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We all know about Coachella headliners Outkast and Arcade Fire, but what about all those lesser-known artists listed in the smaller fonts on the line-up? They deserve some love too! To help you figure out which musicians to check out in the afternoons at the fest or to fill in some time between your favorites, we've picked out our top choices for non-headlining acts. They range from indie rock to R&B and electronic music, and we're making it easier for you to check out the tunes with our accompanying playlists.
FRIDAY, APRIL 11 & 18
Duke Dumont: Brit house and UK garage DJ/producer Duke Dumont gives the public what they need—infectious and soulful beats to dance to. His tracks are so sweet that his "Need U (100%)" song got him a Grammys nomination for "Best Dance Recording" earlier this year.
Caravan Palace: This 7-piece outfit from France plays electro swing and gypsy jazz. If you need to ask what that is, you might as well take a listen to them because it's a unique genre of its down. It'll make you feel nostalgic and send you back to the days when swing music was big (and then big again in the 90s). You'll need your dancing shoes on for this keyboard and horn-heavy band.
Waxahatchee: Katie Crutchfield's evocative lyricism in her indie folk band Waxahatchee gives you the sense that you're listening to her tell you intimate stories about her life. (Maybe the confessional sense of it also has to do with how her latest album "Cerulean Salt" was recorded in her bedroom.) Her sweet and crackling voice over twanging and distorted guitars reminds us of 90s college rock bands.
Austra: This Toronto trio brings synthpop and indietronica to the forefront. At times, the dark quality of Austra's music is haunting with its affective and operatic female vocals.
Hot Since 82: Hot Since 82 is one of the most anticipated (and sizzling) deep house DJs to hit Coachella. This British producer and DJ gets folks moving on the dance floor with this groovy beats and bass lines.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12 & 19
Drowners: If you like the Strokes, you might want to check out Drowners. The group brings out a similar post-punk revival sound with the band's quick guitars and earnest songs about love and heartbreak.
Foxygen: Get ready for some 60s psychedelic and sugary-sweet pop with L.A. natives Foxygen. The catchy tunes are of course, full of drug references. (Remember, the music is channeling a retro flower power time!)
The Magician: When The Magician (who really does dress like a magician on stage) DJs, you know you should get ready to put your dancing shoes on. The artist whose real name Stephen Fasano is a tastemaker, remixing and producing disco and funk with a indie pop sensibility. Oh and he puts out killer sets he calls "Magic Tapes" every month that you really need to check out.
Laura Mvula: British songstress Laura Mvula delivers her soulful tracks with oomph. The Guardian wrote about Mvula: "Sometimes, as on the outstanding pop cut 'Green Garden,' her old-timey sing-songs can feel like a distant cousin of Janelle Monáe's or OutKast's."
Banks: Jillian Banks (who just goes by "Banks") brings an alt-R&B sound to this desert music fest. Her frail and haunting singing is laced with ethereal piano. She's been compared to The Weeknd and has some of the sweet darkness Fiona Apple offers.
SUNDAY, APRIL 13 & 20
Blood Orange: You know Devonté Hynes is good when he's written and produced songs for the likes of Florence and the Machine and The Chemical Brothers. The singer, songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist who also goes by "Blood Orange" brings out soulful 80s funk, disco, and R&B into his Cupid Deluxe album.
Classixx: Classixx's long-anticipated nu-disco and electronic debut album, Hanging Gardens, was finally released last year with much acclaim. The groovy tracks from the L.A. duo keep your feet moving throughout the entire melodic album.
Anna Lunoe: Anna Lunoe is a force to be reckoned with. The Australian DJ, producer and singer who made her way over to L.A. sends us to the dance floor with her dreamy vocal styling and bouncy tracks.
James Vincent McMorrow: No Bon Iver this year at Coachella? Don't worry because we've got Irish alt-R&B crooner James Vincent McMorrow hitting the polo fields. His beautiful vocal range can soulfully touch those falsetto notes; it's pretty damn sexy.
AlunaGeorge: This buzzy British duo brings sweet vocals from Aluna Francis (who's been compared to Aaliyah) with an R&B and pop feel intertwined with electronic beats. They've also collaborated with hot sensation Disclosure for "White Noise."
