With Coachella 2025 right around the corner, it’s time for those attending to plan who they’ll see, and those of us observing from afar are considering who is worth streaming and checking out. We all know the 2025 headliners and signature mix of pop (Charlie XCX and Lady Gaga), rock (Greenday and Weezer), and everything in between (Post Malone and Missy Elliot). But for those wanting to delve a little deeper into the artist lists, we’ve got you. This is our pick of the undercards: the lesser-known artists, the indie and pop artists to watch.
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Coachella 2025 Undercard: Alternative/Indie Picks You Should Know
// Lola Young // Indie Pop
FOR FANS OF: Adele, Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Raye, Remi Wolf
Lola Young is a straight-talking Londoner with a smoky voice, so naturally, she can’t shake the comparisons to the greats who came before her, like Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen. She’s had a massive 12 months, with her viral single “Messy” shooting her into superstardom and landing her a feature on Tyler the Creator’s latest album. If you only know Young for her breakout hit, it’s worth checking out more of her music to appreciate her beyond the comparisons. Her honest storytelling and big voice are sure to impress.
// Sam Fender // Alternative/Indie Rock
FOR FANS OF: Bruce Springsteen, The Killers, Bleachers, Noah Kahan, Hozier
Sam Fender’s recent third album, “People Watching,” achieved overwhelming success in his native UK, reaching number one and earning him a Brit Award for Best Alternative/Rock Act. Known for his powerful live performances, Fender’s high tenor voice, energetic band, and deeply honest lyrics create a compelling show. Whether you’re festival-bound or not, his music is well worth exploring. Having already achieved considerable recognition, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before he breaks through in the US market.
// Amyl and The Sniffers// Alternative Rock
FOR FANS OF: Wetleg, Bikini Kill, Fantaines D.C., Lambrini Girls
If you haven’t already jumped on the Amyl and The Sniffers bandwagon, now is the time. For those who don’t know, Amyl and The Sniffers are an alternative, riot grrrl-inspired band from Melbourne, Australia. Check out their songs like “Jerkin’” and “U Should Not Be Doing That” and then imagine the most energetic and raw frontwoman. Who wouldn’t want to see that!
// Medium Build // Indie Folk
FOR FANS OF: Noah Kahan, Lizzy McAlpine, Boygenius
American singer-songwriter Medium Build has been an artist to watch for a few years now. His 2024 album “Country” made it onto many end-of-year lists, and getting to collaborate with indie royalty like Julien Baker suggests he’s an artist to get behind. Check out “Yoke” and “Crying Over U” to become an instant fan.
// Japanese Breakfast // Indie Pop
FOR FANS OF: Soccer Mommy, HAIM, Beabadoobee
Japanese Breakfast have been around since 2013 and recently put out their fourth album, “For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women),” to widespread success. Most audience members will undoubtedly have heard “Be Sweet” before, but the more recent “Picture Window” and “Orlando in Love” are worth a listen for a better introduction to this essential indie-pop artist.
// d4vd // Indie R&B
FOR FANS OF: Dominic Fike, Steve Lacey, Sza, Cigarettes After Sex
He might be best known for a couple of viral songs, but d4vd is worth a longer listen. His dreamy, R&B-leaning sound is sure to appeal to many Coachella fans. If you think you already know what he sounds like, you might be surprised by his expansive sound and long list of collaborators, including Holly Humberstone, Kali Uchis, The Kid LAROI, and Laufey.
// Ginger Root // Indie Soul
If you like your indie with a hint of nostalgia and soul, you’ll be spoilt for choice this year. As well as the unmissable live act Parcels, there is Ginger Root. Hailing from California, it is the project of the multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Cameron Lew. Check out “No Problems” and “Loretta” for a taste of what to expect from Ginger Root.
// Hope Tala // Indie Pop
FOR FANS OF: Sza, Rachel Chinouriri, Erykah Badu, Olivia Dean, Cleo Soul
If you haven’t heard of Hope Tala, one of your favorites has. Having recently earned support slots for SZA and Zayn, as well as getting a mention on Barack Obama’s coveted song list for 2024, she is a star on the rise. Tala is an English singer-songwriter drawing influence from the great soul singers of the 90s on her recent debut release. If neo-soul or indie pop is your thing, she’s definitely one to check out.
// Clairo // Indie Pop
FOR FANS OF: Beabadoobee, Lizzy McAlpine, Mitski, Laufey
Clairo is hardly under the radar, but the indie darling is expanding her audience at the moment on the back of her latest album, “Charm.” The 70s-inspired sound of this album lends itself perfectly to the live festival setting, with Clairo leaning into a jazz and soul aesthetic with both the sound and visuals on her latest tour. “Juna” and “Sexy to Someone” should be on everyone’s rotation.
Check out these indie and pop artists, plus many more, on our multi-genre Coachella 2025 Undercard playlists below.
