BINI shines in Los Angeles Times feature ahead of historic Coachella performance

The Nation’s Girl Group will take the stage on April 11 at 7:15 AM, Philippine time.

BINI shines in a glowing feature from the Los Angeles Times—ahead of the group’s historic Coachella performance.

In “K-pop conquered Coachella. Now it’s BINI’s turn to show off the Philippines,” writer August Brown notes that BINI (Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena) are “already stadium-sized superstars in Asia,” being the “latest emissary in Coachella’s reach for new sounds from around the globe.”

“Now that K-pop is a fixture on the fest’s biggest stages, BINI could make a major impression as an ambassador for a country that is a great crossroads for music,” Brown opines.

Amid the rise of OPM acts like the Eraserheads, Cup of Joe, and Lola Amour—described as “cutting-edge, virtuosic and exquisitely emotive”—Brown says BINI “arrives in the desert at an important pivot point for Filipino artists around the world,” putting them along “superstars” who have championed their Pinoy heritage, like Olivia Rodrigo, Bruno Mars, and H.E.R.

P-Pop’s sonic invasion

He also calls BINI’s music “broadly appealing, undeniably lovestruck and hooky”—even saying it can “keep pace” with Coachella headliner Sabrina Carpenter’s “velvety neo-disco.” He also points out BINI’s sense of nationality, citing the girls turning to local fashion designers and backup dancers.

Aiah and Colet acknowledge that their performance carries “responsibility,” as they’re the first all-Filipino group on Coachella. Jhoanna notes that for their number, they “became more intentional with everything — the music, the arrangements, we’re involved.”

Maloi, noting it’s “nerve-wracking,” notes the “big platform” they have means being inclusive, especially to the LGBTQIA+ community.

As for Stacey, she admits only knowing about their Coachella appearance from a fan’s tweet, thinking it was a joke at first. “But when I messaged our group chat, we found out that it’s true… It was a surprise from the management. I think history was made.”

Gwen, for her part, says they’re “big fans” of Olivia, and wish to collaborate with her—”or just cook lumpia together.” (In Vogue’s “Now Cooking” episode on March 20, Olivia championed her family’s lumpia recipe.)

The Nation’s Girl Group will take the Coachella stage on April 10 at 4:15 PM PDT  (April 11 at 7:15 AM Philippine time)—with a second performance on April 17 (April 18 Philippine time). They’re joining global acts like Sabrina, The xx, Turnstile, Teddy Swims, KATSEYE, and flowerovlove.

BINI’s Coachella performance will be livestreamed on Coachella’s official YouTube channel.