Originally starting as a two-day festival highlighting Americana and alt-country’s finest acts, Austin City Limits Music Festival is now a huge, sprawling festival spread over two full weekends with a lineup boasting top artists from nearly every genre imaginable. With so much diversity, it can be hard to sift through everyone and find the rootsy diamonds in the rough. Lucky for you, we did just that!
If you’re a fan of bands that are more in the Americana/Country/Folk realms, artists that would’ve populated ACL’s original lineups, we’ve picked out 10 of ‘em that should top your list this year. Some have been around for years, while others weren’t even born when those bands formed. We’ve got acts with a little more rock, with a little more jazz, with a little more soul, and some with a little more dirt and gravel — everything you could possibly want!
So, check out these 10 amazing artists, and then let us know which ones you’re checking out.
10. Imelda May
Who says American music can’t be done exceptionally well by foreigners? Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May is one of the freshest voices in rockabilly at the moment. Her soulful delivery and whiplash guitar playing is retro-cool and makes for some damn good songs. If it weren’t for the hi-fi recording quality, Tribal, her latest album, would feel like a time capsule straight from the 1950’s, vintage diner and greaser music for leather jackets, cigarette smoking, and moussed hair. If you’re looking for that sort of vibe, her show is one that can’t be overlooked. –Josh Terry
