15 Acts to See at Austin City Limits 2024

Tanner Adell | 3:10-3:55pm | BMI Stage | Weekend 1
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Tanner Addell is an artist you won’t want to miss at Austin City Limits this year. With her unique blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, she brings an authenticity that resonates deeply with her audience. Tanner recently gained significant recognition after being featured on the cover of Blackbird on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, showcasing her artistry and talent on a grand scale.

Her live performances are known for their raw energy and emotional depth, drawing listeners into her world with each note. Tanner’s powerful voice, combined with masterful guitar work, creates an intimate atmosphere that feels both personal and electrifying. Whether she’s belting out anthemic choruses or weaving through softer, reflective moments, Tanner captures the essence of life’s highs and lows. Plus, her engaging stage presence and relatable storytelling make for a memorable experience. – Jesse

Mannequin Pussy, 3:10-4:10pm, Miller Lite Stage, Weekend 1
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Mannequin Pussy isn’t new to the game. The punk band has been together since 2010, but somehow I’ve yet to see them besides their several stellar releases. Now might be one of the best times to catch the band, though, as they’ll be playing some of the songs off of their latest album, “I Got Heaven,” which was released this past March. The band’s fourth and most recent album is already one of my favorites of the year.

The 10 tracks on “I Got Heaven” are infectious, angry, fuzzy, and just all-out bangers, that I can only imagine would be so fun to see live. Even if you’re one of the lucky ones who has caught a Mannequin Pussy show before, check out the band’s stellar recent work for what’s sure to be one of the most exciting sets at Austin City Limits. – Erin

Dexter and the Moonrocks | 5:10-6:10pm | BMI Stage | Weekend 1
RIYL: Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan, Wilderado

If you’re a fan of sad cowboys, similarly to the likes of Zach Bryan and (somewhat) Noah Kahan, I definitely think you’ll be a fan of West Texas’ very own, Dexter and The Moonrocks.

Hailing from Abilene, Texas, a fry cook, an oil field operator, a concrete surface decorator, and a kids’ baseball coach formed what is now to be known as Dexter and The Moonrocks only two years ago, and they’ve made quite the splash ever since: becoming the first band signed to Severance Records (an imprint of Big Loud Rock) at the beginning of 2024.

I haven’t had a chance to see the band live, but considering they’re basically a hometown hero of ACL (Abilene is around 220 miles out from Austin), I guarantee they’ll bring a large crowd and a good time.
– Kristin

Late Night Drive Home | 12:55-1:40pm| Honda Stage | Weekend 2
RIYL: Vacations, Beach Fossils, Yot Club

I couldn’t be part of a festival article without including one of my indie rock bands. Similar to the likes of Beach Fossils and Beach Weather (but thankfully not having the word beach in their name,) late night drive home has the perfect sound for a festival set. Opening up the first day of Week 2, hopefully the excitement of those starting out their weekend will make for a great audience during their 1pm slot – as someone that shows up as early as possible, beginning my day with the El Paso quartet would be such a treat.

As they constantly release new music, I’m sure their sound and stage presence has evolved and improved, with ACL being an amazing chance for LNDH to show people what they’re made for. They’re still at the beginning of their careers, having officially started to release music in 2019, so I think this is the perfect time to start following their steps as they navigate the current indie rock scene and find their place – Javi

CMAT | 2:45-3:30pm | Tito’s Stage | Weekend 2
RIYL: Suki Waterhouse, Dora Jar, Orla Gartland

If you’re looking for the next country pop icon to add to your rotation, I’ve found her in CMAT: and no, that’s not her birth name. Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson first popped up on my radar in early 2022 ahead of her debut album dropping in March of the same year. Since then, she’s been touring extensively and was even nominated for International Artist of The Year at the 2024 Brit Awards aside heavy hitters Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and others.

