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Thursday, October 1, 2026

ACL 2026: VINNY

Sunday at 12:45pm.  It looks like Rubio cancelled as well.  This is the replacement. The Spotify bio says:

Vincenzo Lo Nardo, also known as VINNY, born in 1999, is an Italian DJ and producer. He, particularly passionate about the Latin music scene, decided to pursue a career as a DJ...In 2024 he created a new format on TikTok with A-Clark which consists of remixing the greatest hits of Italian music in an Afro House key.

1.2Million monthly listeners on Spotify.

It looks like most of the videos are of him and A-Clark. I don't know if it's just him solo for this.

"Caruso" has 2M streams on Youtube.

This is their most streamed song.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

ACL 2026: girlsweetvoiced

Sunday at 2pm on the Tito's stage. This is the singer replacing Paloma Morphy. According to this site:

 the Canadian-born singer whose viral webcam videos grabbed the attention of millions of indie-pop-lovers worldwide, including living legend Joni Mitchell. Which explains how she managed to get a sample of “California” personally cleared by Mitchell for the melodic single “Tonight”—an exceedingly rare stamp of approval for any rising artist. 

She's signed to Sony Music. She's also opening for Ryan Beatty at Scoot Inn on the 4th and the Ryman on the 1st.

She just released her first album. I can't find many music videos. I don't know what those viral webcam videos are. Maybe Tiktok.

"Cranberry" is good.

"Spearmint" is nice, too.

She may be my 2nd choice in this slot.

This is her most streamed song.


ACL 2026: Flight By Nothing

 Sunday at 2pm.  It looks like Paloma Morphy dropped out and Britton was moved to the 3:30 slot.  Two new bands are now in the 2pm timeslot.  This band is playing the Beatbox stage. Per this site:

Flight By Nothing was formed outside of Dallas in 2016 by Conner (vocals), Huey (keys), Pacco (lead guitar), Sam (drums), and Porfii (bass). After relocating to Austin, TX in 2021, the band dove fully into pursuing their career together. Sharing a home helped them grow both as individuals and as musicians.

This site says:

 Drawing from influences that range from pop punk to hip-hop and classic rock, they create music that feels instinctive and deeply personal.

"Stay the Night" is one of the most streamed songs.

"track 02" is them live from Park City Radio KPCW. Not pop punk or hip hop or classic rock. Good mellow tune.

This is from that same session.

 

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

ACL 2026: Ranked Schedule

Here is my ranked schedule from Friday through Sunday in order of appearance. This should make it easier to review each band before they go on stage. Click the name to see the preview. To see the spreadsheet in full-page click here.


Monday, September 21, 2026

ACL 2026: Parcels

Sunday at 7:30pm.  Last band preview of the year.  They play opposite War on Drugs and Blood Orange. 

Wikipedia says they are an Australian band formed in Byron Bay who moved to Berlin shortly after forming. They describe themselves as "sort of a blend between electropop and disco-soul".

They collaborated with Daft Punk for their first single "Overnight".  I can tell.

Also from Wikipedia: Ahead of their appearance at the 2025 edition of the festival, the Glastonbury website described Parcels' music as influenced by Daft Punk, Fleetwood Mac, and Chic.

Here is their NPR Tiny Desk Concert.

"Gamesofluck" has a Jungle vibe.

This is their most streamed song.

ACL 2026: Fcukers

Sunday at 6:30pm on the Tito's stage.  ACL alumni Geese and Sofi Tukker are also playing at this time. 

This is a duo out of NYC that plays electronic and "UK Garage" music, according to Wikipedia.  

They collaborated with James Murphy on this remix of "Los Angeles".

They have opened for Tame Impala and Harry Styles.  That's a wide range.

"Homie Don't Shake" samples "Devil's Haircut".  It has an LCD vibe.

"L.U.C.K.Y." is a chill dance tune.

This is one of their most streamed songs.

Friday, September 18, 2026

ACL 2026: Cannons

Sunday at 5:30pm.  They were at ACL in 2024.  Preview here. We saw Orville Peck instead.  They're my first choice.  Three of the four bands at this time are out of L.A. Just an observation.

We know their big songs. Here are some of their newer songs.

"Starlight" is one of the first songs on their most recent setlists. Later Fleetwood Mac feel.

"Carousel" is chill. Good late afternoon festival tune.

This is the next to the last song on their setlists before they play "Fire for You" (Great song).

ACL 2026: Noga Erez

Sunday at 5:30pm on the Beatbox stage. She played ACL in 2021.  Preview here. We opted to see Amber Mark instead.

Per Wikipedia:

In December 2024, she revealed that she is facing an international boycott due to her Israeli nationality: "I really wish it was just one case, but the list kind of keeps growing. It’s not for anything that I said, it’s simply because I was born where I was born.

Despite that she has still opened for Florence and the Machine and Pink and is playing both Coachella and ACL.

"Vandalist" is from her last album. I like it.

"Dumb" is fun.

This is her latest single. Fun lyrics.  Of the two rappers on at this time she would be my choice.


ACL 2026: Lauren Sanderson

Sunday at 5:30pm on the BMI stage. From Wikipedia:

Lauren Sanderson (born January 13, 1996) is an American singer and songwriter originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, currently based in Los Angeles. Her music blends influences from pop, R&B and hip hop,

She wrote a brief bio about herself.  I won't paste it so go read it here if you're interested.

"COME SAY SUM" features Fred Durst. I doubt you'll like it.

"Smoking Section" is from her latest album. The chorus is catchy.

This is more mellow.

ACL 2026: Saint Motel

Sunday at 5:30pm.  This band from L.A. played ACL back in 2016.  I don't remember seeing them.  Preview here. Wikipedia says their "music has been described as everything from dream pop to progressive indie."

Here are some songs I didn't post on my last preview.

