Let’s talk about the Coachella 2022 Lineup

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The Coachella lineup release marks an important start to the year. It can be a glimpse into what this year has to hold musically. Hinting at potential releases and giving insight into who is “up” or “down” by industry standards. Basically unveiling the hierarchies that go unstated within the music industry.

Headliners are often the make-or-break, and after a two-year hiatus, we knew this year was going to be a little different. The 2020 Coachella festival was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Later rescheduled to April 2021, which also ended up being cancelled.

Rumours circulated that the original 2020 headliners would be on our 2022 lineup. Unfortunately, for Frank Ocean, Rage Against the Machine, and Travis Scott fans, that didn’t pan out.

Frank Ocean is a wildcard and as fans have come to know all too well, it’s hard to rely on him for performances, album releases or any communication at all with the public.

Rage Against the Machine go on tour this Spring, so Coachella wasn’t in their cards.

And Travis Scott made the right decision to step back from live performances, after the tragic events at Astroworld last year.

That leaves us with our 2022 headliners, Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Ye, (Formerly known as Kanye West) and Swedish House Mafia. 

The Headliners

The first thing I noticed about the headliners was – wow, no bands?

It’s rare to not see at least one band in the big font. Whether it’s ACDC or Arcade Fire, there’s usually a rock band in the mix. It feels like it’s a nod to tradition. Until recently music festivals were only comprised of rock bands, so to eliminate them completely sounds pretty radical. But unfortunately, there’s no denying, bands aren’t keeping up with solo performers. A band hasn’t made the top Spotify artists since 2016, where pop-rock duo Twenty-One Pilots climbed the charts.

Headliners Billie, Harry and Ye are heavily influenced by rock. Billie and Harry are both known for whipping out the electric guitar on stage in crazy rock get-ups, and Ye’s recent album Donda, is full of guitar riffs, samples, and features from infamous metal legend, Marilyn Manson.

https://www.tiktok.com/@vegankatie/video/6950844242478648581?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id6924475655456376325

Point being, the lines are becoming blurred within musical genres. Artists are no longer feeling pressured to fit in a mould and be confined to power ballads or indie pop.

If you’re completely opposed to this pop-oriented festival lineup, Bonnaroo 2022 is sticking more to its roots, with Stevie Nicks and Robert Plant. Although there are fewer acts (110-ish versus 180) they’re definitely going for a less pop-y top 100 vibe.

The Middle is Never Mid

Obviously, it’s always exciting to see who’s got their name in bold, but often the middle is where it’s truly at. Particularly the placement of each artist. For example, Doja Cat shot up four lines from where she was on the 2020 Coachella poster. While Run the Jewels moved down on the list.

The headliners may have all the glitz and glam but for Coachella 2022 the middle is stacked with talented, of the moment artists you may not get the chance to see Live anywhere else.

Niche Internet Celebrities

A new phenomenon we are seeing is a lot of these new up-and-coming artists have only found popularity within the pandemic through Tik Tok, so Coachella will be their opportunity to make a name for themselves as a live performer. Many artists who grew during the pandemic through social media are finding it hard to escape the pigeonhole of an “influencer.”

Doja Cat is a prime example of someone who went from being an internet meme:

To a fierce performer, ranked number five on both the Top New Artists of 2020 and Top Female Artists of 2020 charts.

Coachella may have gotten boosting Doja Cat right, but they aren’t totally hip and up to trend. They somehow missed out on the fact that pop-punk(-rap?) is back, neglecting to book artists like Machine Gun Kelly, who’s ruling the charts. It’s all good with me though, I can’t stand the punk white rapper thing anyways.

Who I’m excited for (Not that I would actually attend, it’s like $549 American for the ticket alone, plus a plane ticket, hotel, shuttle, food, water, drugs)

Day 1 – April 15 & 22

After The Melodic Blue, I think Baby Keem would be awesome to see as a new (but familiar) face in the rap scene, and who knows maybe he’ll bring out his cousin, Kendrick Lamar. Wishful thinking?

The Avalanches are one of my favourite musical groups, they postponed their 2022 North American tour “due to ongoing personal health issues.” So it’s hard to say whether they will actually be at Coachella, but nevertheless, dope band, a great addition to the 2022 lineup.

Last year I came across Raveena on my Spotify Discover Weekly, and immediately fell in love. In November 2018, she performed at Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival. Her music explores self-love and healing and blended R&B, soul, and jazz music. If you have the chance I’d highly recommend not only listening to her music but reading about her story, growing up in a traditional Sikh household.

day 2 – April 16 & 23

21 Savage is awesome, I don’t care what people say. I feel like people don’t take Atlanta rappers seriously enough, based on the way they talk and act. His recent nods to OG 90’s rap culture in Savage Mode II hit so hard. I still can’t get over the fact he’s secretly British.

I know Danny Elfman is more than Tim Burton movie soundtracks, Oingo Boingo was cool and all, and I know he’s working with Trent Reznor on some new music. But, I want him to go full-on Nightmare Before Christmas. He did it for Halloween 2021 with headliner Billie Eilish, so he can do it again. Pleaaaase, Danny!

Rina Sawayama is everything to me. I love her so much. She’s a trailblazer, she’s an icon, she’s gorgeous. She’s the pop princess the world needs.

Tons of young new rappers performing, and some people aren’t down with the new, so it’s great they’ve got Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, with some more old-school stuff. Just don’t let Freddie have his phone.

day 3 – April 17 & 24

I wish I could say I wasn’t excited for Ye. His controversy is hard on his fans. I will never defend the words that come out of his or his manic tweets. But will I love and defend his musical career to the grave? Yes. Separate the art from the artist… Right guys?

I’m also ashamed to admit I used to be a Doja Cat hater. She can be a polarizing figure and she’s had her fair share of controversies, but if there’s one thing certain, she’s a performer and a fun one at that.

Alternative rap artist JID is a great artist to see Live. Hopefully, we’ll get some Spillage Village action or some new releases, because lord knows we need em.

It’s sad that Denzel Curry is primarily known for doing the bottle flip song (Ultimate, 2015) when he’s arguably one of the best rappers right now. His music is super original and he’s got crazy energy. I can’t wait to see what kind of creative set he comes up with.

 

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