How Third Eye Blind ended up at Stagecoach

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Stephan Jenkins only allows Third Eye Blind to play at music festivals if they’re scheduled for a specific time slot.

He estimates he’ll take the stage around 6 p.m. during Sunday’s performance at the Stagecoach festival in Indio – that’s when the sun is setting. He explains that he loves playing at that time because of the changing light and the special energy it creates.

He wouldn’t prefer to headline?

Finishing a deal or event feels good for your pride, it makes you seem successful. But eventually, everyone goes home, and the initial excitement fades. People get tired and realize they’ve spent all their energy and resources.

He explains that this moment – the magic hour – is when everything truly comes to life. He recalls someone saying, ‘The night is ours – this is going to be incredible,’ and that’s exactly what they captured.

“How we get to do that is a mystery to me.”

Almost three decades after Third Eye Blind’s hit song “Semi-Charmed Life” reached number one on the alternative rock charts—despite its surprisingly upbeat tune masking lyrics about drugs and relationships—Stephan Jenkins’ music remains incredibly popular. Four of his songs—including “Semi-Charmed Life,” “How’s It Going to Be,” “Jumper,” and “Never Let You Go”—have each been streamed over 100 million times on platforms like TikTok and Spotify.

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’90s rock is having a big resurgence right now, appealing to both Gen Z and people who grew up with the music. This is especially noticeable at festivals like Stagecoach, which this year will include bands like Third Eye Blind, Counting Crows, Bush, the Wallflowers, and Hootie & the Blowfish.

I recently met with Stephan Jenkins to get his thoughts on things. We talked at EastWest Studios while his band, Third Eye Blind, was recording a cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” for an Amazon Music promotion tied to the Stagecoach festival. Jenkins, 61, who is based in San Francisco, mentioned he’d been traveling constantly and had caught a cold. He reached for a black water bottle as we sat down in the studio lounge.

I’m about to have a complete shake. When I travel, it’s hard to find all the supplements I need, like vitamins, protein, creatine, lion’s mane, magnesium, and fish oil—things that are good for your brain. This shake has everything in one convenient package. Just to be clear, I’m not sponsored by this company.

Are you currently using drugs or alcohol? I haven’t had a drink in almost two years. I believe it’s good to be social and think differently sometimes, but I value genuine connection with people. I don’t think that’s possible – or feels real – when someone is under the influence of drugs like ketamine.

Some people believe the social benefits of alcohol are more important than the health risks. Scott Galloway is a strong proponent of this idea, suggesting that going out and socializing, even if it involves drinking and dating, is better than staying home alone. While I respect Scott and think we’d get along, I believe his view is influenced by his own struggles with social anxiety, which I don’t share.

So, how did Third Eye Blind get invited to play at Stagecoach? They received an invitation, and I decided to accept. I appreciate the straightforwardness of country music as a songwriter, even though my own music isn’t country and won’t be. It’s also worth noting that there’s a significant presence of MAGA supporters at the festival.

I’ve often thought about that incident. You famously provoked a conservative audience at a concert during the 2016 Republican National Convention. While it’s well-known I called [President Trump] harsh names, I don’t think that kind of direct attack is helpful in political discussions. I do write about politics – I’m currently working on a well-reasoned article about the current political and social landscape that I’d happily defend – but making those points at a concert wouldn’t be effective.

I want people to reconnect with a sense of self – to feel good about who they are and who they aspire to be. But the Democratic Party seems stuck on simply addressing people’s feelings. The opposing side, meanwhile, thrives on validating negativity, essentially saying, ‘It’s okay to feel angry at the same people I do.’ It all comes down to how people feel.

You believe conservative viewpoints are more effective at evoking strong feelings. However, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance, where he embraced and celebrated everything his critics disliked, was incredibly powerful – I’d even say it was a landmark moment in television, second only to the moon landing.

That’s nothing compared to what happened with Bad Bunny. This was a pivotal moment, a real turning point for a huge number of American voters. Remember this – Bad Bunny wasn’t motivated by personal feelings; he acted with a larger purpose in mind, and that’s where he found his satisfaction.

Music

The legendary 70-year-old musician is keeping busy, especially with his upcoming honor of being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

He seemed a bit too proud of himself and focused on how cool he appeared. But that’s different from simply enjoying attention – it’s about embodying a larger ideal. While it feels good to be admired, it’s more about representing something bigger than yourself, I believe.

