Austin City Limits Music Festival Weekend 2 Day 2 at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
ACL Festival features a diverse lineup of acts every year with 9 stages, over 100 performances, and two weekends. The festival takes place on 46-acres in Zilker Park, the crown jewel of Austin's public green spaces. This huge space is required to accommodate the massive crowds that flock to Austin for the experience, an estimated 75,000 people attended each day of Weekend One. Festival-goers will have no problem getting their steps in for the day, as it takes approximately 15 minutes to make the 0.7 mile trek between the Honda and American Express stages.
There were plenty of photo ops for festival-goers to snap the perfect pic in front of. Most notable was the iconic array of colorful flags that tower over the festival grounds. Other popular attractions were the giant “ACL” block letters and the giant photo frame stamped with #ACLFEST, both of which maintained a steady crowd of impromptu models. Staff were present at all photo ops to assist in taking photos for groups and individuals alike. Another attraction was the “Dome Rx”, an art installation located on the south side of the festival grounds. Inside, viewers admired images projected on the wall while relaxing on luxurious cushions in the air conditioning.
A couple of ACL Festival Satellite Stores were scattered around the premises, each with a variety of official merchandise available for purchase. Located centrally in a booth adjacent to the iconic staggered ACL FEST sign was a conglomerate of local vendors. Here, Exhibit82Art featured Austin-themed merch, quirky candles, cup holders, socks, and more. Other booths included Espacio Handmade (featuring everything leather), Lisa Crowder (fine handmade jewelry), Mutiny Market (crocheted clothing), Slow North (scented oils made in Austin), and more.
Barton Springs Beer Hall offered a shaded and spirited environment for Longhorn fans to watch UT’s 24 - 21 victory against Iowa State. This game followed last Saturday’s 49-0 sweep against long-time rival OU at the Red River Showdown, UT’s first victory since 2008. The bar was cashless for attendees who chose to register their wristband with American Express. Registering for ACL Cashless has additional benefits, such as a one-time $5 bonus and access to the Card Member Lounge. Some unique drinks were frosé at the ACL wine lounge.
The four touch-free Hydration Stations were efficient, sanitary, and encouraged use of reusable water containers. There was hardly ever a line, and those who refilled their reusable water containers were rewarded with cool mist from a fan.
In addition to drinks, ACL Festival is known for its diverse selection of tasty food. Everything from shawarma and empanadas to nachos and ice cream was served, with many vegan and gluten free options also available. Many local Austin favorites were featured in this year’s food lineup: Austin’s Pizza, East Side King, Tiny Pies, Voodoo Doughnut, and more. Black’s BBQ celebrated their 90th anniversary.
The ACL Bonus Tracks stage was tucked away in a grove of trees adorned with colorful banners. On Sunday afternoon, the stage was dominated by “A Drag Comedy Show” with The Beckies. The performance was full of crude humor and impressive acts by Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Dolly Parton of ATX Drag. Before the show began, viewers were warned: “If you’re easily offended, you’re at the wrong fucking music festival”. Next door to Bonus Tracks was Austin Kiddie Limits. This area featured a “drum zone”, family services, and kid-friendly catering to keep the little ones happy.
Various companies hosted booths with unique merchandise and exciting free prizes for guests. At the Coke Studio, eager participants scratched off electronic lotto tickets to win various prizes: a headband, a refreshing cool cloth, or an ice cold can of Coca-Cola. Tito’s Vodka consistently had the longest line as fans waited their turn to have a spin at the Tito’s Snag the Swag claw machine. Here, guests had the chance to win the coveted ticket to the Tito’s tent where they would receive free alcohol and water, air conditioned restrooms, and access to the side stage area of the Tito’s stage.
The Honda Watering Hole was located directly behind the “ACL FEST” sign. The area featured three sparkling Honda vehicles—a brand new 2022 Honda Passport, CR-V hybrid, and HR-V Sport. Those not interested in cars could step next door to the Honda Tattoo Parlor and receive a complimentary airbrushed ACL-themed tattoo. At Miller Time Social, fatigued festival-goers could pick up a buzz at the bar and chill out under refreshing fans. The area was scattered with umbrella-d picnic tables to provide shelter from the relentless sun. The tables were also equipped with complimentary charging stations, free wi-fi, and hand sanitizer.
