Coachella #9, here we go! A bit later than normal, but here it is – the annual Coachella 2020 lineup post, along with a few of my recommended artists and bands to check out. Enjoy!
As usual, I’ll share links to my past Coachella lineup blog posts, all the way back to 2010!
Lineups from the Past Ten Coachellas
- Coachella 2019 Lineup
- Coachella 2018 Lineup
- Coachella 2017 Lineup
- Coachella 2016 Lineup
- Coachella 2015 Lineup
- Coachella 2014 Lineup
- Coachella 2013 Lineup
- Coachella 2012 Lineup
- Coachella 2011 Lineup
- Coachella 2010 Lineup
Thoughts on the 2020 Lineup
2020 marks Coachella’s 20th anniversary. Looking at its history, it’s crazy to see how far the festival has come. Coachella has really evolved into one of the premier music festivals in the world, and I love the energy and A-game that everyone – artists and attendees included – bring to both weekends.
Booking a reunited Rage Against the Machine was huge. The alternative rock/hip hop legends played at the first Coachella, so this was a nod to the past and the festival coming full circle. Frank Ocean was another incredible get. He’s super elusive and rarely performs live, and I still count his set at FYF Festival in 2017 as a generational performance. Along with Travis Scott, the festival has also booked the who’s who of the music landscape today, as well as a nice mix of up-and-comers and talent from around the world.
It’s looking to be another incredible three days out at the polo fields!
Glen’s Recommended Sets
This year, I’ll be highlighting some of the smaller-font artists and bands to check out. These recs range from all kinds of genres and even include alter egos of much bigger names. Read on for the details.
The Hu – a Mongolian heavy metal band that combines elements of metal, folk, and traditional Mongolian throat singing. They also play traditional and electrified Mongolian instruments. How metal – and awesome – is that?
NIKI – a rising Indonesian R&B singer who’s essentially a Gen Z Jhené Aiko. Lots of great tracks, awesome music videos, and collabs, often with her 88rising counterparts. And her output just keeps getting better.
Denzel Curry – one of the most talented and underrated rappers out there. Amazing live performances mixed with artistic creativity, with a nod to past titans but a firm eye towards the future.
Testpilot – the techno alter ego of Deadmau5. With the passing of the EDM torch from Dutch house to darker and more hypnotic sounds, this set will highlight what’s been slowly moving over to the EDM mainstream.
SabastiAn – a stalwart of Ed Banger records, with remixing and production credits for Daft Punk, Frank Ocean, and Charlotte Gainsbourg. If you miss the French electronic sounds of the early to mid-aughts, this one’s for you!
If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on the Coachella lineup, be sure to check out my previous posts on this music festival from my archives. There’s tons of great info on what to expect, plus some detailed recaps of my past Coachellas!