"My Type" is their biggest hit.

"Get It At Home" is from their latest album.

Can't say I know much about them. Catchy tunes, though.


Thursday, September 17, 2026

ACL 2026: Max McNown

Sunday at 4:30pm. Per Wikipedia:

Max Winter McNown was born in West Linn, Oregon and later moved to Bend, Oregon. He graduated high school in 2020 and attended college for two years. In August 2022, he moved to Southern California and learned guitar.

As this article states:

Max McNown erupted onto the country music scene just recently, and his momentum hasn't slowed. It's been quick...He gained attention on TV talent shows like American Idol, and while he thought at first that would be a great avenue to get his music out there, he quickly decided he needed to cut his own path — a more unique path.

He moved to Nashville and hasn’t looked back since.

He has 12 Million monthly listeners on Spotify.  He hasn't been mentioned at all on savingcountrymusic.com.

"Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)" has 12M views on Youtube.

"Love Me Back" is pretty good.

"Forever Ain't Long Enough" is a good road trip video. It features his real-life wife.  Tear jerker at the end.

This was the breakout on TikTok. Definite Zach Bryan vibe.

ACL 2026: Rio Kosta

Sunday at 4:30pm on the Tito's stage.  It's a duo of Mike Del Rio and Kosta Galanopoulos now in L.A.. Per this bio:

There’s also a global energy to Rio Kosta. Their sun-kissed sound echoes much of their respective heritages, with Kosta’s Greek background further flavoured by time in the Bahamas, and Mike being inspired by his Spanish and Italian roots, his time growing up in New York, and especially revisiting his identity following the passing of his Puerto Rican grandmother.

It also says:

It’s also a project that’s adaptable in format. A two-man version toured Europe, speaking to an eclectic Arena filled audience in Prague during their debut show. The sprawling six-person line-up provides an electrifying energy, as seen when they opened for Hot Chip at the Hollywood Palladium and sold out word of mouth headlining performances around LA.

A reddit post said: "It's like a mix of Jungle and Leisure, with a latin touch."

Here's a live set from KCRW.  The last song "Mountain Top" is nice. Good tent tune.

 "Unicorn" is also in that set.  This is the studio version. It's good.  Sunday would be a good day to have passes.

This is their newest release. Reminds me a little of The Heavy Heavy.

ACL 2026: Audrey Hobert

Sunday at 4:30pm.  Per Wikipedia:

Audrey Sandra Hobert (born February 19, 1999) is an American singer and songwriter. After she co-wrote several songs with Gracie Abrams and Aaron Dessner (from The National) on Abrams' album The Secret of Us (2024), Hobert released her debut single, "Sue Me", in 2025. Her first album, Who's the Clown?, was released by RCA Records in August 2025.

Also:

 Audrey Sandra Hobert was born in New York City and grew up in Los Angeles. Her brother is Malcolm Todd, also a musician. Her father, Tim Hobert, was a writer and producer for Scrubs and The Middle. She went to Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles.

She graduated from NYU and wrote on a show on Nickelodeon. Her father was the showrunner for the show.

More:

Audrey Hobert then ventured into songwriting, working with close friend Gracie Abrams. The two had met at Abrams's fifth-grade graduation.

She has an NPR Tiny Desk Concert.

"Bowling Alley" has a Taylor Swift vibe.

This is her big hit. She played it on The Tonight Show.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

ACL 2026: underscores

Sunday at 3:30 on the Beatbox stage.  Fancy Hagood is playing the BMI stage at this time also.  He was supposed to play last year on the BMI stage but had to cancel.  Preview here.  I wouldn't mind watching a little of his show unless we decide to watch all of Calder Allen.

According to Wikipedia:

Devon Karpf (born April 21, 2000), known professionally as April Harper Grey and performing as Underscores (stylized in all-lowercase), is an American singer-songwriter and producer. Devon Karpf was born on April 21, 2000, in the Miraloma Park neighborhood of San Francisco, California, to a Filipina mother and a white father....Before coming out as a trans woman, she attended Cathedral School for Boys, a prestigious all-boys elementary school affiliated with the Episcopal Diocese of California...In March 2026, she released her third studio album, U, to critical acclaim. Grey opened on tour for Charli XCX in the fall of 2026.

It also says:

Her music has been described as hyperpop, pop-punk, dubstep, electropop, indie pop, electronica, rock, and Midwest emo.

"The Peace" is her newest single.

This is her most streamed song. Probably good for the Charli XCX fans.

ACL 2026: Claire Rosinkranz

Sunday at 3:30pm.  She was at ACL in 2022 when she was only 18.  Preview here. She's 22 now and has released two albums.  

"Backyard Boy" is still her biggest hit.

"don't miss me" is catchy.

This is from her latest album. 

Monday, September 14, 2026

ACL 2026: Dexter and the Moonrocks

Sunday at 2:45pm.  This band from Abilene played ACL in 2024.  Preview here. I thought they sounded grunge and were similar to Pearl Jam.

Since then they have had a major hit and played on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.  Here it is:

'"Freakin' Out"

"Ritalin" is from their last album.  Very clever video.

This is pretty good.  It's their latest single. It resonated with the commenters, too. 

ACL 2026: Stella Lefty

Sunday at 2:45pm.  I guess she doesn't need much of an introduction as the hype and the backlash have preceded this.  Savingcountrymusic has been covering her as she leans country. Some of his articles:

"Making Sense of Stella Lefty and New Song “Boston”"

"The More They Say Stella Lefty Isn’t a “Nepo Baby,” The More I Think She Is"

Nepo Baby because her dad is a billionaire.  

Then there were the song theft accusations. From Rolling Stone:

"Stella Lefty Hit With Another Plagiarism Accusation"

If you didn't read the article that's the 5th song accused of being plagiarized.