ACL Festival takes many measures to prioritize the convenience and comfort of guests, as demonstrated by the abundance of public restrooms. As far as festival amenities go, the port-a-potties at ACL are some of the nicest ones around. Featuring a gap between the door and the roof to allow for ventilation and a button to flush waste down the drain, these bathrooms were surprisingly clean and odorless. Best of all, urinals were available for the men to use, which some guests feel greatly increased the cleanliness of the other restrooms. ACL Festival also takes care to accommodate people with disabilities by providing ramps, viewing platforms with chairs and spaces for wheelchairs, and sign language interpreters at certain stages.
The medical staff was amazingly attentive and quick to respond to those who needed medical attention. Security staff helped to ensure comfort and safety of festival-goers by tossing boxed water into the crowd between performers and in the midst of long shows. Sober Park served as a safe place for those abstaining from drugs or alcohol, in recovery, acting as designated-drivers, or just looking for a place to sober up a little between artists. Next door, Ascension Seton volunteers administered Pfizer’s bivalent Covid-19 booster vaccine. A physical copy of one’s vaccination card was not needed, as medical staff were able to look up vaccination history in M-Track. Overall, over 100 Covid-19 vaccines were administered at the tent during weekend 2 of ACL!
Two T-Mobile charging stations offered peace of mind to people whose phone batteries were quickly draining from filming and taking photos in the Texas heat, but didn’t have access to a portable charger. Users chose a password and locked their electronics in a secure cubby while their devices charged. Best of all, this service was offered at no cost.
ACL does their best to make getting to the festival convenient, cheap, and stress-free. They offer a variety of transportation methods, such as complimentary ACL Music Festival Shuttles, Cap Metro, Uber, car pooling, biking, walking, and taxis. Perhaps the most unique way to get to Zilker is by a bike-powered cab cart. Each driver’s cart is a reflection of their own personality, as evidenced by the unique costumes, decorations, and music blasting from each cab. If you’re looking for a fun and fast way to enter or exit the crowded streets near the ACL festival grounds, consider a pedicab as your mode of transport! As stated on austinpedicab.com, “It's more than just a Pedicab Ride, it's an Experience.”
Flume
Flume performing on the Honda stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
For the past decade, Flume has been dominating the music world with his hypnotic and abstract compositions that awaken the senses. Born as Harley Edward Streten, the Australian producer has a fresh approach when it comes to building out an immersive soundscape that revolves around the pursuit of creative freedom. Stemming from a desire to do the opposite of what is typically optimized for the algorithm, Flume's technique involves weaving layers that are bound with introspection and intrigue. As someone who doesn't actively seek the spotlight for himself, he always makes his collaborators shine.
Following the massive success from his 2012 debut album, Flume's sophomore album, Skin, earned him a Grammy Award in 2017. In an effort to continue building the momentum, he released the Skin Companion EPs which received positive reception from fans and critics alike. Since then, Flume has embarked on headlining tours in stadiums across the globe and many of his singles have topped the charts while racking up billions of streams on Apple and Spotify. Right before the world shut down from COVID-19, Flume dropped Hi This Is Flume mixtape, which featured his contemporaries SOPHIE, JPEGMAFIA, slowthai, KUCKA, Eprom, and HWLS, and earned him another Grammy nomination.
On his forthcoming album, Palaces, the producer challenges listeners to switch gears and consider Mother Nature's point of view for a change. Completed during the pandemic after returning to his native Australia, the thought-provoking project reflects this transition as he reconnected with nature and developed an even deeper appreciation for wildlife. As the son of a horticulturist, it was only a matter of time before Flume redirected his path toward this lush territory. As expected, Palaces includes a star-studded lineup of collaborators including Damon Albarn, Caroline Polachek, KUCKA, LAUREL, MAY-A, Oklou, Virgen Maria, and Emma Louise.
Flume's talent knows no bounds as he further explores the vastness of his own man- made universe through complex arrangements and sentimental bangers. At this stage of growth in his career, he isn't concerned about getting any bigger-Flume just wants to maintain the energy that he's manifested.
I never thought I’d ever see Flume live, but I will tell you that he did not disappoint, holy cow. I would love to see him perform again!
