Every year, thousands of music fans descend on Zilker Park to attend Austin City Limits, also known as ACL. With plenty of bands from all over the globe playing the festival, we know it’s hard to choose which ones to go and see. So, we’re going to do the legwork for you.
Now, read on to check out our picks for weekend one!
Friday, September 30th
Band of Horses
Formed in Seattle in 2004, alternative rock act Band of Horses’ laid back style is the perfect start to your ACL weekend. The group’s indie rock feel on songs such as “A Song for You,” “The Funeral,” and “No One’s Gonna Love You,” display the bands musical abilities while writing lyrics that relate to the audience. With enthusiastic crowds at their shows, their set at Weekend one is certain to be jammed, so we suggest you head over early to see if you can see the band clearly.
Jess Glynne
After scoring a hit with her debut single “Rather Be,” a collaboration with British electronic duo Clean Bandit, England’s newest vocalist Jess Glynne, is coming into Austin to perform at ACL. With songs that are written to perform at big festivals, we can’t recommend seeing Glynne enough. With a live singing voice that sounds similar to the record, she will be exceptional.
The Chainsmokers
For the ACL fans who want to hear some bumping electronic acts, Los Angeles DJ duo The Chainsmokers will be right up your alley. Best known for their single “Roses” and their most recently released single “Closer,” the band has been quietly exploding, creating a following of passionate fans. With lively performances and an enthusiastic audience, you shouldn’t forget to add The Chainsmokers to your weekend list of must see acts.
Raury
Known for mixing soul, hip hop, and funk Atlanta musician Raury has put together a dynamic live show that feeds off the audience and their reactions. With dynamite hits such as “Devil Whisper,” you’ll enjoy his performance so much that you’ll want to make sure to catch him again during weekend two.
Chris Stapleton
Sticking to the idea that there is something for everyone to listen to at ACL, the festival has booked one of country music’s biggest acts, Chris Stapleton. Starting his career as a songwriter many years ago, he is responsible for penning big name tunes for Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, and more. With hits such as “Traveler,” we can’t get enough of Stapleton’s down home, feel the emotion music. If you are looking for something that’s a little bit out of your musical comfort zone, Stapleton is an excellent choice.
Saturday, October 1’st
City and Colour
Best known for his role as front man in the Canadian post-hardcore band Alexisonfire, Dallas Green wanted to turn things down a notch. In doing so, he formed his latest band, the mellowed out City and Colour, a group that plays stunning pop tunes that is the perfect group to start or end your day with.
Two Door Cinema Club
One of the bouncier offerings at the festival this year is Irish indie rock act Two Door Cinema Club, who released their debut record Tourist History in 2010. With tracks such as “Are We Ready?” from the group’s latest album Gameshow, Two Door Cinema Club, who have performed at ACL before, are sure to gain some new fans and be enjoyed by old ones.
https://youtu.be/Mm_M-MStUwg
Sunday, October 2nd
Kacey Musgraves
Texas native Kacey Musgraves will be making another appearance at one of Austin’s biggest festivals and her personalized touch make fans feel like her songs are written with their stories as mind. With a welcoming voice, Musgraves pulls in her audience from the very start, and after seeing her live on a few occasions, she is an absolute must see.
Oh Wonder
London pop-duo Oh Wonder are coming to Austin to perform at ACL to promote their self-released, self-titled album. Taking an unconventional approach to its recording, the group decided to record one song a month in their London studio over the course of a year when they decided to release the full body of work. With tracks such as “Body Gold” we can’t say enough good things about Oh Wonder, so you must check them out for yourself.
Mumford and Sons
Perhaps the liveliest band at Austin City Limits, Mumford and Sons are one of many headliners this year and with their jumping folk rock music to make your Sunday great, you can’t go wrong with seeing this group. Check out a live performance of their song “I Will Wait” from a performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Colorado to get a feel for the band in a live setting. Trust us, it’s fantastic.
Featured photo via ACL Fest on Facebook, by Charles Reagan Studios
If you would like to read more of Lauren Gribble’s features, you can check out her website Listen Here Reviews.
