Listen to all of our ACL Fest picks for 2024
Jack Anderson – Khruangbin
American Express Stage 10/5 & 10/12 @ 6:20p-7:20p
A decade down the line from their debut EP, I’ve never seen these wigged weirdos in person. Which is a pity, because the Houston trio has stayed at the forefront of world music-inspired instrumental psychedelia the whole time. But both Saturdays of ACL, they’ll be perfect for an outdoor, pre-sunset ceremony. And I’ll really be kicking myself if I miss ’em this time. AMX Stage both Saturdays 6:20p-7:20p.
Miles Bloxson – Vince Staples
IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage – 10/5 & 10/12 @ 7:20p-8:20p
Vince Staples is not only an amazingly talented rapper and songwriter, he is a phenomenal all around creative. He has even taken it to another level by appearing in multiple tv shows, even creating his own comedy series, the Vince Staples Show. I am excited to see what magic and energy the West Coast artist will bring to the stage this year at ACL.
Maile Carballo – Orville Peck
Honda Stage – 10/6 & 10/13 @ 4:25p-5:25p
The masked cowboy of country music returns to Austin, celebrating the release of his latest album, Stampede. Star-studded collaborations range from Willie Nelson to Elton John. This part-outlaw, part-heartthrob is all of the lonesome troubadour you’d dream of riding into the sunset with—if only we could catch a glimpse beneath that fringed mask….
Susan Castle – Dua Lipa
American Express Stage – 10/5 & 10/12 @ 8:20p
Dua Lipa has earned multiple Brit awards and Grammys, and a Time magazine mention on their list of most influential people of 2024. Plus, she’s a passionate philanthropist. All valid reasons to see one of the biggest pop stars having her moment. But mostly, I just love dance-pop music and she is one of its shiniest stars. I can’t wait.
Marnie Castor – Barry Can’t Swim
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage – 10/4 @ 6:30p-7:30p
Barry Can’t Swim is a Scottish DJ and a producer. His 2023 debut LP, “When Will We Land?” is a collection of infectious dance grooves that explores various genres such as Jazz, Afro Beat and deep house. Barry begins his creative process at the piano, and builds infectious beats from there. The song “Woman” is a jam featuring vocals from English singer/songwriter Låpsley.
Bill Childs – Austin Kiddie Limits
Austin Kiddie Limits Stage – 10/4, 10/5, 10/6, 10/11, 10/12, & 10/13
For many years, every time ACL posted the lineup for the family stage (Austin Kiddie Limits), I’d note how dominated the lineup was by dudes, especially white dudes. This year, that lineup is so much better—from the quirky and catchy Andrew & Polly to the local and delightful Barton Hills Choir to Uncle Jumbo and his joyous hip-hop/soul/reggae mashup and much more. The kids’ stage is finally reflecting the range of family musicians out there. There’s not a dud in the lineup, but if you’re only seeing one act over there, Grammy winning Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats during the second weekend is the move. As the name suggests, she’ll bring the kids on a throwback jazz adventure while never sounding outdated, and her band is absurdly great.
Mary Dougherty – Renee Rapp
T-Mobile Stage – 10/5 & 10/12 @ 7:20p-8:20p
Rapp took the world by storm with her lead roles in “The Sex Lives of College Girls” and the 2024 movie-musical “Mean Girls”. She has since made a major career shift from actor to musician, with her 2023 debut album ‘Snow Angel’ and over 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify. A musical theater powerhouse, Rapp is not only known for her energetic performances and quick-witted crowd work, but her comical artist interviews that show off just how unique she is. ‘Snow Angel’ is already beautiful to my ears, but hearing it live will unquestionably blow my socks out of the park. Reneé Rapp is hitting the T-Mobile stage on both ACL Saturdays and you will be crushed if you miss it.
Jacquie Fuller – Santigold
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage – 10/11 @ 6:30p-7:30p
Santigold is such a visionary, I was thrilled and unsurprised that she got a namecheck from Beyonce. Her upbringing as a musical omnivore is evident in her sound: essentially pop, but with so many other genres mixed in – new wave, reggae, rock – what comes out feels completely her own, always fresh (her songs never seem to age.) Moreover, her live shows are a party. After the understandable cancellation of her last tour, this go-round feels extra-special.
