United States

arab electronic

organic electronic

organic house

Bedouin

United Kingdom

Pete Tong

Spain

Pacha Ibiza

Bedouin present Saga with Pete Tong

Bedouin present Saga

Festivals vs. Clubs: How House Music History Influences Mason Maynard’s Sets

From Classical Roots to Electronic Stardom: The Unstoppable Journey of Eelke Kleijn

deep tech house

house

progressive house

uk dance

CamelPhat

acid house

chicago house

classic house

Marshall Jefferson

Jaguar

Denmark

danish electronic

danish techno

deep euro house

melodic techno

minimal techno

Kölsch

Sweden

electra

swedish electronic

swedish techno

Ida Engberg

Layla Benitez

John "Jellybean" Benitez

pink noise

TAAHLIAH

Dalt Vila

IMS Dalt Vila 2023

The Most Anticipated Weekend in Ibiza: BBC Radio 1 Dance Weekend

LP Giobbi on Remixing Ultra Naté's Classic 'Free' with Pete Tong & Jules Buckley

Switzerland

swiss house

Andrea Oliva

John Summit

uk house

TSHA

Melé

Chloé Robinson

Kitty Amor

Ushuaïa Ibiza

ANTS Week 14

ANTS

melodic house

Franky Wah

Chinois Ibiza

Franky Wah presents SHÈN Ibiza Week 9

Franky Wah Presents SHÈN

CAMELPHAT Closing Party

Camelphat

International Music Summit (IMS) Ibiza

Hyde and Mondrian Hotel Ibiza

International Music Summit (IMS) Ibiza & Dalt Vila

progressive trance

trance

uplifting trance

Above & Beyond

Brazil

electro house

pop nacional

slap house

Alok

future garage

pop dance

Gorgon City

Belgium

acid techno

belgian techno

dark techno

Amelie Lens

Benin

afro house

AMÉMÉ

jazz house

Barry Can't Swim

2manydjs

ukg revival

salute

alternative dance

big beat

electronica

Basement Jaxx

Beltran

Germany

Ben Böhmer

german house

german techno

high-tech minimal

Boris Brejcha

dancefloor dnb

drum and bass

Chase & Status

bass house

melbourne bounce

tech house

Chris Lake

Chris Lorenzo

Netherlands

dutch tech house

Chris Stussy

deep disco house

Damian Lazarus

latin tech house

Dennis Cruz

Desiree

France

Disco Dom

stutter house

Disco Lines

microhouse

Dixon

Jimi Jules

DJ Gigola

Eli Brown

Francis Mercier

Indira Paganotto

Keinemusik

nyc club

Layton Giordani

Mau P

Italy

deep techno

italian techno

Mind Against

Massano

dark disco

electro-pop francais

french indietronica

Polo & Pan

old school bassline

Sammy Virji

Sara Landry

Curaçao

dutch house

Shermanology

minimal tech house

The Martinez Brothers

techno

Loco Dice

Tinlicker

Tiësto

brazilian edm

Vintage Culture

russian techno

Yulia Niko

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, commonly known as 

, is one of the most renowned music festivals in the world. Held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, it has grown from a niche gathering to a global cultural phenomenon. The festival was founded in 1999 by Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen of Goldenvoice, inspired in part by a 1993 Pearl Jam concert at the same venue. That show proved the site’s potential for hosting large-scale events outside the grip of major ticketing companies, paving the way for what would become one of the most influential festivals in modern music history.

Coachella’s first edition in 1999 featured an eclectic lineup including Beck, The Chemical Brothers, and Rage Against the Machine. Despite critical success, it struggled financially and took a year off before returning in 2001. Over the next few years, the festival gradually built its reputation, expanding its duration, scale, and audience. By the mid-2000s, it had become a must-attend event, attracting headliners such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Daft Punk, and Radiohead. Its continued success led to its expansion to three days in 2007 and later to two consecutive weekends in 2012, offering identical lineups to accommodate growing demand.

The festival’s appeal lies not only in its diverse musical programming, which spans rock, pop, indie, hip-hop, and electronic music, but also in its dedication to visual art and immersive experiences. Large-scale art installations and sculptures are a signature part of the event, creating a surreal atmosphere that enhances the festival experience. Over the years, Coachella has hosted some of the biggest names in music, with iconic performances from Beyoncé, who delivered a historic headlining set celebrating Black culture, Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and Swedish House Mafia, among many others. The festival is also known for surprise guest appearances and once-in-a-lifetime collaborations that make headlines worldwide.

Coachella has built a reputation as one of the premier destinations for electronic music, with several stages dedicated to showcasing a wide range of sounds, from festival anthems to underground beats. The Sahara Tent is the biggest and most recognizable space for electronic music at the festival, featuring massive LED screens, immersive lighting, and world-class DJs delivering high-energy sets. Over the years, Sahara has expanded to accommodate growing crowds. For those who prefer a more intimate, underground club feel, head to the Yuma Tent. Known for its sleek, low-lit atmosphere, Yuma offers a more curated experience, with deep house, techno, and minimal sounds taking center stage.

Beyond these two powerhouses, electronic music is spread across other key stages. The Mojave and Gobi Tents frequently feature electronic acts, blending them with live performers and crossover artists pushing the boundaries of genre. The Quasar Stage was introduced in 2024 as an outdoor venue specifically designed for extended DJ sets, allowing artists to create deeper, more immersive sonic journeys. Then there’s the Do LaB, one of the most unique and beloved spaces at Coachella. Run by the creative Do LaB collective, this stage is famous for its interactive art installations, spontaneous surprise sets, and a lineup that includes house, bass, techno, and experimental sounds. Unlike the festival’s bigger stages, Do LaB thrives on spontaneity, often bringing out secret guests and creating an atmosphere that feels more like a community gathering than a traditional festival set. With these diverse electronic spaces, Coachella continues to be a mecca for dance music fans, offering something for every taste, from the biggest EDM acts to the deepest underground selectors.

Beyond music and art, Coachella has become a major cultural and fashion trendsetter. The festival is synonymous with bohemian-inspired outfits, influencing festival fashion trends globally. Brands have capitalized on this, launching exclusive collections inspired by the festival’s signature aesthetic. It has also played a significant role in the rise of influencer culture, with celebrities, social media personalities, and brands using the festival as a platform to showcase their style and presence.

As one of the most profitable music festivals in the world, Coachella significantly impacts the local economy, generating substantial revenue for the Coachella Valley region through ticket sales, tourism, and local business patronage. At the same time, the festival has taken steps toward sustainability, implementing recycling programs, promoting carpooling, and encouraging responsible environmental practices among attendees.

Coachella returns each year stronger and continues to push creative boundaries. Its ability to adapt to industry trends while maintaining its reputation as a premier music and arts festival ensures that it remains at the forefront of global festival culture. Today, Coachella is a cultural institution that shapes music, fashion, and art while offering an experience that extends far beyond the music itself.

Pete Tong

Articles

Other artists