Podcast 547: Ryan Richter on Backing Dijon at Coachella

Ryan Richter, former Fretboard Journal employee and in-demand guitarist, delivers an electrifying behind-the-scenes account of his Coachella sets with Dijon—two of the most talked-about performances of the festival. What made it extraordinary wasn’t just the music, but the unprecedented level of technical and cinematic precision: a custom-built MIDI controller, a fully digital rig with no amps, and a private cinematography team that captured the show in cinematic quality rivaling major concert films. Richter reveals how the band rehearsed for five days in Van Nuys, integrated last-minute guest Mike McGee, and overcame extreme heat challenges that threatened to crash their computer systems. Despite the chaos, the performance was emotionally resonant—so much so that backstage crew members were sobbing after the show. Richter also shares his shift from analog gear to streamlined digital workflows, his upcoming tour with Mumford & Sons, and his two groundbreaking one-track albums that defy traditional formats. He reflects on the power of immersive listening experiences, from $300,000 audio systems to vinyl test pressings that nearly led him to alter his master mix—only to realize the raw, bass-heavy sound was exactly right. The episode is a masterclass in modern performance art: where music, technology, and storytelling collide.