Here is the daily breakdown of the best acts at Coachella and where & when they’re playing each day of this amazing event.
Saturday, April 12
Temples @ Mojave, 2:40pm
British rockers Temples are strongly inspired by late ‘60s psych-rock, but they exceed their revivalist peers with perfectly constructed and executed songs. This is the real faux deal.
Banks @ Gobi, 3:45pm
With a mysterious voice, sound and name, savvy Coachella-goers will get a reading on the alt-R&B singer in real life. Look out for an ethereal aural experience from the L.A. singer that mixes Lana Del Rey-esque moodiness with Fiona Apple’s brashness.
Julian Casablancas @ Mojave, 5:05pm
The Strokes’ frontman was a last-minute addition to the Coachella 2014 lineup, and a welcome one. Julian Casablancas’ solo stuff sounds a lot like his band (especially the vocals, go figure) but with a little more humor and humanity.
Kid Cudi @ Coachella Stage, 5:45pm
One of the most stylistically inventive rappers around, Cudi’s live show touches on rock, indie, soul, electronic music and, of course, hip hop.
Future Islands @ Gobi, 7:05pm
Future Islands have been getting a lot of attention following a mind-blowing Late Show performance (David Letterman has taken to showing clips of frontman Sam Herring’s inimitable dancing on recent episodes). Check out this Baltimore band’s crazy dancing live.
Lorde @ Outdoor Theater, 7:55pm
From her flower child dance moves to her deep, arresting voice, the burgeoning pop icon is a mesmerizing stage presence. Even if you’re tired of “Royals,” Lorde live is something to behold.
Pixies @ Mojave, 8:50pm
The uber-influential alt-rock act are a last-minute addition to Coachella this year. Despite the absence of original bassist Kim Deal, expect plenty of the “hits,” many of which laid the groundwork for Nirvana to take underground music to the mainstream.
Queens of the Stone Age @ Coachella Stage, 9:40pm
Fresh off the triumph of their sixth studio album …Like Clockwork, the California hard rockers can’t miss at Coachella whether they’re playing new material or stone-cold classics from masterpieces like Rated R and Songs for the Deaf.
Pharrell Williams @ Outdoor Theater, 10:35pm
After racking up huge singles as a featured guest (“Blurred Lines,” “Get Lucky”) and solo star (“Happy”), Pharrell’s stage will essentially be the sound of the past two years of popular music. Pro Tip: If you’ve got free time, camp out at this stage ahead of showtime. You know everyone’s going to rush in once they hear the “Happy” beat.
Skrillex @ Sahara, 11:25pm
The dubstep maestro is hitting Coachella not long after the surprise release of his debut solo album, Recess. That record features a guest spot from Chance the Rapper, who coincidentally is also playing Coachella this year. Don’t be shocked if he makes a guest appearance for their collabo “Coast is Clear.”
Nas @ Outdoor Theatre, 12:00am
The legendary New York rapper is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his perfect debut Illmatic this year, so expect to hear plenty of songs that are contenders for “best rap track ever made.”
Friday, April 11
Flatbush Zombies @ Outdoor Theatre, 12:25pm
Brooklyn’s Flatbush Zombies aren’t your typical rap group. Their style can be woozily laid-back or hard as hell, but it’s always arresting. And it’s near impossible to resist being yanked in by their intense stage presence. A great way to start Day 1 of Coachella.
Waxahatchee @ Mojave, 1:00pm
Indie singer-songwriter Katie Crutchfield’s second album as Waxahatchee, Cerulean Salt, was one of last year’s under-appreciated treasures. If you haven’t seen her punk-inflected, confessional indie rock in concert before, see what you’re missing out on.
Austra @ Gobi, 2:10pm
With a frontwoman who belts like Florence Welch and a house-influenced backing band, Canadian synth-pop act Austra are a powerful, exhilarating live outfit.
Aloe Blacc @ Mojave, 4:15pm
Aloe Blacc was catapulted into the international spotlight by singing Avicii’s “Wake Me Up,” but he’s making major waves on his own, too: “The Man” has become a Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. See him in concert to experience his mix of soul, folk and rap.
HAIM @ Outdoor Theatre, 4:55pm
The California sister trio specialize in immaculately constructed, joyously executed pop-rock that recalls Fleetwood Mac’s glory years. But they’re not just retro—hip hop beats and hair metal-tinged guitars pepper their incredibly catchy songs.
Bastille @ Mojave, 5:25pm
Thanks to the international success of “Pompeii,” UK rockers Bastille might be the first rock act since Imagine Dragons to truly break into the mainstream. Their upcoming second album, All This Bad Blood, could be huge—check ’em out and expect a taste of what’s to come.
Ellie Goulding @ Coachella Stage, 6:40pm
The folk-influenced electro-pop songstress might be shy in real life, but she crafts anthemic sing-alongs that unite any crowd. The Indio, CA, desert seems like the perfect place to catch her live.
The Glitch Mob @ Sahara, 7:30pm
Los Angeles EDM trio the Glitch Mob meld heavy hip hop basslines with—you guessed it—glitch music’s affinity for odd electronic beeps and bloops. They’ve ruled the L.A. club scene for years—so you know they’ll bring it at Coachie.
The Replacements @ Outdoor Theater, 8:45pm
The incalculably influential ’80s alt-rock act—who just started playing reunion gigs last year—deliver two of just five scheduled 2014 concerts at Coachella. Who knows how much longer they’ll be playing together before Paul Westerberg goes solo again, so check out their ferocious, reflective rock while it’s here.
The Knife @ Outdoor Theater, 10:30pm
From the lovely “Heartbeats” to the uncompromising sonic attack of “Full of Fire,” the Knife are the most rewarding “challenging” band in electronic music. They’re also rarely seen Stateside, so definitely see them while they’re here.
OutKast @ Coachella Stage, 11:30pm
Whether you worship them or are sick to death of “Hey Ya!” there’s no way you want to miss OutKast’s first reunion show. Every album they did was a classic, so expect one masterpiece after another.
