The essential list of acts you need to see while you’re partying in the desert.
It’s a list much like any other list, made from thoughtful discussion and argument — that’s a lie we just listened to a lot of dope music and picked out the choice cuts. The much anticipated long awaited Coachella Must Watch List. We’ll be taking solace in the desert once again this year, so be sure to keep your eyes out all week for some fresh Coachella content from your favorite music blog. And make sure to check the recs below so you stay in the know on who to catch while you’re out sharing the desert sun with us out in Indio. Good vibes everyone…good vibes.
Goat
Why you need to check them out: They’re the original Swedish meatball. These Euros put on a stellar jam session. Slapping together a killer ensemble of fusion, afro beats and psyched out rifts, they’re the perfect band to get you involved in the desert hi-jinx that is chella. WARNING: Make sure you drink dat water during and after their performance. GOAT’s epic jam sessions have been known to hospitalize individuals.
Bonobo
Why you need to check them out: The Ninja-Tune dj/producer known for his stellar remixes and eclectic collabs is making his way to the desert. His sound is funk inspired, downtempo infused and backed by a full band — that’s a can’t miss combination for a good time right there.
Jagwar Ma
Why you need to check them out: Having only started the band less than three years ago, their rise through the ranks has been quick and built on a foundation of solid releases. Match that with co-signs by NME, Pitchfork and everyone’s favorite Aussie pub Triple J, and you can see why they’re worth the price of admission.
OutKast
Why you need to check them out: You really need a reason? Ok. We know that Outkast is scheduled to make a historic run this summer, having inked to perform at over 50 festivals in the U.S. and abroad (can’t wait for that Warsaw show baby!!!). But you only get one chance to see them for the first time (in 7 years). One. Having seen Big Boi perform over that same span of time, we can say the energy hasn’t gone anywhere. Now throw Andre 3000 back into the mix and all you get is flames in Indio. Someone call the fire chief, it’s bout to get “Spottieottiedopaliscious.”
Future Islands
Why you need to check them out: Everywhere they play they end up making a name for themselves and add fuel to the fire that is hype or fame, pick your poison. With a solid performance on Letterman the other day and an acclaim release of their new record Singles, you owe it to your ears to see what the fuss is about.
Galantis
Why you need to check them out: The union of Galantis is sort of like the Godfather. Let’s talk about origins right quick. “Galanti” was the name of an Italian accordion factory back in the day, started and run by a family/brothers of the same name. Their claim to fame was a model known as the “Super Dominator.” After the accordion fell out of fashion, the family turned it’s attention towards electric guitars. The more things change…today the “Super Dominators” known as Galantis, are now a dynamic electronic music duo who are made up of Christian Karlsson of Miike Snow and Linus Eklow, aka Style Of Eye. Now if you don’t want to end up like Fredo, we recommend you make the correct decision and mosey on over to the Sahara tent, bitches.
The Internet
Why you need to check them out: Currently you believe the Internet is this grand destination, an all knowing, all seeing, technological highway where the universe’s every answer is hanging out. Shit, you’re right. We like to think the true definition of the Internet is a five piece soul band created by Matt Martians and Syd The Kyd of OFWGKTA. But this isn’t Mom and Pop’s version of soul, the Internet keeps the sultry stuff, while throwing down more explicitness in big bass lines and heavily smooth rifts. Imagine breaking down sexual soul to it’s original bare boned raw data form. That’s the Internet of today.
GTA
Why you need to check them out: Having a presence in Miami we’ve been exposed to these guys for awhile now. And going from playing our favorite local venues to playing our favorite music festival is well, music to our ears. These guys are the truth! GTA’s the right amount of big room electro fused with enough futuristic sounds to have even the biggest EDM elitists jumping off the walls. Death to Genres ladies and gentleman GTA has arrived to bring the Sahara Tent down!
Poolside
Why you need to check them out: Mother fucking Neil Young & Disco, does it get any better? Nope. Poolside are the purveyors of daytime disco. And what better daytime party than palm trees and desert sun? It’s a recipe for an awesome time!
Ratking
Why you need to check them out: If you think that Biggie, Nas and Jay-Z are hip-hop — you’re “dead wrong” homie. The next generation of rap has arrived and Ratking are the flag bearers. Hailing from New York, they capture what it’s like to be young and live in the big city. Sure the New York of the 90’s still exists to an extent, but that’s not their reality. Rather, their lyrics are about love, the modern NYC landscape and how it’s still about fuck the cops (ok, somethings never change). Check out their new album, So it Goes here on NPR, it drops tomorrow.
Little Dragon
Why you need to check them out: Looking for the next “it” band? Little Dragon may be your best bet friends. Their resume is the most eclectic out, with a roster of collaborations that reads as it’s own dope festival in itself: Jose Gonzalez, Gorillaz, TV on the Radio, DJ Shadow, SBTRKT, Raphael Saadiq and Big Boi — it’s hard not to imagine them as a future festival headliner. With an electric sound that’s consistently kept in check by lead singer Yukimi Nagano’s energy and beautiful voice, the ingredients are prime for a mainstream blow up. Their next record Nabuma-Rubberband comes out May 13th. It will say a lot to how they’ve evolved. Can’t fucking wait.
Laurent Garnier
Why you need to check them out: Because Laurent Garnier was a techno and house music legend before you knew what techno or house music was. The best way to pay your respects is to show up and dance. Plus he’s french, what did we tell you about french dj’s last week? They kick ass.
Bonus: Hot Since 82 – We hit ya with this one last week for WMC/MMW so you already know.
