Cures for the Broken Foot Blues: An ACL Weekend 1 Preview
The news broke like the internet. Donald Glover, the Blizzard of Oz who recently gifted us This is America, broke his foot and will not be playing ACL. Rumor has it the iconic entertainer broke his foot just moments into his Dallas show and pushed through the pain for as long as he could take it. Talk about dedication to the fans.
U mad? Don’t catch you slippin’ up. We’ve got the blues over here too, but ACL still has the antidote. There are some scintillating acts set to grace the hallowed Zilker Park stages for the next two weekends. We’re counting on these musical magicians to keep us bouncing while Troy heals his stanky leg.
NÄM
This electronic-indie duo from Austin met online while singer Nora Luders was living in Germany and producer Sam Simmons in Tennessee. The two linked up in Austin and released two dynamic EPs, UMLAUT and Body Lotion, in 2016 and 2017. NÄM is sure to scintillate, so show up early and show love at the Miller Lite stage. Friday at 11:15.
Durand Jones & The Indications
The last time I saw Durand Jones, he was crooning Curtis Mayfield classics in Chicago. The Superfly singer’s home crowd couldn’t get enough of this modern soul sensation. The Indications wowed in their own right, elevating the performance to a higher echelon. Don’t miss em as the group smoothes out the Miller Lite stage. Saturday at 1:30.
P.S. Don’t sleep on the silky sounds of drummer Aaron Frazer, the mesmerizing voice behind indie sensation The Flying Stars of Brooklyn NY.
Injury Reserve
This Arizona threesome come to let you know, “this ain’t jazz rap, this that spazz rap.” While groups rappers, Steppa J. Groggs and Ritchie With a T, undoubtedly spazz on tracks, don’t sleep on the super skills from producer Parker Corey. His haunting melodies and mellow harmonies set the stage for the rappers’ lyrical excursions, and together they make some minty fresh music. Check em out at the BMI Stage. Sunday at 3:00.
Slenderbodies
This California-based duo met in college and have continued to share music throughout their time as friends, eventually coming together three years later to create the soft-spoken project “Sotto Voce”. The resulting music resonates with listeners in a meaningful way, using dexterously placed drum hits and airy guitar riffs to allow the listener to drift away to their falsetto.
Khruangbin
This Thai Funk trio play pure eargasms. If you like tight grooves and funky licks, these Houston homies are your best ticket. With just three pieces (bass, guitar, and drum) this band creates a soulful dreamy sound combining a wide range of genres and elements. Come get down at the Tito’s stage. Sunday at 6:00.
Cuco
Fresh off their first world tour, Cuco and his Hawthorne, CA crew head to the HomeAway stage to make the crowd swoon with their unique, Spanglish-synth sound. While each band member produces talented individual projects (see J-Kwe$t and Liano), they truly shine as a group. Don’t miss the movement. Friday at 12:45.
Sailor Poon
These fantastic femmes have something to say, and they say it loud. The garage punk group calls Austin home, and they’re sure to give all they got to their hometown crowd. Shake your hangover Sunday and show up early to check em out. Barton Springs stage. Sunday at 12:30.
Smino
If I have to tell you to go see Smino, maybe you should stay home and leave more for the rest of us. Before Negro Swan there was blkswn. Smino showed off his Missouri roots, dynamic range of styles, and a Belcher-esque ability to use his name in puns. Rock with him at the Miller Lite Stage. Saturday at 3:30.
The Nude Party
The sometimes dressed shenanigans of these six North Carolina rockers will leave you wanting more. The group dropped their 14 song eponymous first album earlier this year. It rocks and so do they, working as a unit to weave Patton Magee’s timeless voice with their own brand of high energy rock n roll (keyboards included). They’ll bring the party to the BMI stage so make sure and support the boys. Sunday at 1:00.
Japanese Breakfast
Michelle Zauner is pretty dope. She rocks as Japanese Breakfast, creating a beautifully ethereal experience for anyone lucky enough to hear her play. Dreamy hits like Boyish set this earthling apart on her most recent album, Soft Sounds From Another Planet. If you’re not boogieing with the young god Smino, go transport to a different world with Japanese Breakfast. Barton Springs stage. Saturday at 3:30.
Blood Orange
The Negro Swan himself, Dev Hynes, promises to lift our hearts and drop our hips. His chart-topping latest album is only Hynes’ most recent success. If past shows are any indication, we can’t wait to see the splendor he has to show us. Watch Blood Orange work magic at the Miller Lite stage. Saturday at 6:00.