By: Becky Foreman
YOU ARE WELCOME.
1. Flume
If you haven’t gotten into Flume yet, you will be in for a treat. He’s got a unique sound that mixes soul, hip hop and electronic. He also put out an EP with Chet Faker that is sexy as hell, just as I expect this set to be. Also, he’s not too bad on the eyes, so….there’s that, too. (Also check out his song “Drop the Game” with Chet).
2. Chromeo
Chromeo is one of the funnest (is that a word?) live acts to see at any festival. Any time I’ve seen them it has been a non-stop exciting, dirty, dance party. I can’t say enough about how good they are, just…go to this set. You won’t be disappointed.
3. Future Islands
I have not yet had the pleasure of catching Future Islands live, but from what I have heard, this will be one of the most talked about “lesser-known” acts of Coachella. They’ve been on the rise for a while now, and with their latest album receiving tons of praise, this may just be their year. With a lively act, and raucous front-man, go ahead, get into this set. Crowd-surf, dance to your heart’s desire…you won’t be the only one.
4. Aloe Blacc
Aloe Blacc may be best known for his song “Wake me Up” with Avicii (that you can’t even turn on the stereo without hearing)…but there is much more to him than that. He’ll have a few surprises within his set, but honestly, I just want to sing along to “I need a dollar” with a sea of fellow Coachillers. That’s really all there is to it.
5. James Vincent McMarrow
This guy has one of the most beautiful voices I can think of. Reminiscent of James Blake, he does a stellar cover of Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love” and I’m not tryin to miss that.
6. Jhene Aiko
Jhene (one of this year’s smaller acts) is an R&B singer that has collaborated with Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino and a few other names just as of late. I’m kicking myself for not catching her at last years Coachella (or…2012’s Coachella….whoops). So I’ll be excited to see what she’s all about live, this time around.
7. Blood Orange
Dev Hynes “Blood Orange”, has been busy the past few years; not only writing songs for people like Solange (an act you should also see at Coachella, btw) but on debuting his first two albums. The range of musical influences that come from his albums change from song to song, and this is definitely a must-see set of 2014. Just, do it.
8. Empire of the Sun
Duh. They always put on an amazing show. They dress exactly like Charlie & Dennis singing Day Man in Paddy’s Pub (am I right or am I right). Also, when the entire crowd is singing “I know everything about you, you know everything about me… We know everything about us..” you’re going to want to be right there, singing along. Don’t lie.
9. Neutral Milk Hotel
Do I really have to explain this one?
10. Caravan Palace
Because, let’s get weird. Electro-swing…I can dig it. And I can check it out. And you should too.
11. Pharrell
I honestly don’t know if I can ever hear the song “Happy” again in my life. But, who hasn’t done a song with Pharrell lately? This set will almost positively feature surprise guests, and if I get to hear this song… that will be enough for me.
12. The Knife
They’re weird, and we love it. This set will likely be elaborate and creepy, and since they are doing so little touring, you can expect their Coachella set to be a good one. Not to mention, this song, the live version….but, LIVE.
13. Big Gigantic
Here is another act you may not have heard of, but you’ve probably heard. They’ve got a pretty large electronic following and are heavily influenced by jazz and jam bands. They incorporate live instruments into their sets and are known to have a really cool stage setup. Check them out J
14. Solange
Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce. Well meet her little sister, if you haven’t already. She’s off-beat, cute, groovy, fun…what else can I say. We love Solange. By we, I mean me, and you, after you watch her live set.
15. Girl Talk
Remixes, lasers, dancing, giant balloons, confetti, strobe lights, dancing, bubbles, sequins, rap, rock, indie, singing, dancing, climbing onstage, glowstick, dancing….See you there.
Other mentionables *Chance the Rapper, The Glitch Mob, Fatboy Slim & Schlomo.