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14 artists you don’t want to miss at Coachella

BBG News

2025 finds me eagerly counting down the days till Coachella! It’s almost time to dust off my playlist of acts I can hardly wait to witness at the Empire Polo Club. Of course, Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone are on that list, but let’s not forget it’s the bands that motivate us to endure the scorching afternoon Indio sun that truly make this double weekend extraordinary (shout out to Weezer and Ed Sheeran). This year’s lineup offers a tantalizing mix of vintage soul, electrifying EDM, Aussie punk attitude, Irish hip-hop, and everything in between. Among the countless acts gracing the stages during Weekends 1 and 2, here are 14 names that have me absolutely thrilled!

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I’d like to know all about Coachella 2025. Specifically, I’m interested in learning how to secure tickets, who will be performing, what food options are available, the party atmosphere, and how to enjoy the livestream if I can’t make it there in person.

Jimmy Eat World
Saturday, April 12 and 19 at Coachella Stage, 4 p.m.

Disregarding Jimmy Eat World as just an emo band is incorrect. Overlooking their live performance this weekend would be even more of a miss. The band’s show at the Outdoor Theatre in 2011, under the intense sunshine, stands out vividly in my mind as a significant Coachella memory. For three decades, Jimmy Eat World has been producing top-notch power pop, with “Clarity” and “Bleed American” among the best alternative rock albums of their time. And isn’t it comforting to share a massive sing-along moment like “The Middle,” where the catchy chorus reminds us that everything will be okay? (Vanessa Franko)

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Arca
Sunday, April 13 and 20 at Gobi, 8:35p.m.

Created specifically for late-night dance parties in warehouses, Arca blends avant-garde electronics, reggaeton rhythms, and modern melodies into her innovative dance tracks. This enigmatic Venezuelan artist first gained recognition for producing albums such as Kanye West’s “Yeezus” and Björk’s “Vulnicura” during the early 2010s. Now, at the age of 35, she is making her desert festival debut after releasing eleven studio albums. Despite not putting out a full-length record since 2021, her performance promises to give a glimpse into what’s coming up next for this multimedia artist. (Cerys Davies)

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Fcukers
Sunday, April 13 and 20 at Mojave Tent, 3 p.m.; also with Haii Saturday at 6 p.m., Quasar

A New York duo in their youthful years has a band name that might appear aggressive or sarcastic on social media platforms, but their music delivers an intoxicating blend of 2000s indie grittiness and haunting post-punk. They are also well-known figures on the late-night DJ scene, so even a track like “Marmite” (which seems like a Discman playing a Ciara CD with dying batteries) is guaranteed to produce a strong beat. (August Brown)

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Meute
Sunday, April 13 and 20 at Outdoor Theatre, 3:40 p.m.

Meute is a unique techno band from Germany that blends traditional marching band instruments with electronic music. They stand out at Coachella, an event known for showcasing and celebrating various subgenres of electronic dance music (EDM). At Coachella, Meute offers a fresh take on the classics while also incorporating their own original tunes. This means they might reinterpret songs by popular EDM artists like Disclosure, Deadmau5, Laurent Garnier, or even alt-rock band Awolnation (yes, they have covered “Sail”). Their performance at Coachella reflects the festival’s spirit of innovation and respect for music history.

Soft Play
Sunday, April 13 and 20 at Sonora Tent, 5:20 p.m.

Occasionally, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing a rock duo perform live at Coachella, leaving me awestruck, especially during the performances of Japandroids in 2013 and Royal Blood in 2015. Based on my intuition, Soft Play is likely to deliver an equally impressive show. This British punk band is certain to draw fans who enjoyed previous Coachella acts like Turnstile and Idles. The set will likely include some intense mosh pits for their heavier songs such as “Act Violently” and “Punk’s Dead.” However, don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the more mellow tunes like “Everything and Nothing,” which showcases some delightful mandolin playing. (Vanessa Franko)

Yo Gabba Gabba!
Saturday, April 12 and 19 at Mojave Tent, 4:45p.m.

In their most recent performance at Coachella in 2010, the Yo Gabba Gabba! gang (Muno, Brobee, Foofa, Toodee, and Plex) hosted a lively family dance party within the Sahara Tent. Their antics in the field with Danny DeVito and their appearance onstage alongside the psychedelic garage soul band King Khan and the Shrines gave off a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. Originally conceived by Christian Jacobs from the Aquabats, the show has been reimagined as “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” on Apple TV+ last year, and with its star-studded guest appearances, we anticipate more unexpected moments during their live shows.

Kneecap
Friday, April 11 and 18 at Sonora Tent, 6:10 p.m.