When I saw flume walk up, my 16 year old self was screaming, it was amazing. I loved the light show and the stage presence. Flume was amazing and the crowd wasn’t too rowdy.
Flume had the perfect flow for his set. His intro was probably the best I’ve seen so far and he even came out for an encore. Amazing experience.
Diplo
Diplo performing on the Miller Lite stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Over the course of a 20-year career that began with his now-legendary Philly club night Hollertronix, Diplo has gone from selling records to Kanye West out of the trunk of his car to collaborating with the world’s biggest stars (Beyoncé, Madonna, Justin Bieber) and playing all over the globe (Havana, Karachi, Kathmandu).
He and his era-defining label Mad Decent continue to explore and champion genres and artists from around the world (baile funk, dancehall, New Orleans bounce) and further ventures include a publishing company and various book, film and TV projects. The ten-time Grammy nominee is also a member of the iconic Major Lazer, one third of LSD—the psychedelic supergroup with Sia and Labrinth whose debut album has been streamed over 3 billion times, and half of Silk City with Mark Ronson—whose Platinum-certified “Electricity” with Dua Lipa topped charts worldwide and won a Grammy.
Diplo had the crowd on their feet. He for sure brought the energy.
Was amazing, better than being in club. I was trying to do the Zoom but didn't know what I was doing. Thanks again Diplo.
Diplo was fantastic and literally dropped the most generic electronic music.
The War On Drugs
The War On Drugs performing on the T-Mobile stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
The history of rock ’n’ roll is a story of splintering. Stop here for 10 seconds, and think: How many niches can you name without even trying, without having to pause for just a split second? They seem infinite and, already the better part of a century since rock’s bastard birth, still ceaseless, each new form defined by the mainframe’s perpetuity of flux.
But over the last 15 years, The War on Drugs have steadily emerged as one of the mightiest counterweights to this endless division, reconnecting rock’s manifold hyphenates with an ardor and ease that suggest they were never split far apart in the first place. Folk, indie, kosmiche, noise, roots, arena, psychedelic, soft, whatever—The War on Drugs are this century’s great rock ’n’ roll synthesists, obviating the gaps between the underground and the mainstream, between the abstruse and the anthemic, making records that wrestle a fractured past into a unified and engrossing present. The War on Drugs have never done that so well as they do with I Don’t Live Here Anymore, their fifth studio album and their most compulsive and bold set of songs to date.
They brought fantastic energy and absolute professionalism and talent along with their unique and fresh set list and song book. They are a band for the ages that appeals to so many. What a wonderful show!
Incredible show! Fell in love with these guys in 2014 when I first heard the Lost In A Dream album. Last night was equally as good. Sound was incredible. Set list ticked all the boxes. Now trying to figure out how to see them again on this tour.
War on Drugs was 10/10, absolutely incredible evening at deer lake park. Sun setting while listening to "Red Eyes" will be a memory I never forget. Thank you for a cracking evening.
Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X performing on the American Express stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Moseying onto the scene with a surprise breakthrough, Atlanta's Lil Nas X merged the pastoral tones of country music with hip-hop, putting his spin on a subgenre dubbed country-trap. Like similar experiments by Young Thug and Lil Tracy, the hybrid was an unexpected success for the rapper: his debut single "Old Town Road" was a viral hit on social media and streaming, sending him to #1 on the Hot 100.
Born Montero Lamar Hill, he issued the 2018 mixtape Nasarati before releasing "Old Town Road" at the end of the year. The track went viral on social media and, once it broke into the mainstream, it accumulated millions of plays on streaming services. Sampling Nine Inch Nails' instrumental "34 Ghosts IV," "Old Town Road" clocked in at just under two minutes but managed to climb into the Top 15 of the Hot 100. While the song could have also topped the Hot Country Songs chart, Billboard made the decision to remove it from the running for not containing enough country music elements. The controversy only helped boost plays and "Old Town Road" continued its climb up the main chart.
Absolutely fantastic. Choreography, background, special effects, etc were all so well done and super engaging, and it goes without saying that the music was phenomenal. One of my favorite shows I’ve ever seen.
The choreography and the vocals were awesome. There was never a dull moment in the show, Nas and the dancers were all perfect. I also really liked the way the show was structured in acts. My only complaint is that the show was rather short, but well worth it!
