Coachella is back, and this means another exciting collaboration with popular battle royale video game Fortnite. This year, Fortnite players can get a deeper experience with Coachella Island, which includes special quests and the chance to relax to music from Coachella 2023 performer Porter Robinson. We had a chance to talk to Coachella innovation lead Sam Schoonover about the new collaboration and if any Coachella staff members dive into Fortnite in their free time.

MP3s and NPCs: What's it like working with Fortnite again on delivering Coachella vibes to millions of players?

Sam Schoonover: Working with Fortnite again has been rewarding and inspiring, as we share a common goal of delivering creative, fun, and culturally relevant experiences. It's exciting to bring Coachella vibes to millions of players and see the festival come to life in the virtual world.

MP3s and NPCs: In recent years, Fortnite has delivered a slew of collaborations from all mediums, which can label it Pop Culture: The Game. What is it about Fortnite that attracts properties to want in on the action?

Schoonover: Fortnite attracts various properties because it has evolved into more than just a game—it's a cultural phenomenon. Its massive global player base, versatility, and history of successful collaborations make it an attractive platform for brands and artists looking to reach new audiences and create memorable experiences.

MP3s and NPCs: A plethora of Coachella artists will have their music in Fortnite's Icon Radio during this event. What was the process like choosing what acts would make the final cut?

Schoonover: The process of selecting acts for the Icon Radio involved considering the overall theme and atmosphere of Coachella Island, and finding artists who embody that spirit. We also looked for acts that have a strong connection with the gaming community or have showcased innovation at the intersection of music and gaming, like Porter Robinson.

MP3s and NPCs: Do you or any Coachella staff partake in Fortnite matches from time to time?

Schoonover: Yes, some of our Coachella staff do enjoy playing Fortnite matches from time to time. It's a fun way to relax, be creative, and engage with the vibrant gaming community that we are now closely connected with through our partnership.

MP3s and NPCs: Over the years, we've seen several musicians do special musical performances in video games/VR. Is this something you would've imagined happen a decade ago?

Schoonover: Advancements in technology and the growing influence of gaming in popular culture have created unique opportunities for artists to reach fans in new and immersive ways, making these partnerships a natural evolution in the entertainment industry.

Coachella Island will be live in Discover until April 28 at 12 p.m. EST/9 a.m. PST. While the quests will also conclude on April 28, Coachella Island will still be available to explore with the island code 5449-4207-1280. More information can be found here. Fortnite is available to download for free here.

Coachella will be back at it again with weekend two this weekend. Those unable to attend can watch the action go down live on Coachella’s YouTube channel. More information about Coachella, including getting tickets for this weekend, can be found here.