Cooler weather, Halloween party planning, Austin City Limits Music Festival. When I think of October, that’s what immediately springs to mind. For two weekends, Zilker Park transforms for a musical experience unmatched in our fair city and far beyond.
While headliners like Metallica and Paul McCartney dominate the headlines this year, our local music scene is well-represented for those intrepid enough to arrive early and support Austin artists. To help you navigate our local talent, here’s a rundown of every Austin artist playing ACL Fest 2018. Listen local!
For a Spotify playlist of every local artist playing ACL Fest 2018, click here!
Austin Bands Playing Weekend One: Oct. 5-7, 2018
NAM
Credit: NAM
Friday, Oct. 5 from 11:15-12 p.m. @ Miller Lite Stage
From the minute I first saw this chilled out electro-dream pop duo perform at Austin Eastciders, I know they would one day upgrade to bigger, grander stages. Touching and evocative, Nora Luders’ silky, moody vocals lounge atop a sleepy bed of synth lines, subtle percussion, and mind-expanding soundscapes. NAM is well worth getting to the festival early on Friday.
Recommended Tracks: “Face,” “Granted”
Asleep at the Wheel
Asleep at the Wheel during ACL Fest 2017 (Credit: Sydney Gawlik)
Friday, Oct. 5 from 12-12:45 p.m. @ Honda Stage
If Asleep at the Wheel didn’t perform at noon during the first weekend of ACL, then they’d have to change the name of the festival. Down home, old school country played with energy and enthusiasm, Roy Benson’s crew of fiddlers and fun lovers personify timeless Texas music. A legendary band worth experiencing at least once.
Recommended Track: “Miles and Miles of Texas,” “The Letter (That Johnny Walker Read),” “Route 66”
The Bells of Joy
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Saturday, Oct. 6 from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m @ Tito’s
Regardless of your personal beliefs, faiths, or theories, gospel music is awesome. The musical style from which dozens were spawned, gospel’s passion and power stirs the soul like little else. Practitioners of the art since the 1950s, The Bells of Joy continues to ignite the hearts of believers and non-believers alike with a soulful brand of authentic worship. A beautiful start to your ACL Saturday.
Recommended Track: “Leak in This Old Building,” “Let’s Talk About Jesus”
Molly Burch
Molly Burch at SXSW 2018 (Credit: Bill Tucker)
Saturday, Oct. 6 from 12 p.m.-12:45 p.m @ Barton Springs
A little bit country, a little bit blues, and a whole lot of incredible, Molly Burch commands microphones and imaginations with her soulful blend of soul and rock. Tunes like “Please Be Mine” pine for unfulfilled love through the mist and smog of still smokey gin joints, while latest single, “Candy” features Burch’s distinctive alto atop a jumpy late ’60s-era pop/rock sparkler.
Early festival-goers should flood the Barton Springs stage to see this artist of immense talent and range.
Recommended Tracks: “To the Boys,” “Wild”
Jackie Venson
Jackie Venson (Credit: Bill Tucker)
Saturday, Oct. 6 from 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m @ Tito’s
One of Austin’s premier guitar goddesses, Jackie Venson has grown in national prominence thanks to her tight songwriting and award-winning technique. While Venson’s repertoire dances from blues to rock to straight up soul, her latest track “Keep On” peppers electronic elements atop a bubbly reggae jam.
Watching this celebrated superstar shred might be the highlight of my ACL Saturday. Make it yours, as well.
Recommended Tracks: “I Will Find a Way,” “Flying“
Kupria Marimba
Credit: Ismael Quintanilla III Photography
Saturday, Oct. 6 from 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m. @ Austin Kiddie Limits
Mainstays of the Austin Kiddie Limits experience, the mega-talented Kupria Marimba projects fun, positivity, and rad good vibes wherever they play. Comprised of solely–guess what–marimbas, the amount of skill on display is uncanny.
Don’t be afraid to dance along with your kiddo during the set. The pure talent of this exciting six-piece is hard to ignore.
Recommended Track: “Skokiaan“
Sweet Spirit
Sabrina Ellis of Sweet Spirit (Credit: Paula Horstman courtesy of Compose Yourself Magazine)
Saturday, Oct. 6 from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m @ BMI
Oh, Sabrina Ellis and your merry band of rock-and-roll magicians. How many times can I praise your awesomeness without repeating myself? If you’ve never seen Sweet Spirit on a large scale, then don’t miss this opportunity. Blending power rock chords, brassy horns, and Ellis’s incredible pipes, these legends of the ATX music scene make clubs sound like stadiums. Imagine how much they’ll kick ass on the BMI stage. Required listening.