I won't rehash it all.  

"Boston" was her breakout hit. She had to add Noah Kahan to the song credits after she admitted it borrowed liberally from "Stick Season".  First comment under the video: "You cannot convince me this girl has ever been on a public train." haha.

"Thinking 'bout You" is pop country. Catchy.

"I Know I Know" is nice.  As SavingCountryMusic says:

Stella Lefty’s music itself is fine and inoffensive. It’s not that especially great, and it’s not that especially country either. But it’s also not bad. It just kind of “is.” 

This is a good country song. Cute video, too.

ACL 2026: Sunday (1994)

Sunday at 2pm.  Per Wikipedia:

Sunday (1994) is an English-American dream pop band based in Los Angeles, California. The group consists of Paige Turner from Los Angeles, California, Lee Newell from Slough, England and Jason Puma from Lima, Peru.

"Shame" is their most recent release. Reminds me of a more poppy Neko Case.

"Rain" is pretty good. 

This is their most streamed song.

ACL 2026: Paloma Morphy

Sunday at 2pm on the Tito's stage (update: show cancelled. She has postponed her tour.)  Per Wikipedia:

Andrea Paloma Barrios Gomez Álvarez Morphy (born Mexico City, 2000), known professionally as Paloma Morphy, is a Mexican songwriter and singer. Morphy won the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards Best New Artist award. Rolling Stone en Español named her an Artist you should know in may 2024 and Billboard named her the November 2025 "Latin Artist on the Rise".

It also says:

 Paloma Morphy worked as a lawyer before she left her legal career to pursue music.

"pijama" is alt-pop.  I like it.

"SEB" is good, too.  Good afternoon chill music.  The end has The XX feel.

"la mexicana" is nice.  From this interview:

“I wrote this song because, during my time working at the prosecutor’s office, I realized how many reports of gender-based violence never even reached the investigation stage. From that perspective, I wrote a song to Mexico as if it were a person I love, because I love my country; it’s beautiful in so many ways, but in this song, I ask Mexico: Why don’t you love me the way I love you? It’s truly my way of raising my voice, and it’s made me reflect on how we can truly make a difference.”

This is her most streamed song.

Friday, September 11, 2026

ACL 2026: Britton

Sunday at 2pm (update: changed to 3:30pm) on the Beatbox stage.  There are 3 acts that go by the name Britton. I started looking at this article about an alt-pop artist from Los Angeles. But there's also a Britton from San Antonio that was on The Voice. According to bandsintown this is who is playing ACL.

DJ, producer, and audio engineer Britton is a West Coast tour de force known for his dark minimal driving style of techno. Inspired by SoCal’s underground collectives and full moon gatherings, Britton has developed his own ominous and sinister sound that compliments warehouse and outdoor environments alike.

But then I looked on Instagram and found a fan page saying the actual Britton playing ACL is the alt-pop artist from Los Angeles.  I had to download the bloated Festiverse app to see what band is actually playing ACL.  It's the alt-pop artist. So bandsintown is wrong.

Her full name is Ashlee Britton Robinson and it appears she's originally from Toledo, Ohio.  There aren't many articles about her and a Wikipedia page didn't come up, either.  She has 700 thousand monthly users on Spotify, though.

"To My Younger Self" is one of her original singles.

"Who Am I?" has some bleak lyrics. One comment: "I've never heard someone express depression as well as Britton".  Another: "First artist to hit me and read my mind like lana del rey does."

This is one of her newer songs.  She wears a huge cross necklace just like Solya.  Is that a new fashion thing?

ACL 2026: Aaron Rowe

Sunday at 2pm on the BMI stage. Jess Williamson plays at this time but we'll see her at Continental Club so let's see if there's something we may want to check out. There are 4 other bands playing at the same time. Crazy.

This singer/songwriter from Ireland was performing in pubs until a big break. From Rolling Stone:

Aaron Rowe‘s origin story feels like the kind of tale that any discernible screenwriter would dismiss as unbelievable, and yet it’s entirely true. He was playing a regular gig at a Dublin pub last year when Lewis Capaldi walked in while on a stag do and saw him performing. 

I had to look it up: a stag do is a bachelor party. 

It says:

Rowe’s sound may be rooted in Irish trad (see the subtle fiddle on ‘Hey Ma’) but the stories he tells and his own distinctive vocals are truly universal. With friends like Capaldi, Ed Sheeran and Fontaines D.C. firmly in his corner, it’s only a matter of time before they reach the audience they truly deserve.

"John's Song" is a good trad song.

"Talking With You" is a heartfelt ballad. 

This was his first big song.

  

Thursday, September 10, 2026

ACL 2026: Villanelle

Sunday at 1:15pm.  Per Rolling Stone:

They have yet to drop their debut EP, but the trio led by Gene Gallagher — son of Liam — are already generating big buzz all across the U.K.

The rest is behind a paywall.  This article says:

Villanelle were given a proper baptism of fire when Liam Gallagher invited them to be the opener on his 2024 anniversary tour of Oasis’ ‘Definitely Maybe’.

That's nice. It also says:

The AFL team will have been eagerly awaiting the release of the band’s debut EP ‘Measly Means’: a gnarly dose of Smashing Pumpkins and Black Sabbath with a truck full of ‘90s colour and swagger.

The EP has now been released.   5 songs.  Grunge sound.

"Placebo" is the last song on the EP but it's their most streamed song on Spotify. The ending is good. Would be a good way to end the show.

"Measly Means" is the opener.  Very Nirvana-ish.

This was probably my favorite.  Also Nirvana.


