2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Preview

The Desert Star Weekly's contributing music writers Robert Kinsler and George A. Paul each highlight some of their must-see artists coming to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Taking place over consecutive weekends at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Coachellafest will be held April 11-13 and again April 18-20, 2024. This year's headliners are Lady Gaga, Charli xcx and Green Day. There are countless emerging and established artists performing this year equally worth catching this year.

Pictured: "Dancing In The Sky" 2024 art installation by Morag Myerscough.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Lance Gerber

By Robert Kinsler and George A. Paul

The Desert Star Weekly’s contributing music writers spotlight some can’t miss music acts headed to Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 11-13 and April 18-20. This year’s headliners are Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, and Travis Scott. More than 150 established and emerging artists are scheduled to perform over the two consecutive weekends. 

Fridays, April 11 and 18

Photo credit: Frank Lebon

Lady Gaga — On the heels of the release of her seventh No. 1 album in a row, Mayhem (released last month), singer-songwriter/keyboardist Lady Gaga appears at Coachellafest for the first time since 2017. The influential New York City native and 14-time Grammy Award winner should thrill festivalgoers with her signature mix of dance, synth-pop, funk, disco, and rock. Among the new cuts she will surely feature in the Indio sets: "Disease" and "Abracadabra," the first two Mayhem singles and “Shallow” off the film soundtrack to “A Star is Born.” Read George A. Paul's review of the new book titled "Lady Gaga is Life: A Superfan's Guide to All Things We Love about Lady Gaga" HERE. (RK)

The Marias / photo credit: Jaxon Whittington

The Marias — The Los Angeles-based quartet make an eagerly-awaited return to Coachella, having last performed here in 2022. The Marias just dropped new tracks “Back to Me” and “Nobody New.” The latter was co-written by Benny Blanco and follows The Marias’ appearance on Blanco & Selena Gomez’s current charter “Ojos Tristes.” The troupe's ’24 album Submarine included gold-certified hit “No One Noticed” and such enticing tracks as the hypnotic "Hamptons," immersive "Echo," dance-minded "Blur" and Spanish language delight "Lejos de Ti," which recalls the sonic magic of '80s favorite Cocteau Twins. (RK)

Go-Go’s — Initially part of the LA punk music scene during the late 1970s, the Go-Go’s broke new ground when they became the first all-female band to write and perform everything on a No. 1 album (1981’s pop-leaning, double platinum debut Beauty and the Beat). The quintet notched indelible hit singles like “Our Lips are Sealed,” “We Got the Beat,” “Vacation,” and “Head Over Heels,” later serving as inspiration for Bikini Kill. HAIM, The Linda Lindas, and others. Various reunions have happened over the years. The Go-Go’s were the subject of an acclaimed documentary in 2020 and they unveiled a spirited “Club Zero,” the first new song in decades. Since Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong co-wrote/played on 2001’s God Bless the Go-Go’s, could a guest appearance be in store at Empire Polo? (GAP)

Saturdays, April 12 and 19

Green Day / Photo credit: Alice Baxley

Green Day — This California trio helped spearhead the Nineties punk revival via massively successful album Dookie and hit singles “Basket Case,” “Longview,” “Welcome to Paradise” and “When I Come Around. The musicians subsequently appeared at most major music festivals around the world but somehow hadn’t played Coachella (although frontman Billie Joe Armstrong did do a memorable guest spot with the Replacements in 2014) until now. Last year saw the incisive, compelling new studio album Saviors, sporting timely rocker “The American Dream is Killing Me.” Then the excellent American Idiot 20^th Anniversary reissues arrived. The highly recommended super deluxe box set features a wealth of unreleased demos, live tracks (from Tokyo’s Makuhari Messe, VHI Storytellers, a full American Idiot live run through at NYC’s Irving Plaza), rare B-sides, 2 Blu-rays with compelling documentaries, memorabilia, detailed liner notes and more. (GAP)

    

Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast at Coachella in April 2022.
Photo credit: Julian Bajsel / Getty Images for Coachella

Japanese Breakfast — The moniker for singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Michelle Zauner, Japanese Breakfast was clearly a wonderful discovery for many music fans at Coachella ‘22. With the release of Zauner's bewitching fourth album For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) last month, Japanese Breakfast will likely attract even more attention this time around. There is a dreamy quality across the new material and the singular setting afforded by the Empire Polo Field should bring even more magic to gems such as "Here is Someone," "Orlando in Love" and "Magic Mountain." (RK) 

