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Coachella ’24: Swift, Kanye, Beyoncé Top Bill

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Nathan Thompson

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Coachella 2024 Lineup Announcement

The highly anticipated Coachella 2024 lineup was revealed on January 10, 2024 via a livestream event on YouTube and the festival’s social media channels. The lineup release sparked an explosion of reactions and memes across Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Reddit, as fans expressed both excitement and disappointment over the roster reveal.

Some of the biggest artist announcements generating buzz included a Saturday night headlining set by pop superstar Taylor Swift, marking her first ever performance at Coachella. Several fan-favorite legacy rock acts were also revealed, including a Sunday night headline slot for Def Leppard and other appearances by Depeche Mode, Blondie, Iggy Pop and Beck.

On the hip-hop front, Kanye West is confirmed for a Friday headlining set along with major sets from Kendrick Lamar, Lil Uzi Vert and Megan Thee Stallion. Electronic and EDM are heavily represented with sets from Calvin Harris, Skrillex, Swedish House Mafia and Porter Robinson.

Initial social media reactions highlighted Swift’s headliner slot as the most polarizing, with fans debating whether she’s the right fit for a Coachella crowd. Memes also poked fun at the number of classic 80s and 90s acts on the lineup, joking about Coachella skewing towards an "older" demographic. Overall the lineup triggered lively discussion across music fan communities, building major buzz and anticipation for the festival’s 2024 edition in April.

Coachella 2024 Headliners

Coachella always brings in the biggest names in music to headline the festival. 2024 is no exception, with an epic lineup of headliners that spans genres and generations.

Beyoncé

The queen Bey is back to rule the Coachella stage once again. It’s been 5 years since her iconic 2018 performance, which was turned into the Netflix documentary Homecoming. With hits for days and a stellar discography, Beyoncé is sure to deliver another legendary set. Her latest album Renaissance shows she’s on top of her game, blending dance, house music, and her signature R&B sound. She could debut new music, bring special guests like Jay-Z or her talented dancers, and have the entire crowd singing along to classics like "Crazy In Love" and "Single Ladies."

Harry Styles

From boy band heartthrob to pop rock superstar, Harry Styles has blossomed into one of music’s biggest sensations. His recent album Harry’s House earned critical acclaim for its emotional vulnerability and retro pop production. Styles is known for his flamboyant fashion, charm, and incredible stage presence. His Coachella set promises stunning costumes, crowd-pleasing hits like "As It Was" and "Watermelon Sugar," and a chance to showcase his acting chops.

Kendrick Lamar

Compton’s finest Kendrick Lamar is hailed by many as the greatest rapper alive today. He last played Coachella in 2017 touring his epic album DAMN. His 2022 album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers has been called his most ambitious and introspective work yet. Lamar is revered for his complex rhyme schemes, storytelling, and ability to tackle social issues. He could bring high energy, thought-provoking lyrics, surprise collaborators, and have the crowd reciting every word.

Daft Punk

The legendary French electronic duo Daft Punk is rumored to be reuniting for a highly anticipated return to the stage at Coachella 2024. They previously headlined in 2006 and brought the house down with their iconic pyramid stage set up. Their 2024 performance would be their first since splitting up in 2021. They could debut new music, incorporate a mind-blowing light show, and play all their classic hits like "One More Time" and "Get Lucky." It would truly be a historic moment dance fans won’t want to miss.

Spotlight: Electronic Artists

Electronic and EDM fans are in for a treat at Coachella 2024, with a stellar lineup of today’s top DJs and producers set to take the stage. Leading the pack are festival veterans Diplo, Zedd, and Martin Garrix, who are sure to deliver high-energy sets full of their infectious beats and instantly recognizable tracks.

Garrix in particular promises an unforgettable performance, hot on the heels of his recently released third album. Meanwhile, Porter Robinson returns to showcase music from his critically acclaimed 2021 album Nurture in a rare festival appearance. And of course Calvin Harris, Skrillex, and Swedish House Mafia will be bringing the party with their chart-topping anthems.

