When any music lineup comes out the first thing that everyone looks at are the headliners. Their eyes may continue down the list to a certain point, but those on the bottom of the lineup lists are often ignored. Here are some of the groups and artists that hang out toward the bottom of the lists at three of this year’s upcoming Texas festivals—Free Press Summer Festival in Houston, Float Fest in San Marcos, and Austin City Limits Festival.
Story by Gabrielle Sanchez
Sweet Spirit
Festival: Float Fest in San Marcos, TX
Genre: Rock
Hometown: Austin, TX
Recommended Tracks: “The Power,” “All Mine” and “Take Me To A Party”
Sweet Spirit recently released their sophomore album, “St. Mojo,” and are quickly becoming the band to see. Much like their music, their performances are electric and although one does not need to know their songs by heart to have a good time, jamming along with them in the crowd makes for real fun. Sabrina Ellis knows how to lead a band and every member leaves everything they have on stage.
Walker Lukens
Photo courtesy of Black Fret
Festival: Float Fest
Genre: Rock
Hometown: Austin, TX
Recommended Tracks: “Jacket On Ya Shoulders,” “Where Is Thunder Road?” and “Ain’t Got A Reason”
Walker Lukens released an EP titled “Never Understood” in 2016 and last month released another by the name of “Ain’t Got a Reason.” Both of these albums mark a stark change from their only full album release, tying together blues, rock and pop elements in a special way. In songs such as “Where Is Thunder Road?” an extended horn section mixed with dissonant piano, soulful vocals and edgy guitar greatly sum up Walken Luken’s style.
Rose Ette
Festival: FPSF in Houston, TX
Genre: Indie Pop
Hometown: Houston, TX
Recommended Tracks: “Skin,” “Way Outside” and “Predator”
Catchy tunes with a light, siren-like voice are what Rose Ette gives to the Houston music scene. Their songs would fit nicely into any summer playlist, as songs like “Skin” invoke images of sunny afternoon drives, perfect for a summer festival like Free Press. Rose Ette’s music is pretty straightforward. It doesn’t try to be anything that it’s not, and is a solid addition to the indie pop genre.
Kay Weathers
Festival: FPSF
Genre: Electronic pop
Hometown: Houston, TX
Recommended Tracks: “Bored Games,” “Given” and “Lucy”
Kay Weathers is a solo artist with a powerful flowing voice, which pairs perfectly with the elegance and intelligent use of electronic beats and melodies reminiscent of artists such as Perfume Genius. She has one EP called “Songs for Lucy” out at the moment with no information on a full length album. It’s a great change of pace to see just one woman standing on stage, playing all the instruments and singing her heart out. Plus, she likes to rock flower crowns and long, flowing dresses, so we’ll see what she dons for her reign at FPSF.
Cherry Glazerr
Photo courtesy of Rhyan Santos
Festival: FPSF
Genre: Rock
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Recommended Tracks: “Told You I’d Be with the Guys,” “Moon Dust” and “Nuclear Bomb”
Cherry Glazerr recently put out their first studio album, “Apocalipstick” and it’s killer, featuring a glam end of the world theme. Lead singer Clementine Creevy has a dynamic voice, with the ability to switch from a more tender, emotional tone to one that’s edgy, and forceful. If their performance is anything like their music, it will be high energy, interesting and is not likely to disappoint.
Dreamers
Festival: FPSF, Austin City Limits
Genre: Alternative
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Recommended Tracks: “Drugs” and “Shooting Shadows”
Dreamers attempt to capture a sense of homelessness, nostalgia and angst in their album “This Album Does Not Exist.” They evoke images of desperation, love and pain, that’s encompassed by catchy tunes and a little bit of of what they call “cosmic rock.” If you enjoy bands like Walk The Moon, Bleachers or Saint Motel, these guys will fit in pretty well with your music library.
Los Coast
Festival: Float Fest
Genre: R&B, Soul
Hometown: Austin, TX
Recommended Tracks: “Simplify,” “Summer Samaritan”
Los Coast’s music is funky, soulful and feels like an all out jam fest. It’s a great fusion of jazz and hip hop, with some rock influences as well. As of right now he only has two songs out for listening, but that gives you plenty of time to listen up and prepare to get down at Float Fest.
White Reaper
Photo Courtesy of LEO Weekly
Festival: Austin City Limits
Genre: Rock
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Recommended Tracks: “Party Next Door,” “Eagle Beach” and “Judy French”
White Reaper’s most recent album is titled “The World’s Best American Band,” which might be an exaggeration, but they have the skills of any quintessential American rock band. They are currently touring across the U.S., and their final stop is ACL, and will probably be their most amped performance.
Amy Shark
Festival: Austin City Limits
Genre: Pop
Hometown: Gold Coast, Australia
Recommended Tracks: “Adore,” “Blood Brothers” and “Drive You Mad”
Coming from the land down under, Amy Shark could fits seamlessly alongside artists like Lorde or Halsey. In her EP “Night Thinker,” she sings about love, heartbreak and desires. Her songs are unrushed, tender, but fun. She follows the tide of female singers who perform over darker, syncopated beats and synth, and she does it well.
The Bishops
Festival: Austin City Limits
Genre: Hip-Hop
Hometown: Austin, TX
Recommended Tracks: “Blood Ring,” “Mr.Scatterbrained”
The Bishop’s debut single shows a lot of promise for the future of these three young artists. They offer great electronic melodies behind rap verses that play with rhythm and showcase their creativity. What makes The Bishops unique is their inclusion of a singer who is an integrated member of the group, not just a feature for choruses and hooks. The Bishops can also be seen at ORANGE’s festival 5-1-Tunes this week at Barracuda on Thursday.
