The best part of Coachella is catching acts just before they take off. Or catching a star as they ascend into legendary status.
This year, I think that act could be Alice Merton. I love her voice and her beats. I’m hooked.
But let me make something clear. She’s been gaining traction for a year. I think with her being at Coachella, I think it will bring a wave of momentum to elevate her even more. Her music is really good.
Her most popular song is “No Roots,” a catchy, moody song that has a great hook that sucks you in. She’s performed this song on the late night talk show circuit.
When I listen to this song, I just think it’s going to be amazing to her it live. It has the recipe to be a lot of fun.
But my favorite from Alice is “Lash Out.” I get giddy when the open guitar riff and then goose bumps anticipating the electricity her voice brings.
I’m posting this acoustic version that just got me geeking out.
It bums me out I won’t be able to catch her live at Coachella.
If you have a wristband, do not miss Alice Merton.
One of the acts I’ve wanted to see for a while has been Bon Iver, as I think Justin Vernon is one of the best vocalist out there.
Halocene is such a beautiful song, and his cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make you Love Me” is extraordinary.
But I hadn’t read much about Bon Iver before watching them at Coachella this year during the second weekend. So when I heard the auto tune and the altering of his vocals, it threw me off.
My initial reaction was, “with a beautiful voice like that, why mess with it?”
But I know artists like to branch out, so I tried to give it a chance. But to be honest, it was hard to really soak it in because it did throw me off. It wasn’t bad, but I wasn’t prepared for it. I will have to listen more to his new CD, “22, A Million.” I want to listen to more of it and get an honest take on his new direction.
Yet, I think Bon Iver came up with the signature moment for Coachella 2017 for me when there was a surprise appearance by Bruce Hornsby and Jenny Lewis. They performed together on Hornsby hit, “The End of the Innocence.”
Bringing together three rich and beautiful voices together for that song just gave me goosebumps the whole song.
And it was cool because there was no introduction. I thought it was just a cover, but as I listened, “hey, isn’t that Bruce Hornsby?”
When I got home that night, I searched YouTube to see if anyone posted a video of it. Once I found it, I was sharing it with all my music friends.
Coachella can sometimes be a pain. With so many people, as they expanded to 120,000 this year, it’s can test your patience.
But “The End of the Innocence” is a moment that makes it all worth it.
I got the alert today that my Coachella wristbands are on the way.
To prepare for the 2017 edition, here is a playlist of some of the songs I’m looking forward to. This is in no way a complete list.
BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE
I love this band and it was a great performance when they played in 2013. They were actually on against Phoenix, who was the Saturday headliner and that was a tough decision.
But New Order represents my college days and I just love the band. And Bizarre Love Triangle was the soundtrack of those days.
Whenever I hear it, it just makes me happy.
WELCOME TO YOUR LIFE
So anyone who reads this blog regularly knows I love Grouplove. I especially love the song “Shark Attack” because it was written and inspired by their first appearance at Coachella, which I caught.
But they have an impressive catalog of songs that I love, including their latest.
The energy they bring to their performances is infectious. I’ve caught them numerous times and haven’t ever been disappointed.
ON HOLD
I know the XX has been around and I’ve followed them peripherally, but their latest CD, “I See You” has really hooked me in.
“On Hold” isn’t necessarily my favorite song on the CD, but the sampling of Hall and Oates’ “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” that I didn’t recognize immediately … or actually until I Googled it.
HIGH AND LOW
One of the most visually dynamic bands out there. Again, I didn’t follow them closely, but the first song from their newest CD, “High and Low” hooked me in immediately.
These guys are a staple in the Sahara tent, but it will be interesting if they will be back there again, or on a bigger stage, which would also mean a more elaborate stage set.
That would be fun.
CHANGE OF SEASONS
Two Door Cinema Club’s last performance at Coachella was one of my favorites. The band has a dynamic sound, starting with Alex Tremble’s voice.