Her most recent single “Aw Shoot,” which dropped this past May, is the perfect representation of CMAT’s artistry, blending country, pop, and “wit and whimsy,” characteristics that are definitely on display during CMAT’s live performances (I saw her in LA last fall and had a blast). The Irish crooner is a pro at onstage banter, excellent vocals, and all around a good time: someone who definitely belongs on your schedule for ACL this year. – Kristin

Royel Otis | 5:10-6:10pm | Miller Lite Stage | Weekend 2
RIYL: Spacey Jane, Del Water Gap, Hippo Campus

Royel Otis is an act you absolutely need to catch at Austin City Limits this year. Known for their infectious blend of dreamy pop and lo-fi charm, Royel Otis has been making waves in the music scene, especially after the release of their viral cover of “Murder on the Dancefloor.” This playful rendition not only showcases their unique sound but also demonstrates their ability to breathe new life into beloved classics, capturing the attention of fans across platforms.

Their live performances are a captivating experience, blending catchy hooks with a laid-back vibe that invites the audience to join in on the fun. With smooth harmonies and an undeniable stage presence, Royel Otis creates an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and exhilarating. – Jesse 

Rett Madison, 5:10-6:10, BMI Stage, Weekend 1
RIYL: Kacey Musgraves, Samia, Allison Ponthier

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Rett Madison is ending her 2024 with a heft list of live performances: first she’ll be supporting The Fray on their North American headline tour, followed by eight shows with The Crane Wives.

Her 2023 sophomore album One for Jackie has been met with critical acclaim, an album heavy with themes of grief and the trauma Madison endured after losing her mother to suicide. While her music is certainly not for the faint of heart, her passionate songwriting expertise and genre-bending melodies are destined to deliver a moving set. – Kristin

Kenny Beats, 6:20-7:20pm, Tito’s Stage, Weekend 1
RIYL: Paris Texas, Teezo Touchdown, Kenny Mason

Kenny Beats is a must-see artist at Austin City Limits this year, and for good reason. Known for his dynamic production skills and genre-blending sound, Kenny has solidified his place in the music industry as a visionary collaborator. His recent album, Louie, is a heartfelt tribute to his father and showcases a deeply personal side of his artistry. Through poignant lyrics and innovative beats, Kenny explores themes of love, loss, and legacy, making it a standout project that resonates on multiple levels.

At ACL, Kenny’s live set promises to be an electrifying experience. As a prolific producer, his performance is sure to be filled with exciting energy and captivating samples. His ability to engage the crowd and create a communal atmosphere makes his shows unforgettable. If you’re looking for a performance that combines heartfelt storytelling with an irresistible groove, make sure to catch Kenny Beats at ACL. – Jesse

Joe P, 11:55-12:40pm, Miller Lite Stage, Weekend 2
RIYL: Briston Maroney, Sarah and the Sundays, flipturn

I’m so happy to start seeing this name on festival lineups. Joe P is such an amazing artist and performer, and also so incredibly underrated, so the opportunity to perform in front of music lovers looking for new tunes is perfect. He just released his debut album Garden State Vampire, which showcases all his songwriting and vocal skills so nicely, and I’m excited to see how he puts on a show with all these new songs.

With a rock-vibe and distorted guitars, I’m sure Joe’s set will be perfect for a festival setting and a treat for both bystanders and fans. It’s about time for Joe P to become a quintessential artist in everyone’s playlist and ACL seems to agree! – Javi

Emei, 3:10-4:10pm, BMI Stage, Weekend 2
RIYL: Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Madison Beer

What do you get when you combine a neuroscience degree from Yale, 70 million streams on your debut album, and a sold-out tour? That’s EMEI for you: a Chinese-American pop singer who’s been killing it consistently for the last couple years.

