Latinx Acts to see at Coachella 2017

A set at Coachella is an honor for any artist. But for smaller indie acts it can be a career making opportunity. The popularity and prestige of the festival gives bands on the lineup exposure to thousands of the most dedicated music fans. This year Latinx bands will have a larger presence at the festival than ever before. The 2017 lineup has the highest volume of Latinx and Spanish-speaking bands in the festival's history, according to the Los Angeles Times. The influx of Latinx bands at the festival is due to the introduction of the Sonora Stage. Mexican-American concert promoter and founder the Viva Pomona festival Rene Contreras was given full creative control of the new stage. If you're fortunate enough to attend this year's Coachella here are some acts you can not miss. 

Chicano Batman

This four-piece band from Los Angeles describes their sound as a blend of Brazilian tropicalia, ‘70s psychedelic soul, with romantic Latin American pop. They perform in matching vintage suits and ruffle shirts as an homage to ‘70s bands like Los Angeles Negro and Los Pasteles Verdes. Expect their set to include songs from their recently released album, Freedom is Free.

Devandra Banhart

Venezuelan-American artist Devandra Banhart was named the leader of the freak folk music movement by the New York Times in 2004. Freak folk is characterized by its soothing sound and surreal lyrics. In the article he explained the scene, "It's not music made for magazines or labels, it's made for each other." Years later as the group dispersed and went on to experience varying levels of success, Banhart is still making music for himself. His latest album Ape in Pink Marble is heavily influenced by Japanese music. Banhart said he decided which songs to include in the album by asking himself if the song would be played in a run-down hotel in Tokyo. 

Diamante Electrico

Diamante Electrico is one of the most successful indie rock bands in Colombia. They have opened for rock legends Cafe Tacuba, Foo Fighter and the Rolling Stones. In 2015 their second album "B" won the award for best rock album of the year. 

Downtown Boys

Rolling Stone called them the most exciting punk band in America. This queer punk band Providence puts on a great show with a funky saxophone and frantic percussions. Frontwoman Victoria Ruiz is not afraid to get political. She'll introduce songs with lectures on institutional racism. They even performed on the leftist news program Democracy Now last year. 

Nicolas Jaar

Nicolas Jaar is a Chilean musician and producer based in New York City. His slow experimental dance music has a nostalgic and melancholy feeling to it. In his second studio album that came out last year, Jaar goes back to his roots. He sings some songs in Spanish and even samples audio from personal home videos. The stand out track of the album, "No," references the 1988 Chilean referendum that ended Pinochet's dictatorship. 

Los blenders

Los Blenders are an indie rock band from Mexico City. After taking over the Mexican indie scene, Los Blenders are bringing their surf rock sound to the U.S. when they make their Coachella debut.