Yeah, we get it, you're going to be lining up for JAY-Z and fighting your way through crowds to see Gorillaz at ACL 2017. But what about the smaller acts at the fest, the ones who are still gaining momentum and, let's be honest, will probably have more elbow-room in front of their stage? We think they're definitely worth a gander, too—especially these five artists on the rise.
1. Joseph (Weekend 1 only): This sister trio from Portland, Oregon will stun by weaving spellbinding triple-harmonies over delicate yet impactful folk-pop anthems.
2. La Femme (Weekend 1 only): Perhaps more fringe than almost anything else on the lineup, this French psych-influenced krautrock outfit—a collective, really, given they have nine members—is likely to draw in and mesmerize passersby with creepy yet catchy cuts off sophomore album Mystère.
Photograph: Courtesy EDMOND/SIPA/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
3. Welles: Hailing from Nashville but sounding more like a group deeply ingrained in the Seattle grunge scene, quartet Welles will deliver everything you love about ’90s rock rolled into one neat package: the bone-chilling screams of Kurt Cobain, crunchy and infectious guitar melodies reminiscent of Ben Kweller’s first band Radish, and a healthy dose of distortion sure to wake up those festgoers smart enough to arrive early for ’em.
4. Paul Cauthen (Weekend 2 only): Coming in hot off his stint with acclaimed Texicana band Sons of Fathers, Austin’s Paul Cauthen emanates a magnetic blend of outlaw country, alt-rock and gospel. Whether by raucous tunes or pure grit, his show will be a surefire site for plenty of spirited stompin’ and hollerin’.
Photograph: Courtesy EDMOND/SIPA/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
5. The Bishops (Weekend 2 only): Not to be confused with the British rock trio of the same name, this Austin-bred sibling trio has shown more promise than many up-and-coming bands by successfully blending styles ranging from jazz to hip-hop to electronic, with an energetic live show to boot—their compellingly diverse sensibilities are sure to unite local and visiting music fans alike.
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