The month of April brings the zeitgeist of all modern day American music-related gatherings, the one and only Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

While many elements of Coachella hamper the ideal quality of experiencing live music, there’s something to be said for the masses of people who swarm this desert every year to partake in the overly large and excess-ridden celebration. Is Coachella absurdly expensive? Yes. Is the venue distinctly unhealthy and unsanitary in infinite ways? Without question. Are the set times impersonal and abysmally short? Sadly, yes again.

But screw all that. Music festivals are a one-of-a-kind getaway, a break of freedom, an extended weekend meant to be spent in a sublime state, embracing feel-good vibes that make life worth living. The energy which exists within the desert for those two weekends out of the year is remarkable and beyond description.

With countless big names slotted for this year’s festival, it was difficult to single out the handful I’m most excited to see. The following list includes a chunk of personal favorites, sleeper picks, and of course, a few big stars. Here are 25 artists I’m anticipating seeing at Coachella this year.

Anderson .Paak

How many acts out there have the audacity, let alone the ability, to sync up their album drop with a Friday night performance at Coachella? Yes, lawd!

Aphex Twin

No joke, Aphex Twin may be the most legendary name on this year’s entire lineup. I’m intrigued to see what he brings to the table for a full live set.

Ariana Grande

Save your critiques and jump on the bandwagon. The reality is Ariana Grande has arguably dropped the two best pop albums of the last 12 months.

Bad Bunny

An international star worth the hype. Genre-bending vibes fit for the main stage.

Blood Orange

Quietly one of the most important artists affiliated with contemporary hip-hop. Emphasis on artist.

Christine and the Queens

There are bands…and there are bands who rock.

Idris Elba

A two-hour set in the Yuma tent. Yes, this is happening. Groove city, I’m ready.

Janelle Monae

Pop songstress. Master performer. Killer MC. Is there anything Janelle Monae can’t do?

Jon Hopkins

Hopkins is highly regarded and critically acclaimed, but still relatively low key among the majority. As far as I’m concerned, that fact only compliments his consistently stellar output.

Jpegmafia

Few rappers had such a hot 2018. An essential hip-hop show.

Kacey Musgraves

Spacey Kacey rules. Even if you don’t think she does. Set time: Golden Hour.

Kid Cudi

Officially requesting a set list exclusively comprised of cuts from both Man On the Moon records. Will also accept KIDS SEE GHOSTS.

Little Simz

For what it’s worth, Little Simz might have just dropped the best rap record of 2019.

Mac DeMarco

I love Mac and his band and his songs and his shows. They are simply, pure fun.

Men I Trust

Sonically diverse and unabashedly indie, Men I Trust only has a 35-minute set, but it’s bound to be extremely dope.

Playboi Carti

Confused how the inventor of music isn’t on the main stage, but excited nonetheless.

Pusha T

Because every concert outing requires a certain level of bravado. DAYTONA has to bang live.

Rico Nasty

Next to Jpeg, probably the most exciting rapper at this year’s festival.

The Roots

I need those jazz vibes.

Rosalía

Not enough people know Rosalía and that’s just unfortunate. “MALAMENTE” embodies the fire emoji in song.

Sales

Just your extra lovable down-the-street two-piece indie band.

Tame Impala

The expectations are high for Tame Impala, and not just for the forthcoming album. Headlining Saturday night is no joke. Let’s hope they pull out all the stops.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

When you need cool vibes.

U.S. Girls

Going just for “Rosebud” – JK, the entire U.S. Girls catalog is sure to be extra captivating, in particular all the material from In A Poem Unlimited.

Yellow Days

Whether solo or with a backing band, George van de Broek’s music makes for a perfect daytime jam sesh.

.     .     .     .     .     .

Featured image from this website.