EMEI will be closing out the 2024 year with a bang, currently playing several headlining shows in Australia before returning to the states for her debut at Austin City Limits. If you’re a fan of sticky sweet pop with fun, contemporary production, you’ll definitely want to swing by EMEI’s set for a good time. – Kristin

The Beaches, 3:20-4:20pm, T-Mobile Stage, Weekend 1 + 2
RIYL: The Aces, The Last Dinner Party, MUNA

After more than a decade together, everything seems to be coming up The Beaches. The Toronto-based indie band has numerous sold out dates on their tour that they’re currently on, in support of their stellar new album, 2023’s “Blame My Ex.” Next up? Playing Austin City Limits.

The first time that I ever listened to The Beaches, I couldn’t stop dancing around. Their music is that fun, infectious and bouncy. The band’s latest album was 2023’s “Blame My Ex,” a super energetic release that’s impossible not to bop and dance around to. I’ll admit, I’ve never seen The Beaches live before, but if their music is that fun to dance to in my car, can you imagine it in front of a live crowd? – Erin

Empress Of, 1:15-2pm, American Express Stage, Weekend 1
RIYL: Caroline Polachek, Rina Sawayama, Perfume Genius

There are only a few artists that I listen to regularly that I still haven’t had the chance to see live, and that’s exactly what has become my reality with Empress Of. Lorely Rodriguez, the Honduran-American singer-songwriter, has been making infectiously fun, bilingual pop music for several years now, and I discovered her back in 2018 after the release of Us, but became truly obsessed with her sound following the release of her COVID-era album, I’m Your Empress Of.   

Fast forward to 2024, and she’s since collaborated with MUNA, Rina Sawayama, and most recently Allie X. Thanks to the release of her 2024 album For Your Consideration, Empress of has been touring pretty consistently this year, making her debut at Weekend 1 of ACL on Sunday, October 6. If you like dance music and lit up with intrigue after I mentioned those artists she has worked with, you should definitely check out Empress Of’s set. – Kristin

Misterwives, 2:25-3:25pm, Honda Stage, Both Weekends
RIYL: Bishop Briggs, Chelsea Cutler, Smallpools

After attending several hundred shows in the last 10+ years of my life, it’s become evident that not all artists are meant to be onstage, and it’s easy to realize that when you see the artists that are meant to be onstage: and Misterwives is absolutely on of them.

With a decade of touring under their belt and several successful albums, Misterwives have come into their own with the 2023 release of Nosebleeds, succeeded by their supporting tour, solidifying their spot as one of indie pop’s most exciting acts to see live. The band’s stop at ACL is apart of their “Just For One Night Tour” that kicks off this fall. – Kristin

Daniel Seavey, 1:15-2pm, American Express Stage, Weekend 2
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It is so strange to me to write about Daniel as an up-and-coming artist that’s now playing festivals. He was a late addition both for ACL and Lollapalooza, showing that his rise in the industry is imminent. The 25-year-old was ⅕ of the last boyband I allowed myself to love, Why Don’t We, and he was always the Harry Styles of the band to me and to so many others. His talent is undeniable, but I think his charisma is what has set him apart from his former bandmates; he’s allowed himself to be vulnerable through his music and lyrics, and it warms my heart to slowly see him become a force of nature on his own.

During his set, he will not only deliver some of the craziest vocals you’ll ever hear, but he can pretty much play any instrument ever and turn any sound into music. I’m so thrilled to see what kind of show he puts on at such a big event and what the audience reaction will be. Daniel Seavey is a superstar, mark my words.
– Javi

The Droptines, 5:25-6:25pm, BMI Stage, Weekend 2
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One of the best things about Austin City Limits is its lineup always features a wide range of artists from all sorts of genres, but you’d be remiss to leave the Texas festival without hearing a bit of country music, and at this year’s festival, The Droptines are the act to catch.

The Texas-based alt-country band is a confluence of sounds: old-school country, modern folk, indie rock. That sound is reflected on the band’s latest self-titled release, which came out earlier this year. Despite being well-received, the band is still up-and-coming, so catch them at their home state festival before they break big.