ACL 2026: Solya

Sunday at 1:15pm.  Per Wikipedia:

Solya Ava Lowe (born April 6, 2006), known professionally as Solya, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer from Abilene, Texas...She began playing the piano at the age of six and later learned guitar and synthesizer as a teenager...Solya has cited Cocteau Twins, Patsy Cline, the Flaming Lips and David Bowie as influences on her music...The Dallas Morning News described her sound as "surreal, retro-leaning ballads at the intersection of Lana Del Rey and Julee Cruise"

It's a pretty comprehensive Wikipedia page for a 20-year old with one album out. 

"Tell Me It's Over" was recorded live at 29th St. Ballroom.

"We Say Goodbye" is chill.

This is representative of her sound. 


ACL 2026: Rubio

Sunday at 12:45pm on the BMI stage (Update: cancelled).  According to this bio:

Lauded by Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and Billboard for her alchemic blend of dark avant-pop, Rubio is the award-winning brainchild of Chilean artist, songwriter and producer Fran Straube, also nominated to a Latin Grammy for her music video “Nacimos Llorando” and with her most recent debut on Tiny Desk Concert.

Per Rolling Stone:  “Nacimos Llorando,” is a short film directed by Fernando Cattori, that tells a shattering story of LGBTQ love and heartbreak. It came out in October (2023), and it’s partially set to “Kitsungi” and “Llorar.”

It's 21 minutes long. I'll skip ahead to play "Kitsungi".


Here's the Tiny Desk Concert. 

She also performed on KEXP. I like this better than the Tiny Desk. Synths help.

"Nuestra Canción" is a nice tune.

Good start to the day.  

This is from her latest album and is the last song played on the Tiny Desk Concert. I like it.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

ACL 2026: Lykke Li

Saturday at 7:30pm. Obviously my first choice.  I only post as I haven't really heard much about her since we saw her so many years ago. She just released her 6th and possibly final album, according to this article.

It says:

Maybe that’s why she speaks so casually about walking away from it all — disappearing to art school, studying theology, moving to a remote island without a phone.

This question sums up her new album:

Q:You were in a different chapter while creating this album than the last, having just had your second child and the world being a different place than 2022. Where did this album come from emotionally?

A: I don’t bring motherhood into my work at all. This album actually goes straight against it.

It’s more like the opposite: a creature of the night, a f*ck boy, heathenous… like I don’t give a sh*t. Art is where you get to do something else. I love being a mother for the record, but art is the release. It keeps me in fighting form.

I think this is my attempt to be a male rock star. While making it, I was listening to The Rolling Stones, Radiohead, The Verve, Black Sabbath, The Beatles, just every great male rock artist that's ever lived, I guess, which is a bit sad because it sounds misogynistic, but the world is.

Her recent setlists cover her career. 

"Happy Now" is on the new album.

This is also on the new album.  

ACL 2026: Fakemink

Saturday at 7:30pm.  Per Wikipedia:

Vincenzo Nischal Camille Bhatia, known professionally as Fakemink (stylised in lowercase) and previously 9090gate, is an English rapper and producer. He has been credited with popularising the UK underground rap scene...He was born on 29 January 2005 in Ilford, East London and was raised there subsequently until the age of 5. After which, his family moved to the town of Basildon in Essex. He is of Indian Punjabi and Algerian descent...Camille is Muslim. He has said he abstains from alcohol both due to religious adherence and because he does not find it enjoyable.

"Fever" isn't bad.

This was the best I heard.

  

ACL 2026: Levity

Saturday at 7:15pm.  More DJs.  According to this bio:

Hailing from Chicago, IL, Levity is an electronic trio at the forefront of a new generation of dubstep – pushing the genre forward while bridging the gap between bass music and broader cultural influences.

Known for their high-impact production, hip-hop-rooted sensibility, and crowd-driven energy, Levity has built a reputation for delivering some of the most dynamic and immersive live performances in electronic music today. 

Unlike most DJs this is 3 people.  

794 Million monthly listeners on Spotify. Wow.

 "Flip It" is one of the most streamed songs.

Another popular song of theirs. Not our thing.


ACL 2026: ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U

Saturday at 6:30pm on the Tito's stage.  Also known as Yousuke Yukimatsu.  You're not going to believe this but ACL booked a DJ to play the festival.  Wild.

According to Wikipedia:

Originally employed in construction, Yukimatsu was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2016, leading him to leave his job. After undergoing treatment and two surgeries, he shifted his focus entirely to DJing, further developing his experimental style.

It also says: 

Yukimatsu is known for performing topless during his sets.

Our other options at this time are ACL veterans Bleachers and Lola Young.  

Apparently his Boiler Room set in Tokyo went viral. This video has 20M views.

Here's a short documentary called "The Insane Rise of Yousuke Yukimatsu".  The first couple minutes are worth watching.  I didn't know there are TWO kinds of DJs.  I do now.

Most everything online is his sets at different festivals.  Here is a short video of him with his shirt off.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

ACL 2026: It's Murph

Saturday at 5:30pm. Per this bio:

Hailing from Nashville, it’s murph, alias of producer Garrett Murphy, is making a splash in the dance world with his euphoric melodies, gritty baselines and sonically expansive atmospheres. His production draws in elements of tech, bass, and heavy dance inspired by artists such as Fred Again…, Cloonee, Chris Lake and Flume.

Another DJ. 

"Chemicals" is a newer song.

This is his most streamed song. 

 

ACL 2026: Palace

Saturday at 5:30pm on the Beatbox stage.  Per Wikipedia:

Palace is a British alternative rock band from London. The band has released four full-length studio albums to date...The band have performed several headlining tours worldwide, in addition to playing at major festivals including Glastonbury (2016, 2019) and Coachella (2024).

Four albums and major festivals yet I don't think I've ever heard of them. Do512 describes their sound:

a self-described alternative blues-rock group with a relaxed, atmospheric sound. Their music has an introspective feel. It's melodic and dynamic in its languid movement and the lyrics express personal emotions with a universal emotional spectrum.

