Santa Cruz punk band Drain to perform at Coachella for the first time

Santa Cruz’s hardcore punk band, Drain, is set to make a splash at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in April 2026. This exciting opportunity will see the band gracing the stages of one of the most influential music festivals in Southern California. Sharing the spotlight with legendary acts like Iggy Pop and Suicidal Tendencies, as well as pop sensations FKA Twigs and Karol G, Drain is poised to make a lasting impression with their unique blend of punk rock energy and raw authenticity.

Building up to their Coachella debut, Drain recently performed at all three locations of the Warped Tour this past summer. Despite the festival’s nationwide conclusion in 2018, the 30th-anniversary celebration saw a revival with shows in Long Beach, Washington, D.C., and Orlando. Drain’s participation in these events further solidified their presence in the punk scene, setting the stage for their upcoming performance at Coachella.

Notably, Drain is not the first Santa Cruz band to grace the Coachella stage. Fellow local group Scowl captivated audiences at the festival in 2023, drawing in massive crowds and garnering significant industry attention. Following their Coachella appearance, Scowl signed with Dead Oceans record label, joining the ranks of acclaimed artists like Bright Eyes, Phoebe Bridgers, and Japanese Breakfast. Their success paved the way for national recognition, with appearances on late-night talk shows and critical acclaim for their music.

For Drain, the journey to Coachella began in 2014 when drummer Tim Flegal founded the band. Guitarist Cody Chavez and vocalist Sammy Ciaramitaro soon joined, forming a tight-knit trio that would become known for their electrifying live performances and powerful message. Despite facing challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Drain’s resilience and dedication to their craft allowed them to connect with new fans and expand their reach in unprecedented ways.

In 2019, Drain made waves at the Sound and Fury Festival in Los Angeles, a pivotal moment that caught the attention of Revelation Records. The band’s debut album, “California Cursed,” was released in 2020, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey. Despite the obstacles posed by the pandemic, Drain’s music found a receptive audience, culminating in a memorable performance at the renegade “Real Bay Shit (RBS)” show in 2021.

With their signing to Epitaph Records, Drain solidified their position in the punk rock landscape, joining the ranks of iconic bands under the label’s prestigious roster. Their second full-length album, “Living Proof,” further showcased their musical prowess and laid the groundwork for future success. From intimate shows at local venues to the grand stages of Coachella, Drain’s evolution as a band reflects their unwavering commitment to their art and their passion for connecting with audiences on a profound level.