Jimmy Eat World / Photo credit: Jimi Giannatti

Jimmy Eat World — Hailing from Arizona, Jimmy Eat World formed in 1993 and came to national prominence eight years later with the stellar, platinum-selling fourth album Bleed American. The Mesa band’s emotionally driven brand of alt-rock led to modern rock radio staples like “The Middle” (a Top 5 pop crossover among Spotify’s Billions Club), “Sweetness,” “Pain” and “Work.” Jimmy Eat World’s last studio album, 2019’s Surviving, featured guests Davey Havok (AFI) and James King (Fitz and the Tantrums). The quartet – which previously played Coachella ‘11 – recently put out the Phoenix Sessions, derived from three engaging 2021 entire album livestream performances, on limited edition vinyl. Each “reimagined” title reveals subtle new sonic nuances from playing the songs on the road for years. Multiple photos are included. The Futures 2LP gatefold features a detailed recollection by the band about the original album creation alongside producer Gil Norton. Chances are good fans will hear recent single “Something Loud” live in Indio. (GAP)  

Weezer performing at Coachella in Indio on April 20, 2019.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Weezer (Weekend 1 Only) — Rivers Cuomo and company were just added to the 2025 Coachella lineup late last weekend; the Los Angeles-spawned band is slated to appear at 3:10 p.m. on the Mojave Stage on Saturday for Weekend One. Weezer last appeared at the festival in 2019 and delivered memorable sets featuring original material and artful remakes at each of the band's weekend sets. (RK)

Ed Sheeran (Weekend 2 Only) – For the first time since surprise performers started being added to the Weekend 1 lineup (Vampire Weekend, Arcade Fire), Weekend 2 attendees finally get to enjoy one too. The British pop superstar – who headlined Dodger Stadium in 2024 and is best known for such Billboard top 5 singles as “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” “Thinking Out Loud,” “Bad Habits” and “I Don’t Care” will appear in the Mojave tent. Expect to hear the festive, Middle Eastern-tinged new single “Azizam” in the singer/guitarist’s set. (GAP)

Sundays, April 13 and 20

Kraftwerk / Photo credit: Falcon Publicity

Kraftwerk — The term “pioneer” often gets bandied around, but Kraftwerk truly fits the bill. If Ralf Hutter and Florian Schneider hadn’t started the German electronic music band in 1970, the Eighties new wave, alternative, rap and EDM landscapes might’ve sounded far different. Kraftwerk has been sampled by Dr. Dre, Afrika Bambaata & Soulsonic Force and Busta Rhymes. Additionally, everyone from David Bowie, Depeche Mode and Duran Duran to Bjork, The Prodigy and Daft Punk have cited the Dusseldorf musicians as an influence. Previously performing at the 2004 and ’08 Coachellas (where it rivaled Prince for the event standout), the Indio sets arrive on the back of a nine night Walt Disney Hall in 2024 stand. (GAP) 

Information: Coachella.com.

Coachella 2025 Lineup is here; Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone to headline

The lineup for Coachella 2025 has just been announced! Lady Gaga is the headliner on Friday nights, April 11 and 18; Green Day is set to rock Indio on Saturdays, April 12 and 19; Post Malone will be front and center on the main stage on Sundays, April 13 and April 20. 

Maria Zardoya of The Marias performing at Coachella in April 2022.
Photo credit: Beth Sarah / Getty Images For Coachella

Japanese Breakfast / Photography by Peter Ash Lee

Other highly-anticipated artists set to perform at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA include the Marias, the Prodigy, Japanese Breakfast, Kraftwerk, Jimmy Eat World and Huntington Beach-based Ginger Root.

Below is the official media release from Goldenvoice:

Lady Gaga performing on April
22, 2017.
Photo: Greg Noire courtesy
of Goldenvoice

Los Angeles, CA (November 20, 2025) – Coachella returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA for two weekends set for April 11 – 13 and April 18 – 20, 2025 with Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone performing a career retrospective set, and Travis Scott + many more. 

Presale begins Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11am PT. 2023/2024 attendees and purchasers get early access starting Thursday, November 21 at 11am PT. For your best chance at passes, look to Weekend 2. This is a presale and does not guarantee pass type, packages or camping.

