By Haley Gibson
Reporter
We’re all excited to see Florence + the Machine and The Black Keys, and nobody is going to skip fan favorites Weezer or the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but what about the hidden gems of this year’s action-packed Austin City Limits?
Below, I reveal the less hyped bands and the artists I believe you should highlight on your ACL schedules.
Jack White
For fans of: The Raconteurs, The Strokes, The Kills
Not so new to the music scene, Jack White, the former lead singer of the popular band The White Stripes, will headline ACL as a solo artist this year. Fans of The White Stripes will be familiar with the powerhouse guitar solos and punk rock feel of White’s solo album, despite the absence of Meg White’s contrasting calm voice.
His new album is an eccentric mix — all over the map from blues to vintage R&B. White will be sure to keep fans guessing and should put on an entertaining, high-energy show at this weekend’s festival on Saturday night.
Freelance Whales
For fans of: Arcade Fire, Mates of State, The Postal Service
The unique band, Freelance Whales, reminds us all how intricately a diverse set of instruments can combine to form a beautiful sound. The band has accumulated instruments from a banjo to a harmonium to a water phone—and they use them all. With a second album freshly released, the band will be a refreshingly soothing listen at the festival on Sunday.
Childish Gambino
For fans of: Kid Cudi, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco
It’s debatable whether Donald Glover is best known for being a writer for “30 Rock,” his role on the hit TV show “Community,” or for his rap fame as artist Child Gambino. The rapper is now enjoying his increased fame with his video “Heartbeat,” which has been nominated for a VMA award, and his considerable success on the U.S. music charts. His anticipated performance at ACL will be sure to entertain festivalgoers on Sunday. After all, he is a comedian. He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister
For fans of: Mumford & Sons, Dr. Dog, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Rising king and queens of folk, the L.A. band made up of siblings and eccentric quirks defines themselves as “glam” and “western swing.” Regardless of their folk genre, the band is certainly unique. They even have a tap-dancing drummer. Their uplifting and fun sound will be sure to start your ACL experience off on a good note. Make sure you get to ACL early to catch this band Friday at 11:45 a.m.
The Whigs, Tegan and Sara,
NEEDTOBREATHE, Two Door Cinema Club, The Boxer Rebellion
Call us old, but the college age generation will be celebrating the return of bands from our indie youth. We listened to these bands back in ’07 and ’08, before their latest albums threw them back into the running for the world’s music festivals.
If you didn’t catch on to these bands in your high school days, take a second before counting them out this weekend.
