It’s April, which means it’s kick-off time for music festival season. First up, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, a must-attend event for live music fans (despite the fact that it takes place in the middle of the desert), opening Friday. Like any good festival, Coachella offers a wide range of acts to choose from, covering the spectrum from house to Top 40 rock – there is literally something for everyone. With that in mind, ARTINFO has put together a festival guide – arranged by handy listener profiles – to help lucky music lovers who find themselves in Indio, California, over the next two weekends (note: if you can’t make it this weekend, next weekend’s schedule offers the exact same lineup).
For the Listener Who Wants a Gentle Introduction to the Electronic Music World
Electronic music is as big as it’s ever been in America and Coachella has always been on top of its rise, spotlighting artists who shy away from analog instruments. This year’s festival features plenty of musicians with a foot in that world but who won’t be a shock to the system for the uninitiated. Those looking to hear what all the fuss is about should check out the scene mainstay Paul Oakenfeld, along with more recent acts like Jamie xx and TNGHT. Our top pick, though, is U.K. bass duo Disclosure, who perform on Sunday. The Lawrence brothers (Guy and Howard) have spent the last couple of years creating propulsive music that appeals to the more technically concerned electronica fans but is also a good fit for anyone looking to dance.
Disclosure, Gobi, Sunday, 11:10 p.m.
For the Listener Who Stopped Listening to New Music Years Ago
While the Internet has made it easier than ever to find new music, it’s also made it a daunting task. With seemingly thousands of bands coming out of nowhere daily, who has time to keep up? Sometimes it seems easier to stick with what you know and love. Coachella’s always been good at featuring bands that made their mark last century, and this year is no different with Sparks, New Order, and Blur all playing high-profile sets both weekends. But if there’s one show you must check out, it’s Friday night’s performance from the recently reunited Stone Roses. As with anything involving the Manchester quartet, there’s no reason to believe a feud won’t derail their reunion (it already has, actually), so catch the Brit rock legends while you still can.
The Stone Roses, Coachella Stage, Friday, 11:40 p.m.
For the Listener Who Cares More About a Thrilling Flow Than a Killer Guitar Riff
Coachella has a decidedly indie rock vibe, but the festival has never held back in spotlighting the best from the hip-hop world. After all, this is the festival that featured the Tupac hologram last year. This year is no different with sets from the Wu-Tang Clan, 2 Chainz, and Pusha T. All of them are worth checking out, but at the top of our list is Detroit MC and hip-hop’s current most talented weirdo Danny Brown. The unbelievably fast rapper (and recent Uniqlo model) performs Saturday afternoon.
Danny Brown, Outdoor Theater, Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
For the Listener Who Wants to Stay on Top of Things
Artists who play Coachella end up on the bill because they’ve proven themselves as acts worth paying attention to. And while the festival may not be the place to find up-and-coming bands, it’s a great spot to see young artists who have been recognized but aren’t yet household names. There are plenty of those acts bloating the middle area of each day, including Smith Westerns, Tame Impala, and Beach House. British singer Jessie Ware, who might be poppier than most buzz bands, is nonetheless someone you’ll definitely want to see, especially since the U.S. release of her debut album, “Devotion,” might make her a star.
Jessie Ware, Mojave, Sunday, 3:45 p.m.
For the Listener Who Wants to Make Sure to See the Best Artist Each Day
Clearly the 2013 Coachella line-up has plenty of outstanding acts, but if you ask us, there are some that rise above the rest. On Friday night, check out Odd Future’s most talented member, and hip-hop’s most promising young voice, Earl Sweatshirt. Saturday, the day most rife with potential scheduling conflicts, Sigur Rós’s set will be worth committing to. And on Sunday, you can still catch Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, without getting stuck in traffic.
Earl Sweatshirt, Gobi, Friday, 12:05 a.m.
Sigur Rós, Outdoor Theater, Saturday, 11:50 p.m.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Coachella Stage, 8:40 p.m.