They played Stubb's last March.

"Ohio" is their latest single that is going to be on their 5th album.  It's pretty good.

"Bitter" is from their debut album.

"Heaven Up There" is nice. A mix of Elbow and Foals. Should be a chill show.

This is their most streamed song.  I like it.  Has a Real Estate feel.


ACL 2026: Fai Laci

Saturday at 5:15pm on the BMI stage.  According to this bio:

Fai Laci has quickly emerged from the historically rich music scene of Boston, MA, to be one of the most compelling new voices in alternative rock. The band was founded by Luke Faillaci following the 2022 release of the first Fai Laci EP.

After that he formed a band with friends and released a second EP. Then:

Now signed to Easy Eye Sound, Fai Laci is currently hard at work recording their first full-length album in Nashville with Easy Eye Sound founder Dan Auerbach producing.

"Five" is an older song from 2022 and is the most streamed song. 

"Headlights" is one of the better ones I heard from their new album.  Has a Cage the Elephant sound.

This is also from their album.  


ACL 2026: Snow Strippers

Saturday at 5:15pm.  According to Wikipedia it's a duo that met on Tinder while they were in Florida then moved to Detroit before relocating to NYC.

It says:

Snow Strippers' music has primarily been described as electronic music; they have described it as EDM and it has also been described as electropop. It contains elements of new rave, witch house, electroclash, shoegaze, hyperpop, and techno.

Here's their most streamed song. Not really our thing.

 

Friday, September 4, 2026

ACL 2026: Rodrigo Y Gabriela

Saturday at 4:30pm on the Tito's stage.  We saw them do an ACL taping with the Austin Symphony Orchestra.  It was pretty cool.

They have a new album coming out September 18th.  

"Akatsuki (With Hiromi)" is their 2nd release from it.

This is the first release from it.  Cool video.  According to Wikipedia:

the accompanying music video features art by Naoki Urasawa, author and illustrator of the manga series of the same name.

I like the end when color is added.


ACL 2026: Young Miko

Saturday at 4:30pm.  Per Wikipedia:

María Victoria Ramírez de Arellano Cardona (born November 8, 1997), known professionally as Young Miko, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter and former footballer.

Her biggest hits are collaborations:

"Classy 101" with Feid.

"FINA" with Bad Bunny.  She was part of the Super Bowl halftime show.

 This is her latest single which is part of a Gap campaign.  According to Wikipedia:

In March 2026, Gap launched a new campaign with Miko as the star. The campaign's name, Sweats Like This, features a slight remix of her hit single "WASSUP". This is the first Spanish language video campaign by Gap and she is the brand's first openly lesbian Latina face.


ACL 2026: Suki Waterhouse

Saturday at 4:15pm. We've seen her before. She also played ACL in 2023.  Preview here. We didn't see her then. Since then she has released a couple albums so I thought I'd listen to what's new.

"Notting Hill" is nice.

This was on rotation on KUTX.  


Thursday, September 3, 2026

ACL 2026: Skye Newman

Saturday at 3:30pm.  According to Wikipedia:

Skye Newman (born 9 November 2003) is an English singer-songwriter from South East London...Her debut EP SE9 Part 1 was released in October 2025...She has named Amy Winehouse, Adele, Bob Marley, and Eminem among her musical inspirations.

She has since released SE9 Part 2. 

"Hairdresser" was her debut single. 9 Million views. A good follow-up to Don West.

"FU &UF" is a good warmup for Lola Young.

This is her big hit.  I wonder if the US kids will know the lyrics like they do in England.  Here's the studio version.  Tough lyrics for a singalong.  

 

ACL 2026: Ryan Beatty

Saturday at 3:30pm. Per this bio:

For nearly a decade, GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Ryan Beatty has reinvented himself time and time again, traversing the spectrum of the pop world and beyond...First gaining notoriety for delivering hooks for artists like Brockhampton and Tyler, The Creator, Beatty soon garnered acclaim for the confessional indie-tinged pop of his 2018 debut Boy In Jeans. In 2020, a more heartbroken yet adventurous sophomore outing called Dreaming Of David followed...He also earned critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, Variety, i-D, Billboard, FLAUNT, and more. Amidst tours with Noah Kahan and Maggie Rogers, Beatty secretly worked on what would become Beyonce’s blockbuster 2024 album Cowboy Carter, later winning an Album Of The Year Grammy for contributing four of its key tracks.

According to Wikipedia  he gained recognition in his teens and was pigeonholed as a teen heartthrob, a designation he didn't want. He fired his management team and took a break to refine his sound.  He's now 30 and released his latest album in June.

"Virtuoso" is a good opener for Nohah Kahan fans.

"White Lightning" is his latest video. Nice mellow tune. I wonder how long they had to wait to get the lightning to cooperate.

"Too Many Ways" reminds me of Harry Nilsson.

This is the title track and his most streamed song. Nice tune.  He has a 70s/80s style. 

ACL 2026: Coleman Jennings

Saturday at 3:30pm on the BMI stage.  We've seen him twice: once opening for Briscoe at Stubb's and once solo at Luck as part of the BMI Songwriter's showcase.  He just released his debut album produced by Dave Cobb. (Producer for Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, Colter Wall, Brandi Carlisle, etc.  Huge.)

SavingCountryMusic liked it.

"Ride On" is good. 

So is this.

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

ACL 2026: Don West

Saturday at 3:15pm on the Tito's stage. This Australian singer was supposed to play the Tito's stage at 3pm on Sunday last year but he had to cancel.  Preview here. He's honoring his commitment and is back this year.

Here are a few songs he recently released that aren't on last year's preview.

"Julia" is good stuff. For the Black Pumas fans.

"Day to Night" is good, too.  Marvin Gaye sound.  One of the comments under the video: "I’ve been confidently straight my whole life. Then this guy showed up."

