ACL 2015: Who to See at Weekend One

acl-fest-instagramOh ACL, a festival so great it cannot be confined to just one weekend.  The two-weekend music festival kicks off on Friday with a lineup that is pretty incredible.  An eclectic mix of talent ensures that there will be shows on everyone’s list with acts that range from The Strokes to  Deadmau5 and Bassnectar, to Drake.  Thankfully there isn’t too much overlap in this weekend’s schedule, so bouncing around shows and genres is perfectly doable.

The music starts right up on Friday around 11, so feel free to knock around while the festival starts to fill up, but make sure to catch Cherub at 3.  After Cherub, check out Billy Idol on the Samsung stage or vibe over to Leon Bridges before Run the Jewels although Cherub and Moon Taxi make a perfect combination even with a break in between.  Tame Impala also puts on great show for those who want to just keep it rolling from set to set.  Round out day 1 chilling out listening to George Ezra or Gary Clark Jr. before Foo Fighters take the stage or get hyped at Flosstradamus’ set before seeing Disclosure perform a week after dropping Caracal.  Rumor is, the Weeknd maybe joining them onstage.  Stay tuned…

Wake up Saturday morning and get to the festival early for some of the best of indie.  Waters kicks off at noon, then head to either Echosmith or Milo Greene before Ryn Weaver.  Switch it up at Vince Staples for some chill rap that’s dangerously melodic or continue your afternoon of indie at Sol Cat or Glass Animals before MisterWives followed by Walk the Moon.  Side note: One night in Austin seems to be all it takes to fall in love, so why not hang with some talented locals?  ATX’s own Shakey Graves is on at 3:20 and Residual Kid plays at 4.  Wherever your afternoon takes you, just make sure to be back at Samsung at 4:30 because you do not want to miss Twenty One Pilots.  Also if your down for a semi-religious experience, Alabama Shakes at 7 is where you should find yourself.  If Drake is your final destination: start with G-Eazy then A$AP Rocky before letting your sensitive side come out a little at Boots.  Need a not-so-little pick-me-up?  Bassnectar provides your perfect Deadmau5 pregame.

Start off the final day with classic man Jidenna then have the perfect easy sunday with Amason or Daughter before Borns.  Take it back and get soulful with either Kehlani or Kali Uchis before seeing badass Halsley who is worth all the buzz.  Check out the Decemberists before Vance Joy or head to Classixx and then Chance the Rapper if you just want to dance.  Unfortunately, you might have a tough choice to make at 6:30 between alt-j, Griz, and of Monsters and Men.  Thankfully, none will disappoint although you may find yourself wondering why there still is not an app for teleportation.  Check out Nero if you need an edm fix or snapchat Hozier taking you to church because its still Sunday after all, then finish out one hell of a weekend at the Weeknd (keep your puns to yourself) or go classic with the Strokes.  We’ll see ya in Austin!