Austin might model itself because the “Reside Music Capital of the World,” however let’s be trustworthy: town’s fame was constructed on guitar slingers and singer-songwriters, not DJs.
This 12 months’s Austin Metropolis Limits Music Competition made that distinction abundantly clear. Digital acts occupied a modest slice of the lineup, squeezed between the indie darlings, up to date stars and legacy rock acts that usually dominate Zilker Park. However what the style lacked in amount, it greater than compensated for in sheer power of presence. The handful of dance artists who did make the reduce appeared decided to show that turntables belong below the Texas solar simply as a lot as any Fender.
If ACL proved something this 12 months, it’s that digital artists know the way to make an entrance when given the prospect. Typically one of the simplest ways to overcome new territory is just to indicate up and go onerous.
Storied digital duo Empire of the Solar kicked off the digital takeover on Day 1 with an electrical efficiency on the Miller Lite stage. Luke Steele and firm opened with “Modifications” and dove into synth-soaked catalog staples like “DNA” and “Strolling on a Dream,” earlier than closing with the appropriately titled “Alive” as the group swayed.
Day 2 introduced UK storage breakout Sammy Virji, who closed out Miller Lite with a set that ping-ponged between gritty breakbeats and sun-dappled home. In the meantime, over at Tito’s, native favourite LP Giobbi delivered a masterclass in reside digital efficiency, alternating between tickling the ivories and spinning a blissed-out choice of home cuts that had the group locked in.
The pageant’s last day was its strongest. Disco Strains warmed issues up with a breezy home set earlier than T-Ache commandeered the American Specific mainstage with a charismatic efficiency filled with hilarious dance strikes and stunning covers. At one level he even carried out a reside rendition of Journey’s inescapable “Don’t Cease Believin’.”
Forward of a foray into dubstep, the newly 41-year-old hitmaker playfully roasted himself about his age between performances of the anthems that outlined a era, making hundreds of Millennials drop it low to ageless bangers like “Purchase U a Drank” and “Blame It.” Sure, we blamed that on the alcohol.
Whereas Ardour Pit reminded Tito’s stage attendees why their candy-coated electropop nonetheless hits a decade later, the weekend’s EDM crescendo belonged to John Summit. Making his ACL debut on the T-Cell stage, Summit commanded the highlight throughout the identical timeslot as The Killers’ mainstage set.
His closing efficiency featured a visitor look from HAYLA for reside renditions of their international dance hits “The place You Are” and “Shiver,” giving us a correct send-off because the pageant wound down. Followers watching within the adjoining Membership Magenta tent or Backstage space watched Summit’s spectacle unfold from two of the most effective views at ACL this 12 months, a significant perk provided by T-Cell.
The “Reside Music Capital of the World” might by no means totally embrace its interior raver, however after this weekend’s exhibiting, EDM artists have staked their declare to a everlasting spot within the dialog. In a metropolis constructed on reside efficiency, they proved that digital music is simply as alive as something with strings hooked up.
ACL returns for its second weekend October 10-12, with dubstep icons Zed Lifeless becoming a member of the lineup. You should purchase tickets to the pageant right here.
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