Deidre Gott – Elyanna
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage – 10/5 & 10/12 @ 4:20p – 5:20p
Palestinian Chilean singer-songwriter Elyanna has the voice of an angel and blends Arabic rhythms and Latin beats while blending jazz, R&B, and EDM for this otherworldly sound. Raised in Nazareth, her family emigrated to California when she was 15. Her debut LP Woledto is a family affair. Most tracks were co-written with her mother, and her brother served as pianist and creative director. If you’re looking for something you might not see elsewhere – get to the Tito’s tent at 4:20p on either Saturday of the fest.
“Fresh” Knight – Jungle
Miller Lite Stage – 10/5 & 10/12 @ 7:10p – 8:10p
It’s funny how I discovered Jungle from a car commercial. After figuring out they were the ones behind the song “Keep Moving”, I haven’t stopped listening to them since. The London electronic/dance creators will be a highlight for all who see them, with their vibrant, groovy music, and the spectacular light show they have on stage doing their performances. Don’t miss it!
Rick McNulty – The Marias
T-Mobile Stage – 10/4 & 10/11 @ 7:30p – 8:30p
Biligual band the Marias are getting a lot of attention of late. Yet it doesn’t matter if Maria Zardoya sings in English or Spanish—their music packs an emotional punch even when you don’t understand the words.
Elizabeth McQueen – Chappell Roan
American Express Stage – 10/6 & 10/13 @ 6:45p-7:45p
The votes are in, at least in my household. My kids, husband and I agree that Chappell Roan is making the coolest, funnest and catchiest pop music out there right now. Will I be doing everything I can to catch her sets at ACLfest? You bet I will. And until then I’ll be listening to “Good Luck Babe” and “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” on repeat.
Jake Perlman – Say She She
Miller Lite Stage – 10/5 & 10/12 @ 3:10p-4:10p
I discovered a few new bands that really blew me away through streaming playlists in the last year or so. One of them is Say She She, playing funky, groovy and super-clever harmonies. I couldn’t believe these tunes were from the 21st century. Since this seems to be a bit of a studio creation, I’m curious to see how they’re going to pull off the vocals and vintage-style production live.
Trina Quinn – Brittany Davis
Tito’s Handmade Vodka – 10/5 @ 2:05p-3:05p
Brittany Davis is a force. I first caught them one SXSW morning at Scholz. They are signed to Stone Gossard’s record label, and a member of his side project supergroup Painted Shield. Brittany brings the funk and groove, the power, the vibe — all of it in a badass, effortless wave of energy. Catch them Saturday Weekend 1 at 2:05pm on the Tito’s Stage.
Matt Reilly – Grand Funk Railroad
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage – 10/12 @ 6:20-7:20p
There are bands from America and then there are GODDAMN AMERICAN bands. Grand Funk Railroad is the leader of the latter. While everyone is oohing and aaahing over the precision and clarity of Khruangbin and waiting for the molly to kick in so they can get their groove on to Jungle, treat yourself to a show you might not get the chance to see again. These guys laid the groundwork for so many of the acts you’ll see at any given ACL Fest and they’ve forgotten more about the rock n roll lifestyle than we’ll ever know (just ask Sweet Sweet Connie). You might find you know almost all of their setlist without ever owning or seeking out a GFR record. That’s how much of an American band they are. Do your patriotic duty. See this one.
Taylor Wallace-Riegel – Tyler, the Creator
American Express Stage – 10/6 & 10/13 @ 8:45p
I was at the ODDFUTURE show at Fun Fun Fun Fest in 2011. I’ve seen the evolution of its members. The most exciting and compelling metamorphosis has come from Tyler, the Creator. It’s fun, interesting, sometimes abstract, but always Tyler. I haven’t had the chance to see him thriving in his art-rap style live, and I’m glad that’s coming to an end. Hoping to be swallowed whole.