Lil Nas X is amazing. The show was so well done. The choreography and dancers were worth the ticket alone! I wish it was longer!
The Brummies
The Brummies performing on the BMI stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Independent artists, The Brummies, made up of vocalists and multi-instrumentalists John Davidson, Jacob Bryant, and drummer Trevor Davis, have been playing together in various incarnations since high school, growing up together outside of Birmingham, Alabama.
Currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee. The Brummies are gearing up for a new era of music with the release of their latest single “Wrong Idea” which is the first glimpse of the highly anticipated 3rd album from The Brummies later this year.
Their debut album, Eternal Reach, was recorded at Battle Tapes Recording in Nashville with Grammy award-winning engineer Jeremy Ferguson (Cage The Elephant) and co-producer David Hopkins. The album which Billboard magazine states as “gorgeous,” “lush,” and “an album to be listened to from start to finish."
I saw The Brummies open for another group recently and they were amazing live! They put on a great show and the crowd really were into it. I hadn’t heard of them before the concert, but I’m 100% a fan now! Definitely would see them again!
Loved their setlist. They had amazing energy and were so fun and energetic. They were also really kind if you can meet them post show.
Got spoiled seeing this much talent come to Indy. Best show I have been to. They played some of the songs on their new album coming out soon and I had no clue it could match their first album which is a story from meeting someone to the end of the relationship. Incredible. I was able to somehow get their autographs after the concert. These guys are the next big thing. Can’t wait to see them take over the Grammys. Simply the best!
Sabrina Claudio
Sabrina Claudio performing on the Barton Springs stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Sabrina Claudio grew up in Fort Lauderdale, the daughter of a Cuban mother and Puerto Rican father. Early immersion in local Latin-influenced dance music eventually transformed into an obsession with the R&B her folks listened to, artists like Mariah Carey and Destiny's Child, while her initial interest in dancing and modeling evolved into the desire to become a fully fledged music artist herself.
She first took to YouTube, sharing covers of songs by Amy Winehouse, Beyoncé and Rihanna. She also made the move to Los Angeles to be closer to the music business and, in 2016, began self-releasing her aching, '90s-inspired R&B songs on SoundCloud. Claudio smartly parlayed her rising fame — millions of plays racked up over mere months — into 2017's independent Confidently Lost EP, a gorgeous set of sultry ballads that not only positioned her as the next most exciting voice in R&B, but also scored her a deal with Atlantic.
Her About Time mixtape, released before the end of the year, proved that she could transfix listeners across an album's worth of rich, inventive, modern soul. It also paved the way to a spot on the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack, and 2018's especially intimate No Rain, No Flowers LP. In late 2019, Claudio returned with Truth Is, an album that found her stepping up her pop chops by working with hitmakers like Julia Michaels and Sir Nolan, while at the same time deepening and darkening her groove-heavy sound and heartrending lyrics.
I fell in love with this artist from the beginning but in person experience is indescribable. Incredible and delivering exactly what it was supposed to! I’d see her live million more times.
Sabrina Claudio is magically herself. She is truly a great performer and super underrated. Her voice is the same in person. Can not wait to see her again
I loved the show! The way she came out on stage was amazing the lights the band the whole set up was great! I had never seen this artist before and at that moment where she started to perform I was a fan! This woman can sing! Her music had me feeling like a bad biddie and an empowered one she had me in and out my feelings all night. She interacted with her fans and even knew some in the crowd! I love an artist that knows her fans. I only knew some of her songs that she was performing that night but it’s okay! I loved all of her music. I will most definitely be attending another one of her shows.
The Front Bottoms
The Front Bottoms performing on the T-Mobile stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Lead singer and guitarist Brian Sella started The Front Bottoms in 2007 with his childhood friend, drummer Mathew Uychich. They quickly expanded to a full a lineup with Uychich’s brother Brian joining on keyboards for their 2008 debut I Hate My Friends.
They established a dedicated following in their native Woodcliffe, New Jersy before expanding their fanbase with a DIY national tour. The group generated serious online buzz with the release of a self-titled album and a viral music video for the song “Maps”, which expanded their following even further and led to bigger shows. Their growing legion of fans showed their support by helping the group crack the Billboard 200 with their next album, Talon of the Hawk. The Front Bottoms continue to thrill fans of indie rock with exuberant performances and fun-loving albums like stellar Back on Top.
