Austin City Limits has a special charm that, despite the lineup or adverse circumstances, makes us return to its welcoming arms every year. One of the contraindications of that spell that irremediably binds us to Austin City Limits is the fact that a painful cancellation will occur sooner or later. Childish Gambino, Kali Uchis missed it last year due to her pregnancy, and this year the saddest cancellation has been the Chapelle Roan’s one, who due to her delicate state of mental health has decided to cancel the rest of her successful tour destined to lead her to the most dazzling stardom.
So, what is the secret of the potion? Perhaps the incredible natural environment of Zilker Park or the magic of reuniting with that general good vibe so typical of ACL attendees. Or simply the fact of bringing together in two weekends icons of the past and tomorrow in a brave lineup that is usually criticized before and acclaimed after each edition.
All this takes us to the most radiant music park in the United States. There Dua Lipa, Foster The People, Blink-182, Jungle, Khruangbin, Leon Bridges, Taylor, The Creator… await. This is the best of a festival without limits so that you don’t miss the moments that will sail through our memories and dreams forever.
The Diva
If any name shines in particular in this magical ACL lineup, it is the British artist of Albanian origin. Dua Lipa arrives in Austin after having caused an earthquake in the pop planet with her Radical Optimism, one of the albums that has come to change the stagnant sound of the most commercial genre. Her union in production with the brilliant Kevin Parker has returned the psychedelia of Tame Impala to the front row. The bravery of songs like Houdini or Training Season have been overshadowed by their tremendous mainstream success that have placed Dua in the Olympus exclusive to pop divas. An album that, together with their previous anthems, will bring together an interesting mix of what has been and will be commercial music in this decade… and it couldn’t be more fascinating.
The Sun Of Texas
Dua steals the spotlight but Khruangbin will take the heart of Austin with them. The Houston trio will undoubtedly be the star of the festival when they sing Texas Sun in front of a Zilker Park devoted to a Texan and universal anthem. Aside from their great song, the Texan band always sounds good with that fusion of nostalgia of past sounds with a radiant present and risky bets. Describing their style is always a waste of time in which the author navigates between clichés and labels that do not apply to Khruangbin. They are simply Khruangbin and they sound exclusively like Khruangbin. That is why they will steal our hearts with a smile and a beautiful song.
Back To 2010
The Californian band has returned with a great song like Lost in Space and their new album Paradise State of Mind where they delve into more electronic and danceable territories. The boys have known how to recycle very well and managed to sound exquisite despite being different. They have accepted and embraced the passage of time but in Zilker Park they will return with us to that last great wave of Los Angeles pop that narrated life with low fi and nostalgia. They were the soundtrack of the early 2010s with songs as dark as brilliant like Pumped Up Kicks or Call it What you Want. Maybe we have all accepted that life is not in Super 8 and a continuous party but we will always have them to remind us of a time when it was.
The Star Of Texas
We have been hooked for a few days on his recently released single Laredo and suddenly we find him at the most Texan ACL in a long time. Through charisma, hard work and a lot of talent, Leon has become a shining star and one of the artists with the best sound and style on the American scene. Curiously, his new album, Leon, is released on the same day that the ACL begins, so we can expect not only a review of the albums that have taken him from Fort Worth to the world and of course the anthem of this edition, Texas Sun, but also a preview of what seems to be the definitive album of his career. Surrendered to Leon.
Take Me To The 70s
Jungle is without a doubt one of our favorite bands. They have everything to be cool. Funk sound, a passionate sweetening of the most stylistic 70s and two falsetto voices jumping over crazy rhythms. With Back on 74 and their latest album Volcano, the Londoners have managed to storm the heart of America. Although for those who fell in love with them with hits like The Heat or Busy Earnin’ it will be the reunion with the band that has turned a decade like the 2010s into a revival of the 70s. In gratitude there is no other option than to go to Zilker Park to dance until 2024 will be 1974 again.
The Band That Changed The 90s
The Fridays of the festival have a special meaning. They serve as a tribute to great icons from other eras. This year we visit the late 90s to honour Blink-182. They may not be as crazy as they were then after traumatic experiences and the passage of time, and it is also possible that they have become Kardashian-like, but they are still making noise and giving away acoustic nostalgia in every live show they perform. And that California of the 90s was a lot of fun. Blink, Offspring and NOFX have remained in the memory of all those who were once mischievous teenagers. One More Time is the name of their latest album and this concert is exactly that, a new opportunity to find your scattered self in All The Small Things, What’s My Age Again? or First Date.
The New And Mysterious Face Of Country
Despite having only two studio albums, this South African artist has revolutionised the country scene. And when we talk about revolution we mean it in all areas from aesthetics to musicality. His iconic image and that dark, somewhat pop and theatrical but definitely country sound of songs like Dead of Night have made Orville the symbol of what country should be in this 21st century. An ode to courage, risk and good taste that will shine in a magical edition of Austin City Limits.
A Modern Classic
If Orville is the glitter of the new country, Chris Stapleton represents old Nashville and its records with a scent of the United States, of tough guys in tough situations. Higher, released just a year ago, is the quintessence of all that. Intimacy, powerful ballads and a guy singing his truths. Hymns like Tennessee Whiskey or Outlaw State of Mind have forged not a career but the legend of this country icon who will receive a warm tribute at an ACL full of stars.
