Coachella 2011: Be Sure To Read The Fine Print

posted in: Features

Coachella is just days away, and the big name acts on the festival’s lineup flier have fans dancing in anticipation. A GRAMMY winner (Arcade Fire), rock and roll royalty (Kings of Leon), arguably hip hop’s most talked about act of the year (Kanye West) and a reunited fan favorite (The Strokes) will certainly make for a stellar headline, but don’t forget to check out the fine print for smaller acts that are sure to pack just as much punch.

Trampled by Turtles
Can’t seem to shake your love of Mumford & Sons? Trampled by Turtles adds bass, guitar and mandolin to banjo and fiddle for a rounded-out, bluegrass sound. Vocals don’t quite match Marcus Mumford’s euphoric twang but we forgive them.

Freelance Whales
If you find yourself tapping your foot to that new Starbucks commercial, don’t miss Freelance Whales. Starbucks borrowed their track “Generator ^ First Floor” for the inspirational albeit slightly corny plug.

Titus Andronicus
Speed things up with the defiant New Jersey punk band. Just don’t confuse them with The Gaslight Anthem.

Phantogram
Phantogram samples hip hop influences with frothy electronic rock for a totally fresh sound just in time for summer.

The Joy Formidable
Perhaps one of the most anticipated acts on the indie scene, they serve up uncompromising, unapologizing rock.

City and Colour
Gearing up for a third studio album, the Canadian singer/songwriter crafts soul-sweeping songs that are delicate and deep.

fun.
The name doesn’t lie. Formerly of Format, Nate Ruess serves pop-synth songs with a theatrical element, think Queen of the future.

Marina and the Diamonds
Another indie darling, Marina and the Diamonds has paired with hip hop acts like Hoodie Allen”check out “Your Are Not A Robot”” and could be compared to female voices from Britney Spears to Florence + the Machine. Not to mention she’s smokin’.

Two Door Cinema Club
Don’t hate us for saying we were listening to this Irish rock band way back when. Influenced by everything from electronica, afro-beats, pop and rock, you’ll be dancing the whole set.

Here We Go Magic
Songs with self described melodies that can turn from “gorgeous to challenging to a little scary and back again.” Learn more right on their OurStage profile.