AP Photo of Azealia Banks
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With Coachella beginning this weekend (April 10), the crowds will soon flood Indio, Calif., to see the likes of Drake, AC/DC, Jack White and Florence + the Machine take over the desert. But there are some non-headliners you should definitely make sure to see.
Below, we've compiled 15 of the best in alphabetical order. There are a number of others worth your time, but we've highlighted some of our favorites.
Azealia Banks
Most recent news regarding the hip-hop star is usually about online squabbles, but she put out one of our favorite albums last year and is a force to be reckoned with. And there is absolutely no denying, her live show is pure fire.
Caribou
While this is technically the brainchild of Dan Snaith, the live performance is much more complex but just as satisfying. Caribou is better than ever right now and definitely worth seeing.
Father John Misty
Whether he’s performing for a hundred or a thousand, Josh Tillman (aka Father John Misty) has a way of making it seem like he’s performing for you and your friends in his living room. It’s a gift, really.
FKA twigs
The sultry songstress also known as Tahliah Barnett has an unreal way of owning the stage. It may hot outside but she’ll be bringing the heat with a larger-than-life stage presence you have to see to believe.
Jamie xx
Ahead of his debut solo album In Colour, you’ll have a chance to hear some of the xx member’s unreleased material before it arrives on one of the most-anticipated records of the summer.
Mac DeMarco
Just days before his 25th birthday, the Canadian indie-rocker is known for cutting up and incorporating his sometimes strange humor into music. Yes, he brings plenty of personality to the stage, but antics aside, he’s a damn good performer.
Marina and the Diamonds
Marina Diamandis is already a pop queen to thousands and this is finally her year to break. And while there’s plenty of sugary, sweet pop goodness, her salty side is just as fascinating.
Perfume Genius
Mike Hadreas’ Too Bright was one of the best albums of 2014. And he brings the same passion and poignancy of his recorded music to the stage, in a simple but earnest performance.
Royal Blood
One of this year's torchbearers for rock in the desert, the British duo is not to be missed. Their delivery is like that of surgeons, with such precision and attention to detail. Though they’re fairly new to performing together, they do it as if they’ve played for years.
Run the Jewels
When Killer Mike and El-P take the stage together, something special happens. Yeah, they’re rapping about heavy topics like police brutality, but there is such a tangible, positive energy in the crowd.
Ryn Weaver
This rising starlet is already taking the pop world by storm, but be prepared for one of the best rock shows you’ll see all weekend. Because that’s exactly what she delivers—like a pro.
Saint Motel
The Los Angeles outfit is quickly catching fire thanks to their buzzy singles “My Type” and “Cold Cold Man,” and they are absolutely infectious live. This might be your chance to see them before they take off and your friends discover them. Also: Horn section.
Stromae
If the extent of your knowledge of the Belgian song maker is from the recent Hunger Games soundtrack, you’re in for a dramatic, dance-filled treat. He’s a very animated performer who makes his shows feel like a party, even if you don’t know the words to his music.
Tame Impala
With their new album Currents finally on the way, it’d be a shame to miss the Australian rockers as Kevin Parker and Co. likely introduce new music to their California audience.
Tyler, the Creator
MCs sometimes just through the motions in their live shows. Tyler, however, stays at a 10 from start to finish, usually with a lot of friends on stage. And with new album Cherry Bomb out this month, expect new material and surprise guests.