This is the most streamed song from his latest album.

ACL 2026: Arcy Drive

Saturday at 3:15pm.  We saw this band play Luck Reunion in 2023.  Preview here.  I don't remember much about them. 

Here are some new songs since that show.

"Louie" is from their last album.  

"Time Shrinks" is a good-old stomp and holler song a la The Lumineers.

This is their lastest single.  Strokes-ish.

ACL 2026: Finn Wolfhard

Saturday at 2:45pm.  ACL likes to book "Stranger Things" actors who are also musicians.  Last year it was Joe Keery (who played Steve) as Djo.  This year it's Finn Wolfhard who played Mike.

Some facts from Wikipedia:

  • Finn Michael Wolfhard was born on December 23, 2002, in Vancouver, British Columbia, to a family of French and German descent with Jewish heritage.
  • His father, Eric Wolfhard, is a researcher on Indigenous land claims in Canada.
  • Wolfhard was the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and songwriter for Vancouver-based rock band Calpurnia, until the band dissolved in November 2019.
  • A few weeks later, it was announced that Wolfhard's new band, The Aubreys, with Calpurnia drummer Malcolm Craig, would debut on the soundtrack of his film, The Turning (2020).
  • Wolfhard released his debut studio album, Happy Birthday, on June 6, 2025, via AWAL. After Stranger Things concluded later that year, Wolfhard said in an interview with Deadline Hollywood that he would shift his focus to music. His second album, Fire from the Hip, was released on July 10, 2026.

"Follow" is from his latest album.  It sounds like a mix of "Chicago" by Sufjan Stevens and "The Cutter" by Echo and the Bunnymen.

"Trailers After Dark" is a good mellow tune.

"Choose the Latter" is also good. Wouldn't mind checking him out.

This is his most streamed song. Nice throwback sound.  A commenter mentioned Cage the Elephant. I hear a Kinks influence, too.

ACL 2026: Balu Brigada

 Saturday at 2:30pm.  From Wikipedia:

Balu Brigada is a New Zealand indie rock band originally from Auckland. The act, formed in 2016 with four members, is led by multi-instrumentalist brothers Henry and Pierre Beasley. They have released two extended plays—I Should Be Home (2022), and Find a Way (2023)—and the compilation Balu (2024). Their debut album, Portal, was released on 29 August 2025.

They sold out Mohawk in November.  They've also played on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and opened for 21 Pilots.

"Sideways"  is more indie pop. 

"Backseat" has a good beat. The extended instrumental ending is pretty cool. Would be good live.

"BedHead" is their latest single. Strokes-ish.

This is their big hit. It went to #1 on the US Alternative charts.  Also Strokes-ish.


Tuesday, September 1, 2026

ACL 2026: Rochelle Jordan

 Saturday at 2pm.  According to Wikipedia:

Rochelle Jordan is a British-Jamaican singer raised primarily in Toronto, Canada. Her music is known for its blend of alternative R&B, dance-pop, and house.

She's 36 and has had a quite a journey to get to ACL.  Following a bad record deal and complications from sickle cell anemia she took a 7 year hiatus from the industry. After that she released her second album in 2021 and her third in 2025.  That album,  Through the Wall was shortlisted for the 2026 Polaris Music Prize, and the song "The Boy" was longlisted for the SOCAN Polaris Song Prize.

"Doing It Too" is off that new album. 

Here is a live performance on KEXP from 2022 where she plays songs off her 2nd album. Dance oriented tunes.

This is the song that was longlisted for the SOCAN Polaris Song Prize.

ACL 2026: DJ Cassandra

Saturday at 2pm on the Tito's stage.  According to this article/interview:

DJ Cassandra’s experience as a musician, composer, speaker, and mentor has reached listeners across the country. Her ambitions are expanding after being the first woman to win Best DJ at the Austin Music Awards this year.

It says she grew up between London and Austin and studied composition at UT and is a classically trained pianist.  

It says she's working on original music.  I think this is one of them.

"Shiki Shock"

This is her most streamed song. Not really our thing.

ACL 2026: Cure for Paranoia

Saturday at 2pm.  According to their website bio:

Cure for Paranoia is the Dallas hip-hop and soul collective founded by Cameron McCloud, who was placed on medication for bipolar depression and paranoid schizophrenia a decade ago — and found the music worked better. A preschool teacher by day, McCloud posted a new verse every day of 2025, and those dailies became “No Brainer,” winner of NPR's 2026 Tiny Desk Contest, followed by the ten-city On The Road tour.

 The Dallas Observer gave their live show this review:

While McCloud naturally commanded attention, it can’t be overstated how crucial the band was to last night’s performance. They brought every track to new heights and included several instrumental breaks to fully emphasize every moment. McCloud was quick to step aside for a trumpet or sax solo and gave each member their own moment to shine...There’s no other way to cut it: If you weren’t at Trees last night, you missed out on a night of Dallas music magic. Between the stacked bill of dynamic openers and the powerhouse performance from Cure for Paranoia, the record release show was one for the books.

"No Brainer" is the song that won them the NPR Tiny Desk Contest. The lyrics are great. Funky song, too.  From NPR:

This year, we received more than 6,000 entries from independent artists across the country, but one act had undeniable star power. Among our judges, the decision to crown Cure For Paranoia was unanimous. 

Here is their NPR Tiny Desk Concert performance.  His speech between the 2nd and 3rd song is touching. It starts here if you want to skip ahead.

"&Pose" is good. The review of their live show says they extended the song to "10 minutes of all-out, pure, in-the-moment grooves. Everyone on stage was winded by the time they finished, and the audience exploded with applause."

This is the first song on the Tiny Desk Concert but I'll post again. More great lyrics. This may be my pick for this timeslot. 


