Twice-delayed due to the pandemic, Coachella is finally happening this year (but knock on wood). The pandemic years marked the largest gap in Coachella attendance for me since 2012, and it was tough seeing some really great artists move on from the original 2020 lineup.
But with these changes we now have over 60 new artists and bands, which means just as much great music to discover and enjoy over the three-day weekend. I’m beyond excited to be back on the polo grounds this April!
As usual, I’ll share links to my past Coachella lineup blog posts, all the way back to 2010!
Lineups from Past Coachellas
- Coachella 2020 Lineup (canceled)
- 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 2022 Lineup
At this point in time, I’m fairly confident that even going into Coachella blind would still be my favorite three days of the year. There’s just such an incredible variety of great music and amazing artists, and you know that bands will bring their A game to the music festival season opener.
With that said, I think Paul T. and the festival organizers did a great job booking quality hip hop and electronic acts this year. On the hip hop front, there’s a nice mix of old favorites, the new school, top 40, and more alternative flavors. With the electronic bookings, you know it’s going to be a party in the Yuma tent this year.
And with all three headliners switched out, Coachella has a nice set of new headliners across a variety of genres, all huge draws that will be sure to appeal to the widest range of fans over the weekend.
Glen’s Recommended Sets
This year, I’ll continue to highlight some of the smaller-font artists to discover and consider checking out at the festival. I’ll start with three artists and bands from my 2020 recommendations post who will still be performing in 2022 – check out The Hu (Mongolian metal), NIKI (88rising R&B star), and Denzel Curry (solid hip hop).
I also wanted to quickly highlight three more artists and bands from my favorite albums of 2021 post – don’t miss Japanese Breakfast (my album of the year, modern indie rock), Arlo Parks (old-school R&B with modern sensibilities), and Turnstile (the most exciting thing to happen in hardcore punk in a long time).
Read on for a few more recommendations of artists from this year’s lineup.
Lane 8 – this progressive house producer and DJ was a huge part of my 2021 camping trips. His music is soothing, hypnotic, and just beautiful, a moment of zen and perfect respite from the hot desert sun.
slowthai – part of a new school of British rappers, slowthai is as talented as they come. With his roots in the classic grime sound, a recent critically-acclaimed album, and lots of star collabs, he’ll definitely have a fun set.
Purple Disco Machine – the sound is in the name – Purple Disco Machine cranks out fun tracks with disco, synth-wave, and tropical house vibes. Looking to be a perfect afternoon festival set with lots of dancing.
The Avalanches – these Australian music legends have been putting out electronic-tinged hits for 25 years, using a plethora of samples, synths, and instruments to let their multi-genre influences shine through.
Rina Sawayama – with a more alternative pop vibe, the talented Rina Sawayama is equally at home singing power ballads or dancing in music videos with hints of subversiveness and irony. Also Elton John-approved.
Fatboy Slim – what more needs to be said about this electronic music legend? Definitely on my bucket list to see him live, plus he had some cute pandemic lockdown DJ sets with his kids. A good time guaranteed.
Vince Staples – another massively talented and underrated hip hop artist, Vince Staples knocked his new album out of the park with great flow, lyricism, and that sizzling Kenny Beats production.
beabadoobee – I featured beabadoobee in my Gen Z artists post from 2020. If you miss the sounds of early aughts pop-punk to the likes of Avril Lavigne or the Disney greats, beabadoobee is that bridge to today.
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!
