Big names will perform for the Austin City Limits Festival this year: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gorillaz, Chance the Rapper and Jay-Z, and with wishful thinking, Beyoncé. However, sometimes it seems like these big names take over the festival.
Story by Miranda Chiechi
While it might be easy to overlook the artists who hail from this very city, check out these rising bands that bring out the “Austin” in ACL.
The Wild Now
Stage: Miller Lite on Friday, 11:45-12:30 p.m.
Recommended If You Like: Joseph, MS MR
Photo courtesy of Courtney Pittman
This duo consists of Taylor Baker and Drew Walker, who met during a Local Natives show four years ago at South by Southwest. They went on to create their first extended play, “Tides,” in 2016, followed by their sophomore EP, “Afterglow,” this year.
The electronic, indie vibe of The Wild Now is perfectly paired with Baker’s soft, soulful voice. Even if you don’t already know this group’s songs, you won’t be able to stop yourself from swaying along to their music. Listen now.
Asleep at the Wheel
Stage: Honda on Friday, 12:30-1:15 p.m.
Recommended If You Like: Dwight Yoakam, Mark Chesnutt
Photo courtesy of The Roundup
Although this western swing and jazz-influenced group formed in West Virginia, they are based in Austin. Asleep at the Wheel is not unfamiliar to the life of tours and festivals as their music career started in 1970, opening for Alice Cooper. Since the ‘70s they have won nine Grammys, created more than 20 albums and played around 250 shows annually for over ten years.
Accompanying their live shows are a plethora of instruments, including fiddles, trumpets and more. Usually only a few country bands perform at ACL but a handful will make their mark this year, including Asleep at the Wheel. Listen now.
Capyac
Stage: Tito’s Handmade Vodka on Saturday, 12:15-1 p.m.
Recommended If You Like: Cherub, Passion Pit
Photo courtesy of CAPYAC
This up-and-coming group has frequently been seen playing at venues around Red River, like Mohawk, The Sidewinder and others. Now they’re hitting the big stage at Zilker Park. Capyac has coined several genres, such as “balloon wave” and “crab riot.”
The groovy tunes of this group are sure to keep you dancing. Their songs include a variety of experimental aspects, synth sounds and electronic beats to accompany their indie vibe. Their newest single, “Fade Out,” dropped in August. Listen now.
