In a continuation of our early Coachella lineup predictions, let’s explore our potential Coachella 2014 headliners. Here’s a look at the most common names floating around in the early stages.

Pixies

Lately we’ve heard a lot of chatter that the Pixies will headline Coachella in 2014, and quite frankly, this is the only artist on our list that seems like a lock. The Pixies have been touring relentlessly since the release of EP-1, a somewhat disappointing release that critics suggest sounds nothing like the original band. That criticism seems fair since the departure of longtime member Kim Deal.

How likely is the band to play? The Pixies’ touring schedule suspiciously ends very early in March, their last date scheduled in Austin, TX. Given the scheduling, we’d be least surprised to see Pixies at the top of the bill.

Nine Inch Nails

Coachella has been known to give top billing to more industrial bands like Tool, but there’s more evidence going into Trent Reznor hitting Indio than patterns of the past. NIN is currently touring the US in promotion of their latest release.

Here’s where things get ambiguous. Nine Inch Nails will be setting out on an Australian/New Zealand tour with Queens of the Stone Age, a tour that conveniently ends in the late March. Until further dates are scheduled, it’s worth speculating a headlining bid come April.

Daft Punk

Is this the year that Golden Voice finally appease the masses? Fans of Coachella have speculated a headlining appearance by the robots since Daft Punk’s incredible pyramid performance in 2006. Daft Punk aggressively marketed their upcoming release during last year’s Coachella, which some interpret as a teaser for future Coachella involvement. And truth be told, the subsequent release of Random Access Memories in 2013 adds some legitimacy to the rumor that has refused to die for nearly a decade.

But let’s give ourselves a reality check here; a Daft Punk performance in 2014 remains highly unlikely considering the group has expressed they have no intention of touring anytime soon. Hurting chances even further, Random Access Memories was made primarily created using session musicians, making it difficult to perform the material in any live setting.

We’re still optimistic we’ll see Daft Punk in the future but it’s hard to form anything beyond conspiracy theories with the limited evidence available.

OutKast

Here’s one rumor we’re really hoping comes true. According to some sources online, Coachella promoters are working hard to reunite OutKast for the 2014 festival. Big Boi also leaked an Outkast reunion was possible in 2014. What better venue than Coachella?

Reuniting bands has been a strong suit for Coachella in the past, taking some responsibility for bringing new life to Iggy and the Stooges, Death From Above 1979 and quite a few others. It’s very likely OutKast is soon added to that mix in a reunion that would easily catch top billing.

Check back! More potential headliners added soon …