Couchella Celebrates 10th Anniversary

On Friday, Sept. 20, Couchella transformed Tech Green into a lively showcase of local musical talent. Hosted annually by the Georgia Tech Musician’s Network (GTMN), the on-campus festival celebrated its 10th anniversary, delivering its most impressive lineup yet. 

The event brought together a variety of performers from the campus and the wider Atlanta music scene, featuring acts such as Bummer Hills, Tunnels, /hospitality/, Smoke Detector, Hagan, Couples Therapy, DOGFIGHT, Memory Orchard, and Mutual Disjunction.  

The night’s highlight was headlining act Michael Cera Palin, an emo band that got its start with GTMN a decade ago at the first Couchella.  

“Michael Cera Palin is the biggest act we’ve ever booked at a Couchella. As one of the more prominent voices in the independent emo scene, it is a wonderful privilege to have them,” said Jacob Zeigler, third-year computer science major and the organizer of this year’s Couchella.  

Couchella has grown throughout the decade, and this year’s event attracted the largest crowd yet.  

“It was the biggest we’ve ever had. We had about 450 people, while in past years, maybe we’ve gotten 200 to 300,” Zeigler said.   

When asked about Couchella’s positive contributions to campus culture and student life, he emphasized its role in connecting Georgia Tech and the broader Atlanta music scene. “There is a bustling musical culture that lies just on the edge of campus, and a lot of people don’t get to experience that, so what we are trying to do is bring the outside in a bit,” Zeigler explained.  

Looking forward, he shared his ambitions for forthcoming events, focusing on the continued introduction of new sounds to the campus community.  

“My hope for the future of Couchella is that it continues to fulfill its mission of getting outside musical voices onto the Georgia Tech campus.”   

For those who were unable to attend Couchella, GTMN will host 1,000 Couches in the spring, another free music festival with local and visiting bands.  

Students who want to get involved in the organization can follow its Instagram account for event updates and more information.