Austin City Limits celebrated another fantastic opening weekend and is set to follow up with an even wilder weekend two. The acts in the 2017 ACL lineup are nothing short of extraordinary. Every genre at the festival features top-tier talent. The most notable acts are the headliners, and each one will play a show worth attending. However, quality can also be found in non-headliner acts. So when it comes to shows that can’t be missed, here are a few that may have flown under the radar.
.@aclfestival take two #SHC pic.twitter.com/PCs2AgqmgM
— Foster The People (@fosterthepeople) October 15, 2017
Foster the People
Under the radar might not be the best description for Foster the People, but while some people visit their set just to check out “Pumped Up Kicks,” the group has a lot more to offer. Earlier this year, the group released their latest album “Sacred Hearts Club,” which is fully of worthy songs. The group’s live performances are known for their active and energized feel, perfect for a music festival like ACL. The group also plays at the American Express stage before Jay-Z, so they can also grab a good spot for the final show.
A$AP Ferg
Probably the second-most successful musical member of hip-hop collective A$AP Mob, Ferg is fresh off the release of his latest album “Still Striving.” A successful blend of features helped the album become another solid release from Ferg, who commands his songs and shows with blazing stamina and power. His set starts at 2:00 p.m., which is a little early, especially on a long day in the Austin heat, but once the beats start blaring, it’ll be hard to walk away. Fingers are crossed that he brings out one of the many artists he has worked with in the past.
They tried to cut my sound today at ACL…didn’t work pic.twitter.com/cjYNUDPmJh
— SANTIAGO (@russdiemon) October 15, 2017
Russ
Simple name,; complex artist. Russ is a hip-hop artist with a penchant for musical intricacy. He may be a rapper on the surface, but his music overflows with unique instrumentals and subtle lyrics. The New Jersey native emerged from the hip-hop scene with his singles “What they Want” and “Losin’ Control” and finally dropped his debut album earlier this year. Russ’ musical styling should not be overlooked and deserve a full audience at ACL.
Danny Brown
Another rapper with an unmatched stage persona, Danny Brown will bring his wild and untamed energy to a Sunday set at ACL. It has been a while since Brown released an album but his latest, “Atrocity Exhibition,” is good enough to last a while. The buck-toothed spitter has lyrics that match his zany beats and raucous rhymes. Nobody at ACL will have more fun with their show than Danny Brown.
Austin!!! pic.twitter.com/1RkXC4dAXs
— ZHU® (@ZHUmusic) October 9, 2017
Zhu
Zhu is a mysterious and entrancing electronic artist who will make his way to the Barton Springs stage Sunday evening. His melodic remixes and creative solo work are both worthwhile listens and promise to be a pulsing show. The eclectic beat shifts and swooping changes mark an artist that has to be seen to be believed.
