Austin City Limits is one of the most beloved live music television programs available on public television. Presenting some of the finest artists living, the show delivers unfettered performances across every genre, effectively paying tribute to the glory that is American music. So it stands to reason the festival Austin City Limits throws each year (in Austin, Tex., of course) is fueled by the show's impeccable taste in music across just about every genre. In 2012, the festival is peppered with sets by artists as variant as Neil Young, the Roots, and pop superstar Gotye. If you're headed to ACL Fest in 2012 (or even if you're skipping it and just need some music recommendations) check out the list below for six incredible sets you don't want to miss at ACL Fest 2012. (Listed in order of appearance.)
First Aid Kit
promo photo
This Swedish duo has risen to internet fame lately with their covers of songs by legends like Joan Baez and Patty Smith, not to mention the tribute they paid to Emmylou Harris via the song named for the great country-folk crooner. Meanwhile, they've been burning up the real, live festival world for a few years now, first drawing drools from fans at SXSW and throughout the continental US. Whether you're looking for the next great crossover act, or you just have a thing for singer-songwriter duos, First Aid Kit will likely be a delightful break from the rest of the festival madness.
Playing: Honda Stage, Fri. 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Playing: Honda Stage, Fri. 1:15-2:15 p.m.
The Deep Dark Woods
promo photo
I first caught the Deep Dark Woods in the woods at Pickathon out in Portland, Ore., and have been enamored of their music ever since. This great new Canadian band has been tearing up the American folk festival circuit for the past couple of years with their particular blend of Appalachian-style folk music and a contemporary spirit. No doubt, their somewhat hushed approach will create some quiet time amidst the festival madness, but by the time they hit the stage on Saturday afternoon, you just might need the downtime.
Playing: Barton Springs Stage, Saturday 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Playing: Barton Springs Stage, Saturday 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Father John Misty
© SubPop
He's not precisely a folksinger, but Father John Misty doesn't really fit firmly within any other category either. The music is a throwback to old school psychadelic pop with an eye on contemporary interests. In a way, it's revitalizing psychadelia into a sort of contemporary American folk music, with deeply intricate stories and lyricism and entirely imaginative instrumentation. Folks may know Misty (aka Josh Tillman) as the drummer for Fleet Foxes, and will be surprised, impressed, intrigued, and probably also a little bit delightfully confused with his new direction. Regardless of whatever you want to call it, Father John Misty is definitely an artist you don't want to miss.
Playing: Austin Ventures Stage, Saturday 3:15-4 p.m.
Playing: Austin Ventures Stage, Saturday 3:15-4 p.m.
Steve Earle
photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images
For anyone interested in American folk music, Steve Earle's set at ACL Fest 2012 should be a no-brainer. Particularly during an election year - with the political landscape heating up all around us - it's likely that Earle will bring a highly politicized A-Game to this year's festival. While his last couple of albums have been more rock-oriented, Earle is an artist known to reach across his entire catalog when selecting set lists for his shows. Thus, you can expect a particularly spirited set from Mr. Earle going into the last 30 days of the political season. Besides, with Gotye playing at the same time on the other stage, Earle's set is likely to be thing on hipsters.
Playing: Austin Ventures Stage, Saturday 7-8 p.m.
Playing: Austin Ventures Stage, Saturday 7-8 p.m.
Neil Young and Crazy Horse
courtesy Special Ops Media
When it comes to what's happening with contemporary American folk music these days - a fusion of rock, political themes, traditionalism paired with distorted electric instruments, etc. - it's hard to ignore the remarkable influence of Neil Young and Crazy Horse. When they hit the stage on Saturday night, they'll be doing so on the heels of two albums released in one year. One is a collection of traditional American folk songs (such as "Oh Susanna") performed with Neil Youngish prowess. The other is a collection of brand new original rock songs performed with his classic band Crazy Horse. What he decides to do live in this set will likely surprise everyone in the crowd.
Playing: Bud Light stage, Saturday 8-10 p.m.
Playing: Bud Light stage, Saturday 8-10 p.m.
Avett Brothers
photo: Karl Walter/Getty Images
At this point, perhaps the Avett Brothers are also a bit of a no-brainer, but to long-time fans interested in the way a band can evolve, this might be the year to see the Avetts at their best yet. I caught them on New Years Eve this year and can honestly say it was a great performance of songs from across their entire catalog - wholly energetic and inspired. Now, with a new record having just dropped and a renewed energy behind their presence on the scene, the Avetts are likely to deliver the fire on the final night of ACL Fest 2012.
Playing: AMD Stage, Sunday 6:15-7:30 p.m.
Playing: AMD Stage, Sunday 6:15-7:30 p.m.