They’ve changed their sound for their latest CD, so it will be interesting to see how it will play out on stage. But their new stuff is solid, even if it is a bit of a departure.
“Bad Decisions” is my favorite from their latest CD, but since I featured it in a previous blog, I went back a few years for “Change of Seasons,” a really great song.
RIVER
A new voice that is big and bold, I’m really looking forward to seeing Bishop Briggs. She’s low on the lineup sheet, but feels like a chance to see a future star.
I think her song “River” really captures her dynamic range.
SAFE AND SOUND
Great sound and great energy. When I saw Capital Cities at Coachella, there was a moment when I thought this might be the best set I saw that year and was right up there with the best I saw.
That thought same when they played “Safe and Sound.”
I just remember I couldn’t sit still and I don’t think anyone else could.
Of all the people to withdraw from Coachella, Beyoncé was the toughest one to take for 2017.
Beyoncé is outside of Coachella’s comfort zone of indie acts, and its such a huge attraction that a large part of the tickets were purchased just for her appearance. She was also the first woman in a decade to headline, which promoters were probably hoping would end the “Brochella” nickname.
Due to doctor’s orders, Beyoncé cancelled, but promised to headline Coachella the next year.
So who can fill the large hole created by Beyoncé? When it comes to her stature and body of work, it’s an irreplaceable talent and it won’t satisfy her fans, who have seen the price plummet on the secondary market (the scalpers).
There are numerous great acts, but it’s apples and oranges.
And should it be a woman?
I think at this point, Coachella will have to take whoever it can get. A few woman can headline with the large appeal of Beyoncé, but are not necessarily a Coachella act. At this point, that might not be important.
For acts who don’t mind replacing Beyoncé, the other factor is putting on a headlining-worthy show on short notice. It makes it tough for acts who are not touring or rehearsing to pull the trigger.
Because let’s face it, expectations will be high, and people watching will be incredibly judgmental.
Here’s a look at possible replacements.
LADY GAGA
Her stock has always been high, and after her Super Bowl and Grammy performances, it’s skyrocketing.
Gaga would be the best option. She has a new CD and her world tour doesn’t begin until August. This would be a great jump start.
But Gaga will hit the West Coast in August and December, including shows at the Forum during both of those months. Will that be too much Gaga? And I’m not sure if the promoters of her tour would go for that.
Then again, the publicity could create an even bigger frenzy.
RIHANNA
Another terrific possibility. Rihanna was at the Indio Polo Grounds in October performing with Paul McCartney and has been at Coachella as a fan and guest star with 2016 headliner Calvin Harris.
Currently, she has no tour dates. It could be asking a lot of her to put together a headlining act with rehearsals in what could be a one-off (or actually two-off) performance.
BRUNO MARS
His tour doesn’t begin until July, and he would go over big with Coachella fans.
He’s never played.
But there could be an ego thing, in that he might want to play Coachella with a huge buildup that traditionally begins in January.
Not sure if he’s had regular talks with Goldenvoice, so who knows if it would be a good fit.
ADELE
I think she would be a great headliner, but maybe being a replacement would be a bad move.
Although gracious at the Grammys, not sure Adele fans are also Beyoncé fans and vice versa. While Adele has a huge following, it might not satisfy the ticket buyers. Generally, Adele’s shows are more stripped down, compare to the large productions you get from Beyoncé.
She would be great at Coachella, but the cards might be too stacked in replacing Beyoncé. .
KANYE WEST
He’s been a last minute addition for promoters Goldenvoice, and he’s been a great headliner at Coachella. Plus, Kanye wouldn’t have to travel far.
But of course he had personal issues that prematurely ended his tour and saw him in the hospital following his breakdown.
You hope that he will be healthy before considering taking on Coachella.
JAY Z
Considering what Lemonade is about, maybe it’s not a good idea for Jay Z to be away from his pregnant wife to perform at Coachella over two weekends.
