Staged Haze first had the opportunity to cover Austin City Limits back in 2021, where artists like Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and Tyler, the Creator held the headlining spots. Other heavy hitters like Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Phoebe Bridgers also graced the lineup (check out the recap here). We also had a photographer onsite in 2024, covering major performances from artists like Chappell Roan, blink-182, and Benson Boone (photos here).
But 2025 will be the first time I (Kristin) am returning to Zilker Park since 2021, and I’m looking forward to a weekend of insane performances from up and comers (Jensen McRae, Haute & Freddy), current pop powerhouses (Olivia Dean, Role Model) and especially, the “nostalgia” acts, like Passion Pit, Empire of The Sun, and The Killers, who recently replaced Doja Cat as Sunday night’s headliner after she unexpectedly dropped out.
Weekend 1 kicks off on Friday, October 3—which also happens to be my birthday as well as the release date of Taylor Swift’s new album (big day for me overall)—and concludes on Sunday the 5th. Weekend 2 follows on Friday, October 10 and concludes on Sunday, October 12. Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza are produced by the same company—C3 Productions—so there’s a lot of overlap in between those two lineups here, but plenty of uniqueness to ACL’s that gives it a different flair than Lollapalooza’s lineup. It’s also one less day, which makes a big difference. And I’ll also have more energy by the time Sunday rolls around!
If you’re new here, we always highlight the undercards of the festivals we cover, since most people know all of the big names, which makes it fun for our readers (and us) to explore new music.
Farmer’s Wife, 1:15-2pm, Tito’s Stage (Weekend 2)
Austin locals and staples of the DIY scene Farmer’s Wife, whose biggest song on Spotify is called “Greg Abbott’s Maxi Pad,” is making waves in the shoegaze space, combining elements of grunge, dirge (“a song or hymn of grief or lamentation,” cause I had to Google it, too), and 80s pop: pulling from artists like Smashing Pumpkin and Jane’s Addiction.
The band’s recent EP, Faint Illusions, has helped them score major nods from publications like the Austin Chronicle and Flood Magazine, commenting on the band’s “Atmospheric production and superfluous reverb,” and “ominously simmering alt-rock.” Fresh off a handful of touring dates with Boston Manor and set to tour with Bass Drum of Death in just a few days, it’s safe to say that Farmer’s Wife has earned their spot on the Austin City Limits (weekend 2) lineup, opening the Tito’s Stage on Friday afternoon at 1:15pm. – Kristin
spill tab, 1:30-2:15pm, Miller Lite Stage
If you’re into artists who blur genre lines and keep you on your toes, spill tab is a must-see at ACL this year. The French-Korean-American singer (aka Claire Chicha) has been quietly building a buzz with her dreamy mix of alt-pop, R&B, and lo-fi indie rock. Her songs feel effortlessly cool—think floaty vocals, fuzzy guitars, and the kind of production that makes everything feel intimate but a little unpredictable. Tracks like “Velcro” and “Window” are weird in the best way, and somehow still catchy enough to get stuck in your head for days.
Since her debut in 2020, spill tab’s been steadily making a name for herself, working with artists like Gus Dapperton and Jawny, and earning comparisons to acts like Clairo, Remi Wolf, and even early Grimes. Her live sets have a raw, low-key energy that makes you feel like you’re in on something special before it blows up. If you’re looking to sneak in a set that feels personal, experimental, and super fresh, this is the one to catch. – Jesse
Jensen McRae, 3-4pm, Miller Lite Stage
Jensen McRae is one of my favorite voices in the singer-songwriter space right now: her music is so effortlessly beautiful, and her vocals are honestly some of the strongest—and most unique—that I’ve heard in quite sometime. It also helps that one of her biggest idols in the industry is none other than Taylor Swift, so naturally, I’m going to love her music because of that influence.