That Dark Object Of Desire
These Australians are very rare. So much so that they have caught the attention of the entire underground circuit in the United States for such an intriguing reason. They are one of those anonymous stars that in a couple of years will be recognized at all festivals as one of their main attractions. Their sound well deserves it. Full of arabesques, jazz, psychedelia and rock, Glass Beams have created a musical framework that becomes a jungle in which you get lost without ever wanting to leave. Their aesthetics with masks that seem taken from Dune contribute to a radiant and very addictive exoticism. With only two EPs on the market, they are one of the hidden gems of the many that this Austin City Limits holds.
Everlasting Rebellion
Mannequin Pussy is the exact opposite of Glass Beams. No tricks or gimmicks. The girls from Philadelphia are pure noise and punk distortion. Simple but harmonious sounds, controlled chaos and a rebellious vibe that makes you bounce without thinking. A declaration of intent that brings us back to the abandoned bars where youthful bad temper turned into punk daring. A much-needed revival through hits like I Got Heaven, which anticipates a more melodic Mannequin Pussy but with the same energy that they have been showing for 15 years on the stages of the United States.
Rhymes In The Park
The rapper from Los Angeles has established himself as one of the innovators of the genre and has established himself on a creative podium where very few would dare to argue with him. To his talent for rhyme and melodies, he has managed to add tons of good taste when it comes to composing and choosing the goats with whom to launch collaborations, from Frank Ocean and A$AP Rocky to Kanye, passing through Erykah Badu, Kali Uchis or Jay – Z. Rap will not be the same without emblematic hits like Earfquake, Best Interest or She. Poetry in the park.
A Hurricane Of Pop Sensuality
If pop and rock had had a beautiful daughter, it would be Cannons. Michelle Joy’s band combines the best of guitar pop in a sweet and sensual summary of what the Los Angeles scene has meant in recent decades. Velvet in the voice and rhythms, catchy lyrics, a touch of sensuality and a lot of cheek. Do you need anything else to fall in love? Their four studio albums are a carousel of good songs that are not worth the effort and that you cannot and do not want to escape from. Don’t even try. Purple Sun, Hurricane, Bad Dream or Fire For You will haunt you from the Austin City Limits stage to the grave.
A Western Movie At Austin City Limits
We talked about these Ecuadorians living in Switzerland in our SXSW chronicle where they thrilled us as the opening act for the Black Keys. Their border rhythms synthesize the melodies of the entire American continent with a fascinating and unique western touch. It’s like sitting down to watch a Sergio Leone movie saga. From the sky, Ennio Morricone will be listening to the echoes of the two brothers in Zilker Park.
The Party Breaks Loose At Austin City Limits
The necessary party at any festival will be provided by this Filipino based in Australia who has become an absolute reference in House. Songs like Girl$ or Take it have served to renew the genre and bring it into a new decade with a high-carat production and a seductive and dense sound that compiles the delights of old nineties Techno House.
All In One
Derek Vincent Smith is one of the visible faces of dub and nujazz in recent years. A demonstration that elegance is not at odds with the wildest party, at least in terms of the sounds that liven them up. The artist from Colorado has always stood out for his eclecticism and that is why we can expect to enjoy country, jazz, house, electropop and much more in his live performances, varnished by this genius of sophisticated rhythms.
Rock Is Back
Those attending the second weekend of the festival will meet a rock icon who defined not only the 60s but also garage sounds decades after composing their main anthems. The Flint band has survived since 1969 with different members but with the same intensity and the same desire to make some noise. Along the way they have left behind rock-defining hits like We Are an American Band, Closer To Home or Bad Time. Essential to understanding one of the most electrifying genres in history and which always leaves its mark on Zilker Park.
The Unexpected Star
This has undoubtedly been Teddy Swims’ year. His R&B prowess had long been attracting the attention of many lovers of good music, but it was in 2024 that the Atlanta artist established himself with a number 1 as huge as Lose Control. A hit song based on vocal strength and pure class that has for some weeks dethroned other commercial hits from the top spots of the main American charts. A success that will resound in Austin City Limits but will not overshadow the rest of a more than interesting discography.
Aromas Of Austin City Limits
Beyond the music, other activities such as ACL Kiddies or ACL Eats add nuances and flavours to this festival that so well sums up the idiosyncrasy of the city. This year the ad hoc Austin City Limits foodie festival brings us some of the most emblematic places in Austin and offers a colourful mosaic of the city’s thriving foodie scene. The cosmic ice creams of Amy’s Ice Cream, the Korean-inspired burritos of Chi’Lantro, the untamed Hawaii of Poke-Poke and the meat of Black’s are icons of the city. This year the offer is expanded to include new and fascinating flavours. Taco Bronco, Norte ATX, Koko´s Bavarian or Paprika ATX are some of the delicacies that will recharge your energy between one epic concert and another.
Bonus Track
The Marías, Paco Versailles, The Beaches, Nora Jones, Fletcher, Balthvs, Say She She, Rene Rapp, Vince Staples, Empress of, Stugill Simpson.
+ Music in Showmoon
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