Listen through to KUTX staffers’ top ACL picks for this year’s festival!
Confucius Jones // Host The Breaks
S.L. Houser
BMI Stage 10/4 @ 12:15p-12:45p
The act I’m most excited about at ACL this year is former KUTX Artist of the Month S.L. Houser. S.L.’s album Hibiscus was one of the better releases of 2024 in Austin and I LOVED the song “Fever In My Eye” so much it was one of my top songs played in 2024. I love to see local acts get their just due and S.L. Houser has been making really good music for a long time and the ACL stage is perfect for her.
Elizabeth McQueen // Manager of Podcasts
Next of Kin
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage 10/4 @ 1:00p-1:45p
There’s something so special about seeing Next of Kin live. Their three-part harmonies are incredible on a recording, but to see them execute them in person is the closest thing I can think of to seeing real-life magic. I can’t wait for the ACL crowd to experience that magic with those of us who know.
Fresh Knight // Host The Breaks | Social Media Producer
Doechii
American Express Stage 10/4 & 10/11 @ 6:30p-7:30p
If you are unaware of the woman that has taken rap by storm in the past 2 years, then ACL Fest is your chance to get familiar with Doechii. She raps, sings, dances, the total package along with electrifying performances.
Bill Childs // Host Spare the Rock, Spoil The Child
The family area (the cutely named Austin Kiddie Limits stage) has gotten more adventurous in recent years, and both weekends of 2025 have examples—very different from each other but still super fun.
Go Banana Go! with Flula Borg. GBG!
Austin Kiddie Limits Stage 10/4 @ 1:00p-1:45p & 10/5 @ 3:00p-3:30pm
On Weekend One, with or without kids, you should go see Go Banana Go! with Flula Borg. GBG! features theoretical physicist turned comedy musician Brian Wecht, best known from Ninja Sex Party (who recently sold out ACL Live at the Moody). On their most recent album—and for this show—they’re partnering with German comic genius Flula Borg, who you’ve seen on, basically, every funny thing in the last five or ten years. It’s absurd and often surreal fun and you’ll probably have to make your way through a lot of NSP fans to see it (who are among the nicest fans in the world, so they’ll be nice about it).
Divinity Roxx
Austin Kiddie Limits Stage 10/11 @ 5:00-5:30pm 10/12 @ 1:15pm-1:45pm
On the second weekend, Divinity Roxx will be a huge highlight. She was Beyoncé’s bassist and musical director from 2006 to 2011 and her two children’s records, incorporating funk, hip-hop, and more, were both Grammy nominated. Live, she’s energetic, engaging, and just fun.
Jack Anderson // Senior Producer
CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso
Beatbox Stage 10/12 @ 5:30p-6:30p
This Argentine duo is a prime example of two sentiments: both “the more, the merrier” and “you gotta see ’em in person”. Yeah, like a lot of folks who now acknowledge this pair as a household name, I first came across CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso from their semi-recent NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert. And given the shift from the more ubiquitous electronic production of last April’s BAÑO MARIA to the distinct live energy of this March’s PAPOTA (whose second side consists entirely of the aforementioned Tiny Desk performance), clearly I was far from el único to prefer the full band sound. So considering how much fun the tight ensemble was having up at NPR Music, I have no doubt they’re going to make great use of the extra elbow room on the Beatbox Stage Sunday 2 of ACL Fest. Or if you’re not feeling like trekking out to the fest proper out at Zilker, you can catch ’em early on Monday, October 13th at ACL Live at the Moody Theater.
Laurie Gallardo // Host
Haute & Freddy
American Express Stage 10/5 @ 2:30p-3:30p
Come all ye curious music-loving fiends to indulge in this spectacular cabaret carnival of wonders! An artistic extravagance of 18th century boudoir bedevilment and mayhem! And this doesn’t even scratch the surface of Haute and Freddy, who first captivated TikTok audiences – now the loyal fan base known as the “Royal Court” – with their theatrical, decadent synth-pop stylings. Haute & Freddy creators Michelle Buzz and Lance Shipp have knighted it as “runaway carnie” pop – esoteric, comical, subversive cheek, and visually provocative thanks to choreographer Melissa Schade in their videos for “Scantily Clad” and “Anti-Superstar.” Best savored while expecting the unexpected. Joie de vivre, mes amis!
