(April 26, 2013) — The shoving and yelling inside the massive tent would not stop, and I was fearful that being in the front row would not be as fun of an experience as I thought. As the heavy bass dropped, my heart felt as if it were jumping out of my chest; my spine seemed like it would split in half. As I walked out of the stuffy tent, I knew I was going to face many obstacles during the first weekend in sunny Indio, California, at this year’s annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. With moving model snails and color-infused cone tents, Coachella sure was a different world. Not only was there new art, but new additions to the grounds. This year, they added the Yuma tent which some would interpret as a small club. The Sahara tent became grander than before, which electronic fans appreciated. The crowd was the main ingredient to this beautiful concoction, and it was everyone’s chance to be free of burdens at home, embracing the music and one another. This year’s lineup stressed electronic music, with big name DJs from all over. Nicky Romero tore up the stage at sunset, with the music whisking the audience away. Dog Blood, a collaboration between Boys Noize and Skrillex, stirred up a party at night, with not a single body still.Their set was a favorite of many. The electrifying Infected Mushroom made an appearance at the Gobi tent and they put on quite a show, even covering The Foo Fighters’ “The Pretender.” With the exhilarating music of Friday’s set times came the mellow bands. The recently discovered The Neighbourhood made its first appearance at Coachella, playing the Outdoor theatre. Band of Horses also rocked the Outdoor theatre, but with the sun down. Their famous “The Funeral” was an instant sing-along, drawing everyone into a sort of trance. Saturday was another hit for electronic lovers, with acts like the legendary Benny Benassi and Moby. Mr. Benassi showed what his extensive career was all about, dropping the famous “Satisfaction” and even bringing out singer John Legend for their song “Dance the Pain Away.” Moby created a unique atmosphere, playing tracks from his mesmerizing album Play . There was not a focus on rap and R&B this year, which caused quite a bit of controversy, but Pusha T made his way toward the Gobi tent. Bands such as Franz Ferdinand and Two Door Cinema Club hyped the crowd for the headliner of the night — Phoenix. This French alternative band owned the stage with hits like “1901” and “Lisztomania.” Joined by the noted R. Kelly, their well-crafted vocals sounded as if a tape was being played. The jam-packed show ended the night in success. The final day of the festival consisted of renowned acts such as Paul Oakenfold, Wu-Tang Clan, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Others such as Disclosure from the United Kingdom and Hardwell, the #6 DJ in the world right now, made their first appearance at the prominent festival. Oakenfold created hype for Hardwell’s set to come, which literally caused a buzz. The insane drops led to a crazy atmosphere with everyone dancing. Wu-Tang Clan showed why they are considered the epitome of rap with songs like “Protect Ya Neck” and “C.R.E.A.M.” Red Hot Chili Peppers weren’t as everyone expected they would be, but they sounded impeccable. The energy level at the main stage at that time could have been better, but it was a show not worth missing. My personal favorites of the weekend were Dog Blood and Phoenix because they brought a particular energy so special it was difficult to forget. Having never heard them live before, they definitely surpassed my expectations. Not only was there fun around the stages, but also in the campsites. Most of the festival attendees pitched tents to sleep in through the weekend. Lot 8 was a party itself, starting from the moment of awakening through after hours. Being my first time attending the festival, it was an experience worth living. With sore muscles and aching ankles, everyone was unhappy the festival came to a close. I left with an ensured mind that I would be returning to the wondrous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival next year.