The Front Bottoms always put on the best show! They are energetic and sound amazing live.
It was honestly just a really awesome show. I love the Front Bottoms and I loved getting to see them with my friends.
The venue was gorgeous, the show was amazing, and the drinks were great! I always love seeing The Front Bottoms. Can't wait to see them again!
Disko Cowboy
Disko Cowboy performing on the Tito's stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Disko Cowboy aka Dave Wrangler is a critically acclaimed DJ, producer and founder/creative director of Vinyl Ranch. Dave is widely known for his multi-genre remixes and DJ sets which helped define the dance music culture of the late 00s. The Houston-based artist popped onto the national radar in 2008 with the release of the open format mixtape, "Life Of The Party," which showcased his signature style of DJing and production. The seamless mix featured 6 exclusive Wrangler remixes and was called a "goldmine" of dance floor-friendly indie rock, hip-hop and electronic music by Rolling Stone.
Wallows
Wallows performing on the American Express stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Wallows were born out of a music class where three 11-year-old friends — Minnette, singer/guitarist and actor Braeden Lemasters and drummer Cole Preston — discovered a shared love for upbeat indie pop fused with topical laments and biting humor.
Nothing Happens is a melting pot of not-too-distant influences, including vocal hints of The Strokes and Vampire Weekend. They also evoke the dreamy bedroom synth of Clairo, who showed up as guests on "Are You Bored Yet" (the single that garnered the band another Billboard Top 40 hit). As the trio grew together (literally and figuratively) the acting duo of Minnette and Lemasters balanced their two creative outlets, never viewing Wallows as a mere side project. Both grew up child actors, with Lemasters best remembered for his role on Men of a Certain Age and Betrayal, while Minnette appeared in Grey's Anatomy before landing in 13 Reasons Why.
For their debut LP, Nothing Happens, Wallows brought in production ace John Congleton, who has also helped shape sonically adventurous work from St. Vincent and Sharon Van Etten. For a debut, the album feels lived-in and mature, with a punk pulse beating under the shimmering, melodic surface.
Wallows has been my favorite band for years. I couldn’t wait to see them again. Both times I saw them, I ugly cried. This concert was so much fun, and I cant wait to see them the next time they tour!
This was my first time going to a concert and definitely going to stay one of my favorites forever. Seeing my favorite band live was an amazing experience, I had lots of fun, and on top of all of that everyone was really nice!
One of the best concerts I’ve been to.
Sloppy Jane
Sloppy Jane performing on the BMI stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Haley Dahl was born in New York City in 1995 and later raised in Los Angeles. She formed the avant-garde rock band Sloppy Jane at the young age of 15, performing on the Sunset Strip for passersby with friends.
In her early years, she made an artistic statement by wearing an unwashed one-suit for an entire year, with plans to wear it until it "rots off her body" and eat it later. Sloppy Jane released her first demos, Totally Limbless and Burger Radio. The lineup consisted of Haley Dahl on vocals and guitar, Phoebe Bridgers on bass and background vocals, and Imogen Teasley-Vlautin on drums.
The group released their post-punk/proto-punk debut EP Sure-Tuff via Lolipop Records. They later incorporated unconventional instruments like glockenspiel and flexatone in their debut, self-released studio album, Willow. Dahl moved back to New York City and landed a month-long residency as Sloppy Jane at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn. She signed to Bridgers' Saddest Factory Records and released the breakthrough second studio album Madison. It took three years to scout the recording location for the album, which was recorded underground in Lost World Caverns in West Virginia. The unique acoustics were captured over two weeks of recording, with an audio engineer operating a mixing board from a car 90 feet above.
True artist.
Awesome performance, really sets the bar high for live musical performances. Definitely recommend catching her live.
One of the most underrated bands. Madison is one of the best albums of recent years. Heartbreakingly beautiful. Not enough people were this show. Go see them.
Princess Nokia
Princess Nokia performing on the T-Mobile stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Destiny Nicole Frasqueri, better known by her stage name Princess Nokia is an American rapper of Puerto Rican descent, signed to Rough Trade Records. Frasqueri recorded her first song, “Destiny”, and released it under the name of Wavy Spice on her SoundCloud and her YouTube channel. It was largely autobiographical and gained modest popularity. Subsequently, she released her second track, “Bitch I’m Posh”. The track went viral, and received 110,000 plays on Soundcloud.