In a hypothetical scenario, it would be thrilling for an Irish rap group to transform themselves into historical figures and execute a British king. This opportunity came after their groundbreaking, critically-acclaimed film brought them global fame and established them as bold, fearless advocates for Gaza. Now, with their upcoming American performance as musicians, this could be their most significant platform yet. With the constant stream of unprecedented news emanating from Washington D.C., it’s fascinating to contemplate the passionate and outspoken comments they might have in store for us. (August Brown)

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Benson Boone
Friday, April 11 and 18 at Coachella Stage, 7:10p.m.

In 2024, his song “Beautiful Things” was one of the biggest hits and his performance at the Grammys in February was particularly memorable due to its acrobatic flair. Boone, who had a brief stint on American Idol in 2021 before leaving the competition to pursue his own projects, is now preparing for the release of his second album by showcasing it on the festival circuit and releasing a new single titled “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else.” This song combines retro-80s electro-pop with Boone’s dramatic rock ballad style. (Mikael Wood)

Amyl & the Sniffers
Sunday, April 13 and 20 at Gobi Tent, 9:55 p.m.

Take a moment to watch the (explicitly adult-themed) music video for “Jerkin” by Amyl and the Sniffers, an Australian punk group. I recommend doing so when you’re not at work. Once you’ve started, crank up the volume on your speakers and join in with Amy Taylor’s catchy opening lines, “You’re a fool / You’re a jerk.” Afterward, consider using this free time to start your own band, aiming for half their level of talent and success.

Ravyn Lenae
Friday, April 11 and 18 at Mojave Tent, 2:35p.m.

Chicago-born artist Lenae creates daring yet effortless alternative R&B, a genre path paved by artists like SZA and Solange. Her latest album “Bird’s Eye,” produced by Dahi, received praise from critics, influencers, and musicians such as Rex Orange County, who collaborated with her on the remix of “Love Me Not,” and Sabrina Carpenter, who invited Lenae to open for her Short n’ Sweet Tour this year. (Mikael Wood)

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AG Cook
Friday, April 11 and 18 at Gobi Tent, 7p.m.

AG Cook, a pioneering figure in experimental pop music, has made a name for himself through his label PC Music and collaborations with artists like Charli XCX on “Brat” and Beyonce on “Renaissance.” This 34-year-old producer, DJ, and musician will showcase his unique synths and powerful vocals from his upcoming third solo studio album titled “Britpop” at the Gobi tent. His performance is anticipated to get the crowd dancing, much like XCX predicts in her song “360,” where she sings, “You’ll jump if AG made it.” (By Cerys Davies)

Jessie Murph
Sunday, April 13 and 20 at Mojave Tent, 5:25p.m.

20-year-old rising pop-country artist Murph garnered widespread attention when Koe Wetzel invited her to collaborate on his chart-topping power ballad “High Road,” which held the No. 1 spot on country radio for five consecutive weeks last year. For those who are yet to meet her, Murph provides a compelling introduction on her new single titled “Gucci Mane” (named after its sample from the influential Southern rapper Gucci Mane’s “Lemonade”): “I hail from Alabama, standing at approximately 4’11”; I have an unideal father and I long to reach heaven.” [Attribution: Mikael Wood]

Thee Sacred Souls
Friday, April 11 and 18 at Coachella Stage, 4:20 p.m.

In 2022, this three-piece band from San Diego resurrected a mix of Chicano soul, doo-wop, and funk in music, placing it at the center stage once again. Their debut single “Can I call you Rose?” from their self-titled album struck a chord with many, particularly TikTok users. Reminiscent of their entire discography, this band excels at creating an authentic, vintage vibe that frequently transports listeners back to soul’s heyday in the 1960s. The group consists of bassist Sal Samano, drummer Alex Garcia, and vocalist Josh Lane, promising to fill the air in Indio with a nostalgic feeling of love from yesteryears. (Cerys Davies)

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Amaarae
Sunday, April 13 and 20 at Gobi Tent, 5 p.m.

In today’s U.S. club scene, Afrobeats has become the go-to style of music. For those who crave something more complex and avant-garde, Amaarae’s fusion of R&B and alté is a breathtaking exploration that leaves you invigorated by its originality and sensuality in expression. Her 2023 hit, “Fountain Baby,” is still a standout, but get ready for even more captivating releases this year. (August Brown)

The popular genre of club music in the U.S. currently is Afrobeats. For listeners seeking something deeper and more innovative, Amaarae’s unique blend of R&B and alté is a stunning, invigorating journey showcasing its originality and sensual delivery. Her 2023 hit “Fountain Baby” continues to impress, but anticipate more impressive releases this year. (August Brown)

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2025-04-09 21:02

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