Ginger Root Steals the Show with Funk-Soaked Set at Coachella

In a weekend overflowing with blockbuster headliners and viral surprise sets, one of the most talked-about performances didn’t come from the main stage — it came courtesy of Ginger Root, who turned their Coachella slot into a full-blown, funk-laced, groove-drenched spectacle that left the crowd ecstatic and craving more.

The energy inside the tent was electric from the first note. Ginger Root, the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist and frontman Cameron Lew, brought an infectious swagger to the desert heat, blending shimmering retro grooves with modern indie sensibility. It was the kind of set that reminded everyone why Coachella is as much about discovering your new favorite artist as it is about catching the superstars.

Fans showed up in full force, and those who stumbled upon the set by chance quickly found themselves swept up in the vibe. The band’s signature brand of self-described “aggressive elevator soul” had the whole tent dancing, grooving, and — at times — even moshing. Yes, moshing. It was a beautiful collision of smooth synths, tight basslines, and sweat-soaked bodies moving as one.

And it wasn’t just the music commanding attention. The camera operator covering the performance became an unexpected star in their own right, with cinematic pans, zooms, and shots that perfectly matched the set’s fun, frenetic energy. Every time the live feed caught the camera op grooving along or pulling off a wild tracking shot, the crowd roared in approval, adding yet another layer of charisma to an already electric performance.

What made Ginger Root’s Coachella appearance so special was the way it built a bridge between eras. The funk and soul influences felt deliciously vintage, but the execution was fresh and immediate, custom-built for a generation raised on both TikTok loops and crate-digging deep cuts. It was polished yet playful, tight yet loose enough to feel like a party.

By set’s end, it was clear this was one of the sleeper, must-see moments of the entire weekend. The kind of performance that earns its place in the growing canon of “I was there” Coachella folklore. Funky, groovy, high-energy, and downright joyful — Ginger Root didn’t just play a set. They threw a party in the desert, and everybody left feeling better for it.

Photos Courtesy of Coachella