Coachella: Check Out These Newcomers
With the geniuses over at Goldenvoice always being sure to book the best and most diverse artists possible for the two weekends of their Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, it becomes a bit of a challenge as an attendee to decide who to see. There’s many veterans that are booked every year, and also many artists that will be playing the festival for the first time. The 2015 lineup is filled with an extremely talented and exciting mixture of both.
This year, I decided to look more intensively into the artists set to play and see who the newcomers are. From attending the fest in the past, I’ve learned that artists that may have been booked for the first time a couple years ago and weren’t as well known, are now ones I’m kicking myself for missing. This festival does an amazing job at not only bringing acts that are very prominent in the music scene today, but ones that are steadily on the rise. The Coachella newcomers of 2015 come from all font sizes across the lineup flyer, and are some definite must sees over the three-day weekend.
FRIDAY:
Caribou - Wow, am I stoked to see this name on the lineup! “Our Love,” which was dropped at the end of last year, is the 6th studio album from this Canadian musician. This musical entrepreneur has been making music for years under various monikers, and will now be making his Coachella debut as Caribou. Shows to see him have been selling out everywhere, and I can’t wait to see his works come to life on the Polo Fields.
Ab-soul - I know I’m not the only one that felt immediate happiness reading this name on the flyer. Ab-soul has been providing the hip hop game with a breath of fresh air, along with his fellow members in Black Hippy. After getting a taste of Coachella when Kendrick Lamar brought him onstage during his performance in 2012, it was just a matter of time before Ab-Soul had his own spot on the lineup.
Chris Malinchak - It was only right to bring this American Producer/DJ to the festival this year, as his music has been making people feel good all over the globe. Tracks like “If U Got It” and “So Good To Me” are guaranteed to have people grooving with massive smiles across their faces. The warm Indio sun combined with Chris Malinchak is the most perfect daydream that will soon become a reality.
Vic Mensa - This 21 year old rapper and producer is sure to heat up the stage on the first day of the festival. Mensa has came up in the scene rather quickly, proving he is here to make a lasting impression on listeners. Working with fellow co-founder of the hip-hop collective SAVEMONEY, Chance the Rapper, and also collaborating with Thundercat, Eliza Doolittle, and other Coahella artist, Ab-Soul- Vic Mensa young rapper is an old soul with a new vision, and is ready to take the festival by storm.
Jon Hopkins - I’m personally really surprised that this will be his first year at Coachella, because he has consistently been making sounds that has me questioning what’s musically possible. Every time I hear something new from him, it feels like I’m hearing music for the first time. He’s created a number of phenomenal albums, and has also produced music for Coldplay. Combining Melodic, Techno, Ambient, Downtempo, and Experimental elements to take the listener on a journey is something Hopkins specializes in. He is a must see on Friday.
Sylvan Esso - Soothing vocals incorporated with catchy electronic beats is a perfect description of this American duo. Bringing Electro-pop to life, this band has created a distinct sound that brings multiple components of music together in an unforgettable way. After releasing their amazing self-titled album in May of 2014, we can expect great things from Sylvan Esso's debut Coachella performance.
Ryan Hemsworth - It’s been a real pleasure to see this artist grow and receive the recognition he deserves over the years. Working with artists like Tinashe, Dawn Golden, Sinead Harnett, and furthermore producing numerous tracks for other artists, Ryan Hemsworth’s skills have been touching the likes of many. Being very skilled in his art makes his dj sets nothing to miss either. You’ll be happily dancing non stop while he mixes various styles of music in ways you would never expect!
Todd Terje and the Olsens - After watching videos of Todd Terje debuting his new live show at Norway’s Oya Festival and also at LA’s FYF last August, I patiently waited for the Coachella lineup, hoping that his name would be on there (my hopes came true, Thank you Goldenvoice!). Bringing live instruments into the mix of Electronic music is always a mesmerizing experience, and this set is already one of the most talked about for the weekend.
Hot Natured - Lee Foss, Jamie Jones, Ali Love, Luca C and Anabel Englund form the supergroup that goes by the name of Hot Natured. Lee and Jamie’s amazing producing skills combined with Anabel’s sensual voice and stage presence creates a seducing vibe that is without a doubt, a must to be consumed by on Friday.
