Austin, Texas calls itself ‘the live music capital of the world’, a bold statement but a justified one. The state capital, nestled in America’s deep south, has been rapidly accumulating more and more attention, and is on the tip of many a music-savvy tongue. In recent years it has blossomed into a city renowned for its creativity, friendliness and food, although it is music that really drives the place forward.
The iconic SXSW has helped bring limelight to a city flooded by musicians who perform in the 200+ venues all year round; popularity is so prevalent that BA started running direct flights from London earlier this year, as more and more Brits wanted a taste of traditional Tex-Mex and genre defying music. SXSW has grabbed the headlines not just for Austin, but for American music festivals in general. The States have finally caught on; Coachella and Lollapalooza have become household names, though there are tonnes of them now, all unique, attracting a wide variety of acts.
Austin City Limits festival, which takes place at Zilker Park is now in its 12th year. It’s a fine example of how to pull off real diversity at a festival; the line-up is full of the biggest names in hip-hop, rock, EDM and pop as well as some of the freshest musicians working their way up the ladder too.
Over three days, across eight stages ‘Austinities’ can enjoy headline performances from Eminem, Pearl Jam, Outkast, Beck and Skrillex, pop finery with Lorde and Lana Del Rey, country-tinged tunes by Jenny Lewis, as well as a strong Brit contingent; Sam Smith, Paolo Nutini, Calvin Harris and Chvrches are all set to make the trip across the Atlantic for the first two weekends in October.
Like the city itself, music might be the main draw for ACL attendees but there is so much more going on. Austin Eats showcases the best of street food, ACL Cares encourages festival goers to help the community and there is an art market representing Texas’ finest artists.
If you are looking for a new, diverse experience then Austin should be on your wish list. It prides itself on being anti-corporate with the slogan ‘Keep Austin Weird’, proving that fitting in isn’t for everybody. For more details on the festival visit their website.
