Next Friday marks the 16th annual opening weekend of one of the most talked about festivals in the world, Coachella. Once again, the California festival will span 2 identical weekends -- Weekend 1 from April 11-13 and Weekend 2 from April 18-20. Tickets for this year's festival sold out within 3 hours of going on sale, and that was before the impressive artist lineup was even announced. This year features some of the most exciting names in hip hop, EDM and alternative music -- the music community has already been talking for weeks about headliners Muse, Outkast and Arcade Fire. But it's not always about the main acts -- here are 3 emerging acts slated to perform that everyone will be buzzing about post-Coachella.
WHO: Aloe Blacc
WHY: Soul master Aloe Blacc gained some major traction last year with his featured vocals on the Avicii hit "Wake Me Up", and is fresh off the heels of his most recent album, the critically acclaimed Lift Your Spirit, with breakout track "I'm the Man." His groovy, soulful sound has a genuine depth, and is undeniably captivating live. Blacc's appearance at Coachella is sure to further propel his impressive success thus far.
WHO: Syd Arthur
WHY: Folk/psych-rock quartet Syd Arthur are definitely a top emerging act to catch at Coachella this year. The UK based band has a complex, nostalgic sound -- many have compared their style to that of the famous Canterbury UK scene from the 60's and 70's, which produced pioneering artists like Caravan and Soft Machine. They are on track to release some highly anticipated new music in 2014 -- and fans might just be lucky enough to hear some of their new material at this year's festival.
WHO: Banks
WHY: 25-year-old LA native Banks has been evolving her personal musical style since the age of 15 -- and as a result has developed an impressive sound for an artist of her age. Dark, complex and low-key, her music can be loosely described as a cross between R&B and electronic, with a down-tempo pop crossover potential that has bolstered her relatively short career with an impressive and loyal fanbase. Banks delivers a haunting live performance and her set will be must see for anyone in the know at Coachella this year.