MISCELLANEOUS
I’ve said U2 and Green Day in a former blog. And it would make sense since their schedules could accommodate it. But again, short notice and their music might not satisfy the Beyoncé ticket buyers.
So naturally with the lineups being announced, there’s a part of me that things what could have been. There are some cool opportunities that could have made this Coachella a little more special.
PERFECT YEAR FOR SNOOP DOG, WILLIE NELSON OR LIL WAYNE TO HEADLINE
This will be the first time recreational weed use will be legal in California. That would be something if Coachella got Snoop Dog, Willie Nelson or Lil Wayne to headline.
I’m sure they could have gotten other acts that I just can’t think of.
Now that marijuana is legal, will it change the vibe at Coachella? Judging by all the second-hand smoke I’ve inhaled, I’m guessing it won’t.
HAVING U2 KICKOFF JOSHUA TREE
This year marks the 30th anniversary of U2’s legendary “Joshua Tree” album, which has sold over 25 million copies.
Coachella, of course, is close to the Joshua Tree National Park. There has also been talk over the years that U2 would play Coachella as both sides have expressed a mutual interest.
The tour begins in May, and the Southern California stop is on May 20 at the Rose Bowl. While Pasadena is nice, it wouldn’t have felt as magical as if they played Coachella.
U2 is doing one festival, which is Bonnaroo on June 8-11 in Tennessee.
Goldenvoice, which also produced the wildly successful Desert Trip in October, will have the October date again, so perhaps they could be angling to have U2 play then.
When Coachella announces it’s lineup, the last few years, it’s been met with disappointment.
As the leading music festival in this country, expectations are high, maybe too high.
I look at this year’s lineup and it’s impressive, yet I still feel disappointed.
Having said that, I’ve been disappointed when Coachella’s lineup has been announced the last few years, but I still go and have a good time.
The headliners are strong with Beyoncé, who will be performing for the first time as an act and not a guest. Radiohead is a longtime Coachella favorite. And Kendrick Lamar is on the brink of surpassing superstar status.
No doubt, Coachella will do well with ticket sales and buzz.
It also didn’t help that BottleRock Napa Valley announced it’s lineup, with Foo Fighters, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Maroon 5 are the headliners. It’s a matter of tastes, but I’m more excited about those headliners.
But for me, I go to Coachella with an open mind. What usually happens, I’ll find bands I didn’t know much about and fall in love with them. And acts I was so-so with, I’ll fall in love with.
The truth of the matter is Coachella has been evolving and expanding it’s reach, having made hip hop and EDM more of a staple over the years. With the broader base, there will be less bands I really love that will fill the line up.
But that’s cool.
There’s still enough bands I love, as well as a few new ones I’m really anxious to see. If I go with an open mind, I’m sure there will be an act I will fall in love with and it might change my tastes yet again.
So here’s a few of my highlights after seeing the 2017 lineup.
HANS ZIMMER?: If Coachella was going to book an act that is famous for scoring movies, I figured it would have been former Oingo Boingo frontman Danny Elfman.
Zimmer has done the score of countless epic movies, including “The Lion King” and “The Dark Knight.” He’s even teaching an online “Masterclass” online for $90.
I always imagine that if Hans Zimmer does something, it would be with a huge orchestra in a venue like the Hollywood Bowl.
But this could be a very cool show.
It reminds me of when producer Mark Ronson performed at Coachella. While he doesn’t sing, he had a great show with tremendous guests.
A WOMAN, FINALLY: Beyoncé becomes just the second woman to headline Coachella, following in the footsteps of Bjork in 2002 and 07. It’s surprising it’s been a decade since Coachella had a female headliner.
But Beyoncé will be a spectacular way to end the drought. She stole the show at last year’s Super Bowl, and “Lemonade” was her latest monster hit.
It won’t be the first time Beyoncé has performed at Coachella, as she’s been a guest for several acts, including husband Jay Z during his 2010 headlining set.