On the rise, don’t miss sets from breakthrough stars like Rezz, Lane 8, and Elderbrook. These rising talents are reinventing electronic music with their unique sounds and loyal fanbases. Rezz’s dark hypnotic bass, Lane 8’s melodic house, and Elderbrook’s indie-electronic crossover are just some of the exciting new styles you’ll hear at Coachella 2024.

The underground is also well-represented, with techno legends Adam Beyer and Richie Hawtin leading the charge. Their late night sets in the Yuma tent will take fans on a journey through the evolution of techno. And the Do LaB stage will showcase bass, downtempo, and glitch hop artists like Clozee, Of The Trees, and more.

Overall, electronic fans will have their pick of legends, rising stars, and fresh new sounds across multiple stages. From main stage spectacle to late night dance parties, Coachella 2024 has something for every EDM lover.

Spotlight: Indie Rock

Indie rock fans are in for a treat at Coachella 2024, with a stellar lineup of established bands, long-awaited reunions, and rising talents.

Legendary indie groups like The Strokes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs are sure to draw huge crowds, especially if they sprinkle in rare b-sides or deep cuts. After their recent album releases, these bands will have fresh material to showcase live for the first time.

Those longing for a My Bloody Valentine reunion set are finally getting their wish this year. The influential shoegaze pioneers haven’t performed together since 2013, so their Coachella set is bound to be one-of-a-kind. Similarly, fans are buzzing about LCD Soundsystem returning to the Polo Fields after a decade long hiatus from touring.

On the reunions front, college rock favorites R.E.M. are rumored to be getting back together after nearly a decade apart. If the rumors pan out, expect them to draw a massive crowd of Gen X fans.

In the singer-songwriter realm, acclaimed folk rocker Phoebe Bridgers and indie icon Sufjan Stevens will bring their lyrical intimacy and delicate arrangements to the desert. And for those craving grandiose chamber pop, look no further than Father John Misty back at Coachella once more.

For breakout potential, all eyes are on rising stars like Squirrel Flower, Orville Peck, and Wet Leg who have generated huge buzz with their recent debuts. Don’t be surprised if they end up playing much bigger stages at Coachella 2025 after what’s sure to be star-making sets this time around.

Spotlight: Hip-Hop & R&B

The Coachella 2024 lineup showcases the vibrant hip-hop and R&B landscape, featuring established stars, rising talents, and genre-bending artists.

Leading the pack are hip-hop heavyweights like Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar. West, known for his lavish productions, will bring the spectacle while Lamar’s complex and conscious rhymes are sure to inspire. Other rappers not to miss include the fiery Megan Thee Stallion, freestyle master Joey Bada$$, and melodic rapper Lil Uzi Vert.

On the R&B side, prepare to be dazzled by the vocal talents of Beyoncé, who is sure to run through her hits and release some new music. The Weeknd’s moody after-hours vibes will contrast nicely with the feel-good soul of Lizzo. Additional can’t-miss R&B acts include SZA, Summer Walker and rising star Chlöe.

Coachella is also showcasing artists who blend hip-hop and R&B with other genres. The psychedelic stylings of ASAP Rocky, glassy beats of Kaytranada, and genre-bending sounds of 070 Shake are perfect examples. Keep an ear out for fresh styles like these.

With its mix of famous rappers, promising newcomers, and innovative artists, the Coachella 2024 hip-hop and R&B lineup has something for every fan. These artists reflect the diverse voices and sounds within these ever-evolving genres.

Other Genres to Discover

Coachella is known for its diverse lineup that spans genres and represents music from around the world. Beyond the headliners and main stage acts, you can catch some amazing up-and-coming talents if you’re willing to explore.

Global Sounds

Don’t miss the chance to catch some of the standout global music acts at Coachella 2024. The lineup features Latin pop stars like [artist name], reggaeton sensations like [artist name], and K-pop girl group [group name] bringing their signature choreography and high-energy shows. Expand your horizons by catching [artist name’s] blend of West African Afrobeats and soulful vocals.

