10 Austin artists to watch at ACL
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Austin-based musician Bob Schneider will perform on the Tito's stage during Weekend 2. Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
Austin City Limits Music Festival is a chance to see big names, but it's also jam-packed with local and Texas-based artists.
By the numbers: More than 30 Texas artists will perform at this year's ACL Fest, including recognizable names like Leon Bridges, Norah Jones and the increasingly popular Khruangbin.
- Other Texans include Kevin Abstract, That Mexican OT, Mickey Guyton (Weekend 2), Chance Peña (Weekend 1), Dexter And The Moonrocks (W1), The Droptines (W2), Jon Muq (W2), Late Night Drive Home (W2) and Chaparelle (W1).
Zoom in: As always, Austin's Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel will kick things off at 1pm Friday at the Honda Stage. They've performed at almost every ACL festival since its inception.
- Plus, at least 10 Austin artists will take the stage each weekend.
Bob Schneider: There's no Austin music scene without Schneider, who has regularly performed at the city's premiere venues for years.
- Find him Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Tito's stage.
Penny & Sparrow: The local folk duo returns to the festival ahead of the release of their latest album, "Lefty."
- Hear them at the IHG Hotels and Resorts stage Friday.
Whookilledkenny: The rapper, currently based in Los Angeles, is among a growing number of Austin rappers to find success in recent years.
- Catch him Friday, Oct. 11, at the BMI stage.
Kalu & The Electric Joint: Frontman Kalu James, who immigrated from Nigeria to Austin when he was 18, infuses his West African heritage into psychedelic soul and rock and roll.
- They'll perform Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Tito's stage.
Rickshaw Billie's Burger Patrol: This trio of rockers arrives at ACL on the heels of the release of their album "Big Dumb Riffs."
- See them Sunday, Oct. 13, at the IHG stage.
Chief Cleopatra: Soul rock singer Jalesa Jessie, aka Chief Cleopatra, moved to Austin and released her debut EP in 2019.
- Don't miss her this Sunday at the IHG stage.
Daiistar: Psych rock band Daiistar blends genres of electronic, house and techno music.
- Find them Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Miller Lite Stage.
West 22nd: This indie rock band made up of five UT students formed in West Campus in 2021 and recently released their latest single, "Hangman."
- Catch them Sunday on the Tito's Stage.
Theo Lawrence: This French-Canadian songwriter brought his country sound to Austin just last year, but you wouldn't know it. His crooning, timeless vocals will take you back to the country sounds of the 1950s, '60s and '70s.
- Find him Friday, Oct. 11, at the IHG stage.
Chaparelle: ACL has special meaning for this Wimberley-based country duo. Jesse Woods and Zella Day met at the festival at 2021 — and are now romantic and artistic partners.
- See them on Friday, Oct. 4, at the IHG stage.