by Jorge Perezchica
photography by Everette Solomon
From his early days in Coachella Valley, Angel Chavez has paved a unique path as a producer, entrepreneur, and connector of creative communities. Born in Mexico and raised in Indio, Angel’s entrepreneurial drive started early. “I grew up in a family that always shared everything. We all helped each other,” he recalls. His father sold carnitas and ran a tortilleria, instilling in Angel the values of hard work and persistence.
His journey into media began in 2015, when he started creating YouTube videos covering the Coachella Festival. A longtime attendee, he quickly became a trusted guide for festival-goers. But it was his love for music, community, and storytelling that led to his biggest venture yet — Desert Underground.
Launched in 2022, the Desert Underground is a locally produced, multi-genre music showcase designed to give emerging artists a platform to grow. “I realized these artists didn’t have enough media to get booked for other shows,” Angel explains. “If I create a stage, record the sets, then they can use that content to get booked elsewhere.” Since its inception, Desert Underground has hosted more than a dozen shows, helping local talent gain exposure and even land opportunities at larger festivals.
Angel’s vision is grounded in collaboration, not competition. “If we all work together, we all create more energy — everything grows bigger,” he says. By connecting DJs, musicians, designers, and videographers, he has built a thriving creative ecosystem. From backyard stages to shipping containers turned into performance spaces, each event focuses on quality production, photo opportunities, curated vendors, and community engagement.
Beyond the spectacle, Angel’s mission is empowerment. “If we give artists an opportunity to believe in themselves, eventually they get there,” he says, envisioning a future where local acts perform at Coachella itself. His media company, Madeline Productions, based in Indio and co-owned with Ricardo Valdez, expands that mission — offering production resources for podcasters, videographers, and content creators looking to elevate their craft.
Angel sees the Coachella Valley itself is a source of inspiration. “The desert inspires all of us — artists see what it’s like to be at the top of the industry,” he says. His work channels that creative energy into something lasting — a cultural movement with a foundation in community and self-belief.
Looking ahead, Angel’s next chapter takes him to The River in Rancho Mirage, where he’s opening a second media hub. “It’s going to be a space for podcasters and creators — a center point of the valley where anyone can take their content to the next level,” he says. The facility will include podcast sets, production equipment, and workshops on content creation and distribution. “Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we’ll provide everything so people can just create.”
Angel credits much of his success to those around him. “Without the Desert Underground team, we are nothing,” he says, expressing gratitude to Jose Martinez, Bryan Suarez, his wife Alexandria, and countless others who make it all possible.
“People are watching and supporting even if you don’t see it,” Angel reflects. “Persistence and connection — that’s what keeps it all going.”
Follow: @coachellaangel