Recommended Tracks: “The Mighty,” “Touch“
Sailor Poon
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Sunday, Oct. 7 from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m @ Tito’s
Groggy from a Saturday of ACL partying? Swing by the calm and comfortable confines of the Tito’s stage, and get your ears assaulted by the down and dirty post-punk of Sailor Poon. Don’t worry, they kinda rule.
Righteous anger distilled into a grimy yet insanely catchy scrawl of guitars, drums, and Shea Selby’s borderline psychotic vocals, Sailor Poon is earworm hooks wrapped in barbed wire. None of the glossy sheen or faux-aggression of modern rock, it’ll be fascinating to watch this hyper-aggro group of femme fatales bop, thrash, and curse whilst early afternoon festival-goers eat their lunch. Honestly, I can’t wait!
Recommended Tracks: “Blame the Patriarchy“
Austin Bands Playing Weekend Two: Oct. 12-14, 2018
Curtis Roush
Curtis Roush of The Bright Light Social Hour at SXSW 2018 (Credit: Bill Tucker)
Friday, Oct. 12 from 11:15-12:00 p.m. @ Miller Lite Stage
Known mostly for fronting The Bright Light Social Hour, Curtis Roush has a softer side. When stripped from the wild soundscapes and body-shaking groove of his main band, Roush slips into quieter, more introspective territory, while maintaining the plucky groove fans have come to expect.
Smooth and velvety, Roush’s solo effort expands his horizons and exposes fans to another dimension of his impressive artistic range.
Recommended Tracks: “Real Love,” “Mirage”
Duncan Fellows
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Friday, Oct. 12 from 2:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m. @ Tito’s Stage
When I first met Duncan Fellows back in 2016, I had a hunch big things were in store for this rad indie rock outfit. Fast forward two years and the group has a million listens on Spotify, an acclaimed LP, and a spot at ACL Music Fest 2018.
Tunes like “Coffins” feature the band’s rhythmic rock styling, while “Fresh Squeezed” showcases a knack for hot hooks and jump-up-and-go jams. From meeting the band members by the dumpsters outside The Parish to seeing them on the Tito’s Stage at one of the country’s biggest music festivals. I couldn’t be more proud of this hard working four-piece.
Recommended Tracks: “Fresh Squeezed,” “Coffins”
Mamafesta
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Saturday, Oct. 13 from 12 p.m.-12:45 p.m. @ Barton Springs Stage
Combining elements of funk, soul, and classic rock-and-roll with a solid gold groove, Mamafesta is the adrenaline kick early afternoon festival-goers crave as they launch the ACL festivities. Expect spot-on harmonies, exceptional drum work, and body-shaking sound simply begging for a dance floor.
Highly recommended if you’re a fan of A-Town GetDown, my beloved Foot Patrol, or just excellent music played with skill and fun.
Recommended Tracks: “If I Was,” “Life Comes Easy”
Harry Paradise
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Saturday, Oct. 13 from 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m. @ Tito’s Stage
Before this ACL Festival preview, electronic producer Harry Paradise never entered my orbit. After 10 minutes on his Soundcloud, he’s officially on my Must-Listen list. Songs like “Rover” slink along hypnotic bass lines and vocals, while “Un Altro” harkens back to the days of early ’90s house and 2000s trance.
Entrancing like a snake charmer’s flute, Harry Paradise will provide the body-shaking beats required for early afternoon revelry.
Recommended Tracks: “Rover,” “Un Altro,” “Joan“
Kydd Jones
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Sunday, Oct. 14 from 11:30 p.m.-12:15 p.m. @ Barton Springs Stage
Austin hip hop is in the midst of a resurgence thanks to artists like Kydd Jones. With a tight flow and lyrical lasers, Jones shines on old school beats and modern mellow tracks alike.
His latest single “War Paint” is a drowsy, hazy chill track, peppered with slick lyrics among the sway and swoon. Pure talent regardless of the venue or track, Kydd Jones is an MC worth keeping your eyes on.