SATURDAY:
FKA twigs - This vocalist’s unique, soft voice has been drawing massive attention more and more, and for good reason. While listening, I find myself being hypnotized by the greatly produced beats and her soul-hitting lyrics. With three EP’s and one full-length album out, this gives FKA a variety of songs to perform. “How’s That”, “Video Girl”, and “Two Weeks” are just a few of many of her tracks that I hope to hear in Saturday’s performance.
Tycho - With his fourth album Awake being released last year, it’s a great honor as a fan to see him play Coachella this April. Specializing in ambient, post-rock, Tycho has been letting the instruments do the talking, rather than lyrics. This creates a calm, chilling atmosphere that allows listeners to be taken away from their thoughts, and mindlessly be carried away by the music.
Tale of Us - With the addition of the amazing Yuma Tent in 2013, the Techno and House artists on the lineup have been getting better and better. This year, the stage is sure to be an even darker, deeper, wonderland of sounds, brought to you partially by Tale of Us. This Dj/Producer duo brings elements of groovy house and mind-bending techno to formulate a captivating essence whilst performing. The excitement to see them take over the stage is on the continuous rise.
Toro Y Moi - Chazwick Bradley Bundick, aka Toro Y Moi, has been on the Coachella lineup wishlist for a while now, and thousands are excited to finally see this one get booked. Being a massive contributor to the Chillwave movement, he incorporates pleasing synth sounds with a bit of funk to move listeners in his own way. With a new album being set to release right before Weekend One, his set is sure to be filled with awesome new material mixed in with his original classics.
Clean Bandit - This four-member electronic group had a huge year in 2014, which made them a must-book for the 2015 festival, and also a definite must see. From having their single “Rather Be” make it in the top 10 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, to winning a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording, this group is sure to be a pleasure to witness live. Incorporating multiple instruments into their sets to create a wholesome experience is what Clean Bandit is about, and I can’t wait for their debut Coachella performance.
Glass Animals - Oh my, does this band hit the bottom of my soul in the most delightful way. With just releasing their debut album last year, this English Psychedelic/Indie pop group of men have hit the U.S. music scene at full force. Tracks like “Gooey”, “Hazey”, “Psylla”, and basically, everything they create is magic. I’m hoping for a glorious sunset time slot for Glass Animals' set. The thought is giving me chills!
Carl Craig - Being a massive force in the techno scene for years now, this O.G. Detroit-based producer is definitely about to bring the heat. Over the past two decades or so, Carl Craig has been producing and djing under a variety of aliases, which shows his ability to stretch his talents in a number of ways. Constantly progressing forward for himself as an artist, and also paving the way for many other artists, makes his set one to be sure to catch...especially for techno lovers.
Tourist - This artist has been one of my favorites for the past year or so, as everything he makes is gold. From perfecting the arts of producing, djing, and songwriting, the creativity Tourist possesses to bring his thoughts to life is truly influencing. Original tracks like “Your Love”, “I Can’t Keep Up”, and “Trust In You” are definitely some to check out, as well as seeing his set on Saturday.
Cashmere Cat - Since his debut EP Mirror Maru being released in 2012, the past three years have been very busy for this talented Norwegian artist - Cashmere Cat. From creating his own original productions and traveling to play sets all over the world, he has also produced tracks for/worked with Ariana Grande, Ludacris, Kanye West, and more. He will be stopping by Coachella to perform a set in between opening for Grande on her Honeymoon tour, so be sure to catch this cat!
Until the Ribbon Breaks - Blending genres flawlessly, this British band, Until the Ribbon Breaks, has been creating some of the most heartfelt singles and amazing remixes to date. They just released a new album, titled A Lesson Unlearnt, and it is filled with tracks that will be beautiful to see live.
SUNDAY:
Drake - The founder behind OVO Sound is one of the biggest artists across the world right now. He just released a mixtape in February that took listeners by storm, and he will be closing out the festival on Sunday. With an extremely dedicated fan base, the polo fields are about to be pulsating with energy for Drake. This is about to be one of the biggest sets of the weekend, and if you’re reading this, it’s not too late… so get those lyrics memorized!
