CoachelL.A. 2014 ~ LA-based artists to catch this year

With Coachella coming up in 2 days, DJ PK highlights some LA-based artists/DJs worth catching at the festival

With LA-based Beck, Fishbone, Foster the People and Grouplove appearing at the Main Stage, and Capital Cities, Dum Dum Girls and HAIM appearing on the Outdoor Theater, who is worth checking out at the smaller tents?

Heineken House

Formerly known as the Heineken Dome, the 2014 lineup features LA’s Brainfeeder artists Gaslamp Killer (hip-hop artist and DJ William Bensussen) and Thundercat (multi genre artist and bass player Stephen Bruner) with guests, which pesky rumors have it include Brainfeeder honcho Flying Lotus (Steve Ellison), who played Coachella in 2012.  Other LA-based Brainfeeder artists include Teebs (whose new album we recently reviewed) and Lapulux, although we are not making promises about either appearing! It's literally idle speculation, which is the best kind.

The Do Lab

The DJ-based Do Lab has a slew of LA-based artists/DJs this year including ChrisB., Crush Effect, Desert Dwellers, Eduardo Castillo, Gladkill, Hopscotch, idiot Savant, jOBOT, Jupit3r, Kastle, Kraddy, Mikey Lion, Patricio, Ruff Hauser, Sammy Bliss, Sound Remedy and Sugarpill.  Virtually all four-on-the-floor, fist-pumping, hands-in-the-air stuff.  Enjoy.

Gobi Tent

The R&B/Electronica fusion sound that this is very dominant currently is well represented at the Gobi tent this year with LA breakthroughs Banks and Jhené Aiko plus artist/producer Shlohmo (who produced one of Banks singles) and neo-soul band the Internet (from the Odd Future stable) all appearing under the same roof.  If you want something different check out the “cirque style interactive, avant-garde circus, electronic rock band performance troupe” Lucent Dossier Experience.

Mohave Tent

LA-based performers have a strong presence in the Mohave tent with EDM DJs/producers - Co. Fee, RL Grime, Woodys Produce -  and the more chilledout Poolside and Classixx.  Add Electropop Young & Sick and genre bending LA all-girl band Warpaint for an exceptional mix of SoCal music.

Wizards are no longer allowed at Coachella.

Sahara Tent

The Glitch Mob plus DJ/producers/remixers Anna Lunoe, Deorro, Dillon Frances and MAKJ join international megastar Skrillex at the Sahara tent this year.

Yuma Tent

The most disappointing of the stages in terms of LA-based representation with only Damien Lazarus, Jimbo Jenkins and late addition Ricoshëi flying the green, gold, and red flag.