It also brings up this interesting tidbit. Will Beyoncé’s appearance bring out the Obama family as President Obama has bought a home in nearby Rancho Mirage? They have been friends and Beyoncé and Jay Z were at the White House frequently.
Here’s a look back at Beyoncé performing with Jay Z at Coachella, singing “Young Forever.”
CATCHING THOSE I MISSED IN 2012: So at Coachella, be careful what you eat. In 2012, I had something that forced me to leave the evening session, forcing me to miss some much-anticipated acts like Radiohead and Bon Iver.
Luckily, both are here this year.
But I did get one reprieve. Thom York was at the Ace Hotel the following weekend, and he was DJ-ing on a Friday prior to his Weekend 2 performance the next day.
Another band that I wanted to catch but missed was Bastille, as they played a tent that was so overcrowded I couldn’t get in. Hopefully they’ll be on the main stage this time.
WELCOME BACK: Bands who had some of my favorite sets will be returning, particularly New Order, Two Door Cinema Club, Capital Cities, GroupLove, Local Natives and the Head and the Heart.
They might not be high on the lineup, although I could be wrong with that on some, but they will be well worth going to Coachella during likely the hottest time of the day.
EAGLES OF DEATH METAL
Much like Queens of the Stone Age, they guys are a local product from Palm Desert. Unlike QOTSA, EODM has not played Coachella yet.
I felt promoters Goldenvoice missed an opportunity last year to bring the hometown boys to the festival, and maybe even have a benefit to help those who were affected by the Paris shootings last year at the Bataclan.
But most of all, Eagles of Death Metal is a fun band that plays timeless rock music, with a wink and a smile.
They’ve been a personal favorite and surprised they haven’t played Coachella yet.
BANNERS
Shine A Light is one of those ear-worm songs, and Banners had a nice run in 2016. Maybe they should have been in Coachella last year.
COIN
Incredibly fun music that’s catchy. These guys might be my favorite band from the last year or two.
ELECTRIC GUEST
Asa Taccone has a unique and expressive voice that brings their super hit “This Head I Hold” to life. I thought they would have played around when their debut “Mondo” in 2012. That didn’t happen, but now they have new music. Taccone’s brother Jorma is part of “Lonely Island.”
RUN RIVER NORTH
This band is very talented and very versatile, as they changed its sound. They are a fun act live and would do well at Coachella.
JUDAH & THE LION
I might be picking these guys solely for a catchy hook in this song. But they do have a great sound.
X AMBASSADORS
An indie darling, these guys seem overdue to play Coachella.
I would suspect that would not be too far down the lineup.
Here’s a few acts I’ve caught at Coachella, which I hope will return.
At least, these are the acts I’m feeling right now. I’m sure there’s more I’ll be able to think of afterwards.
GROUPLOVE
I caught Grouplove both times they were at Coachella and they were fantastic performers, a hippy band with the energy of a death metal band.
I read somewhere that “Shark Attack” is a song they wrote from their first time at Coachella, so it only seems natural they would be a regular.
They released “Big Mess” this fall, so they’ll have new music.
Outside of Coachella, I caught them at the Troubadour and the Jimmy Kimmel Show and they never fail to bring the fun.
Looking at their tour schedule, they will end their spring tour on April 13 in Santa Cruz, Ca. The first weekend of Coachella begins April 14.
FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS
Fitz and the Tantrums have been on a little unusual schedule at Coachella, as they never hit this festival right after releasing new music. It usually comes at the tail end of a run for a CD.
So last year, Fitz and the Tantrums didn’t play as they performed in 2015. And during 2016, they released their self-titled “Fitz and the Tantrum,” which included the hit “Handclap.” The LA Times declared it the song of the summer.
So far, the band doesn’t have its schedule made out for 2017, but if Coachella comes calling, you would expect the LA-based band will return.
TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
One of the great indie-rock bands, Two Door Cinema Club has come up with more of a pop sound in their new CD, “Gameshow.”
