Every festival always has this issue: scheduling two of the best performers in the same time slot. No worries, we’re here to help you make your decision on who to catch at this year’s Austin City Limits festival!
Friday: Foster the People v. Leon Bridges
As Texans, we LOVE Leon Bridges, but who doesn’t love Foster the People? Leon Bridges is a Georgia-based singer/songwriter who has been in the neo-soul scene since 2014. During the festival, Bridges is set to release his fourth studio album titled Leon, meaning fans might get to hear the debut of songs from the album. On top of his set, we’re also hoping to see him make an appearance with Khruangbin and perform tracks from their Texas Sun and Texas Moon collaborations.
Foster the People is another household name, known for tracks like “Pumped Up Kicks,” “Helena Beat” and “Sit Next To Me.” Most recently, Foster the People became a duo that consists of Mark Foster and Isom Innis, and released their fourth album Paradise State of Mind earlier this year. They are known for their high-energy sets, as they’ve performed alongside acts like Paramore, Liam Gallagher, and Jax Anderson.
Sunday: Cannons v. Orville Peck
Two eclectic acts, scheduled for the exact same time – what a bummer. Cannons most recently opened for Imagine Dragons on their latest tour and have been slotted for numerous festival appearances such as the Palm Tree Music Festival. They are noted for their majestic synth-wave pop sounds, which is notably heard in their latest album Heartbeat Highway.
If you are looking for something more energetic, Orville Peck is the act to see. This year’s setlist includes numerous country acts like Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapletoon, but Orville Peck’s addition takes the cake. Peck is the Gay Country Star the world loves, known for his fun twang and twist on country music. He became popular with his debut album Pony, and released his latest album Stampede earlier this year.
Whether you are feeling like square dancing or just swaying to the beat, both of these acts are fun contenders to add to your list.
Saturday: Dua Lipa v. Pretty Lights
Every year, ACL manages to pit fans against each other as two of the most anticipated headlining acts are slated for the same time. For the other days, they’ve managed to keep it separate in terms of genres, but Dua Lipa and Pretty Lights were the exception. Dua Lipa is making her singular festival appearance at ACL this year, making her the headliner you can’t miss. You get to see her perfected choreography as well as hear the hits like “Levitation,” “Houdini,” “One Kiss,” and “Don’t Start Now.”
On the other hand, Pretty Lights is one of the best EDM acts out there. Most recently, the producer released their first EP after their 5 year hiatus. Once a group, Pretty Lights remains the solo act of Derek Vincent Smith, who has collaborated with multiple music legends like Beastie Boys, Wu-Tang Clan and The Roots. Austin City Limits will also mark the Electronic act’s only festival appearance this year, so do what you will with that information.
Friday: Norah Jones v. Carin Leon
This year’s lineup doesn’t include many Latinx acts, but one act that is definitely worth catching is Regional Mexican singer Carin Leon. He’s had such a momentous year, after opening for the Rolling Stones in Arizona and headlining Stagecoach in California, to a successful release of his latest album Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, Leon is no match.
If you are more into the classic blues and folk-pop, Norah Jones is the singer you’re searching for. Daughter of famous sitarist Ravi Shankar, Norah Jones makes her return to the scene after releasing her seventh studio album Pick Me Up Off the Floor in 2020 and latest album Visions in 2024. The singer’s angelic vocals are sure to make you melt, and she’s a worthy act to catch as the sun sets.
Preview by Keylee Paz | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!