McRae—who went to USC Thornton School of Music—released her first single, “White Boy,” back in 2019, but had her breakthrough moment in 2021 when she released a “Phoebe Bridgers paraody song” about COVID-19 and getting vaccinated at Dodger Stadium. Since then, she’s made a strong name for herself, releasing her debut album in 2022 and follow-up earlier this year, I Don’t How How But They Found Me!, which is destined to end up on my favorites list at the end of 2025. – Kristin
Moody Joody, 5-6pm, BMI Stage (Weekend 1)
If you’ve ever wanted the opportunity to see an artists’ festival debut, here’s your chance. Nashville based trio Moody Joody, composed of Kayla Hall (lead vocals, keys), Kaitie Forbes (guitar, vocals), and Andrew Pacheco (producer, keys), released their debut EP Dream Girl in November 2024 via Photo Finish Records. Since then, Moody Joody has stayed booked and busy.
They toured with MisterWives and A R I Z O N A, attended their very first NYFW in February, and have released two singles this year so far, “Bye Bye Baby” and “Talk Me Down.” They’ve also collaborated with producer Scott Harris (Shawn Mendes, Role Model, Del Water Gap), so it’s safe to say they have the tools to really skyrocket in the next couple years. I’m looking forward to catching them close the BMI Stage on Friday (Weekend 1). – Kristin
Yoke Lore, 1:30-2:15pm, Miller Lite
35-year-old Adrian Galvin, better known by his moniker Yoke Lore, is a veteran of the music industry. He’s been releasing music under this solo project for the last nine years, starting with the EP Far Shore back in 2016, followed by Goodpain in 2017. I know this is “annoying” to say, but I can state that I’ve been a fan from the jump: seeing him for the first time back in 2018 when he performed at Schubas Tavern in Chicago: a 165-cap venue.
Since then, he’s pretty much skyrocketed in popularity, touring with artists like Noah Kahan, Chelsea Cutler, Goth Babe, and most recently, Jack’s Mannequin: his 2017 song “Beige” soared in popularity, thanks to a resurgence on TikTok: it’s currently sitting at 294 million streams on Spotify and was RIAA Certified Platinum in October 2024. I haven’t seen him perform in several years, so I’m looking forward to seeing not only the crowd he pulls, but also sing some newer music, like “Hyperventilate,” which dropped this past August, and of course, a performance of “Beige,” but I’m crossing my fingers to hear “Goodpain,” my personal favorite. – Kristin
Clover County, 3:15-4:15pm, BMI Stage (Weekend 1)
Fresh off a weekend at Americanafest in Nashville, self-proclaimed “bootgaze” artist Clover County is set to make her debut at Austin City Limits Weekend 1. Her performance will come just over a week after the release of her debut album, Finer Things, (Sept. 26), which is a 12-track collection of “folk, Americana, and alternative” music inspired by artists like Dolly Parton, Sheryl Crow, and Waxahatchee, as well her time as a student at the University of Georgia, where she performed at house shows and college bars around Athens, GA.
Clover County has toured with the likes of Lord Huron, Medium Build, and Shakey Graves and will be touring with Madi Diaz, Willi Carlisle, and Sydney Rose this fall (Rose is also on the ACL lineup this year). Clover County is definitely one of the artists I won’t be missing during Weekend 1 of ACL. – Kristin
Dizzy Fae, 3:15-4:15pm, BMI Stage (Weekend 2)
Dizzy Fae dropped her first mixtape in 2018—which feels like a lifetime ago—but it’s truly a testament to her perseverance as an artist. I only discovered her for the first time last year when I stumbled upon her TikTok account and was enthralled by the genre-bending “Try,” a song that integrates country, folk, and hip-hop into a sound that’s completely unique to her.
Fae is from St. Paul, Minnesota and is a classically trained singer and dancer and prides herself as a “queer Black interdisciplinary artist” who strives to integrate “the nuances and liberties of love and human connection” in her music. Since the release of her debut mixtape, Free Form, she’s opened for artists like Lizzo (also from Minnesota) and Toro Y Moi. Aside from her debut at Austin City Limits (weekend 2), Fae will be headlining her first show in Los Angeles at The Echo on October 27. – Kristin
LP Giobbi, 6:30-7:30pm, TIto’s Stage
If your festival game plan includes at least one full-out dance session (and let’s be honest—it should), LP Giobbi is your go-to set at ACL. The Oregon-born DJ, producer, and classically trained pianist brings high-energy, feel-good house music with a feminist edge, and her live shows are an absolute blast. She’s known for pairing euphoric, piano-driven beats with emotional depth, creating a sound that’s both vibrant and cathartic. Earlier this year, she put her spin on Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer with an official remix that landed right as the song hit peak cultural saturation—an undeniable moment for both artists.