It shows their diversity, particularly with the disco sounds of “Bad Decision,” although some fans were still longing their indie-rock sound.
But even critics of the new sound can’t deny the songs are catchy. And Two Door Cinema Club has a deep catalog.
In their last Coachella performance in 2013 was dazzling.
THE KILLERS
The Las Vegas natives were dazzling headliners in 2009, sandwiched between Paul McCartney and the Cure. But that was the last time they played Coachella as a group, although lead singer Brandon Flowers has returned as a solo act.
The Killers will have new music in 2017, and a return to the Empire Polo Grounds would be an overdue return.
PETER BJORN AND JOHN
These guys are much more than the theme song to “Two Broke Girls.”
They are a great Swedish band. Admittedly, when they last played Coachella, it was after their first CD, and playing the main state seemed a little big for the trio.
But their sound got bigger and they’ve been even more dynamic.
In the summer, they released a new CD “Breaking Point” and played FYF festival on the USC campus.
While they have a great array of hits, I really loved this cover they did with the AV Club and wish they would include it on their setlists.
I caught them on the Sunset Strip the day before their FYF festival and they were glorious.
Coachella has long brought out big acts from a different generation.
It’s an impressive list that includes the likes of Guns N Roses, AC DC, Steely Dan, Duran Duran.
So here’s a list of possible legends who might play Coachella this year.
YUSUF ISLAM/ CAT STEVENS
In 2014, Yusuf Islam returned to the stage for the first time in 35 years, and he returned again, playing a brief Fall tour that included two nights at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater for his 50th anniversary.
His pop-folk classics are numerous and beloved. While his act was acoustic, his long lists of hits would play well on big stages.
This might be the one acts I’m hoping to see most.
PHIL COLLINS
He came out of retirement this year, playing the US Open tennis championships and the Tonight Show.
He has a long list of hits as a solo act and as a member of Genesis.
For Collins, it would make sense to headline a major festival, as he will kick off a tour in the summer.
“In The Air Tonight” was one of the signature songs of the 80s, as Collins rolled out seven No. 1 hits during that decade.
STING
This would be a long shot as Sting would end a European Tour on April 13 in Paris, the day before Coachella’s first weekend will begin.
That’s not to say Sting couldn’t play that Sunday night.
But Sting would be an interesting choice to add, especially since his latest CD, “57th and 9th,” marked a return to his rock roots.
Plus, Sting has two dates at the Palladium on Feb. 8-9, and then a date at The Show at the nearby Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage.
It’s just fun to thing about the possibility, even though it is a long shot.
THE TIME/THE REVOLUTION
With the passing of Prince, I just think it would be cool to have the Time, with Morris Day and Jerome, at the Empire Polo Fields. When Prince headlined, Morris and Jerome opened the set with “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.”
I kind of envision this being a Prince tribute with all the acts he’s helped, and this would also include The Revolution.
DEPECHE MODE
Yeah, there’s an 80s theme to this list.
Depeche Mode was one of the biggest acts of the 80s and they will also be going on a summer tour in 2017, which works logistically for Coachella.
It’s an odd thing that Coachella has not had a female headliner since Bjork in 2007, as there have been many worthy candidates.
Some publications have begun to hit Coachella for the lack of female headliners, but it seems unfair to single out the one event.
Since Bjork in 2007, female headliners at similar festivals have been Florence + The Machine (Lollapalooza 20-15, Sasquatch 2016 and Austin City Limits second weekend in 2015), Lady Gaga (Lollapalooza 2010), Sleater-Kinney (Sasquatch 2015), Bjork (Sasquatch 2007 and ACL 2007), Alison Krauss with Robert Plant (ACL 2008). It should also be noted that Bonaroo has never had a female headline its festival.
In these festival’s defense, many of these are built as alternative and rock, and there are not as many acts that are on the level of the Red Hot Chili Peppers or Arcade Fire or Black Keys, who have been mainstays at Coachella.
