6 must-see local artists make their debut at ACL Fest

The annual Austin City Limits Music Festival Double Shot is almost upon us! Whether your schedule is already busy or you're just planning on aimlessly strolling through Zilker Park, you'll want to take some time to meet some of the amazing locals on the itinerary. Here's a selection that will make its festival debut. For the full schedule, visit aclfestival.com.

WEEKEND ONE

Midnight Navy
Francisco Jose Rosales is Midnight Navy, a singer-songwriter, saxophonist and producer whose sound ranges from Chicano indie soul to alternative R&B to psychedelic bedroom pop. You currently have an EP, De Melonthat's out now, and their first performance at ACL will be on Friday, October 4th at 1:15 p.m. on the Tito's Stage.

“I am extremely excited and grateful to be able to play ACL this year! I attended the festival when I first moved to the city about eight years ago, and now things have come full circle at the other end of the stage. I’m looking forward to it.” Sharing my Chicano Soul sounds with the audience and debuting my deluxe EP “De Melón”! – Midnight Navy

Chief Cleopatra
Over the past few years, Chief Cleopatra, a standout soul-rock artist, has made a name for herself throughout Austin with a live show that always sets the right mood. With her remarkable 2024 single “Cold Dancer” under her belt, she will make her ACL debut on the IHG stage on Sunday, October 6th at 12:30 p.m.

“I haven't been to ACL for seven years, so performing for the first time is a dream come true. In addition to my favorite artists like Khruangbin and Tyler, the Creator, I also get to meet other Austin artists who have been making it for years. I'm also looking forward to seeing Leon Bridges and Orville Peck as well as some familiar and new faces coming to see my performance this Sunday. I can’t wait, it will be an unforgettable experience.” – Chief Cleopatra

West 22^nd
West 22^nd consists of five UT students who have been on a rapid upward trajectory since releasing their debut EP in 2023. The pop-rock act, which has already racked up millions of streams across multiple platforms, will play its first-ever ACL set Sunday, October 6, at 1:30 p.m. on the Tito Stage.

“As students at UT, one of our first goals when we got together in 2022 was to play at ACL Fest. That's why we're already in the line-up this year before we graduate and are very excited about what awaits us.” — West 22^nd

WEEKEND TWO

Be dead
Versatile art rockers Being Dead have just released their second standout album in just over a year (2024). EELS suitable for 2023 As horses would run), and now they're bringing their infectious energy to Zilker Park. Don't miss their festival debut on Saturday, October 12th at 12:05pm on the IHG stage.

“We’re just so excited to be playing an Austin classic! We've never had the opportunity to be there before, so this is a truly delicious treat that we can't wait to devour.” — Be dead