Our picks of artists you don’t want to miss for the Austin City Limits music festival 2013.
By Caroline Khoury
Austin’s beloved music festival is drawing near, with full intentions to satisfy a wide variety of music connoisseurs once again. With a lineup ranging from Kendrick Lamar to Muse, this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival continues its reputation of providing music for every age and taste. Most bands are scheduled to play two weekends this year—very exciting news for those die-hard Texas/OU weekend fans—making the ACL experience available to a broader group of fans. Another change this year is the omission of single-day passes, but don’t fret, there are still some regular three-day passes available for the second weekend, Oct. 11 through 13. Here are our picks for artists you don’t want to miss:
Classics
Lionel Richie: 8:30 p.m., Sunday, both weekends
Yes, Richie, it’s you we’ve been looking for. It’s legends like this guy that make ACL so iconic. When superstars grace Austin with their presence and commit to a night of great musical moments, the folks coordinating it all at C3 Presents can take a bow. Safe to say Austin will put an end to all your yearning, Richie, and welcome you with a great big Texas “hello.”
The Cure: 8 p.m., Saturday, both weekends
The Cure’s hits like Lovesong and Just Like Heaven should make us all feel blessed to be hosting such a timeless band. They’ll be closing down the Saturday lineup, and an epic performance will be guaranteed, a performance full of those melodies that can live in your mind for weeks without end.
New to ACL
Latasha Lee and The Black Ties: 11:20 a.m., Friday, first weekend only
With her Aretha Franklin-like soul, Latasha Lee will shock you with her power and rhythmic control. Her music sounds like a mixture of R&B/soul and a bit of reggae. It’s a unique sound you don’t want to miss.
Lissie: 4:30 p.m., Saturday, both weekends
To put it simply: This chick rocks. An artist so genuine and talented, Lissie, the Mississippi native, commands the stage from the moment you hear her raspy voice, convincing you to abandon all reason and believe wholeheartedly in her message.
Recent Sensations
Grouplove: 3 p.m., Sunday, both weekends
Known to have loads of energy and a great live performance, this indie band is guaranteed to get you dancing. Check out their evolutionary sound and get ready to jam.
The Mowglis: 1 p.m., Sunday, first weekend only
This eight-person band has an anthem essence that certainly allows for their crowd to jump around and sing along in great confidence. Don’t miss this show if you’re looking to let it all out while feeling invincible.
Groove
Kaskade: 7 p.m., Friday, both weekends
If you can refrain from moving any part of your body when listening to this dude, props to you. With his contagious beat, Ryan Raddon of Kaskade produces sounds that allow you to forget all worries and really just dance.
Phoenix: 7 p.m., Sunday, both weekends
Originally from France, this band brings tremendous innovation and energy to their music. Once you surrender to their undeniably catchy tunes, there’s no doubt you’ll be wishing for more of their infectious rhythm.
Easy Listening
Holly Williams: 2:30 p.m., Friday, both weekends
Take out your lawn chairs and relax to the beautiful country sounds of Holly Williams. True to her undeniable country-music pedigree, Williams is one artist that is sure to capture your attention with her perfectly melodic voice, particularly if you’re in the mood for some pleasant melodies.
Phosphorescent: 6:15 p.m., Sunday, both weekends
Phosphorescent is utterly magical, allowing for your imagination to run wild during his performance. Matthew Houck of Phosphorescent evokes a sound so enchanting with instrumental statements from violins and electronic layers.
