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The 14th annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif. is always a good time for sun, food, tunes, and dancing — what it’s not, usually, is a huge showcase for female artists. This year is sadly not much different, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t some great ladies performing. Here are the women to keep your eye on if you make it to the desert this weekend or next (the festival runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday two weeks in a row).
Performing Friday: Tegan and Sara
The Advocate’s current cover girls are riding high with their exuberant hit single "Closer," from last year’s Heartthrob. The out twins from Canada are Coachella favorites, playing the festival in 2005 and 2008. It’s been too long, girls. Songs to listen for: "Closer," "Goodbye, Goodbye," "Arrow," "Back in Your Head," "Walking With a Ghost."
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Performing Friday: Karen O
The sexy vocalist for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs never disappoints live, snarling her infectious rock anthems while wearing amazing outfits that can include anything from skin-tight lamé to Native American-inspired headdresses. We wouldn’t exactly call her androgynous; she’s just her own woman. Songs to listen for: “Maps,” “Gold Lion,” “Zero,” “Hysterical,” “Sacrilege.”
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Performing Saturday: Janelle Monae
This tuxedo-wearing stunner — who’s been quoted saying, "I feel like I have a responsibility to my community and other young girls to help redefine what it looks like to be a woman" — had been bubbling under for awhile, but went sort of mainstream when she collaborated last year with fun. on their song, "We are Young" (she’d later win a Grammy for the tune). Her other music is just as moving and thoughtful. We love this girl. Songs to listen for: "Tightrope," "Cold War," "Sir Greendown."
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Performing Sunday: La Roux
Elly Jackson, the face and voice of La Roux, is another unconventional girl gone almost mainstream. This synth-pop queen broke through to radio in the late 2010s, complete with cockatoo hairstyle and androgynous persona. Jackson and bandmate Ben Langmaid have been busy working on her follow-up album to their self-titled debut, so hopefully will get a sneak preview at Coachella. Songs to listen for: "Quicksand," "In for the Kill," "Bulletproof," "I’m Not Your Toy."
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Performing Sunday: Cassy
This spin goddess was only one of two women in Rolling Stone’s list of "The 25 DJs That Rule the Earth." This Austrian/Caribbean beauty plays mostly vinyl sets and her Sunday night date at the Yuma tent should bring her even more renown. She also has upcoming dates at clubs in Miami Beach and Chicago. Songs to listen for: "Marylin’s Wake," "For You," and "Poem."
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