Spring has settled in and the desert is calling—Coachella is finally around the corner. For festival-goers and music lovers alike, this annual extravaganza is an event bookmarked in calendars months in advance. Held across two consecutive weekends, Coachella always promises electrifying performances, innovative and fashionable looks, and an addictive atmosphere that will extend throughout the rest of the festival season.
Headlined by Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone this year, Coachella is set to be another event for the books. But this year also introduces one of the youngest lineups ever, featuring the likes of Charlie XCX and Benson Boone who dominated pop music last year, as well as Blackpink’s Lisa and Jennie returning to the desert as solo artists.
A festival for both established and emerging acts, many popular artists have hit the stage in the Colorado Desert before their ascent to international stardom. Take Sabrina Carpenter for instance, who premiered her hit single ‘Espresso’ on the main stage last year, or Chappell Roan, who performed her now widely acclaimed album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess at the intimate Gobi Tent to a crowd of less than 5000 people. Coachella, surprisingly, is a rather promising place to catch a glimpse of emerging acts on the cusp of major success.
With talented acts sprawled across 600 acres of land in Indio, California, it’s always useful to do a little research ahead of time. Here, we round up a list of artists primed to be the next big thing at Coachella this year. Who knows, maybe you’ll be one of the lucky ones to witness an organic hit like ‘Pink Pony Club’ before it inevitably blows up.
1 / 10
Lola Young
Creator of viral hit ‘Messy,’ Lola Young’s soulful voice and honest lyricism has captivated many. The 24-year-old British singer-songwriter began singing as a child, drawing inspiration from musical influences such as Joni Mitchell and Frank Ocean. Unapologetic and unfiltered, Young has created potent anthems of empowerment and self-acceptance, as her captivating vocals and vulnerable songwriting delves into various relatable topics of love and heartbreak without holding anything back.
2 / 10
Beabadoobee
Filipino-British singer-songwriter Beabadoobee has had a massive past couple of years. From opening for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour to debuting her album This Is How Tomorrow Moves at number 1 in the UK, the 24-year-old musician has carved out a substantial fanbase in the indie pop scene. Charming and personal, her sound has evolved to explore more diverse genres and influences, constantly challenging herself and her artistry.
3 / 10
d4vd
Singer-songwriter d4vd reached immense success as a teenager writing and producing his own tracks. First posting his songs on SoundCloud, his singles ‘Here with Me’ and ‘Romantic Homicide’ released in 2022 became instant hits on TikTok. Freshly 20 years old, d4vd melds multiple genres of bedroom pop, R&B, and alternative rock, creating a unique sound and solidifying himself as a young artist with huge potential ahead.
4 / 10
The Marías
Indie pop band The Marías has been in the music industry for nearly a decade, and while their popularity has steadily increased since their debut, many have predicted that they are primed for a breakout this year. Performing in both English and Spanish, the band is set to return to Coachella after 3 years, guaranteed to captivate listeners with their sultry vocals and sensual aura. Having collaborated with Bad Bunny and recently featured on Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s surprise album, this multifaceted band’s performance will be one you won’t want to miss.
5 / 10
GloRilla
American rapper GloRilla has taken the hip-hop world by storm as she quickly garnered critical acclaim not long after her arrival to the industry. The two-time Grammy-nominated artist first rose to fame when she released ‘F.N.F. (Let’s Go)’ in 2022, leading to a viral dance challenge on social media. With collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion and Tyler, the Creator under her belt, GloRilla will certainly take every chance to showcase her fiery and dynamic self on stage.
6 / 10
Artemas
Artemas’ hit song ‘I Like the Way you Kiss Me’ dominated TikTok last year. Encompassing an electric and alternative pop style, it’s hard to confine the 25-year-old musician to a single genre. Heavily infused with 90s influences and armed with Artemas’ inventive style, audiences can never know what sound to expect from him next.
7 / 10
Japanese Breakfast
While indie pop band Japanese Breakfast is certainly not new to the music scene, their ever-growing popularity proves that they are still on the rise. Fronted by singer-songwriter and author of Crying in H Mart Michelle Zauner, the band’s experimental sound and personal lyricism have carved out an audience of their own within the industry. Zauner often digs deep into her past and personal life, creating tracks that explore topics of grief, loss, and a wide palette of emotions.
8 / 10
Ravyn Lenae
R&B and pop musician Ravyn Lenae began creating music in high school, constructing a distinct sound that incorporates elements of jazz, psychedelic soul, and house music. Lenae infuses her tracks with lyrics that are deeply personal, reflecting on themes of love, heartbreak, and everything in-between. Her latest album, featuring collaborations with Ty Dolla Sign and Childish Gambino, received critical acclaim for its dreamy sounds and smooth vocals.
9 / 10
Iván Cornejo
20-year-old Iván Cornejo is a rising star in the Latin music scene and has proven himself a force to be reckoned with. His music, which blends his traditional Mexican roots and alternative-rock influences, is often infused with soulful lyrics and brooding ballads. There are big things brewing on the horizon as Cornejo is set to bring his music to a much larger audience, with his performance at Coachella kicking off an arena tour that will take place throughout the summer.
10 / 10
Rema
Many may be aware of Nigerian singer and rapper Rema from his 2022 hit single ‘Calm Down,’ which gained wider success from its later remix with Selena Gomez. Pioneering the Afrobeats scene, Rema’s upbeat music is often accompanied by unexpectedly profound lyrics, as he presents themes of heartbreak and passion in his signature calm, sultry manner. Confident and charming, Rema has brought Nigerian music to the global stage and is certainly not ready to stop his trailblazing ways just yet.