Maile Carballo // Graphics Producer
The Dare
Miller Lite Stage 10/5 & 10/12 @ 3:15-4:15 | ACL Fest Nights 10/4 @ Empire Control Room
Nobody right now is doing it like The Dare. Suburban kid turned king of the indie sleaze revival, Harrison Patrick Smith has taken his frivolously indulging lyrics and hipster-rave-beats to a whole ‘nother level for the next generation of party animals. Getting to see this vampire of the NY DJ scene step into the daylight at ACL is going to be a sight for many lived-in, smokey eyes. All hail the sleaze king!
Marnie Castor // Host
Djo
Lady Bird Stage 10/4 & 10/11 @ 7:30p-8:30p
He has a song called Potion from his “Crux” album that I can’t stop listening to. Plus I would be interested to see what this actor from Stranger Things has to offer up musically.
Polo & Pan
Miller Lite Stage 10/12 @ 7:15p-8:15p
I have loved this French ” electronic-y world music-y duo for a few years now. Their new album 22:22 has so many great songs on it. This show is going to be good, no doubt.
Marc Fort // Host
The Undercard: Rilo Kiley
Beatbox Stage 10/10 @ 7:30p-8:30p
Indie rock legends Rilo Kiley aren’t promoting new music, so this victory lap reunion show could be your last chance to see the supremely talented and charismatic triple-threat Jenny Lewis with the band that introduced her musical talents to the world.
The Heavyweight Main Event: Doechii
American Express Stage 10/4 & 10/11 @ 6:30p-7:30p
You’ve watched Doechii’s star-making turn on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert. You’ve bugged out to her iconic red carpet drip. But have you witnessed the 2025 Billboard Magazine Woman Of The Year (& this year’s “Best Rap Album” GRAMMY winner) rock Zilker Park’s Great Lawn alongside 60K-plus people grinding and grooving in unison? No, you haven’t. But you’re sure gonna wish you did if you don’t!
Matt Reilly // Program Director
Next of Kin
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage 10/4 @ 1:00p-1:45p
Watching their set from our live at Live at Scholz series (during SXSW) made me a believer. The band has such power for being a 3 piece. Don’t is a fine example; angsty lyrics set to a prog-y staccato riff brings back a lot of Y2K alt nostalgia for me.
Car Seat Headrest
T-Mobile Stage 10/11 @ 4:00p-5:00p
Car Seat Headrest (W2) – This band is underrated. There’s a lot going on with their songs and I hope this helps them gain a wider following. Plus, they play loud rock music at times. Bonus points!
Panda Bear
Beatbox Stage 10/3 & 10/10 @ 3:30p-4:30p
I’m interested to see how this works outside on a potentially hot, sunny day. Or cold and raining. Will it be as captivating as seeing them inside a venue with great acoustics? I guess we gotta go see…
Peter Babb // Director of Digital Content
Farmer’s Wife
Titos Handmade Vodka Stage 10/10 @ 1:15p-2:00p
Homegrown right here in Austin, Farmer’s Wife has been planting their gloomy brand of grunge pop deep into the city’s fertile musical soil for the past few years, and harvested a grimy diamond of an EP, “Faint Illusions,” earlier this summer. A favorite among our cohorts at UT’s student-run station, KVRX, this will be the band’s first appearance at ACL Fest, and I’m excited to see how they fill a festival stage. Farmer’s Wife plays the Tito’s stage at 1:15 p.m. on Friday, October 10th.
Trina Quinn // Host | Social Media Coordinator
Geto Gala
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage 10/5 @ 1:45p-2:30p
Every time I see Geto Gala live, I feel JOY! And, who don’t want that?
Support Austin artists at ACL!
