Coachella Artists of the Day: Jan. 7, 2026

Black Flag

Origin: Hermosa Beach, California, USA

Genre / Subgenres: Rock / Hardcore punk, Punk rock

What are the odds that a random generator gave me three hardcore bands in three consecutive days? I am absolutely not mad about it, though! If I'm not mistaken, Black Flag may be the legacy act of the weekend, having formed exactly 50 years ago in Hermosa Beach, California (but they didn't recruit the iconic Henry Rollins until 1981 for their debut album, Damaged, which put them at their peak for the better part of the 1980s). With their hyperspeed tempos, heavy distortion, and extreme lyrics, they laid the foundation for hardcore punk. Their music explores depression, anger, paranoia, and social isolation, which we can all relate to at one point or another. They also invented "DIY touring", in which they booked their own shows across the country and played in non-traditional venues, such as basements, which became the standard for other punk bands that came after them. Their four-bar logo is a perfect reflection of what they stand for: resistance and nonconformity. Much like Suicidal Tendencies, Black Flag has cycled through dozens of members during its existence, but this spring, founding member and guitarist Greg Ginn, will be joined by three Gen Z bandmates, including a 22-year-old female lead vocalist.

Performing: Sunday

Stage Prediction: Sonora

For Fans of: Minor Threat, Circle Jerks, Bad Brains

Key Tracks: Nervous Breakdown / Rise Above / My War

Live Set: Live in Sofia 2025 (Sofia, Bulgaria)

Rating: ★★★★½

---

Holly Humberstone

Origin: Grantham, Lincolnshire, England

Genre / Subgenres: Pop / Indie pop, Alternative pop, Bedroom pop

Talk about vulnerable. Holly Humberstone is the epitome of the word, but she's also candid and anxious, and the only way she can express it therapeutically is through music. The Brit is often melancholic in both production and lyrics, but she creates an atmosphere that's somewhat comforting and nostalgic. It's the kind of stuff that reminds me of having late-night conversations with a friend or two in a park with no one else around. That's the best way I can describe it, really. She's raw, emotional, and bittersweet, but it's all so catchy and easy on the ears. She seems like the type of artist that's beyond her years.

Performing: Friday

Stage Prediction: Gobi

For Fans of: Griff, Maisie Peters, Maggie Rogers

Key Tracks: Die Happy / Scarlett / The Walls Are Way Too Thin

Live Set: Live at Sidney Myer Music Bowl 2025 (Melbourne, Australia)

Rating: ★★★★½

---

Ratings are on a 5-star scale