Top 5 Underrated ACL Artists: From Dayglow to Faye Webster
The arrival of October has come to signify many things: the beginning of fall, the start of spooky season, those dreaded midterms, and a little music festival called Austin City Limits.
Written by Myah Taylor
Photo courtesy of Texas Monthly
Some of music’s biggest names, like Billie Eilish and Childish Gambino, will be performing at Zilker Park for ACL 2019, but this year’s festival will also feature several lesser-known artists. Before you make your way to ACL for the next two weekends, check out these underrated acts that will be taking the stage ahead of all your favorite headliners.
1. The Band CAMINO
If The 1975 had an American parallel, The Band CAMINO would be it. The Memphis-based, indie-pop/rock act will be bringing all of their ‘80s-inspired synths and lovelorn tracks to Austin. Since their conception in 2016, the band has released three EPs, with the most recent one being tryhard, released in August of this year. Several of The Band CAMINO’s singles have accumulated millions of streams in the U.S., and one track, “The Black and White,” landed the group on Spotify’s “US Viral Top 50” playlist. Right now, the rockers are currently on a North American tour. The Band CAMINO will make a pit stop in Austin when they take the stage on Friday during Weekend Two of ACL.
Where to watch: Friday, Oct. 11 at 1:15 p.m. on the VRBO stage
Notable tracks: “2/14,” “Who Says We’re Through,” “Daphne Blue,” “Less Than I Do,” “Berenstein”
2. Metric
Female-fronted Toronto rockers Metric will be performing at ACL in support of the band’s latest album, Justin Meldal-Johnson produced Art of Doubt (2018). Lead singer Emily Haines and company have been active since 1998. Two decades and seven LPs later, the group has created a wide catalogue of music that incorporates the sounds of indie rock, synthpop, and new wave. Art of Doubt, which navigates the current climate of cultural and political anxiety, sees Metric refusing to give into it. Guitarist James Shaw says the band’s most recent project is the “culmination of a lifetime spent playing together.” Check out this foursome at both weekends of ACL when they bring the sounds of the “most Metric album the band has ever made” to Zilker Park.
Where to watch: Saturday, Oct. 5 and 12 at 7 p.m. on the VRBO stage
Notable tracks: “Dark Saturday,” “Gimme Sympathy,” “Help, I’m Alive,” “Black Sheep”
3. Dayglow
When you want to make music for a living, you drop out of school. At least, that’s what 20-year-old Sloan Struble, the man behind indie-pop project Dayglow, has done. And so far, the Aledo, Texas native has made a pretty good name for himself. Last year, Struble was a freshman at UT Austins, and now he’s a rising pop act. Dayglow rose to prominence last fall after self-releasing his debut EP Fuzzybrain, which was mostly recorded while he was still in high school. His single “Can I Call You Tonight?” became a sleeper hit. The song racked up millions of streams on YouTube and Spotify and received an endorsement from social media star Emma Chamberlain. Struble’s DIY ethos and positive, dreamy vibes enchant listeners to his music.
Where to watch: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. on the BMI stage
Notable tracks: “Can I Call You Tonight?,” “Hot Rod,” “Run the World!!!”
4. Faye Webster
Pitchfork described Faye Webster as an artist who “makes retro R&B for homebodies.” But this summation of Webster’s sound only scratches the surface. The 21-year-old folk singer from Atlanta, Georgia, creates calming pop music with accents of soul. A photographer and a musician, Webster debuted with 2013’s Run and Tell, a work drawing inspiration from traditional folk as well as the country and bluegrass roots of her mother and grandfather. Fast forwarding to 2019, the Atlanta native has married R&B sounds with an indie-folk aesthetic on her critically acclaimed album Atlanta Millionaires Club. Webster’s latest project showcases the songstresses honest lyricism and eclectic taste by featuring rap verses and a pedal steel. Experience Webster’s colorful soundscape by stepping into her world this weekend at ACL.
Where to watch: Sunday, October 6 at 1:15 p.m. on the BMI stage
Notable tracks: “Run and Tell,” “She Won’t Go Away,” “Kingston,” “Room Temperature”
5. Judah and the Lion
In 2011, four friends at Belmont University formed the band known today as Judah and the Lion. The Nashville-based group began as a Christian worship outfit, but have since expanded their sound. Judah and the Lion make music across multiple genres, from bluegrass to folk to hip hop. When the foursome isn’t performing songs about quarter life crises or lead singer Judah Akers’ love for his southern roots, they’re making anthems for college football. In most cases, there’s usually a banjo or two involved. Judah and the Lion’s most recent album, Pep Talks, was released in August. The LP features the single “pictures,” a bittersweet duet with fellow ACL performer and country queen Kacey Musgraves. You can experience Judah and the Lion’s energy at both ACL weekends.
Where to watch: Saturday, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12 at 5 p.m. on the T-Mobile stage
Notable tracks: “Take It All Back,” “pictures,” “Suit and Jacket”
A few other artists to check out this ACL season: Julia Jacklin, Caroline Rose, Shura, Koffee, Men I Trust, LANY