Genre-Blending Artists

Some of the most unique Coachella artists to watch are those who defy genres and combine different musical styles into something new. [Artist name] fuses folk and electronica for atmospheric dance music, while [artist name] brings together hip-hop beats and country storytelling. Expect creative mashups and remixes from these genre-fluid acts.

Emerging Stars

Discover your next favorite artist across folk, reggae, country and more. Soulful folk singer-songwriter [artist name] is generating buzz with her viral hit single. Don’t miss the infectious reggae vibes of Jamaican artist [artist name], putting a modern spin on roots reggae. Alt-country crooner [artist name] brings old-school Nashville sounds with crossover indie appeal.

Coachella 2024 Tickets & Pricing

Getting your hands on Coachella tickets is always a competitive and stressful process. With high demand and limited supply, passes often sell out within hours. Planning ahead and understanding the different ticket options is key to securing entry into the iconic California music festival.

Coachella offers several ticket tiers, ranging from general admission to various VIP packages. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

General Admission

The basic GA pass provides access to the full festival and all performances. GA tickets usually start around $429 for a 3-day pass. They go on sale first and sell out the fastest. Purchase early for the best chance at this option.

VIP

The VIP pass offers upgraded amenities like exclusive lounge areas, premium food vendors, air-conditioned restrooms, and separate entrances at some stages. VIP tickets cost around $929 for 3 days. Perks also include commemorative souvenirs and access to rideshare pick-up/drop-off areas.

Platinum Estates

This ultra-VIP luxury pass grants exclusive access to poolside cabanas, unlimited drinks, golf cart transportation, and celebrity chef dining. Only a limited number are sold, starting around $5,000 per weekend.

Travel Packages

Bundled deals include festival passes plus accommodations at nearby hotels, resorts or luxury campsites. Packages range from $1,000 on the low end to $8,000+ for high-roller options. Most sell out fast.

Payment Plans

Layaway options are available, allowing you to split costs over several months. A deposit is required at sign-up. Payment plan tickets usually go on sale after the general on-sale.

Coachella typically announces on-sale dates in January, with the schedule as follows:

  • Advance sale for locals
  • Amex pre-sale
  • General on-sale
  • Payment plan on-sale

The festival is held over two weekends in April 2024, with identical lineups each weekend. Passes grant access to just one weekend. Stay tuned to the official Coachella channels for the latest ticket details.

Coachella 2024 Schedule

The 2024 edition of Coachella will take place over two weekends, April 11-13 and April 18-20. Each day of the festival officially runs from noon to midnight.

Coachella is known for tough decisions when it comes to scheduling conflicts. Some of the biggest head-to-head sets happening this year include Doja Cat vs. Swedish House Mafia on Friday, and Billie Eilish vs. The Weeknd on Saturday.

For indie fans, Friday night will be especially brutal, with Phoebe Bridgers, Mitski, and Big Thief all up against each other. Meanwhile electronic fans will have to choose between sets from Disclosure, Flume, and Porter Robinson on Sunday night.

The key is to plan ahead and make a schedule focused on your must-see acts. The Coachella app and website allow you to view set times and build a personalized schedule. You can also live stream select performances on Youtube.

While you’ll inevitably miss some artists, experiencing the festival with friends and catching a few unexpected sets can make up for difficult decisions. Rushing from stage to stage too much can diminish the experience.

Coachella 2024 Food Lineup

The food at Coachella is almost as big of a draw as the music lineup itself. With dozens of celebrity chefs, trendy restaurants, and unique festival vendors, there is something for every palate.

Some of the biggest culinary names at Coachella 2024 include:

  • Wolfgang Puck – The famous chef will bring his signature pizzas, sushi, and other California cuisine to the festival grounds. Expect dishes like smoked salmon pizza, spicy tuna tartare, and chilled soba noodle salads.

  • Gordon Ramsay – The ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ star will have a booth serving up fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, English breakfast sandwiches, and other British classics.