Beyond just making music that goes off live, LP Giobbi’s also a force behind the scenes—she’s the founder of Femme House, an initiative aimed at empowering women and gender-expansive folks in music production. But on stage, it’s all about joy and connection. Whether you’re a house head or just someone who wants to dance their face off under the Texas sun, her set is the kind of festival moment you’ll remember long after your feet stop hurting. Don’t miss it. – Jesse
Chezile, 1:30-2:15pm, Miller Lite Stage
Alejandro Sanchez, otherwise known by his stage name, Chezile, is pretty recent to releasing music, dropping his debut EP 47 in February of 2024. His single “Beanie” skyrocketed into popularity across the internet, nearing 500 million streams on Spotify alone and garnering him 11 million monthly listeners.
For a festival crowd, he’s definitely going to be more of a mellow performer, blending psych-pop with reverb-soaked guitar, reminiscent of artists like d4vd, The Marías, and Sombr. He’s also set to co-headline a tour across North America with Zinadelphia, another artist on Weekend 2 of the lineup and someone else we’re spotlighting on this list. If you like discovering someone early (like we do!) whose songs might stick with you long after the show ends, he’s certainly one to watch. – Kristin
Haute & Freddy, 2:30-3:30pm, American Express Stage (Weekend 1)
I’m not sure if I’ve ever described an artists’ brand as “avant garde”—though I’m sure a lot of people have—but if I could choose one phrase to describe the vibe of the duo Haute & Freddy, that’s probably the phrase I would pick. The duo, whose composed of Michelle Buzz + Lance Shipp, create fun, high-energy, theatrical performances that rival artists like Chappell Roan, The Last Dinner Party, and Dora Jar. The duo’s love for theater and “underground club culture” are evident backdrops in their music. Songs like their debut “Scantily Clad” and “Anti-Superstar,” both released at the end of 2024, have helped garner a dedicated fanbase, who have fittingly named themselves “The Royal Court.”
I’m looking forward to catching Haute & Freddy’s set in particular because they are still very early on in their career and only performed their first show EVER this past June, which means they certainly have something to prove to their fans. But I have no doubt they’ll not just meet, but exceed those expectations during Weekend 1 of Austin City Limits. – Kristin
Lucius, 3:30-4:30pm, BeatBox Stage
Brooklyn born, Los Angeles-based four piece band Lucius is a group I’ve been a fan of for nearly a decade, first falling in love with their sound back in 2016 (I was still in college) when I heard the song “Almost Makes Me Wish For Rain,” a song co-produced by Shawn Everett (The Killers, Kacey Musgraves, and Adele, to name a few).
Since their start, Lucius has released five albums, their most recent being a self-titled release: described as a “return to their roots,” as it’s the first album since their debut where they are entirely self writing, recording and producing.
Lucius has always stood out for their vocal chemistry and inventive pop-noir sensibility, combining retro influences with modern emotional honesty and unbelievable harmonies. They’ve been on my list of artists to see for quite some time now, and I’m absolutely not missing the chance to see them at the Beatbox Stage at 3:30pm on Sunday. – Kristin
Zinadelphia, 5:15-6:15pm, BMI Stage (Weekend 1)
Out of all the artists we’ve highlighted on this list, I’ve only seen three of them live before, which is pretty cool and uncommon for me. And Zinadelphia is one of the artists I haven’t seen before, which is super exciting, because she also played Lollapalooza, but I didn’t get to see her set due to scheduling conflicts. The Philadelphia native (hence the moniker she performs under) truly has one of the most impressive vocal prowess of anyone making music right now.
She’s certainly a multi-hypenate talent, as a musician, vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter that blends neo-soul, jazz, and funk into her music. If you’re a fan of artists like Olivia Dean, Lawrence, or Katie Tupper, I definitely suggest checking out Zinadelphia closing out the BMI Stage on Sunday evening during Weekend 1 of Austin City Limits. – Kristin
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