Do you really need to be told to see Outkast? Do we have to explain that Scotland’s Belle and Sebastian don’t make the trip across the pond much? Have you heard of Eminem? I’m pretty sure that you can answer those questions for yourself, so even though I’m also stoked that Beck and Spoon are playing, I’m bringing you a list of nine bands that you might accidentally miss at the first weekend of ACL. Although Austin easily draws some of music’s most recognizable names, the industry here is built on the backs of hard-working acts playing the clubs night in and night out. These are those bands. Get out early and show them some love.
1. Sphynx – Friday – 12:00 – Austin Ventures Stage
This Austin based band create danceable pop built on synthed-out soundscapes. If you’re looking for a place to kick start your festival, here is where you start.
2. The Preatures – Friday – 1:00 – Austin Ventures Stage
Sydney, Australia’s funk-tinged tunes are pretty infectious. Funk can be hit or miss, but by incorporating a little reverb-soaked pop and soulful vocals, the group is spot on.
3. Blank Range – Friday – 2:15 – BMI
Blank Range uses wandering guitar progressions and 60s organ to make music that recalls CCR and gives nods to other folk rock greats like The Band and Bob Dylan. These bluesy rock tunes will undoubtedly find favor with Austinites.
4. Wild Moccasins – Saturday – 11:30 – Miller Lite Stage
Houston band Wild Moccasins keep getting love from large festivals with these early spots. They’re energetic and convincing onstage as they pump out upbeat indie rock jams. They’re worth showing up early. Plus, the weather is supposed to be nice and cool. Get out in the crisp morning air and support this Texas band.
5. Benjamin Booker – Saturday – 1:00 – Austin Ventures Stage
After you see the video of Benjamin Booker rocking through bluesy songs that nod in the direction of punk rock, you’ll have him on your list, too.
6. Mac DeMarco – Saturday – 1:30 – RetailMeNot Stage
Prepare to rock. Prepare to laugh your ass off. As our own contributor Laney Renee once pointed out, Mac DeMarco is like Bart Simpson all grown up and fronting a kick-ass garage rock band. Don’t miss this set.
7. My Brightest Diamond – Saturday – 4:30 – Sculpture Stage
Epic pop teeming with lush instrumentation, the music of My Brightest Diamond recalls the work of labelmate Sufjan Stevens. If you’re a fan of theatrical, dextrous pop music, this is your jam.
8. The Wans – Saturday – 6:30 – BMI Stage
With all the folk and roots based music that dominates the lineup of ACL each year, it’s nice to have some dirty guitars and garage rock. Granted, even this band owes a lot to blues, but if you’re tired of acoustic guitars, find yourself at The Wans on Saturday evening.
9. Haerts – Sunday – 11:30 – Miller Lite Stage
I’m surprised Haerts still haven’t quite blown up completely. Almost a year ago, the band started gaining some traction and have remained relevant, but I just keep waiting for them to explode into the next level. Maybe this will be the weekend. After all, their country-leaning, Fleetwood Mac-like vocals over well crafted and airy pop deserve your attention. Just listen to this:
10. The Districts – Sunday – 12:15 – Samsung Galaxy Stage
These sparse, understated folk tunes eventually explode into cathartic rockers as the band delivers gritty and arresting onstage performances. After the first time we saw The Districts, we were totally sold. You will be, too.
11. Nikki Lane – Sunday – 2:00 – Austin Ventures Stage
You’ll hear Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach’s thumbprint on Nikki Lane’s gritty country sound, but Lane brings her own Nashville flair to these dark country rock songs. Forget that radio country pop shit, this is edgy, outlaw country descended from the stylings of Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle.
