Coachella’s 2018 lineup has been revealed and flexes a star-studded lineup with The Weeknd, Beyoncé and Eminem as its headliners. While the top-billers land outside of the world of dance and electronic music, there is still a healthy amount of the genre seen on the festival flyer.
From established acts like Kygo and Odesza to rising stars like Illenium and Rezz, there’s plenty of dancefloor music to go around. Here are Billboard Dance‘s six hot takes on the 2018 lineup:
Vegas Titans MIA From Lineup
Coachella’s 2018 lineup does include its fair share of dance and electronic music, while leaning toward the live band side, but excludes the pinnacle acts ruling the Vegas nightclub scene. Wynn Nightlife and Hakkasan Group residents such as The Chainsmokers, Zedd, Marshmello, Tiesto and more are nowhere to be seen.
Kygo Receives Major Upgrade From 2015
Norwegian superstar Kygo made his Coachella debut in 2015, earning himself a respectable billing on the third line for Sunday’s lineup. He now returns in 2018 and is the third name mentioned on the flyer, following The Weeknd and SZA for Friday’s festivities. Kygo dropped an album and EP in 2017, collaborating with everyone from Selena Gomez and U2 to OneRepublic.
ODESZA Lands Prime Real Estate on Bill
The Seattle duo had a superb 2017, embarking on their ambitious arena tour and selling out several major stops, in addition to earning two Grammy noms for their A Moment Apart album. Their red-hot momentum continues into 2018 with prime placement on Coachella’s lineup, second to Eminem — the Sunday headliner. They receive the nod over Portugal. The Man, Migos, Cardi B and more.
Rezz, Alan Walker, Illenium & More Debut
Coachella extends a lot of first-time invitations to dance acts, including REZZ, Billboard Dance‘s pick for breakout artist of 2017. They’re also welcoming Illenium and Petit Biscuit, two artists we included on our best albums list for the year. Other favorite first-timers include Alan Walker and TroyBoi.
Alison Wonderland, Claude VonStroke’s Alias & More Return
Alison Wonderland, Louis The Child, San Holo and more will return to the Indio Valley in full force. Claude VonStroke returns with another Barclay Crenshaw set, alongside Dirtybird brother Justin Martin. The lineup rounds out with plenty of variety from Deorro, Cash Cash, Snakehips and more.
Underground Sound
While there is lack of big-room Vegas names, there’s no shortage of heavy house and techno talent. Chicago hero The Black Madonna will make a groovy Coachella debut, as well as Italian tech-house master Joseph Capriati. Fans can also look forward to a legendary look at techno super-trio Detroit Love, aka Carl Craig, Kyle Hall and Moodyman. Returning to the feild come Hot Creations headmaster Jamie Jones, South African breakthrough artist Black Coffee, and underground crowd favorite Maceo Plex.
