There are a ton of artists worth checking out the next two weekends but here are our 9 Coachella 2024 Can’t Miss Undercard Acts! With headliners Tyler the Creator, Lana del Rey, and Doja Cat, it isn’t quite the strongest top of the bill in Coachella history but the undercard is still jam packed with names worth checking out!
FRIDAY
NEIL FRANCES
Gobi Tent — 8:00 to 8:45 PM
Longtime favorites of mine, LA-based electro-pop duo NEIL FRANCES will be bringing the chill vibes to the Gobi Tent right before the final stretch of Day One of Coachella. Their blend of soul and classic sounding hip-hop beats and house music has always caught my interest and there isn’t a bad song in the bunch. The live show is also great as their bass player absolutely shreds.
The Japanese House
Mojave Tent — 4:30 to 5:10 PM
If you’re my age and the sound of Imogen Heap’s voice brings back thoughts of The OC and when anything is possible, then have we got an artist for you. The Japanese House’s Amber Bain has similar vocal stylings lushly tucked between cascading synths and she keeps adding more depth with each new release.
L’Imperatrice
Outdoor Theatre — 5:25 to 6:10 PM
The French pop troupe L’Imperatrice is the ultimate dance party and it’s no surprise Goldenvoice has brought them back so soon after stealing the show at Coachella 2022. You don’t have to know French to enjoy this band’s sound and energy, they are just an absolute blast beginning to end. Always dressed in bright flashy outfits. This will represent the perfect midpoint of Coachella right before the sun begins to set on Day 2 at the Outdoor Theatre, a huge upgrade for the band from two years ago.
SATURDAY
Jungle
Outdoor Theatre — 8:40 to 9:30 PM
This is my number one can’t miss even though I’m seeing them the Thursday of Coachella weekend one at the Fox Theater Pomona. I’ve seen Jungle more than 10 times, ever since seeing the nu disco duo explode at Coachella 2015. They have ushered in a new wave of disco and are the kings of it and their live show can’t be missed. They seamlessly blend one song into the next and it’s a nonstop sweaty dance party. They’ve elevated their game on their recent album as they’ve relied a bit more on the rest of the band than previously. DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!
The Last Dinner Party
Gobi Tent — 5:30 to 6:15 PM
If you’re a fan of UK indie rockers Wolf Alice, this band is along those same vibes but with a different tinge to them. They’ll have things rocking in the Gobi Tent midday Saturday and I am looking forward to seeing them for the first time. Some rocking choruses and poppy hooks and some shreddy guitar. Shoutout my old roommate Marshall for flagging them to me.
Brutalismus 3000
Sonora Tent — 9:15 PM
One of the best YouTube comments I’ve ever seen is the description of German post punk techno duo Brutalismus 3000 as “When you had a long day at Schrute Farms but still have to play a set at night.” But don’t judge this book by its cover, because they throw DOWN the BEATS, not the beets.
SUNDAY
Flight Facilities
Yuma Tent — 3:00 to 4:30 PM
I am shocked to see Flight Facilities in such little font on the poster and so early in the day, but the good news is they’re playing a 90-minute set, which is a welcome reprieve from the usual 45-minute Coachella sets if you aren’t a headliner or subheadliner. Some of my favorite electronic tracks over the years are Flight Facilities tracks and they know how to turn it up for a festival set.
ATARASHII GAKKO!
Gobi Tent — 9:40 PM
I can promise you that you won’t see anything like ATARASHII GAKKO! at Coachella. This Japanese girl group are a spectacle of sound and color and are true performers. It’s like seeing an anime musical live and in the flesh. Their hyperreal production and performance are a masterclass in genre-blending with seamless transitions from the funk-infused basslines reminiscent of city pop anthems. This show will blow your mind!
Olivia Dean
Gobi Tent — 4:30 to 6:30 PM
A recent discovery for me, I am very excited to see Olivia Dean, who gives me some Alicia Keys and Jorja Smith and H.E.R. vibes. The song “The Hardest Part” blew up a couple years ago and last year Leon Bridges hopped on a new version of the song. Leon Bridges said when he first heard the song it had “an instant classic feel” and he isn’t wrong. And she’s got more than just one earworm and is worth checking out.
