By Crystal Harrell
Coachella is known for breaking new artists and offering unforgettable sets—and this year, Glixen made sure to leave their mark. Fresh off their second weekend performance, the Arizona-based alt rock band sat down for an interview with Coachella Valley Weekly, brimming with excitement and gratitude. From playing two weekends at one of the world’s biggest music festivals to crafting a darker, more mature sound on their new EP, Quiet Pleasures, Glixen is in the middle of a serious come-up.
Lead vocalist Aislinn Ritchie began the project in 2020, enlisting guitarist Esteban Santana, drummer Keire Johnson, and bassist Sonia Garcia. Their approach to music has landed them on expansive tours and shows with rock music titans and contemporaries alike, supporting acts like Interpol, DIIV, Narrow Head and Nothing. Glixen has released a steady stream of music since their inception, with one EP and a handful of singles under their belt.
Coachella Weekend 1 also hit the band like a tidal wave. “It was a shell shock,” said Keire. “Seeing all the production from the bigger artists, all the people and the ‘fits—it was just beautiful.”
Esteban called it “crazy” and like nothing he’d ever experienced.
Aislinn summed it up simply: “It’s been amazing. A dream come true.”
By Weekend 2, the band was more comfortable and ready to soak in every moment. “We know where to go now,” Kier laughed. “That first weekend was wild, but this time it felt more like home.”
Their latest EP, Quiet Pleasures, marks a sonic shift. The band was intentional about taking their sound in a new direction—darker, moodier, but still intimate. “We wanted it to feel like a contrast,” said Aislinn. “My vocals stayed light and breathy, but the instrumentals got heavier. It needed to sound a little scarier.”
Esteban added, “We pre-wrote and demoed for a couple months before recording for a week straight at Pale Moon Studios in Juniper Hills with Alex Estrada and Sonny DiPerri. It was just music, sleep, repeat.”
The immersive process helped solidify the EP’s identity. The band credits Estrada and Sonny for helping bring their vision to life while keeping the sessions loose and inspired.
When asked to label their music, Kier didn’t hesitate. “Matured emo,” he said. “It gives you that Midwest emo feeling, but you don’t feel embarrassed playing it around your mom. It’s emotional but polished. Atmospheric, too.”
Their influences span from shoegaze and grunge to metal and Y2K-era pop. “I love the fusion of 90s alternative and metal,” shared Aislinn. “Think Smashing Pumpkins, My Bloody Valentine—but also Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.”
The blending of genres, aesthetics, and eras makes Glixen feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking—a rare combination in today’s scene.
Opening for alt rock veterans Jimmy Eat World was a milestone on April 10 at the Fox Theater in Pomona.“It was magical,” said Aislinn. “Seeing how much their fans still connect with them—it shows what it means to make timeless music.”
The band was struck by the diverse audience, from kids to older fans, all singing along to Jimmy Eat World. “They’ve lasted decades and stayed huge,” said Kier. “That’s the goal.”
Glixen has been together as a band for five years, with Aislinn and Esteban writing together for six. And they’re just getting started.
“We want to tour the world,” said Esteban. “Japan is at the top of the list.” Glixen is already planning more European dates and hope to release full-length albums in the near future.
“I just want to be completely consumed by music—writing, recording, touring, making videos,” Aislinn added. “That’s the dream.”
Each member has a favorite song to play live. Esteban is all in on “Shut Me Down.” “I want to see people lose their minds to that one,” he said. “Stage dive if you want. Go wild.”
Kier and Aislinn both shouted out “Lick the Star” for its raw performance energy. “It’s the first song where I don’t play guitar,” said Aislinn. “Just holding the mic and performing is everything.” Kier added, “There’s this moment where the crowd thinks the song is over, and then we all crash back in. Their faces are priceless.”
The band didn’t just perform—they made time to catch other sets. Lady Gaga left the biggest impression on Esteban and Aislinn. “Neither of us had seen a pop production at that scale,” Aislinn said. “You want to dance, but you’re just hypnotized.”
Charli XCX was another standout. “It was cool seeing her take the stage with just her and her friends,” said Esteban. “She didn’t need the massive production. The energy was enough.”
Sonia was blown away by The Marías and Beth Gibbons, calling their sets “inspiring” and “incredible.” Kier added that the Sonora stage—the same one Glixen played—made the experience even more special.
As they look ahead, Glixen is focused. They’re building something lasting—one EP, one performance, one tour at a time. “In five years, I just want to be doing this full time,” said Aislinn. “Touring, making music, performing. That’s all I want.”
And judging by their Coachella set, their ambition isn’t just a dream—it’s inevitable.