  • Roy Choi – The king of Korean BBQ tacos will be dishing out his famous short rib, spicy pork, and tofu tacos. Don’t miss his loaded kimchi fries either.

Beyond the celebrity chefs, dozens of LA and California-based restaurants will offer tasty bites too. Petit Trois, Gracias Madre, Sugarfish Sushi, Trejo’s Tacos, and Sweetfin Poke are just a few on the 2024 menu.

When it comes to festival-only food vendors, Coachella 2024 will be full of unique, Instagram-worthy treats. Some of the highlights include:

  • Rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches
  • Unicorn arancini rice balls
  • Glittery mermaid cotton candy
  • Deep fried avocado tacos
  • Gold-dusted funnel cake fries

Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary restriction friendly foods will also be plentiful at Coachella 2024. Some options include:

  • Cauliflower tikka masala
  • Jackfruit carnitas tacos
  • Vegan nacho cheese chalupas
  • Gluten-free pizza with dairy-free cheese
  • Acai bowls with non-dairy yogurt

Beverages won’t be boring either. Beyond the typical festival beers, wines, and cocktails, expect unique drinks like:

  • Rainbow margaritas
  • Rose spritzers with edible glitter
  • Matcha lemonades with CBD
  • Activated charcoal black piña coladas

Food and drink pricing is comparable to previous Coachellas, ranging from $12-15 for main plates, $8-10 for snacks and sides, and $14+ for specialty cocktails. Payment can be made via cash, credit/debit cards, or with reloadable RFID wristbands.

With this amazing array of food, no one will go hungry at Coachella 2024! Just make sure to come with an empty stomach.

Where to Stay for Coachella 2024

Coachella offers several accommodation options for festival-goers, from budget camping to luxury villas. Choosing the right place to stay can make or break your Coachella experience.

Camping at Coachella

Camping is the classic Coachella experience. There are several tiers of camping available:

  • General tent camping – Bring your own tent and gear. Shared restrooms and showers. Closest to the festival entrance. Prices start around $125 per weekend.

  • Car camping – Park your car next to your tent. More space and amenities than general tent camping. Prices around $325 per weekend.

  • Preferred car camping – Car camp sites closer to festival entrances. Prices start at $800 per weekend.

  • Camping packages – All-inclusive setups with furnished tents, mattresses, chairs etc. Prices from $1200 – $8000 per weekend.

All camping options provide access to flush toilets, free showers, phone charging stations, general store, and 24-hour security. Shuttles run from the campgrounds to festival entrances.

Camping is affordable and immerses you in the festival experience, but requires more preparation and equipment. Book early as campsites sell out fast.

Hotels and Vacation Rentals

If camping isn’t your style, there are many hotels and rental options near the festival grounds:

  • Palm Springs area hotels – Major chains like Marriott and Hilton have resorts about 15-20 mins from venue. Prices $200-600 per night.

  • Vacation rentals – Entire homes can be rented through services like Airbnb and VRBO. Offer more space and amenities than hotels. Prices very widely.

  • Luxury estates – For the ultimate Coachella experience, you can rent a lavish private villa with pools, hot tubs, and more. $5000+ per night.

Book accommodations early for the best selection and rates. Many hotels and rentals require minimum 3-4 night stays during festival weekends.

Getting to the Festival

Coachella is held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. If camping on-site, your car can only stay parked for the duration of the festival. Otherwise, here are some transportation options:

  • Rental car – Convenient for getting around the Palm Springs area. Parking day passes are $60 per day.

  • Rideshare – Uber and Lyft operate at Coachella but rates surge during peak times. Budget $40+ each way from Palm Springs area hotels.

  • Shuttles – Official and third-party shuttles offer roundtrip rides from major hotels and cities. Prices around $70 per person.

  • Onsite parking – Day parking passes can be purchased onsite for $60 per day, if not sold out.

No matter where you stay, plan transportation ahead of time to ensure you get to the festival smoothly each day.