This year’s ACL lineup includes 22 acts hailing from the Live Music Capital. Their sounds vary from psychedelic rock to swing, showcasing the versatility of Austin’s music scene. The Daily Texan compiled a list of some of the Austinites’ earworms that festival-goers should not miss.
Chaparelle
Embracing a mellow guitar riff and the sound of a tambourine, Zella Day and Jesse Woods meld to create a harmony of southern drawl and unrequited love. The reverb of an electric guitar tugs at heartstrings and evokes the feeling small under a big starry night sky. The pair perfectly encapsulates the lingering feelings of a devastating heartbreak in a classic country ballad reminiscent of the Laurel Canyon era. Although the Western-sounding track’s lyrics bring feelings of solitude, the rhythm will surely lull the crowd into a steady sway.
West 22nd
“Sweet!”
With a slow build-up of looping bass and electric guitar riffs, the band of five cultivates an easy-going vibe. After posting flyers on telephone poles, the group met and found success performing at Greek life events. Lead singer and finance junior Logan Madsen’s voice takes center stage with a unique lilt that crescendos in each verse. The combination of upbeat drums and surf-rock guitar feels like a breath of fresh spring air accompanied by the butterflies of having a new crush. Each verse echoes a slow, warm Sunday morning and a whiff of baking cinnamon and fresh linens. The band brings a vision of fun and carefree love, sure to have the crowd craving more.
Jon Muq
“Runaway”
The soulful pop artist brings soft drums and a yearning guitar to develop an idea of desiring to escape and roam free. The singer was born in Uganda but currently resides in Austin. He draws from African and western traditions to bring a unique voice to connect with listeners. The melodic rhythms lull listeners to feel serene while the soft strums of a guitar combined with Muq’s powerful voice invoke resolution. Muq embraces vulnerability in this track and turns it into a mellow sound that speaks of feeling displacement and wishing to run away from certain situations.
Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol
Providing listeners with a strong heavy-metal opening, Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol provides high intensity and catchy rhythms. The unpredictability of the vocals make this song a fun listen, and, most likely, an even better live experience. Progressing from a singular vocal and guitar to heavy metal instrumental, the lyrics carry feelings of grunge and nitty gritty mentions of ideas surrounding death. The rapid pace of the crash of drums combined with guitar riffs make this song an exciting one to mosh with strangers.
Asleep at the Wheel
“Route 66”
The Western swing band brings a fun and whimsical vibe with a fast-paced piano. The song is simply one to dance to, with strings and smooth vocals to accompany the upbeat playing. While the band was founded in 1970, and was originally from West Virginia, they soon moved to Austin in 1973. The lead vocals of Ray Benson speak of highway adventures and all the different places one could travel to on Route 66. Each verse brings giddiness and a desire to try to two-step, if only to participate in the sense of southern pride. The song reminds listeners of a honky-tonk, perfectly smoked brisket and a tall glass of iced tea. The combination of all these elements make even swing haters want to bust a move.
