Wake Up and Smell the Music: 8 Reasons to Get to ACL Early

Published October 11, 2018

It’s that time of year again. A weekend of artists you’d die to see, and those sweaty, moshy shows you hope to live through. 

And it’s filled with some greats you’ve probably never seen before… Hozier, ODESZA, Paul McCartney, Metallica, and that one guy who just released Astroworld. Whoever you are, you’re gonna want to be there, and this year you’re gonna want to get there early.  Whether you’re coming in from out of town (hey mom), have to skip that 11 AM class like me, or recovering from your Thursday night, trust me on this one. I have some reasons.

Big Thief - Friday 12:45 - 1:45

The Brooklyn foursome brings masterpiece to story and wilderness to the soul. Their folk-tinged indie rock vibe is perfect for a cold beer on a blanket in the Zilker grass. Big Thief’s newest album “Capacity” came out last year in May, and it is sure to drive the set on Friday. Adrianne Lenker leads the band with her soothing vocals and pretty melody throughout. If you show up, open your ears to the lyrics, ‘cause Lenker says “there is a darker darkness and a lighter light. The songs embrace the world within and without.” Sounds like there will be more chills than just that cold beer will give you.

 Cuco - Friday 12:45 - 1:45

Cuco is every wacky college kid's acid trip dream. The 19-year-old’s Spotify bio goes like this "AHHHHHHHHH THE PIZZA IS TOO HOT FOR MY MOUTH." For being a deep-meme millennial with an odd sense of humor, the songwriter/producer has a nice sound. "Lover is a Day" is a dreamy tune with meaningful lyrics. It reminds me of a red sunset at the beach, his voice the waves. Update: Unfortunately, Cuco was in a car accident this past Monday and had to cancel his set. He’s okay though. And he’s definitely worth a listen -- maybe while you’re at home getting ready for your Friday morning.

Magic City Hippies - 12:45-1:30

Imagine waking up Friday morning at the beach, basking in the cool breeze listening to funky music. That’s how you’ll feel when you catch Magic City Hippies at 12:45 on Friday. The trio is from Miami, and they fully embrace it in the most humorous and charming way. Their multi-instrumental music is hip-hop-y and fun, with beach tones and strummy melodies; perfect to get your Friday going.

Alvvays - Friday  2:45 - 3:45

The Canadian indie pop band will surely enliven your Friday afternoon. The group’s genre is described as jangle pop with a folk influence, using honest and lighthearted lyrics to craft an airy atmosphere. Lead singer Molly Rankin brings a soft soprano sound to the band's grungy, ethereal groove. Their album "Antisocialists" sentshot them on tour non-stop in 2017, and ended with a show at Governor’s Ball in NYC. You can expect a colorful, groovy show on Friday. There will be a lot of instruments, pretty backdrops, and sugary melodies to dance to.

Slenderbodies - Saturday 12

The California-based duo, Max and Benji, met in college and released their first album “Sotto Voce” in 2017. Their album covers resemble their music: water-color-magical and cool. Each track is unique; with a gentle and lyrical mood like NoMBe’s, and softly electric like ODESZA. Despite their quiet attitude, the duo has a brotherly relationship and energetic stage presence, our editor Julia saw them last week and said Max “picked Benji up at the end [of the set] and walked off stage holding him,” and later in an interview the duo compared themselves to Drake and Josh. You can expect them to play some of their most popular tunes, like upbeat “anemone” and lyrical “gray” from their first album, and last month’s release “take you home.”

Wallows - Saturday 12:45

Before his Hollywood stardom took off on Netflix show “13 Reasons Why” Dylan Minnette was an 11-year-old in San Francisco playing the guitar and jamming out with his friends (hence his emo, angsty character on the show). His youngster band eventually turned into the moody, adolescent Wallows, making their way on the Global Top 50 charts and a Warped Tour. The group’s pop-rock show is bound to make heads bang and hearts break. The three boys from California are young, angsty, loud, and are known to leave everything on the stage. With one full album and several singles out since 2017, Wallows creates both romantic indie tunes and pop-rock drum-bombing energizers. Catch them at 12:45 for a dose of dancing and high-energy fun from some twenty-something-year-old talent.

VÉRITÉ - Saturday 1:30

Hit VÉRITÉ’s set early afternoon Saturday for a soulful, chill noise with a sound box backdrop. The 28-year-old brings a moody pop vibe to her glistening melodies, and has the gentle presence to match. Her cool demeanor is translated into her music’s wavy tone, her sound sways and permeates in the surrounding air. You can expect the Brooklyn-native to play some upbeat gems along with her soul jams, including “Constant Crush” and “Somebody Else.” 

Amber Mark - Sunday 12:15

Get your breakfast going early and your outfit figured out yesterday because you won’t want to sleep through this one. The 23-year-old creative genius is up and coming in hawt. As a writer and producer of her debut 2017 album and various singles, Mark uses her international background to string a series of thought-provoking, idiosyncratic stories. In an interview, the singer said her passion comes from her late mother, and her genre comes from “Berlin with its love for house, NYC where [she] grew up listening to hip-hop and R&B, Goa’s trance obsession, Brazil’s Bossa Nova, and Nepal with its Tibetan mantras.” The resulting sound is epic. Expect an ardent, refreshing, and dynamic performance; your brain will like it.