and was spinning on the decks… and had a liking for this journalist (I kept my professional distance, of course). Not many folks dancing, most were chillin’ by the bars and serving areas, waiting in line for the tee shirts and photos, or on the smoking deck. A few folks were kicking around a soccer ball and showing off their skills. It was eclectic and merry.

I was waiting to see if MIA herself would show up. The possible secret show was kept under tight wraps. It seemed like no one was expecting her because the venue was emptying out by 12:45. With an eye on the rear entrance, my anticipation turned into sorrow. There was only one person I could ask and hope for a straight answer: Esau Mwamwaya. The verdict: MIA was tied up, but she’s been in the studio. So much for the secret show.

Still a good time. Angelenos, you might catch her tonight at a downtown location with an certain explosive crew…

All photos by Paul Dryden.