New for 2025: VIP areas adjacent to the Outdoor Theater and Sahara offer specialty drinks, added bars, shaded lounges, flushable restrooms and more amenities to be announced later. Plus, additional camping options include Ready-Set and La Campana tent camping for fans looking for more comfort during their desert stay. 

YouTube returns in 2025 as the exclusive livestream partner for both Coachella weekends on our official YouTube channel; bringing the legendary performances and so much more to millions of music fans across the globe.

Official Hotel Packages that bundle festival passes with local lodging and transportation are available for Weekend 1 and Weekend 2, sold exclusively through Valley Music Travel. 

For more festival information and updates, please visit coachella.com. 

### 

ABOUT GOLDENVOICE 

Goldenvoice, creators of Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach: California’s Country Music Festival, operates successful Los Angeles and Bay Area music venues including the Fonda Theatre, The Roxy Theatre, El Rey Theatre, The Novo, Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall, The Regency Ballroom and The Warfield. Goldenvoice holds exclusive booking deals at Brookside at The Rose Bowl, Santa Barbara Bowl, Mountain Winery and Frost Amphitheatre. They also have produced events such as Desert Trip, Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, Cruel World, Just Like Heaven, Power Trip and many more. Beginning as an independent punk rock promoter in the early 1980s, Goldenvoice grew to be the preeminent alternative promoter in Southern California by forging strong relationships with both bands and music fans. Currently, Goldenvoice promotes over 2,000 concerts a year in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Alaska and Canada plus recently adding North American tours to their growing list of accomplishments. For additional info, please visit www.Goldenvoice.com.

Five-time GRAMMY winner Chris Lord-Alge to present at TEC Tracks session at NAMM on Thursday, Jan. 25

The NAMM Show arrives in Anaheim, CA this week. I hope to see many of you there...Robert Kinsler

Chris Lord-Alge

Five-time GRAMMY® winner Chris Lord-Alge to present at TEC Tracks session at NAMM on Thursday, Jan. 25

 

Anaheim, CA, January 23, 2024 — Chris Lord-Alge, five-time GRAMMY®-winning producer, engineer, and mixer, will be presenting a TEC Tracks Session at The NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 4 to 5 p.m. PST. Titled “Chris Lord-Alge on commanding your career: wisdom from five-time GRAMMY® award-winning mix engineer on succeeding as a producer/engineer,” the session will take place in Room 204B at the Anaheim Convention Center.

In the dynamic and competitive world of music production and engineering, the ability to command your career is essential for success. At this TEC Tracks Session, Chris Lord-Alge (whose credits include Bruce Springsteen, Green Day, Muse, Pink, Dolly Parton and dozens more) will share invaluable words of wisdom on navigating the industry and building a thriving career. This session is a comprehensive guide on how to command your career based on his insights.

Topics will include:
• Getting clients and networking: building a strong network within the industry.
• Communication/professionalism with clients.
• Creating your rules/define boundaries.
• Collecting money: How to establish systems and guidelines that are clear.
• Scheduling: Including time management and setting realistic timelines for projects.
• Artist relations: Dealing with the artist, including understanding their vision and creative.
• Manager relations: How to deal with the manager.
• Social media: Strategic presence, community engagement.
• Transfer of mixes: When, where, to whom and how.

About Chris Lord-Alge
Chris Lord-Alge, a five-time GRAMMY®-winning producer, engineer, and mixer, has left an indelible mark on the music industry through his illustrious career. A recent recipient of a CMA award for Single of the Year with Keith Urban, Chris’s influence extends far beyond borders. His production and engineering prowess have contributed to projects garnering over 15 ARIA Awards in Australia and numerous Juno Awards in Canada.

Notably, Chris clinched an Emmy® Award while collaborating with Cher and worked alongside Phil Collins on an Oscar®-winning song for the Disney movie Tarzan. His multifaceted career, spanning decades, encompasses a diverse array of musical genres. From iconic collaborations with Sugar Hill Gang to contemporary artists like Shinedown, and from legends like Bon Jovi to crooners like Michael Bublé, Chris has navigated the music landscape with unparalleled versatility. His portfolio extends from working with James Brown to Green Day, Krewella to Keith Urban, Tina Turner to Tim McGraw.