Recommended Tracks: “Hall Pass (feat. Yelawolf),” “War Paint“
Superfonicos
Superfonicos (Credit: Magnetic Focus Photography)
Sunday, Oct. 14 from 12:15-1 p.m. @ Tito’s Stage
The term “world music” tends to be the catch-all dumping ground for anything that doesn’t conveniently fit into the standard genre molds. In reality, world music is a multi-cultural celebration regardless of where you’re from. Superfonicos fits this bill beautifully. An amalgamation of afro-funk, Latin jazz, ska, and a dozen other influences, this eight-piece is a party waiting to happen.
Recommended Tracks:”Merecumbe,” “Suelta”
Playing Both Weekends
The Barton Hills Choir
Barton Hills Choir (Credit: Dave Mead)
Friday, Oct. 5 from 12:30-1 p.m. @ Austin Kiddie Limits
Saturday, Oct. 13 from 12:30-1 p.m. @ Austin Kiddie Limits
An annual tradition at Austin Kiddie Limits, The Barton Hills Choir will be singing songs and spreading joy during both weekends of ACL Fest 2018. The group of 3rd through 6th graders performs everything from classics like Aretha Franklin and The Grateful Dead, to David Bowie.
Charming and entertaining all at the same time, these uber talented youngsters are a must-watch if you’re at Kiddie Limits with your tyke.
Recommended Tracks: “Abbey Road Medley,” “Space Oddity“
School of Rock
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Friday, Oct. 5 from 2:30-3 p.m. @ Austin Kiddie Limits
Sunday, Oct. 7 from 12:30-1 p.m. @ Austin Kiddie Limits
Friday, Oct. 12 from 12:30-1 p.m. @ Austin Kiddie Limits
Sunday, Oct. 14 from 12:30-1 p.m. @ Austin Kiddie Limits
Speaking of yearly traditions, Austin’s own School of Rock will be doing four sets across ACL Fest’s two weekends of music-fueled frivolity. Comprised of talented youngsters involved in School of Rock’s music education program, the band will most likely play a wide variety of classic rock standards.
The sooner kids fall in love with music, the sooner we get our next batch of local Austin artists. So swing by and support this important program.
SaulPaul
Credit: SaulPaul
Saturday, Oct. 6 from 4:30-5 p.m. @ Austin Kiddie Limits
Sunday, Oct. 14 from 4:30-5 p.m. @ Austin Kiddie Limits
From a four year stint in prison to a 4.0 GPA at The University of Texas, SaulPaul’s story is one of triumph and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. His breakthrough song “Rise” spent weeks atop the SiriusXM’s Kid’s Place charts, as a heart-warming empowerment anthem every kid needs to internalize.
If your little ones are still running around Kiddie Limits around 4:30, then make sure they visit SaulPaul and absorb his trademark positive thinking and cheery outlook. An artist worth emulating.
Recommended Tracks: “Rise,” “Mama”
Golden Dawn Arkestra
The massive Golden Dawn Arkestra commands the SXSW 2018 stage (Credit: Bill Tucker)
Friday, Oct. 5 from 3:45-4:45 p.m. @ Tito’s Stage
Friday, Oct. 12 from 3:45-4:45 p.m. @ Tito’s Stage
A visual and audio spectacle the world hasn’t seen since Sun Ra, Golden Dawn Arkestra’s afternoon set won’t be a simple performance. It’ll be a celebration. A joyous melange of afro-funk, Chuck Mangione jazz, and P-Funk groove, this 19-piece outfit isn’t a band. It’s an extravaganza.
I’ve seen the Arkestra about a half dozen times now and the experience never gets old. If this is your first time seeing the group, then prepare to be transported to a realm where time means nothing and music reigns supreme.
Recommended Tracks: “Children of the Sun,” “Osaka”
Shakey Graves
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Sunday, Oct. 7 from 7-8:15 p.m. @ Barton Springs Stage
Sunday, Oct. 14 from 7-8:15 p.m. @ Barton Springs Stage
Outside of Spoon, Groupo Fantasma, and maybe Explosions in the Sky, the modern face of Austin music is Shakey Graves. Classic Americana played with soul, style, and a hint of Texas twang, this ATX original combines the best of genres to create his own sound.
Shakey Graves’ most well-known tune “Dearly Departed” is a finely wound shout along about paranormal obsession. But my favorite needs to be simple and spare “Tomorrow.” Camp out in front of the Barton Springs stage and prepare to experience one of Austin’s finest.
Recommended Tracks: “Tomorrow,” “Late July,” “Roll The Bones”
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Which Austin artist are you dying to see at this year’s ACL Music Festival?
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