Interested in catching some of the great acts Coachella has to offer but don't want to stand through a sweaty dust-storm in the heat or take out a small loan for a ticket? Check out the same artists that will be at the fest around town instead.
1. Chet Faker. The talented Aussie musician will be hanging around in between weekends and will be headlining Club Nokia on Monday, April 13. His debut album Built On Glass, released last year, turned a lot of heads with songs like “1998” and “Gold.”
Fun Fact: He first broke onto the scene when his cover of Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” was featured in a Super Bowl commercial in 2013. The event marked the first time in 15 years anyone had enjoyed a Blackstreet song.
2. ODESZA. Ever since releasing their new album In Return last year, the duo of ODESZA has been on the road constantly. Coachella is one of many festivals they’re playing this year, and for those not making the trek, they’ll be playing the Glass House in Pomona on April 9 and two shows in Santa Barbara on April 16. While they are currently sold out on ODESZA’s website, we recommend checking with Craig and his list to see if you can find some tickets.
Fun Fact: The duo graduated from Western Washington University, the same college Death Cab For Cutie front-man Ben Gibbard attended.
3. Toro Y Moi. Toro Y Moi’s Chaz Bundick has been turning heads with nearly everything he releases. He’s been creating his own brand of “chillwave” since 2010 and his newest sunny track “Empty Nesters” has everyone excited for the new album What For? out April 7. In addition to his Coachella appearances, Toro Y Moi will be in Visalia, San Luis Obispo and Big Sur on March 24-26, as well as The Fonda on April 16 and 17. So, if you don’t see them over the next month... you’re just being lazy.
Fun Fact: Bundick is from Columbia, South Carolina. Music fans are hopeful that Toro Y Moi continues to gain notoriety and eventually erase the stench left on the state of South Carolina by Matchbox 20’s Rob Thomas and Hootie & The Blowfish.
4. Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness. Andrew has been through a long and well-documented journey since his days as frontman for Something Corporate. After deciding to shed his Jack’s Mannequin moniker, he released a fresh batch of sun-kissed songs last year under the name Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness. The album evokes the same energy and refreshing qualities as his Everything In Transit album, but this time around, he’s singing about his wife and daughter—rather than the “lesbians out west in Venice.” A fantastic performer to see live, he will be at The Roxy on April 7. He will also be at Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach on April 8... if you want to take a road trip.
Fun Fact: Andrew wrote his new album tucked away in Topanga Canyon.
5. The War On Drugs. Adam Granduciel has created a huge buzz and growing fanbase with the release of his new album, Lost In The Dream. The sprawling album is perfect for a long road trip. In between Coachella weekends, they’ll be performing at the Ventura Theater on April 14 and in Pioneertown at Pappy & Harriets on April 15.
Fun Fact: The band name came after a night of red wine, and one possible (and fantastic) alternative was The Rigatoni Danzas.