Monday, August 31, 2026

ACL 2026: Emma Ogier

Saturday at 1:45pm on the BMI stage.  She played Luck Reunion this year as part of the BMI Songwriter's showcase.  Preview here.   We missed her.

This article/interview provides an update since Luck.  She's moving from Nashville to Los Angeles and her debut album is supposed to be released in the Fall.  She's currently opening for Whitney on tour.

"Rocksteady/Heavy Metal" is her latest single.  

She's playing opposite Temper City on the Miller Lite stage so noise bleed could be bad.

This was also released recently.  It's her most streamed song.  It's nice.


ACL 2026: Temper City

 Saturday at 1:45pm.  Per Wikipedia:

Temper City is an Israeli-American alternative rock band based in Los Angeles...The musical style of the first single is reminiscent of 2000s indie rock bands such as Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, and Foster the People.

It also says:

On February 15, 2026, the band released its debut single, "Self Aware," under the Thirty Knots label. The song became a viral success of unprecedented scale for Israeli artists on the international stage. It climbed to number one on the viral charts of Spotify and TikTok in 42 countries, including the United States, the UK, Israel, and Australia. Additionally, the song entered the US Billboard chart, peaking at number 60 making the band the first Israeli act to appear on that chart.

Posters on Reddit think they are an industry plant.  They've only released 2 songs and no albums yet they were booked for ACL just months after releasing their first song.  Hmm.

"Reverse Psychology" was released on Youtube 3 days ago.

This is their "breakout".  31M views (by real people. certainly not bots) in 6 months.

Kinda generic.


ACL 2026: Annie DiRusso

 Saturday at 1:15pm.  According to NPR:

Annie DiRusso is a Nashville based indie-rock artist born in NYC, who wears the influence of both of these cities on her sleeve. She blends buzzing garage rock guitars and high-energy performances with a pop-infused flair. The magic she creates in her hooks and melodies is apparent in her eight previously released singles, quickly turning casual listeners into hardcore fans.

Here's her NPR Tiny Desk Concert. 

"Don't Swerve" is one of her older songs.

This is her biggest hit.


ACL 2026: Night Tapes

 Saturday at 1pm.  From Wikipedia:

Night Tapes are a British-Estonian dream pop band based in London, formed by Estonian singer Iiris Vesik and English musicians Max Doohan and Sam Richards...Night Tapes' music has been described as dream pop blended with electronic, ambient and trip hop elements, characterised by Vesik's layered vocals over minimalist drum loops and synthesisers. NME characterised their output as hypnagogic pop with shoegaze textures.

"storm" is off their most recent album. Chill ambient tune.  ACL likes to start the day with these bands.

"Helix" is good. I like the drums.

This is their biggest hit to date. I like it. Right up my alley as you'd say.

Friday, August 28, 2026

ACL 2026: Left Lucid

Saturday at 12:45pm.  I can't find much on this performer.   Google AI says: "Left Lucid is the Austin-based DJ and electronic music producer alias of Lucas Ogden."

He's DJing tonight at Eberly and plays September 11th at Brushy Street Commons.

"247" is chill festival kickoff vibes.

"keeping u close" is his most streamed song on Spotify.

This is catchy.

 

ACL 2026: FIGHTMASTER

 Saturday at 12:45pm.  According to Wikipedia:

Emmett Rogers Fightmaster (born 8 June 1992), known professionally as E. R. Fightmaster, is an American actor, producer, and writer. Fightmaster is known for their work on Grey's Anatomy as Dr. Kai Bartley, and through their solo music project Fightmaster (stylized in all caps)...Fightmaster is a former member of The Second City's Chicago and touring companies. Their previous work includes performing with Boom Chicago, an English-language comedy troupe in Amsterdam.

We saw a segment about Boom Chicago on either CBS Sunday Morning or 60 Minutes. 

They are non-binary and play a non-binary doctor on Grey's Anatomy.  They've released 2 EPs and 1 full album in June.  They've opened for Lucy Dacus and Lord Huron.

"Bad Man" is the most streamed song. It's good.

So is "Cowboy Tumbleweed".  For the Lord Huron fans.

"All or Nothing" is the first single off the new album.  

This has a Lucy Dacus feel. One description of their music I saw is "genre-bending". It fits.

I could be up for getting there early to see this.


Thursday, August 27, 2026

ACL 2026: Charli xcx

Friday at 8:40pm.  It may be tough to stay late enough to watch this but I'll try to make a case for watching some of it.  First, some facts I didn't know about her. From Wikipedia:

Charlotte Emma Aitchison was born in Cambridge, England, on 2 August 1992, the only child of nurse and flight attendant Shameera and entrepreneur and talent agent Jon Aitchison. Her mother was born into a Muslim family of Gujarati Indian descent in Uganda and moved to England after they were expelled by the Idi Amin regime. Her father is Scottish.

That's the third person I've come across recently that is descended from Indian Muslims expelled from Uganda.  The second was a main suspect in the book I just read "London Falling".  It was the first time I learned about that diaspora.  The third person is NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Her Lollapalooza show has drawn great reviews:

"Charli xcx’s Lollapalooza Set Made Me Think There Might Be a God"

"Charli xcx delivers jaw-dropping drama amid made-for-movies downpour"

I pulled the setlist and created a Spotify playlist for it.  I listened to the whole thing since I don't really know her music.  It was a very eclectic mix.  

Here is her Lollapalooza set.

I really like her new album "Music, Fashion, Film" and she plays a lot from it.  Her previous album "Brat" was a cultural phenomenon.  It's more straight-up dance pop than her new album which incorporates rock and heavy guitar.  The cover is pretty cool, too, with John Cale, Marc Jacobs and Martin Scorsese.  Music, Fashion, Film.


If she plays a similar setlist she'll start off with a few songs off her new album.  It could be worth it to stick around for a bit.

