Hard to believe it’s that time of year again, but the Coachella Festival will be upon us again in just a few weeks. This year’s iconic music and arts festival will once again take place over 2 weekends, from April 14-16 and April 21-23. The jam-packed lineup has an exciting range of over 100 acts from a myriad of genres, featuring some old favorites, huge pop stars, and a ton of buzzworthy newcomers. We combed through the whole roster and handpicked 3 emerging artists that we think are essential to catch at Coachella 2017.
WHO: Jack Garratt
WHEN: Sunday, April 16th + 23rd
WHY: British artist Jack Garratt has had a pretty amazing year. After supporting Mumford & Sons on their 2015 tour, Garratt won the Critics' Choice category at the 2016 Brit Awards, BBC’s Sound Poll of 2016 and was on MTV's Brand New 2016 shortlist. His debut studio album, Phase, was released in February via Interscope, and since then Garratt has been on tour across the US (after which he will rejoin Mumford & Sons for a few of their summer shows). Garratt’s bluesy take on electro-pop will hook you immediately, and seeing him live only affirms this incredible talent. He rocks the stage with an incredible rig that allows him to simultaneously work a drum set, percussion pad, keyboard, microphone, synthesizer and guitar. Don’t miss this rising British star’s sure to be packed performance at Coachella this year.
WHO: Sohn
WHEN: Friday April 14th + 21st
WHY: Newcomer Sohn (aka Christopher Michael Taylor) went through a lot leading up to the release of his stunning new album, Rennen. Feeling burnt out from his last tour, the British-born artist relocated from Vienna to LA, and then retreated to a secluded house in northern California to hone in on his music. The result is a stunning collection of tracks which merge R&B, electronica and soul into a style that evokes both melancholy and excitement. His live shows are absolutely incredible as well… in addition to vocals, Taylor also mans the synth and has a live band which backs him up. He builds up and breaks down the crowd’s energy masterfully, leaving audiences wanting more. Don’t miss him @ Coachella this year!
WHO: Mac DeMarco
WHEN: Friday April 14th + 21st
WHY: Canadian singer-songwriter Mac DeMarco has been releasing solo music since 2012, but didn’t have a real breakthrough until the release of his much acclaimed 2014 album, Salad Days. Now a little bit older and a little bit wiser, the self-made DeMarco is gearing up for his highly anticipated 3rd studio album, which is due in early May. The music can be described loosely as grungy soft-rock, which DeMarco achieves through the use of flat drums, and chorus and vibrato effects on the guitar. Mac’s highly enjoyable brand of slacker-rock is lots of fun live – he weaves his signature guitar sound through sets with ease, and even throws in a few unique covers for good measure. Don’t miss this genuine indie-rocker’s set at Coachella this year!