The dust has settled on Indio Empire Polo Club after weekend one of Coachella 2024 wrapped up on Sunday with Doja Cat’s five-star performance. The first part of the annual bash brought with it plenty of surprises, technical difficulties and euphoric moments. Join NME as we recap what went down and get prepared for weekend two.
A glimpse into the future
Each year at Coachella, there are a couple of standout performances from smaller artists that make you whip out a metaphorical crystal ball and start predicting future headliners. Former NME Cover star Chappell Roan’s set made her the first candidate for this role in 2024, with the singer turning the Gobi tent into one big huddle of euphoria and joy. The rapturous response, coupled with her infectious, theatrical stage presence, conjured images of a steady climb through the festival’s ranks for Roan to come, hopefully ending at the very summit of the bill.
On Friday night, K-pop boyband ATEEZ also made their bid for future greatness with their debut Coachella performance. The eight-piece group are known for their big production-utilising concerts but didn’t let the constraints of a festival stop them from wowing. There were nods to traditional aspects of Korean culture and world-building sets, like the saloon-like bar that popped up behind them in the middle of their block. Coupled with performances shot through with ferocious energy, ATEEZ suggested their history-making relationship with Coachella likely won’t end at becoming the first male K-pop act to take part in the festival.