"Yeah" is rocking.  Cool video, too. Reminds me of Fischerspooner.

"SS26" is nice.

So is "Wink Wink"

This is the first song in the setlist. Damn good.


ACL 2026: Molly Santana

 Friday at 7:30pm.  According to Wikipedia:

Molly Santana is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. She is best known for her guest appearance alongside Future on Drake's 2026 song "Ran to Atlanta", which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100...Santana is of Japanese and African American ancestry, and grew up in Fontana, California.

She's only 21 years old.

"Can't Touch This" is one of her newer songs.

This is her most streamed song. I like it.  Probably not our thing, though.


ACL 2026: Leon Thomas

Friday at 7:15pm.  I know he has won Grammys and did an ACL taping. I just don't know much about him. What I didn't know, according to Wikipedia:

  • Thomas was born in Brooklyn, New York City
  • Thomas made his Broadway debut at the age of 10 in 2003 as Young Simba in the Broadway production of The Lion King
  • He also was on Broadway in the musicals Caroline, or Change and The Color Purple
  • He played a main character on Victorious, portraying Andre Harris, which premiered on Nickelodeon on March 27, 2010. It ran for 57 episodes.
  • He co-wrote and co-produced for artists including his Victorious co-star Ariana Grande, Babyface, Drake, Rick Ross, SZA, and Toni Braxton.
  • In 2016, he served as a co-producer for Post Malone's album Stoney.

Pretty impressive career.

Here's his NPR Tiny Desk Concert.

This is his big hit. Live from his ACL taping.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

ACL 2026: Labrinth

Friday at 6:30pm.  I previewed a hard rock band called Labrinth that I thought played ACL in 2023.  Preview here.  That's not the Labrinth that played.  It was this Labrinth then and now. Oops. I'm out of touch.

This Labrinth, according to Wikipedia:

Timothy Lee McKenzie (born 4 January 1989), better known by his stage name Labrinth, is a British singer, songwriter, composer, and record producer. Labrinth signed as a recording artist with Simon Cowell's record label Syco Music in 2010.

It also says:

He has been referred to as "one of the most important British musicians of his generation". Labrinth has worked with numerous artists as a songwriter and producer including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Eminem, Kanye West, and the Weeknd.

He scored the soundtrack for the TV show "Euphoria". "Formula" is on it.  It looks like that show was his breakthrough.

So is "Still Don't Know My Name".

Here is "Never Felt So Alone" at Coachella. With somebody named Billie Eilish.

This is his most streamed song. 


ACL 2026: Steve Aoki

 Friday at 6:30pm.  From Google AI:

Steven Hiroyuki Aoki is an American DJ, record producer, and music executive who blends electronic music with pop, hip-hop, and rock. Born in Miami in 1977 and raised in Los Angeles, Aoki started by putting on hardcore shows. He founded the independent label Dim Mak in 1996, which releases music ranging from indie rock to trap. In the late 2000s, Aoki shifted his focus to production, collaborating with EDM artists like Afrojack, Tiësto, and NERVO. 

Here is a live show from Brazil.

This is a newer release. 


ACL 2026: Turnstile

Friday at 6:15pm.  Hard rock from Baltimore. They've been around since 2010.  According to Wikipedia:

Originally a hardcore punk group, Turnstile's breakthrough third album Glow On was released in 2021, earning critical acclaim and three Grammy nominations. Their fourth album Never Enough was released in 2025 and charted in the top 10 of five countries, including the U.S. The album received five Grammy nominations, making Turnstile the first band to be nominated in the rock, alternative, and metal categories in the same year. The band won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for their song "Birds" and Best Rock Album on February 1, 2026.

Not really our thing but here are a few songs.

"Birds" is what won them the Grammy.

"Blackout" is their most streamed song on Spotify. Reminds me of RHCP.

"Look out for Me" is one of their bigger hits.

This is more mellow.  It's the title track of their latest album.

 

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

ACL 2026: BUNT.

 Friday at 4:30pm.  According to Wikipedia:

Levi Wijk (born January 3, 1996), better known as Bunt (stylized as BUNT.), is a German folk DJ and record producer...BUNT's musical style is described as "electronic folk music" and noted to be heavily influenced by late electronic music pioneer Avicii along with influences from musicians such as Justice, Basement Jaxx, Swedish House Mafia and Calvin Harris with elements of Fred Again..

 10 MILLION monthly listeners on Spotify.

"TRIPPIN" has 8.5M streams on Youtube. I like it.

This is his biggest hit.


ACL 2026: Rusowsky

 Friday at 4:30pm on the Beatbox stage.  According to Wikipedia:

Ruslán Mediavilla (born 1999), known professionally as Rusowsky (stylized in all lowercase), is a Spanish singer, songwriter and record producer. His music explores underground and avant-garde genres such as bedroom pop, R&B, reggaeton, techno, hip hop and even jazz...Rusowsky was born into a Belarusian family; his mother was a member of a Belarusian folk group. He has a classical music background, with knowledge of solfège, and plays instruments such as the guitar and piano.

Here is his NPR Tiny Desk Concert. Nice chill session.

This is his most streamed song. Catchy.


ACL 2026: Grocery Bag

 Friday at 5:15pm on the BMI stage.  Psych-rock from Austin. According to this article it consists of:

Vocalist/guitarist Bella Martinez, guitarist/bassist Dillon Aitala, bassist/guitarist Logan Kerman, and drummer/guitarist/vocalist Jimmy Mercado.

It says Aitala hosts "Just Another Day in Paradise" on KVRX. They got started playing co-ops in West Campus and expanded from there.  

"Last Draw" is live from the Pearl Street Co-op. Cool video.

"Stop Calling Me Out" is good.

This is pretty good, too. Filmed at the skate park at House Park.