This artist has been one-of-a-kind since before fame, Princess Nokia honors her past, her heritage, and her loved ones in all aspects of her art, and her connection to her spirituality and culture is felt even on stage. Seeing her live exceeded my already high expectations and I cannot wait to see her again.
Josh Fudge
Josh Fudge performing on the Tito's stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
19 year old multi-instrumentalist Josh Fudge has got to be on your radar. Hailing inspiration from his birthplace Oklahoma City and absorbing the light and relationships of the people around him, Fudge reflects the beauty of what it’s like to exist in love and exaggerate the absolute vibrance of emotions. His recent singles “Feel Like” and “More To You” transport you to a dreamscape of the vibey bedroom pop many of us find comfort in.
I loved seeing Josh live so much, his music is such a vibe.
Josh is music is fresh and fun and feel great music. Josh is a great kid such a sweetheart my 10 yr was so excited to meet him and he took time to talk to him, he is a must see artist.
Tai Verdes
Tai Verdes performing on the Honda stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Three months into the COVID-19 pandemic, Tai Verdes was an essential worker with a 9-to-5 job at a Los Angeles Verizon Wireless store. Now with his debut album TV, he has a #3 Billboard Heatseekers album and #5 Spotify debut album, as well as one of the biggest viral hits in the US, “Stuck In The Middle,” hailed by The New York Times as one of the “Best Songs of 2020.”
After posting a series of TikTok videos, Tai’s breakout single “Stuck In The Middle” took flight hitting #1 on Spotify’s US viral chart and has since amassed more than 120 million streams and over 3.5 million TikTok creations, being viewed over 3 billion times since the song’s release in late May 2020.
Tai did so so so so good! I truly had the best night of my life being in the front row and seeing him up close was the best experience and feeling anyone could have. The entire audience was all for his energy and everyone enjoyed the show. This was my first concert and I’m proud to say it was from Tai. Seeing him grow as an artist and seeing all of the big things he’s doing is amazing and I’m so proud of him. 10/10 would recommend times a million over and over again.
Definitely the best night of my life. he’s such a great performer and was amazing to watch.
Ben Reilly
Ben Reilly performing on the BMI stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Ben Reilly grew up in New York on comic books and hip-hop, with lyricists like Nas and Rakim among the first artists to grab his full attention as a child. He’s always been attracted to things that take effort to dissect, and he enjoys going the extra mile to find the deeper meaning in it all. Maybe partly because of that, he never saw himself as the kind of artist who would have a viral moment on TikTok, an app seemingly designed for, well, not overthinking.
Lido Pimienta
Lido Pimienta performing on the Barton Springs stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
There are so many layers to Canadian-Colombian singer Lido Pimienta’s identity that you might get lost in them. But if you did, you’d be missing the point. Her multi-textural, mind-bending voice and music project what Canada’s The Globe and Mail called her “bold, brash, polarizing” persona, which constantly confronts the powers that be. But it also reveals an embrace of the Afro- and Indigenous traditions that is at once defiant, delicate and sweetly nostalgic.
I had a wonderful time getting to see and listen to Lido Pimienta. They were incredible and brought soooo much bright energy to the space.
This was an incredible gig. Lido is absolutely amazing, such a great performer. She was going through a difficult moment personally, and despite that the show was great. The crowd loved her, there was great energy.
Good Looks
Good Looks performing on the Tito's stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Born and raised in small Texas towns, the members of Good Looks met and began playing together in Austin. Songwriter Tyler Jordan grew up in a South Texas coastal town dominated by the petrochemical industry, his childhood steeped in the tension between nature and industry, exploitation abundantly present and the wealth gap on full display. His father’s church, described by Tyler as “cult-like in its intensity,” was home base and where he learned to sing.
Tyler eventually met lead guitarist Jake Ames in the late-night song-swap circles of the Kerrville Folk Festival campground (where they would also meet Buck Meek and Adrienne Lenker pre-Big Thief). They shared their mutual love of the Texas hill country canon (Blaze Foley, Townes Van Zandt, and Willie Nelson), a love of cheap diner food, thrift store baseball caps, and a healthy dose of harmless shit-talking.
