The Austin City Limits Music Festival is returning this October for two weekends kicking off on the 1st and 8th. The 2021 lineup features big-name headliners like Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, and Stevie Nicks. There are some incredible artists as your eyes lower towards the bottom of the lineup — below are our five must-see artists to watch this year:
#1 Remi Wolf
Similar artists: Sophie Meiers, Mk.gee
Listen: “Photo ID,” “Disco Man,” “Hello Hello Hello”
Remi Wolf, a Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter, has a unique music style incorporating elements from funk, disco, and lo-fi bedroom pop. Her first single, “Guy,” was released in 2019 and later was followed with her debut EP, You’re a Dog. In 2020, she released her second EP with Island Records, I’m Allergic to Dogs!. Her third EP, We Love Dogs!, was released this year in 2021, featuring different remixes of her songs. Recently, she announced that her debut album, Juno, named after her adorable Frenchie, will be out this fall. Truly a performance you don’t want to miss — her energy is undeniable, and her powerful, soulful voice is something you’d need to witness live.
#2 Hinds (Weekend 2 only)
Similar artists: Cherry Glazerr, Twin Peaks
Listen: “Good Bad Times,” “The Club,” “San Diego”
Formed in 2011, Hinds, a four-piece Spanish garage rock/pop band from Madrid, consists of members Carlotta Cosials (vocals, guitar), Ana Perrote (vocals, guitar), Ade Martin (bass, backing vocals), and Amber Grimbergen (drums). Their releases include a plethora of singles, an EP, and three albums: Leave Me Alone (2016), I Don’t Run (2018), and The Prettiest Curse (2020). Playing at SXSW in 2016 and 2018, Hinds will be returning to Austin and making their debut at ACL. Be sure to catch their set as the band knows how to rock and have a great time on stage.
#3 Goth Babe
Similar artists: Still Woozy, Coast Modern
Listen: “Sometimes,” “Weekend Friend,” “Encinitas”
Griffin Washburn, known as the stage name Goth Babe, is a lo-fi indie pop, garage rock alternative artist from Tennesse. He is currently living off the grid with his dog and spends his days surfing, climbing, and making music. His releases include several singles and EPs, with his most recent EP titled Protect Our Winters released in March 2021. His latest single, “Encinitas,” features Louis The Child and was released this past June. His sunshine-filled music will surely be a vibe to not miss at ACL this year.
#4 Sofía Valdés
Similar artists: Cienfue, Carlos Méndez
Listen: “Handful of Water,” “Lonely,” “Oceans Away”
Sofía Valdés, an indie pop/folk alternative artist from Panama, incorporates elements ranging from British folk and bossa nova to ’60s Motown and ’70s soul. Her releases include singles “Little Did I Know,” “Handful of Water,” “The Sweet Escape” (cover), “Lonely,” “Amsterdam (Version En Español),” and EP Ventura. Her debut album, Ventura (Extended), was released this year in May. Included in 2021’s virtual version of SXSW, Sofía will be making her official Austin debut at ACL this year, and is an act to not miss.
#5 Claud
Similar artists: Samia, Wallice
Listen: “Wish You Were Gay,” “If I Were You,” “Soft Spot”
Claud, a bedroom pop musician from the Chicago suburbs, was the first artist to sign with Phoebe Bridgers’ record label Saddest Factory, through which Claud’s debut album Super Monster was released. Their releases include multiple singles and an EP from their previous project Toast from their time at Syracuse University. Playing at SXSW in 2019, Claud will be returning to Austin for their first ACL performance — check it out on Friday and help make it one to remember.
More information about the Austin City Limits Music Festival can be found on their website here.
Follow:
ACL Festival – Instagram // Facebook // Twitter
Remi Wolf – Instagram // Facebook // Twitter
Hinds – Instagram // Facebook // Twitter
Goth Babe – Instagram // Facebook // Twitter
Sofía Valdés – Instagram // Facebook // Twitter
Claud – Instagram // Facebook // Twitter</a
