By Phil Lacombe
Few voices in the Coachella Valley command a stage quite like Chelsea Sugarbritches. Whether fronting high-energy bands, reimagining dark acoustic rock with Yovés, or delivering powerful vocals that blur the line between rock, soul, and theatrical storytelling, Chelsea has become a fixture of the local music community. Known for her fearless performances, genre-hopping versatility, and unmistakable presence, she represents the heart of what makes the desert music scene thrive, passion, authenticity, and connection. In this week’s Local Music Spotlight, we sit down with Chelsea Sugarbritches to talk evolution, inspiration, and what keeps her fire burning.
CVW: Your voice is instantly recognizable, powerful, emotional, and fearless. When did you realize singing wasn’t just something you loved, but something you had to do?
Sugarbritches: First of all, thank you for the kind sentiments about my voice xo
I’m pretty sure I came out the womb knowing I had to sing… I don’t really remember ever not feeling like it was something a had to do.
CVW: You’ve fronted multiple projects over the years. How does your mindset shift when you’re performing in different bands or musical styles?
Sugarbritches: I really just go with the vibe of the music and my band mates. Obviously with LDD it’s over the top performance and that’s what makes it such a party, right?
CVW: Yovés explores a darker, more stripped-down sound. What does that project allow you to express that a full band sometimes doesn’t?
Sugarbritches: Wellllll…. Yovés is full band now! Me and my brothers Mondo, Josh and Bobby! But when it’s just Bobby and I in stripped down mode I get to really showcase more raw vocals which is cool … but honestly even with full band in this project we’re all so in tune with each other it’s pretty groovy…
CVW: Long Duk Dong taps straight into ’80s nostalgia. What is it about that era of music that still connects so powerfully with audiences today?
Sugarbritches: The 80s brought a new age of music that was about experimenting electronically and thinking outside of the box. The synth sound was so fresh and a departure from what was happening musically before. It was the era of cool nerd and goth chic and I don’t think the vibe could ever be replicated again.
CVW: The ’80s were all about personality and performance. How much does theatrics and stage energy factor into a Long Duk Dong show?
Sugarbritches: 100% of what Nicco and I do on stage is personality, theatrics and energy. We are lucky to have such a cool brother sister like connection and that’s what makes us so fun on stage… we definitely vibe off each other and bring the rest of the band along with us 😂 that’s why people dig it.
CVW: Is there one ’80s song in the Long Duk Dong set that never fails to light up the crowd the moment it starts?
Sugarbritches: There’s a few that immediately come to mind.. ‘Love Shack’ for sure. When Nicco does ‘Rebel Yell’ it gets nuts and when I do ‘Your Love’ people lose their shit the minute I say “Josie’s on a vacation far away..”.
CVW: The Coachella Valley has a tight-knit music scene. How has being part of this community shaped you as an artist and performer?
Sugarbritches: I don’t think there is anything else in the world like the CV music scene… I grew up here, like a lot of the musicians did and it’s this valley that shaped us into who we are.. we endured hot summer asphalt and nothing to do and no where to go and we had to have imagination and will power and we made the valley ours.
CVW: Is there a moment onstage that reminded you exactly why you keep doing this, even when it gets hard?
Sugarbritches: You know any time someone connects with what you’re doing musically and they say I really love that… that’s what keeps you performing.
CVW: Looking ahead, what’s the next evolution of Chelsea Sugarbritches, musically, creatively, or personally?
Sugarbritches: Im Currently in my Netflix and chill era …. Catch me on a Friday night watching His and Hers drinking a glass of wine 🤪
But also, Yovés is working on a new EP and working on writing new songs full band style
And Long Duk Dong has a couple performances on the book for May, one at Big Rock Pub and we’re playing Pappy and Harriet’s for a fundraiser show for JT national park!
CVW: Where can fans find you?
Sugarbritches: Like I said…. On my couch 😬
With a voice that cuts through the noise and a presence that commands attention, Chelsea Sugarbritches continues to prove why she’s one of the Coachella Valley’s most compelling performers. Whether she’s leading a full band or baring her soul in an intimate acoustic setting, her passion for music and connection shines through every note. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows and new projects, because wherever Chelsea Sugarbritches is performing, something unforgettable is bound to happen.
That’s a wrap on this week’s Local Music Spotlight, but the party doesn’t stop here. Hit the shows, feel the beats, and keep the valley’s music scene thriving. Because around here, the next song that changes your life might be playing tonight.
