The Coachella countdown is on, as weekend one kicks off this Friday! That being said, only a few days are left to master the complex hipster bun and listen to the 100+ bands performing. Whether you are attending the most anticipated music festival of the summer or are still scrambling to get that last minute pass, here are seven bands hitting the stage you should definitely check out!
1. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero’s
Although we are all familiar with the over-radio played single "Home," this band has multiple albums full of fun, original songs that will make you want to dance. Edward Sharpe’s music is very diverse and can be described as bohemian with lyrics that are real and touching, combined with beats you can’t help bob your head to. Check out “Life is Hard” for lyrics that are inspiring and relatable, and check out “Janglin” for an upbeat, feel good song.
2. Beach House
I had never heard of this band before, but they are very entertaining and have an almost dark and mysterious vibe to them. They have a different sound combining a light, whispering voice with rad guitar riffs to create a beautiful serenade. Check out “Elegy Into the Void” for a sweet guitar solo, and “Space Song” for beautiful instrumentals.
3. Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan’s voice is nothing less than alluring combined with beautiful medleys of various instruments creating an orchestral feel. Each song sounds like its own piece and he even has a song that is 12 minutes long filled with a choir of voices and instruments. Check out “All Delighted People” to hear this magnificent ballad of love and the world’s harsh but beautiful reality.
Fun fact: Sujan has a Christmas song, called “Christmas Unicorn,” that is delightfully weird and I’m still a little confused by it all.
4. Mavis Staples
Mavis is a 76 year old woman and she is playing Coachella -- #goals, am I right? She was famous throughout the '70s and '80s as she performed in the band “The Staples Singers.” Listen to the song, “I’ll Take You There” for a reminder of this soulful, familiar band. Now Mavis is an independent recording artist creating beautiful, bluesy music containing lyrics filled with wisdom. Listen to “High Note” for a soulful reminder of positivity and the importance of perspective, and listen to “Take Us Back” for solid drum beats and lyrics to always keep in mind.
5. Of Monsters and Men
Even though this band is pretty popular I hadn’t started listening until recently, which is high on my list of regrets. This band’s music is very eclectic ranging from the upbeat, banjo filled “Little Talks” to the slightly dark ballad “I of the Storm,” a personal favorite of mine. The vocals are exceptional and contain lyrics that are deep and meaningful. Listen to “Organs” for a powerful ballad and “I of the Storm” because it will change you.
6. Crystal Fighters
This band will pump you up! This music is great for jamming, and if you are looking for new music to exercise or run to this is the band for you. The songs are full of high energy with diverse, fun beats that will move you to dance and automatically put you in a great mood. Although, the majority of songs are upbeat, listen to “Bridge of Bones” for a change of pace, combining beautiful vocals featuring children’s voices and relatable lyrics.
7. The Arcs
Fun Fact: Dan Auerbach, the lead guitarist and vocalist from The Black Keys formed the Arcs -- which automatically means they must be great, right? This band has more of a rock element than what I normally listen to, but you can’t help but air guitar and rock your head to the beats and electronic instrumentals. Listen to “Outta My Mind” for great instrumentals and lyrics all college students can probably relate to.
