Late Monday night Coachella dropped its 2016 lineup. With Guns n’ Roses and LCD Soundsystem as headliners (and both reuniting) leaked early on, the anticipation was only building for the remainder of the lineup. My hats off to the Goldenvoice team for putting together yet another massive lineup for music fans to salivate at. This year is clearly very dance heavy (as expected) and obviously there is going to be more electro(nic) incorporated into the Coachella Stage and Outdoor Theater stage. Also with Calvin Harris drawing the largest crowd in Coachella Stage history in 2014 it’s no surprise to see him headlining as well this year. I’ll get to may favorite small line artists below but I think the most interesting part of the lineup is at the bottom which states “DESPACIO All Weekend Long;” and should get every LCD Soundsystem (and music) fan excited because if you aren’t familiar, DESPACIO is a side project of James Murphy and 2manydjs! It’s so rad, see for yourself, HERE.
The top line artists speak for themselves but let’s get into the fun stuff, discovery. Here are my quick hits to the artists you may not know but should by April. If I had to name just one of the below for your to really get lost in, Gallant. Oh baby!
Friday: Ibeyi, Black Coffee, Years & Years, HEALTH, Mavis Staples, Goldroom, Gallant, HAELOS, Miami Horror
Saturday: Chronixx, AlunaGeorge (who dazzled in 2014), Shamir, Moon Taxi, Ex Hex, Mr. Carmack, Alvvays, Algiers, Cloves, Phases
Sunday: HudMo, Kamasi Washington, Melody’s Echo Chamber, Anderson .Paak, Nosaj Thing, Epik High, Tensnake, Alessia Cara, Crystal Fighters, PRAYERS, Young Fathers, the Heavy, Girlpool, AC Slater
Do You Hear The Music? 