A total of 66 shows will take part in Los Angeles and the surrounding area as part of Coachella’s epic side-show series, which has come to be known as Localchella. We brought you the list earlier this week and now that we’ve had time to digest it, we’ve circled a couple of the shows as can’t-miss. Check out our guide on what you should cop tickets for even if you won’t be headed out to the desert for this year’s Coachella. Can’t afford a ticket? Just hop in an RV with a creepy dude who posted an ad on Craigslist.
Tuesday, April 11:
BANKS & Jack Garratt at Fox Theater Pomona ($33.00, on sale Feb. 17 at 12 PM Pacific)
I’ve seen BANKS multiple times, and she’s a dynamic live performer who always brings her A-game. Her brand of dark alt-R&B has caught on in the last few years, but she’s managed to remain ahead of the curve. This will be her first LA show since dropping her killer second full-length record The Altar last year, and if you check her out here you’ll get to see her before both of her Coachella sets. Jack Garratt is in the same genre, though he leans more electronic and does a lot of cool things behind the decks while also bringing killer vocals. One of the things that makes Localchella great is that the bills are always top-to-bottom good, and this is no different.
Wednesday, April 12:
Francis and The Lights at El Rey Theatre ($20.00, on sale Feb. 24 at 12 PM)
In my mind, Francis and The Lights put out one of 2016’s best albums, though it somehow got overlooked. He still enjoyed a big 2016, touring with collaborator Chance the Rapper, working with The Weeknd and Cashmere Cat as well as several others. His Peter Gabriel-like vocals combined with his minimalist electro-beats is a perfect match. You also can’t help but enjoy his dance moves – white boy has some serious swag. I caught him at the Troubadour as well as opening for Chance at the Greek Theatre last year and came away very impressed.
Thursday, April 13:
Bishop Briggs, SHAED, Manatee Commune at El Rey Theatre ($22.50, on sale Feb. 17 at 12 PM)
Bishop Briggs enjoyed a major breakout 2016, opening for the likes of Coldplay and Kaleo as well as establishing herself as a major radio player and incredible live performer. This will be her biggest LA-headlining show to date at one of LA’s most intimate and awesome venues. SHAED wowed us opening for Charli XCX during Red Bull’s #30DaysInLA, arguably stealing the show. Manatee Commune is also pretty popular, making this a killer triple bill.
Monday, April 17:
Car Seat Headrest, Preocuppations at The Regent ($19.50, on sale Feb. 24 at 12 PM)
I was late to the Car Seat Headrest bandwagon, not fully buying into the hype until witnessing their set at October’s Treasure Island Fest. The weather was dogshit and the place was muddy as hell, but their energy brought the crowd to life despite the circumstances. “Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales” was one of 2016’s best songs and they have more than a few other catchy tunes to go with it. Preoccupations (fka Viet Cong) are one of prog rock’s up and comers and I’ve seen them multiple times, always coming away impressed.
Banks & Steelz at El Rey Theatre ($25.00, on sale Feb. 17 at 12 PM)
One of the most interesting side-projects to come along in recent years, Banks & Steelz is the collaboration between Interpol’s Paul Banks and Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA. You might think this sounds like a horrible idea in theory, then you listen to their record and find out there is a perfect ying and yang thing at play here. I caught their FYF Fest set and it was one of the more surprising moments of the weekend, with both guys bringing the fire.
Tuesday, April 18:
HINDS & Twin Peaks at The Regent ($17.50, on sale Feb. 17 at 12 PM)
What a perfect touring complement these two are to each other. Spanish garage-rockers HINDS have quickly become a favorite amongst youngsters and those that like to wild out in the pit. They are a sloppy fun time and one of those bands you’d love to get wrecked with at the bar. Twin Peaks are no different – I caught them for the first time at Music Tastes Good in Long Beach this past September and they have a similar vibe to HINDS. This is a perfect show to help shake you out of your coma if you went to Coachella weekend one the previous weekend.
Wednesday, April 19:
The Avalanches at Fonda Theatre ($26.50, on sale Feb. 24 at 12 PM)
One of the best bookings in Indio this year is the much-anticipated return of The Avalanches, who over 15 years ago released one of the better debut albums of the century. This show in between Coachellas will be one of the few to take place on their first-ever U.S. tour, and it is one you won’t want to miss. The Fonda is also a pretty small space for a group with such a name, and at less than $30, it’s a complete steal.
Thursday, April 20:
Royksopp at The Novo ($29.50, on sale Feb. 17 at 12 PM)
Just as the same with The Avalanches, the opportunity to see Norwegian production duo Royksopp play a gig in Los Angeles is a rare treat. They are legends of the electronic scene, having been putting out amazing stuff for over 15 years. They promise to be one of the most epic dance parties on the Polo Grounds this year, and probably the most epic of the Localchella sideshows. It’s a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so get your fill of their fun dance music while you can.
