While most Coachella attendees are there for novelty or to be seen in the “scene,” let’s not forget what this once-creme de la creme of music festivals was made for: music discovery. We’re not going to tell you to see all the mainstream acts, and we’re certainly not going to tell you to see the headliners, but we’re going to recommend some lesser-known artists and bands that we personally love. Arrive at Coachella with an open mind and dressed for stylish comfort.

Below are our 7 must-see acts at Coachella 2024, in order by day and set time, beginning with Friday.

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1. The Japanese House

With downtempo indie-pop creations, self-described as “a modern day, more depressing ABBA” — pop lovers will find joy in The Japanese House. The project of British singer/songwriter Amber Bain, the music she creates is just beautiful, the kind that places you in immediate awe. Her emotional storytelling and velvety vocals especially shine through poignant ballads, but it’s the anthemic synth-pop that keeps fans coming back for more. The best of both worlds.

See The Japanese House at Coachella on Friday at the Mojave tent from 4:30pm to 5:10pm.

2. Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan is one of the most delightful artists to rise in 2024. The rising pop star shoots to the top with steamy, honest, and absurdly energizing anthems wrapped in queer and camp splendor. Currently supporting Olivia Rodrigo on select dates of her GUTS tour, the “Midwest Princess” has surely won the hearts of new fans. And with her upcoming Coachella performances, you must catch this delicious pop girlie live before her meteoric rise explodes into stardom.

Watch Chappell Roan at Coachella on Friday at the Gobi Tent at 5:30pm to 6:15pm.

3. Eartheater 

If you’re seeking something edgy and refreshing, New York City multi-hyphenate Eartheater‘s electronic-driven soundscapes. With spellbinding vocal prowess, you just might find yourself fully encased in the prismatic worlds that Eartheater’s music occupies. From the trip-hop mania of “Mitosis” to irresistible and enthralling tracks like “Crushing” and “Spill The Milk,” dreamy atmospherics and sounds swallow you whole — Eartheater is for the avant-garde” music fan who doesn’t lean towards the likes of easily digestible Taylor Swift-esque pop.

Eartheater is set to tour with St. Vincent this summer on select tour dates.

Catch Eartheater at Coachella on Friday at the Sonora Tent at 5:55pm to 6:35pm.

4. Young Fathers

We’ve been loving on Young Fathers since we first caught them in 2015 at L.A.’s underground venue The Echo. To this day, Young Fathers delivers one of the most epic live performances, which is full of high energy, theatrics, and passion. It is nearly impossible not to move and dance at a Young Fathers show. Whether hip-hop, rock, or alt pop — the Scottish trio creates gloriously anthemic music. To experience them live is to be captivated by their mosaic soundscapes and spiritually humanist lyricism.

Experience Young Fathers at Coachella on Saturday at the Gobi Tent at 3:10pm to 3:50pm.  

5. The Last Dinner Party

UK rock-pop band The Last Dinner Party came out guns blazing with Prelude to Ecstasy, one of the most finely tuned debut albums in recent memory. Less than a year ago, The Last Dinner Party was known exclusively through live shows in and around their native London. Now, the rousing pop-rockers have been taking the world by storm with their catchy anthems and grandiose tracks that will have you wishing you knew the words to sing along. We recently caught the quintet performing at ALTer EGO; and let me tell you, they were quite the lively bunch, rich in theatrics. The Last Dinner Party definitely knows how to put on a show.

See The Last Dinner Party at Coachella on Saturday at the Gobi Tent at 5:30pm to 6:15pm.  

6. Olivia Dean

London-based Olivia Dean has that classic sound that never goes out of style. The soul and pop sensation glistens with buttery vocals and oh-so-cool grooves. As mentioned in our recent review of her Los Angeles performance at the Echoplex, there’s something about Olivia’s warm voice that takes you to an imaginary place, like a jazz cafe or a crisp fall night in London. She has style and grace and a sound that is both classic and fresh. Do not miss out on her feel-good ballads.

Groove to Olivia Dean on Sunday at the Gobi Tent at 5:50pm to 6:30pm.  

7. Saint Levant

With a multicultural background as flavorful as the music palette he serves, Saint Levant, aka Marwan Abdelhamid, will surely steam up the Gobi at Coachella on Sunday. The 22-year-old Palestinian artist beautifully tells stories of Middle Eastern culture through bombastic raps and sultry ballads. A child raised in the Palestinian diaspora, Saint Levant sings of Palestinian life raised between Gaza and Amman. With stirring Middle Eastern rhythms, the young artist tantalizes listeners as he sings and raps in English, French, and Arabic — embodying all the lands that make up his being (Palestinian, French, Serbian, and Algerian). If you want to dance to sexy beats and flows with a powerful message, you must see this rising star at Coachella.

Dance to Saint Levant on Saturday at Coachella at the Gobi Tent at 9:15pm to 9:55pm.