ACL: The local artist guide for Weekend 2

By Harriet Bernard

Music Journalist

It’s that time of year, again, and the 2024 Austin City Limits line up packs a punch. With Weekend 1’s wrap up, the hype lingers in the air for round two. Not only have the large headliners put this year’s fest on the map but there is a prominent local presence, during Weekend 2 alone, that will give out-of-towners a taste for the Central Texas music scene. This is the first ACL for many of these bands and artists which is a big deal since people from all over attend the festival. These are some of the local sets, exclusively tied to the second weekend, that I am looking forward to most and should be on your schedule. 

DAIISTAR

Noise-pop four piece, DAIISTAR, is straight out of Austin and they’re set to perform on Sunday for Weekend 2. With the 2023 release of their album, Good Time, this year they have released a few remixed singles; including “Clear (Sonic Boom Remix)”, “Velvet Reality (Sonic Boom Remix)”, and “Parallel (Immersion Remix).” Good Time is the band’s debut album that encapsulates nostalgic 80s and 90s neo-psychedelic synth with heavy melody throughout. I am, personally, excited to see them live from hearing a few of their tracks on Spotify. Their set starts at 12:10 pm at the Miller Lite stage this coming Sunday, so secure your spot!

Being Dead

Bestie duo, Being Dead, is also from the heart of Texas, Austin. Just a couple weeks ago they released their second album titled EELS and are set to perform exclusively during Weekend 2 on Saturday. Much like the aesthetic of Austin, the band’s music jumps between funky rock with a little cowboy kitsch to create something all their own. Get the chance to hear EELS and their other album When Horse Would Run to be immersed into the world created by the duo, Falcon B*tch and Shmoofy. They will be playing at the IHG Hotels & Resorts stage at 12:05 pm so don’t miss out! 

Molecular Steve

Nine band members have collaborated to form Molecular Steve. They consist of young and older artists brought together from some of Austin’s beloved bands like Prescott Curlywolf, The Meat Puppets and The Damnations. Their focus is all about creative exploring. Executing synth, rhythm and psyche into their music to bring the community together and remind us of the old Austin, but with a new spin. With their debut album release, this past July, titled Molecular Steve, you can be sure to experience all that they have to offer at their first ACL performance on Sunday at the T-Mobile stage at 12:30 pm. You won’t want to miss out! 

Braxton Keith

Get “Cozy” with Braxton Keith during Weekend 2. The 23 year old country singer from Midland, Texas is sure to secure the country entertainment at this year’s festival. With inspiration from George Strait, Marty Robbins and Hank Williams, Keith has a passion for song writing and playing multiple instruments from as young as 6 years old. On the come up with several singles out, reaching all the way back to 2019, Keith is making a stop on his tour for the festival. His set will for sure bring country lovers together along with other headliners like Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton. Catch Keith’s performance at the BMI stage, this Saturday, at 5:10 pm.