Chris Lord-Alge's impact transcends the studio. His CLA brand has produced best-selling audio products and plugins, solidifying his influence in the tech side of the industry. Additionally, his role as an educator through seminars with Mix With The Masters, NAMM and other platforms has made him a globally sought-after brand. His unwavering commitment to music and the audio community is not just a career; it is his life.

'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020' coming to ABC tonight

Here are details on tonight's high-profile broadcast coming to ABC-TV...

Tune-in to watch America's most-watched New Year's Eve special, 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020,' live tonight (Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019), beginning at 8 p.m. EST on ABC-TV

POST MALONE TO HEADLINE FROM TIMES SQUARE
GLOBAL PHENOMENON BTS, COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTAR SAM HUNT
AND MULTI-PLATINUM ARTIST ALANIS MORISSETTE
WITH FIRST-EVER PERFORMANCE WITH THE CAST OF BROADWAY’S
“JAGGED LITTLE PILL”
ALSO SET TO TAKE THE STAGE IN TIMES SQUARE

MORE OF TODAY’S HOTTESTS ACTS TO ALSO PERFORM
FROM HOLLYWOOD, MIAMI AND NEW ORLEANS!

Presenting Sponsor YouTube to Take a Look Back
at the Decade’s Biggest Trends Throughout the Show,
Plus a Surprise Announcement
 

WHO: Hosts: Ryan Seacrest & Lucy Hale in Times Square, Ciara in Los Angeles and Billy Porter in New Orleans

Performers:
New York: Post Malone, BTS, Sam Hunt and Alanis Morissette with the Cast of Broadway’s “Jagged Little Pill”

Los Angeles: Host Ciara, as well as Paula Abdul, Kelsea Ballerini, Blanco Brown, Dan + Shay, Green Day, Dua Lipa, Ava Max, Megan Thee Stallion, Anthony Ramos, Salt-N-Pepa and SHAED.

New Orleans: Host Billy Porter, as well as Sheryl Crow and Usher

Miami: Jonas Brothers
 

WHAT: “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020” marks the 48^th anniversary of America’s biggest celebration of the year and will include 5½ hours of special performances and reports on New Year’s celebrations from around the globe.

Additionally, country artist Jessie James Decker will reveal the first-ever First POWERBALL Millionaire of the Year^SM during this year’s live broadcast of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020.” Decker will provide live updates from the First POWERBALL Millionaire of the Year party throughout ABC’s live telecast and the big reveal announcing the winner will air just after midnight on Jan. 1, 2020.

WHEN: “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020” will broadcast LIVE on Tuesday, Dec. 31, beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST on ABC.

MORE: As part of the broadcast, presenting sponsor YouTube will take a look back at the biggest trends on YouTube from the past decade, plus make a surprise announcement.

“Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020” is produced by dick clark productions with Ryan Seacrest, Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco serving as executive producers. Larry Klein is producer.
 


YouTube: YouTube.com/NYRE
Facebook: Facebook.com/NewYearsRockinEve
Twitter: @NYRE
Instagram: @rockineve
Snapchat: officialnyre
Hashtag: #RockinEve
Website: https://www.newyearsrockineve.com/

The complete lineup airing Tuesday, Dec. 31, on ABC: 
 
8:00-10:00 p.m. EST – “Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020 – Part 1”

10:00-11:00 p.m. EST – “Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020 – Part 2”

11:30 p.m.-1:09 a.m. EST – “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020 – Part 1”

1:09-2:13 a.m. EST – “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020 – Part 2”
 

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces class of 2015

Ringo Starr performing at the Santa Barbara Bowl on
July 12, 2014. Photo: Robert Kinsler

It's about time! Ringo Starr is finally going to join his fellow Fab Four mates in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While Starr was previously inducted as a member of The Beatles, he will now be inducted for his stellar solo career too.

The Cleveland-based Rock Hall announced the class of 2015 this morning. In addition to Starr, who is receiving a special Award for Excellence, the other inductees include rocker Joan Jett, Bill Withers, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Lou Reed, Green Day, and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.

Those six artists were selected from a list of 15 nominees. Sadly not getting into the Rock Hall next spring are The Smiths, a band I consider to be one of the most influential groups to emerge in the 1980s. N.W.A., Nine Inch Nails and Chic also didn't make the cut.

The upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased beginning at 10 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Dec. 18, 2014. This will be the 30th induction ceremony.

Information: www.rockhall.com/