Backstage at Coachella 2017 – stunning portraits shot by NME’s Jenn Five

Coachella might be known for its hard partying and all-night parties - but sometimes, a bit of downtime is necessary in the Californian desert. As they milled about backstage, NME's Jenn Five snapped these exclusive portraits with Whitney, Bastille, MS MR and more.

1
Bastille

Bastille

Not only was Coachella a fine chance for Bastille to extend their international standing, but a much needed opportunity to get some sun on those pasty British arms. Looks like it did the trick.

2
Ezra Furman

Ezra Furman

Ezra Furman was not only in fine form for his set in the Californian sun, but also called out AEG and Goldenvoice (Coachella’s parent company) executive Philip Anschutz for his alleged support and funding of anti-LGBTQ groups.

3
Hinds

Hinds

It’s a long way from home for Madrid band Hinds, though. But that certainly didn’t dampen their spirit before their brief, but boisterous mid-afternoon set in the desert.

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4
Warpaint

Warpaint

Larking around backstage before their set were US indie-poppers Warpaint. It was their third time performing at the festival and first since new album ‘Heads Up’ in 2016.

5
Banks & Steelz

Banks & Steelz

A year after their joint album Banks & Steelz (Paul Banks of Interpol and RZA of Wu-Tang Clan) are hitting up festivals all summer long to showcase the unlikely collaboration – with Coachella being one of the first.

6
Justice

Justice

Back on the festival scene with third album ‘Woman’, French electronic duo Justice played massive slots over the two weekends, though they don’t look mighty pleased about it…

7
MS MR

MS MR

MS MR singer Lizzy Plapinger taking a bit of time out from the Californian sun.

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8
Downtown Boys

Downtown Boys

Austin punks Downtown Boys, on the other hand, look thrilled to be there. No wonder, they’ve just signed to cult indie label Sub Pop and are gearing up to release their hotly-anticipated second album.

9
The Paranoyds

The Paranoyds

The Paranoyds only had a short journey to make to Palm Springs from their native Los Angeles before their blistering sets.

10
The Lemon Twigs

The Lemon Twigs

Sporting a vibrant new haircut was Michael D’Addario of US baroque pop duo The Lemon Twigs.

11
Whitney

Whitney

Following last year’s delightful debut album, ‘Light Upon The Lake’, US duo Whitney showcased new song ‘Rolling Blackout’ during their sets.

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12
The Atomics

The Atomics

The Atomics meanwhile were down to Palm Springs for their first showing at the festival in the atmospheric Gobi Tent.

13
Phantogram

Phantogram

Prior to the Phantogram’s gigantic show on the Outdoor Theatre, the electronic duo were spotted looking predictably cool in the backstage area.

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