You look fantastic, honestly. I used to consider myself pretty, but I don’t really feel that way now. It’s just that if you want to succeed in pop music, you really need to be young. There’s no avoiding it. You have to prioritize your health – get enough sleep, take vitamins, and exercise. Even though I’m not feeling well, I still went to the gym today and did a quick workout: some pull-ups, push-ups, and squats.

I was asked if I minded being called a ’90s band, since Third Eye Blind is also playing Stagecoach and is often labeled that way. I said I do mind. Just because Radiohead’s “Creep” was released in 1993 doesn’t automatically make them a ’90s band.

I wouldn’t describe them that way at all. They’re mostly known for their song “Creep,” and many people haven’t even heard of “Kid A” – though I personally enjoy it. What bothers me is that when “Creep” comes up in conversation, it usually means I’m talking to someone unfamiliar with the rest of my work.

I’m working on a new album, and I’m aiming to make it my best one yet. However, I don’t expect it to get much radio play since I already have five songs still being played on alternative stations, which I’m really happy about. So, when KROQ invited us to perform at their Christmas show, we gladly accepted.

Acoustic Christmas featured some popular bands from the past, like Papa Roach, All-American Rejects, and Evanescence. Wet Leg also performed, and honestly, I’m kind of jealous of that band name!

I realized while prepping for this that I have no clue whether you’re married or not.
[Silence]

Same with children — I don’t know if you have any.
[Silence]

Okay. Years ago, I was in a very public relationship, and it caused a lot of pain and ultimately hurt both of us.

So, it sounds like you’re referring to a situation involving you and Charlize Theron. I decided after that experience to change how I handle things, and now I’m very careful about what I share publicly and privately.

As a journalist, I’ve noticed most people are overly welcoming, and I don’t think that’s helpful.

Most artists, you mean.
Artists, politicians, celebrities — anybody who wants attention.

I wondered how your relationship status – being single or married – influenced your songwriting. Well, a lot of my songs explore the challenges and complexities of relationships – how they help us understand ourselves, or sometimes prevent us from doing so. I often find inspiration in women.

Someone asked if it bothered me to create a clean version of “Semi-Charmed Life” for the radio. Honestly, I don’t really remember. I never wanted the song played on the radio in the first place.

That just can’t be right. I actually knew that was the plan – I was hoping “Losing a Whole Year” would be released as the first single instead.

It’s probably a good thing we didn’t get our way, looking back. Our record label didn’t want us to record any more songs after “Semi-Charmed Life”; they wanted it to be a one-hit wonder. They didn’t really believe in us as artists, and I wasn’t a priority for them like Laura Nyro was for David Geffen.

Did that make you sad?
It did. I felt forever misunderstood by the record label.

Last year, Stagecoach featured the Goo Goo Dolls, whose classic song “Iris” continues to resonate with listeners, even those discovering it for the first time. It makes me wonder if Phoebe Bridgers’ cover of the song helped bring it renewed attention.

Do you ever feel connected to bands from past generations that are still popular today? Not really. Sometimes you see groups of bands rise up together, which is cool, but I’ve always felt a bit separate. It’s not intentional – I enjoy collaborating with other musicians.

I don’t get the impression you’re someone who easily fits in with groups. I wouldn’t say I don’t fit in, but I’ve never really felt like I belonged to a particular social circle.

I get why you shy away from being labeled a ’90s band. It feels like you’re worried about being lumped in with some of the less-loved acts from that decade – bands like Sugar Ray or Smash Mouth – instead of being mentioned alongside groups like Counting Crows, who were genuinely respected. Honestly, it sounds like you’re just digging around in the past, and that’s not where I’m at. I’m focused on the present – this moment. I truly believe we’re living in a great time right now, and I’m ready to embrace it. I’m optimistic about what’s ahead, and I want to bring my best self to help shape the future. So, yeah, I really don’t want anything to do with that whole ’90s thing.

You’re putting me in a box, and while I respect that group, it doesn’t really fit how I see myself as an artist. I’m all about taking what’s happening around me and shaping it – using my creativity to help others understand things in a new way. That’s what I aim for. And honestly, I’m a big fan of Sugar Ray – Mark McGrath is a really good person.

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2026-04-23 19:32