They began playing in bands together, backing up other songwriters and taking turns in the spotlight. They sought out producer Dan Duszynski (Loma, Cross Record, Jess Williamson) to engineer their debut album. What would form was Good Looks, a blue-collar political indie-rock band with healthy doses of Replacements swagger and shimmering, desert rock riffs not unlike The War On Drugs.
Great performance!
Incredible show. The lucky few of us that were there know that these guys are destined to be huge!
Jake Lloyd
Jake Lloyd performing on the T-Mobile stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Jake Lloyd is a singer song-writer from Austin, Texas. He's bringing a refreshing sound by mixing contemporary RnB with Rap, Soul, and Pop.
Habibi
Habibi performing on the American Express stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Brooklyn-based indie quintet Habibi tapped into their Motown roots, delivering simple but infectious pop melodies with punkish attitude. The band grew from straightforward garage beginnings into more refined material and expanded instrumentation on their sophomore album Anywhere But Here.
Habibi was formed in the spring of 2011 by Detroit expatriates Rahill Jamalifard and Lenaya Lynch, tapping into their Motown roots of simple but infectious pop melodies delivered with punkish attitude. Jamalifard took lead vocal duties, Lynch played guitar and sang, and the lineup was rounded out by drummer Karen Isabel and bassist Erin Campbell.
Izzy Heltai
Izzy Heltai performing on the BMI stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
If aliens came to earth, Izzy Heltai would describe his debut album, Father, to them this way: “There are frequencies that are going to feel like clanking, that maybe you’ll enjoy sonically. There are words strung together to sound nice. They are about an important human trajectory when one goes from a child to a slightly more serious child called an adult.”
His new music is the product and reflection of the broad spectrum of music Izzy enjoys listening to. From his love of pop, analog electronic, to country, Izzy loves blending elements of genres to create his own unique take on what a folk song is.
Spill Tab
Spill Tab performing on the Miller Lite stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 15, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, part-time tattoo artist, full-time animal lover and oatmilk connoisseur spill tab grabs disparate feelings, sounds, tones, and textures and pieces them together in a patchwork of lo-fi alternative pop bliss sung mostly in English and sometimes in French. Working with chief collaborator and production partner marinelli, the Bangkok-born and Los Angeles-based French-Korean songstress launched spill tab in 2018.
spill tab’s two EP’s Oatmilk (2020) and Bonnie (2021) have amassed over 30 million combined streams to date. In the past year alone spill tab has graced the covers of various DSP playlists including Lorem (Spotify US) / The Indie List (Spotify UK) / softly (Spotify Australia) / Superbloom (Apple US) amongst others, and has achieved international radio support from Radio 1, Alt Nation Sirius, Nova France, Triple J, and more.
2021 saw spill tab support Gus Dapperton and Jawny in the US and sell out debut headline shows in London and LA. So far, 2022 has seen spill tab sell out further headline shows in London and Paris with a stop at The Great Escape Festival in the UK as well as touring extensively across North America April-July as main support to WALLOWS. spill tab has also announced her own North American headline tour this fall.
I met her, she’s awesome! I regret not having the money to buy her merchandise because she is phenomenal!! She is super nice and I might have even liked her set more than the Wallows (I was there for a friend not for any band in particular) I now have a dedicated playlist for Spill Tab!
Awesome! She was the opener for Wallows and she really set the mood and everyone in the crowd. Everyone loved her including me and my friends. Now we all listen to her music daily!
I enjoyed the performance so much she was so kind and interacted with us so much. She was so sweet and I met her after the show and they are so sweet and amazing!
Austin City Limits Music Festival
The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is an annual music festival held in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on two consecutive three-day weekends. Inspired by the KLRU/PBS music series of the same name, the festival is produced by Austin-based company C3 Presents, which also produces Chicago's Lollapalooza.The ACL Music Festival has eight stages where musical groups from genres including rock, indie, country, folk, electronic and hip hop perform for fans. The concerts continue until 10:00 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the festival with various stages spread out in the park. Approximately 450,000 people attend the festival each year. In addition to the music performances, there are food and drinks, an art market, a kids area for families, and other activities for attendees.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
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Words and photos by Makayla Arvesen
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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