Justin Bieber at Coachella: doing it his way, says DJ Tay James (exclusive)

04/14/2026

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Justin Bieber Is Doing Coachella 'His Way,' Says His Longtime Collaborator DJ Tay James (Exclusive)

DJ Tay James, a long-time collaborator of Justin Bieber, praised the singer’s recent choices while speaking with PEOPLE at the Absolut Hottest Brunch: Desert Edition in Indio, California. The desert gathering, packed with music insiders and festival-goers, offered a close-up look at how Bieber’s team is shaping his live sound and image.

Atmosphere at the Absolut Hottest Brunch: Desert Edition

The event took place during a busy festival weekend in Indio. Attendees described a sunlit, high-energy setting. Brands, artists, and industry figures mixed in lounges and pop-up stages.

  • Location: Indio, Calif., during a major music weekend.
  • Hosts and partners: Absolut helped curate the brunch experience.
  • Guests: DJs, friends of the artist, and media outlets attended.

What Tay James said about Bieber’s approach

When speaking to PEOPLE, James celebrated Bieber’s commitment to doing things on his own terms. He framed the singer’s recent moves as deliberate and authentic. James said he was proud that Bieber pursued his vision without compromise.

Paraphrased remarks and context

  • James highlighted the freedom Bieber showed in shaping his performances.
  • He emphasized pride in the artist following his creative instincts.
  • James framed the choices as a personal, not purely commercial, direction.

Behind the scenes: how the team supports a new direction

Tay James’ comments pointed to deeper collaboration behind the scenes. The DJ and creative team are adapting staging and playlists to match Bieber’s vision. The result is a concert experience that feels tailored and intimate.

  • Music curation: sets and transitions are crafted to reflect Bieber’s preferences.
  • Production changes: lighting and pacing are adjusted to serve the artist’s intent.
  • Team dynamics: long-time collaborators provide stability during shifts.

Fan and industry reactions at the brunch

Those at the brunch noticed the difference. Conversations centered on Bieber’s willingness to experiment. Several attendees called the changes a natural evolution for a pop star of his stature.

  • Fans praised the authenticity of recent performances.
  • Industry insiders noted strategic risks that could pay off.
  • Social buzz amplified the brunch’s highlights throughout the day.

Why this matters for future shows and festivals

James’ praise signals more than personal support. It hints at how Bieber might approach upcoming appearances. Artists who take creative control often reshape festival sets and promotional strategies.

  • Potential for more personalized, unique sets at major festivals.
  • Stronger cohesion between artist intent and production design.
  • Increased attention from music press and digital platforms.

Key takeaways from the conversation with PEOPLE

  • Artistic autonomy is central to the narrative James presented.
  • Collaborators are aligning to realize a unified vision for live shows.
  • The Absolut Hottest Brunch offered a moment to observe these shifts up close.

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