It’s that time of year again! The lineup for Coachella has dropped, so start planning your perf festival fit; grab your favorite hard seltzer because this year’s lineup is definitely history-making. Everyone’s favorite girl crush quartet, BLACKPINK is returning to the music festival and is making Coachella history as the first K-pop group to headline. If that’s not enough to get you reaching for your wallet, we at Character Media compiled a list of every Asian artist set to grace the Empire Polo Club this April.
No need for an introduction for this Korean girl group; since their 2016 debut, BLACKPINK has broken records with their dazzling performance and catchy tunes. But before you see them in person, check out their latest title song, “Shut Down.”
Punjabi singer/actor Diljit Dojanjh, has made quite a splash within the Punjabi music and cinema industry. His films “Punjab 1984” and “Sajjan Singh Rangroot” are some the highest-grossing Punjabi films in history and his music career has been steadily entering the Candian music scene, with his latest albums like “G.O.A.T.” and “MoonChild Era” entering in the Billboard Candian Charts.
Korean-American house musician Yaeji has been masterfully mixing mellow beats since her days on SoundCloud. Not only does her music provide a chill yet moving melody, her understated vocals delight in both English and Korean. She’s worked with big names from both industries, like Oh Hyuk of the South Korean rock band Hyukoh and even pop stars like Charli XCX.
Probably best known for their hit, “Remember Me,” UMI is an artist that you definitely don’t want to miss. Their debut album took inspiration from neo-soul and J-pop, providing an introspective feel for listeners that continued with their latest album “Forest in the City.” But before you catch their set this April, check out their elusive interview with Character Media to really get to know UMI.
Jamaican dancehall artist Shenseea with multiple collaborations with big names like Christina Aguilera and Sean Paul under her belt has been slowly gaining momentum within the music industry. Due to her work as a featured artist, she’s been nominated for an Album of the Year at the Grammys while her own work has been awarded Best Reggae Act the MOBO Awards. Most recently she collaborated with Megan Thee Stallion with her song “Lick“, for her debut album which was released last March.
Jai Wolf first entered the music scene with multiple remixes from well-known artists like Melanie Martinez, Dirty South, Alesso and Odesza but the release of his debut single, “Indian Summer” put him on the Billboard charts with ease. As Jai Wolf was featured at Coachella in 2017, this year marks his second time performing at the illustrious festival.
If you’re in the mood for rocking out, look no further than riot band The Linda Lindas. Made up of four teenagers of colors, these girls are ready to kick ass and make amazing music while doing so. The band went viral with their performance of their song “Racist, Sexist Boy” due to their explosive on-stage charisma and relatable anger, this group is a for sure must-see on this lineup.
Do you like jazz? Well, this next band has you covered. Hailing from Taipei, Taiwan — Sunset Rollercoaster is a jazz-inspired synth-pop band that is known for its smooth-sailing melodies and chill lyrics. Their songs like “Candlelight” are a perfect way to cool down during the very hectic and hot festival days.
While Jai Paul has remained notably private, his leaked demos like “BTSTU” and “Jasmine” have influenced artists underground and mainstream. While the English singer hasn’t released his own music since 2019, Jai Paul has collaborated with music icons like Beyonce, Drake and Childish Gambino.
Having performed at last year’s 88rising Head in the Clouds Forever showcase, Jackson Wang is returning this year as a part of the featured lineup. There’s no doubt that the GOT7 member can delight a crowd and with the release of his newest album “Magic Man,” he’s bound to “Blow” festival-goers away.
Co-founder of the label Dream Perfect Regime, musician DPR Live has not only taken the Korean music industry by storm, but has slowly been entering the American market. With his song “Diamonds + And Pearls” (feat. DPR Ian and Peace) on the Shang-Chi soundtrack and multiple tours under his belt, DPR Live’s set will be enjoyed by all.
Australian-born singer and visual director DPR Ian is one of the co-founders of the aforementioned Dream Perfect Regime. He’s collaborated with K-pop royalty CL (who took to the Coachella Stage last year) with the song “No Blueberries” and his first solo album “Moodswings In To Order” explored his struggles with mental health.
With the viral hit “Stay” featuring pop icon Justin Bieber breaking Spotify records left and right, The Kid Laroi launched into the top of the charts with natural flair. The 19-year-old singer has collaborated with heavy hitters like Miley Cyrus and Post Malone and anticipates his upcoming debut album “Kids Are Growing Up.”
Joy Crookes is a British singer and songwriter who has steadily risen since her debut album “Skin.” Her music incorporates not only her Bangladeshi heritage but her South London roots as well. Her raw yet emotional outlook on music helps her produce songs like “When You Were Mine” and “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now” which have received critical exclaim throughout the United Kingdom.
If you’re in the mood to dance no worries — Charli XCX has you covered. First entering the public eye with collaborations with names like Icona Pop and Iggy Azalea, Charli XCX has slowly but surely become a staple in the pop world. Some of her songs like “Lock it” and most recently “Good Ones” have delighted pop lovers everywhere.
Ali Sethi first rose to prominence with his debut novel “The Wish Maker,” but soon decided to focus on music soon after. Sethi is most well known for his ability to combine Hindustani classical ragas with contemporary Western arrangements and his single “Pasoori” became the first Pakistani song to feature on Spotify’s “Viral 50 – Global” chart.
Like many young artists, Dominic Fike first got his start on SoundCloud, but it wasn’t until his debut album “Don’t Forget About Me,” that he began to really hit his stride. With multiple hits like “Photo ID,” “Chicken Tenders” and even a collaboration with Paul McCartney, along with an acting credit in the smash hit “Euphoria,” there’s really no sign that Fike is slowing down.
18. AG Club
Bay Area natives AG Club (aka Avant-Garde Club) boasts a genre-defying style both on and off stage. The alternative rap collective not only includes performers but visual artists, actors and more and have found inspiration from other ensembles like Odd Future and A$AP Mob. Check out their debut album “FYE (F*CK YOUR EXPECTATIONS)” before their dynamic set.
To view the full lineup and purchase tickets, visit the official Coachella website here.