It could be genre, because maybe a Taylor Swift and Katy Perry is not an act the Coachella goers want to see there.
Or it could be that these acts don’t see a benefit to playing Coachella. Swift and Adele had sold out multiple nights at big venues in Los Angeles, so it appears playing Coachella wouldn’t seem to make financial sense.
Katy Perry and Rhianna have been regulars at Coachella as spectators, so one would assume there have been conversations to have perform.
Coachella had Madonna play in 2006, but she elected to play in the Sahara tent, and used it to kick off her tour. The Sahara tent has become the EDM tent. I would guess if Goldenvoice has its choice, the Material Girl would have been on the main stage. It was billed as Madonna’s first Festival performance. And who knows, maybe she will return to Coachella as a headliner since she’s still going strong.
There are also some acts that would be great at Coachella, but maybe their catalogs are not deep enough yet. HAIM, who have been festival darlings, come to mind.
Having said all that, Coachella has had its opportunities to have a female headliner and whiffed.
Two that come to mind were the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in 2013, but went with Stone Roses and Blur as split headliners on that Friday night.
The other was Florence + The Machine in 2015. AC DC, Jack White and Drake were the headliners that year, so that’s not as easy a call, but 2015 was a huge year for FATM.
And because Coachella has been diversifying its lineups, acts that didn’t seem like a good fit in the past would seem to make sense now.
So here’s my list of candidates to be headliners at Coachella.
Adele: Obviously one of the biggest acts in the world, Adele would be a slam dunk.
When she announced tour dates in 2015, April was wide open for a possible date at Coachella 2016, but it didn’t happen. Instead, Adele had sold out eight dates in August at Staples Center.
Truth of the matter is, Adele is so big, she might be used as an act for a Fall date at the Empire Polo Grounds as a follow up to Desert Trip.
Ellie Goulding: She’s obviously a huge act and has been very popular the times she’s played Coachella.
Lady Gaga: She has a new CD out and will be coming off a Super Bowl performance.
She’s one of the biggest acts in the world and her eclectic songs and presence would be a perfect fit.
Beyoncé: A huge act, this could be a major chapter in Coachella history.
Beyoncé performed in 2010 with Jay Z.
Then again, it’s been seven years. If Beyoncé hasn’t headlined since then, why now?
Lana Del Rey: Another hugely popular act, who had a huge turnout when she played 2014. There was surprise when she wasn’t in the 2016 lineup. So there’s a chance…
Alabama Shakes: Their 2015 appearance was one of the most buzziest acts in that lineup. Brittany Howard is on her way to becoming an iconic singer. Only question will be depth of their catalog for a headliner. But there’s no question they would be a great band to market as a headliner.
St. Vincent: One of the most respected acts who has a deep history. No one has given her a chance yet to headline, but her self titled “St. Vincent” won the Grammy for Best Alternative Album, making her the first female solo act to do so in 20 years.
Chvrches: Until this year, I didn’t think of Chvrches as a headliner. But Lauren Mayberry was magnificent as they took to the main stage and drew huge crowds.
Their catalog continues to grow with great songs. The only thing preventing them from headlining 2017 is they just played 2016. Unless they have a new CD, this is probably unlikely as a headliner in 2017, but a good possibility for the future.
HAIM: Darlings of the festival scene, their catalog is just not that deep yet. They might be another CD away from being a possible headliner. But the talent and songwriting is there, and they are terrific live.
Nicki Minaj: Coachella has successfully expanded with hip hop and EDM, so Minaj would be a natural to headline. She’s one of the biggest acts in the world, and seems like a perfect fit.
Florence + The Machine: I think she is long overdue to headline Coachella. This also seems unlikely because she played the festival recently. It would only seem to make sense if she releases a new CD.
Gin Wigmore: I caught her twice in the span of a year. She might be a dark horse to headline, but she was great the two times I caught her, and she has a deep catalog of great music.
But she hasn’t played Coachella, and I think she’s due.
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