Rene Chavez // Engineer
CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso
Beatbox Stage 10/12 @ 5:30p-6:30p
Every ACL, there’s always an act that is famously underpowered by the stage and slot they’re booked on; Lizzo in 2019 comes to mind. This year I predict that will be CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso. I saw them in Houston a couple of weeks ago at a 3K cap venue, a few nights later they were selling out an arena in CDMX. They’re massive in Latin America and quickly blowing up in the states, thanks in-part to their insane 2024 Tiny Desk or “El Tiny” performance. From Buenos Aires, they’re importing an incredibly eclectic blend of jazz, EDM, trap, hip-hop, and Latin pop so flawlessly fused that the lines can’t be heard or felt. And as much magnetism and star power as they have onstage, they match with an incredible band and musical execution. I cannot wait to experience that again and highly recommend you pin that in your ACL plans.
Rick McNulty // Music Director | Host
Mk.Gee
Lady Bird Stage 10/5 & 10/12 @ 7:30p-8:30p
One of the more mysterious musical artists of recent vintage is the strange and fascinating Mk.Gee. His sound is a wash of bizarre guitar sounds, almost on the verge of being out of tune, and his songs are cryptic yet intoxicating. I’ll be curious how he performs when he takes the stage while there’s still daylight—he and his band usually perform in silhouette, where you can’t see their expressions or much of their playing. It should be quite a departure compared to most of ACL Fest’s artists this year.
Susan Castle // Host
Hozier
T-Mobile Stage 10/3 & 10/10 @ 8:15p
Hozier – one of my daughter’s very favorite musical artists. plus he sold out the Moody Center recently so wanna see what he’s bringing.
Empire of the Sun
Miller Lite Stage 10/3 & 10/10 @ 7:00p-8:15p
Catchy and danceable electronic pop/rock always hits the spot for me.
Panda Bear
Beatbox Stage 10/3 & 10/10 @ 3:30p-4:30p
a great opportunity to finally see him live!
The Strokes & Modest Mouse
The Strokes: T-Mobile Stage 10/3 & 10/11 @ 8:15p
Modest Mouse: T-Mobile Stage 10/4 @ 4:15p-5:15p
Because no matter when i pop by their respective stages, i will hear a song or two that i love by both these indie/alt rock bands given their deep catalogs.
Celeste – to hear her sing in person and experience “Strange” from this acclaimed British singer/songwriter.
Clover County
BMI Stage 10/04 @ 3:15p-4:15p
Maybe not the most intimate setting to catch her, but I love the new song we’re playing.
The Killers
American Express Stage 10/5 & 10/12 @ 8:30p
I saw Doja Cat at ACL Fest in 2021, but have never seen The Killers live, so I may be one of the few who doesn’t mind the last minute substitution since she dropped out.
Mk.Gee
Lady Bird Stage 10/5 & 10/12 @ 7:30p-8:30p
Maybe not the best venue but am curious to see his unusual guitar technique live as he creates his cool sound.
Wet Leg!!
American Express Stage 10/5 & 10/12 @ 4:30p-5:30p
SO utterly amusing and for 55 minutes, we get to forget all the woes in the world.
Phantogram
Beatbox Stage 10/5 @ 7:30p-8:30p
will definitely pop by cuz I hear they’re really good live and i sure like their studio songs.
Tyler Ballgame
BMI Stage 10/5 @ 1:30p-2:15p
a sleeper pick. he’s known for his live performances, so that, and I like the new song we’re playing on the KUTX airwaves. Hoping he’ll stop by our tent back stage for a live performance, too. (edited)
Taylor Wallace // Host
The Killers
American Express Stage 10/5 & 10/12 @ 8:30p
The magic’s already soaking my spine
Wet Leg
American Express Stage 10/5 & 10/12 @ 4:30p-5:30p
If they don’t end up on your list, you’re humorless, and I cannot help you.
T-Pain
American Express Stage 10/5 & 10/12 @ 6:30p-7:30p
Sunday night American Express Stage is for the Millennials, and I’m ready to be fifteen again. This is an artist I never thought I’d get to see, and I’m already in middle school dance mode.
