With the festival season 2015 just around the corner, it’s about time to get ready for the floor. After all, what’s better than hearing a song live that’s been stuck in your head for the longest time? Here is a playlist of 20 songs by must-see bands and artists that are going to play at Coachella (CA), Lollapalooza (IL), Bonnaroo (TN) Governor’s Ball (NY), Pitchfork Music Festival (IL), Austin Psych Fest (TX) and others. From pop to electro to the classics and hip hop, there’s something for every taste.
Charli XCX — “Sucker”
Not only is the pop singer omnipresent on the radio, she can also look upon critical acclaim.
Playing at: Governor’s Ball, Lollapalooza, Rock in Rio (NV), Sweetlife Fest (MD), Free Press Summer Fest (TX), Firefly Music Fest (DE).
Florence and the Machine — “St. Jude”
Florence Welsh’s heavenly voice works best open-air.
Playing at: Governor’s Ball, Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza
Kygo — “Firestone”
The Norwegian DJ champion in making the chill beats that everyone loves at the moment.
Playing at: Coachella, Lollapalooza, Counterpoint (GA), Mysteryland (NY), Firefly Music Fest
Gesaffelstein — “Hate or Glory”
The electronic musician from Lyon, France, is not only nice to look at but also pretty good behind the turntables.
Playing at: Coachella
Ratatat — “Wildcat”
Ever wondered where the song with the screeching noise they love to play at football games comes from? It might have something to do with its name.
Playing at: Coachella, Governor’s Ball
A$AP Ferg — “Hood Pope”
The A$AP-mob member continues to strive and prosper.
Playing at: Pitchfork Music Festival
Raekwon & Ghostface Killah — “Heaven & Hell”
The Wu-Tang guys are coming to Indio this year.
Playing at: Coachella
Kendrick Lamar — “King Kunta”
Kendrick Lamar sets new standards in hip hop with his new album To Pimp A Butterfly.
Playing at: Bonnaroo, Sweetlife Fest, Summerfest (WI), Outside Lands (CA)
Paul McCartney — “Band on the Run”
Paul McCartney was in The Beatles once. They were quite big. Now he does stuff on his own, or with Kanye West.
Playing at: Lollapalooza, Firefly Music Fest
Death From Above 1979 — “Right on, Frankenstein!”
The members of this Canadian band met at a Sonic Youth concert. DFA1979 has been around since 2002, but split in 2006. It’s started releasing new music again in 2014.
Playing at: Shaky Knees (GA), Big Guava Music Festival (FL), Governor’s Ball, Live 105 BFD (CA), 91X X Fest (CA), Lollapalooza
Primal Scream — “2013”
The kings of psychedelia might know a thing or two about live shows after 33 years of band history.
Playing at: Austin Psych Fest
AC/DC — “T.N.T “
Can hard rock mesh with the Coachella yuppie crowd? We’ll have to see!
Playing at: Coachella
Jack White — “Would you fight for my love?”
Though the Detroit music mogul has countless music projects and collaborations, he will play Coachella as a solo artist.
Playing at: Coachella
The Black Keys — “Howlin’ For You”
The Black Keys unify old-school blues-rock fans and young music fans better than anyone.
Playing at: Governor’s Ball, Outside Lands, Mountain Jam (NY), Bunbury Music Fest (OH)
Iceage — “The Lord’s Favorite”
The Danish band plays post-punk. Even though it’s not for everyone, it’s definitely interesting.
Playing at: Free Press Music Fest, Bonnaroo, Pitchfork
Courtney Barnett — “Avant Gardener”
The Australian singer-songwriter is handled as one of the hottest artists right now due to her bold, blunt demeanor and surf-folk tunes.
Playing at: Bonnaroo, Pitchfork, BottleRock Fest (CA), Rock the Garden (MN), Newport Folk Festival (RI)
Sleater-Kinney — “Surface Envy”
The riot grrrl band celebrated its comeback this year with a brand new album, and, if anything, it’s only gotten better.
Playing at: Pitchfork Music Fest
Alabama Shakes — “Gimme All Your Love”
The Southern rock band from Athens, Ala. will soon release the follow-up to its debut Boys & Girls.
Playing at: Coachella, Mountain Jam, Gentlemen of the Road Stopover Festival (NJ), Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza
Tame Impala — “Let It Happen”
Kevin Parker writes and produces most of the songs on his own, in his bedroom. For live performances he comes together with the rest of the guys that make the Australian 60s-psychedelia band Tame Impala.
Parquet Courts — “Stoned & Starving”
The Brooklyn punk rock band keeps it real by refusing to use social media and rejecting offers by major labels.
Playing at: Coachella, Solid Sound Festival (MA), Pitchfork Music Festival
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