Gesaffelstein - Some of the best talent out there today has been pumping out of France, and this artist is at the top of our list. Producing some of the most kaleidoscopic, distinguishable tracks we’ve ever heard makes him a unique auditory treat. He announced that his set at Coachella will be his last live performance, and that further gives a reason to see him on Sunday. By creating a dark, hypnotizing techno wonderland when he performs, Gesaffelstein gives the crowd the opportunity to be taken over by the music- and it’s remarkable.
J.E.S.& S (J.E.S.u.S) - Better known as Jackmaster, Eats Everything, Skream, and Seth Troxler… Need I say more? For those who aren’t aware of these ridiculously amazing artists, you are all in for a real, rare experience. These guys have all individually made names for themselves in the House game, and combined, they’re about to perform one of the best back to back, to back, to back sets that we’ve going to have the pleasure of seeing. J.E.S.& S' Ibiza Boiler Room set is up on Soundcloud, and it’s been on repeat to get us ready for Sunday.
Brand New - GEEZE did my soul shake when this band was announced to play the fest. I know I myself, among many, many others, have been waiting for years to see the guys of Brand New live. And what better way to do it than at one of the biggest festivals in the world? With many songs containing beautiful, emotion-rending lyrics, I can’t wait to see the crowd singing in sync with each track they perform.
Kaytranada - As a fan, it has been very exciting to see this artist progress and become more and more popular. Artists from every which way have been hitting him up to produce tracks for them, including fellow must see Coachella newcomer, Vic Mensa. Kaytranada has a mass amount of quality tracks produced, showing consistency and drive to make music that will be pleasing no matter which track you listen to. I’ve been waiting to see this artist for years, and thankfully, the wait is almost over!
Claude Vonstroke - Ah, the king of Dirtybird. It’s about time that he was swooped up to play the festival, and he’s about to have the Sahara Tent going OFF! The artists over at Dirtybird Records have been taking the scene by storm, especially over the past couple years, and have created their own movement of sounds. I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen Claude Vonstroke play a banging set, but I know his Coachella performance will be unlike any other. SO excited to see this one.
Saint Motel - With just releasing a new EP last year, this progressive pop band, Saint Motel, is ready with awesome material to fuel their Coachella performance. Their easy-going tracks like “My Type” and “Midnight Movies” lift your mood no matter what current state it’s in. They are a perfect fit for the festival this year.
John Talabot - Whenever an artist can move you in unexplainable ways just by rhythms, melodies, and basslines is something that can’t be ignored. John Talabot seems to do this almost effortlessly, and his unique way of bringing house music to life is definitely a reason to catch his set. His music makes me feel at ease, and very comfortable in my environment, which is an amazing quality to have in your creations.
Annie Mac - If you’ve been a fan of electronic music, you’ve most likely heard some of Annie Mac’s Radio shows on BBC Radio 1. Here, she debuts some of the best music around today, and she’s introduced me to a mass amount of amazing artists and tracks over the years. Her Coachella set is sure to be filled with some of the rarest, and hottest tracks you’ve ever heard, and I can’t wait to see what she brings to the Polo Fields.
Dubfire - Blood pumping, breathtaking, heart-racing Techno- That’s how I would describe the DJ/Producer that is Dubfire. If you have had the pleasure of seeing him live before, I’m sure he’s already one of your must-sees for the weekend. Whenever I have been in his presence from the other side of the decks, I feel like I’m truly in awe at seeing a master at work. He has the ability to take you into a completely different world when he performs, and the Yuma Tent is without a doubt, about to feel Dubfire’s Wrath.
Ben Klock - There’s so many phenomenal house and techno artists spread across the lineup this year, and Ben Klock is one to not forget to mention. Being the founder of his own label, Klockworks, he certainly has an ear for exquisite music. He uses his impeccable taste and his undeniable talent to spin unforgettable sets. His Coachella debut is about to be extremely special.
The Coachella lineup is stacked with some of the best artists around, and these newcomers are definitely some to check out. I also suggest looking up artists on the lineup that you haven’t heard of before, you never know what you may find! With less than a month to go until the doors of Coachella open, the countdown is on and poppin’. See you on the Polo Fields!
AUTHOR CREDIT: BROOKE SLIGER