5 Early Bird ACL Sets You Don't Want to Miss
Get the most out of your festival wristband by catching these early bird sets from five stellar local and international artists.
Written by Janie Bickerton
Photo courtesy of Andrea Escobar
It’s that time of year again — Thousands of music fans will come together to sweat, dance, and sing amidst the dust at the highly-anticipated, two-weekend-long Austin City Limits Music Festival. Longtime festivalgoers know that a long day is ahead at ACL. But what if you lived your ACL day to the fullest by catching sets at the beginning of the festival each day? Whether you’re going one day or both weekends, here’s an array of up-and-coming artists that are sure to convince you to come to the festival early.
FRIDAY WEEKEND ONE: LVVRS
Photo courtesy of LVVRS
A pop-rock outfit with proud Louisiana roots, LVVRS is bound to find a home on your dance playlist. Making music together since 2018, the band has played at Jazz Fest and performed on screen in the 2023 tearjerker “The Iron Claw.” Fans of The 1975 will love “The Bed,” complete with sparkling synths and unabashed yearning in lyrics like “It hurts to be me right now / But I wouldn’t hurt you / Let me love you like a fool.” ACL is the perfect time to get to know the wild hearts that make up LVVRS, since its second EP, Heaven and the Heartland, releases in October. See what’s to love about LVVRS at 1:30 p.m. at the BMI stage.
FRIDAY WEEKEND TWO: GIRL TONES
Photo courtesy of Kate LaMendola
Don’t let the primary colors and 1950s aesthetic fool you — Girl Tones is ready to be your next favorite rock group. Composed of classically-trained sisters Kenzie and Laila Crowe, the duo has brought a unique rawness to rock since their debut just last year. Their latest single, “Cherry Picker,” practically begs for headbobs with its steady drumbeat and vindictive lyrics. After touring the nation with Cage the Elephant and performing at Lollapalooza, Girl Tones is bringing gritty guitars and chanting vocals to Austin. Rock out with Girl Tones at 2:00 p.m. at the Lady Bird stage.
SATURDAY WEEKEND ONE: NEXT OF KIN
Photo courtesy of KUTX
Here to spread queer country joy is Next of Kin, a trio hailing from the Live Music Capital of the World. After years of pursuing solo projects, members Lili Hickman, Madison Baker, and Caelin Tralongo found artistic synergy when they banded together in 2023. The group’s 2025 EP, Homemaker, flaunts ear-melting harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, laying down the highs and lows of love in Texas. “Jekyll & Hyde,” for example, tells the tale of holding onto someone while struggling to find a reason for them to stay around: “Why can’t I shake myself loose? / Feelings I would never choose / Whiplash from holding on for you.” These songs are meant to be heard live, which you can experience at 1:00 p.m. at the Tito’s Handmade Vodka stage
SATURDAY WEEKEND TWO: TOPS
Photo courtesy of TOPS on Bandcamp
Coming all the way from Montreal to rock Austin is TOPS, an indie-rock four-piece currently riding the high of its sixth album, Bury the Key. TOPS’ latest output plays with grim themes of apocalypse, drugs, and self-destruction, accompanied by daringly dark instrumentals. Light does come through in some tracks, such as the playful flute in “Outstanding in the Rain.” With a mix of dance-ready tracks and moments of deep introspection, TOPS’ set at ACL will help you feel what you need to in the Saturday sun. See what TOPS is made of at 1:45 p.m. at the Beatbox stage.
SUNDAY WEEKENDS ONE AND TWO: FLOWEROVLOVE
Photo courtesy of Finn Waring
At 20 years old, Joyce Cissé, better known as Flowerovlove, has brought her own spin to indie pop with Internet humor and infectious confidence. The English-Ivorian singer-songwriter has been crafting her witty persona since the quarantine days of 2020, but she’s just getting started. “If this is how you handle business / Then you’re on my ‘You ain’t shit’ list,” the singer quips on her earworm “new friends,” exemplifying her conviction in staying true to her wants and needs in young love. Mixing hits from her 2024 EP, ache in my tooth, with her recent slew of bubblegum-pop singles, attendees of both weekends can immerse themselves in the world of the burgeoning fashion icon. Catch Flowerovlove at 1:45 p.m. at the Lady Bird stage.