Austin City Limits 2015 Lineup | Foo Fighters, Drake, The Strokes, and More to Play ACL This Year

Foo Fighters

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

One of the most revered acts in the music world today, the Foo Fighters, are back with their first album in three years, the highly anticipated “Sonic Highways.” Each track on the album was inspired by and recorded in a different U.S. city, though not once on the record does the band stray from their own sound. It’s been a big year for the Foo Fighters in addition to “Sonic Highways.” With the release of the album also came an eight-episode HBO series of the same name, directed by Dave Grohl himself. The band also recently announced a 2015 North American tour that kicks off in July, and they are (as usual) selling out huge stadiums nationwide. This year’s Austin City Limits will see the Foo Fighters play the main stage during both weekends.

Drake

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

One of the main headliners at Austin City Limits 2015 will be none other than superstar rapper and singer Drake. Known initially for his role on the Canadian television series “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” Drake segued into rapping in 2006. When he was starting out, there was so much buzz surrounding him that labels were fighting with each other to sign him, and his debut album featured rap royalty like Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Jay-Z. With a multitude of chart-topping hits, Grammy Awards, and critical acclaim galore, Drake has cemented his status as a megastar in the music world, and he is sure to deliver a spectacular headlining performance on the main stage at ACL this year.

The Strokes

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

The biggest export from the burgeoning NYC indie rock scene of the early 2000s was without a doubt The Strokes. Initially, the band built up a following around New York’s Lower East Side, but once they released their debut album “Is This It” in 2001, The Strokes were quickly surrounded by hype and media attention, leaving most of their contemporaries to trail in their wake. Fans and critics just couldn’t get enough of their effortlessly cool style and post-punk revival/garage rock sound, and their newfound fame reached as far as the U.K., where they were quickly championed by NME. Suddenly, frontman Julian Casablancas, guitarists Albert Hammond, Jr. and Nick Valensi, bassist Nikolai Fraiture, and drummer Fabrizio Moretti were international rockstars, and they have been ever since. In recent years, the band members have turned their attention to individual projects, and despite having put out a new record in 2013, The Strokes have only played a handful of shows since then. They’ve only booked FOUR shows for 2015, two of which are already over, so their headlining performance at ACL Weekend One is a rare opportunity to see them live.

Florence + The Machine

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

Florence + The Machine, led by vocal powerhouse Florence Welch, rose to popularity with the release of their debut studio album “Lungs” in 2009. “Lungs” quickly became one of the best-selling albums of that year, and their singles were used in a number of movies and television shows, garnering more exposure for the band. Their rising mainstream success paved the way for several awards and recognitions, including a nomination for a 2011 Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Their second full-length album, “Ceremonials,” also earned them two Grammy nominations in 2013, and they are ready to release a third, titled “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” later this month. Florence + The Machine will be headlining only the second weekend of ACL this year.

The Weeknd

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

The Weeknd is the stage name of Canadian alternative R&B musician Abel Tesfaye. He surfaced in 2011 with his nine-track mixtape “House of Balloons,” and he was soon championed by superstar rapper Drake, which increased his popularity tremendously. His series of mixtapes were received favorably by critics and his debut album “Kiss Land” arrived in 2013. In the few years that he’s been in the spotlight, The Weeknd has collaborated with such big-name artists as Drake, Ariana Grande, and Wiz Khalifa.

Disclosure

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

English electronic music duo Disclosure consists of brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence. Their breakthrough came in 2012 with the hit single “Latch,” which features vocals from Sam Smith. A year later, they released their debut album “Settle,” earning the Lawrence brothers their first Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Album. Earlier this month, Disclosure released a new single called “Bang That.”

Deadmau5

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

One of the main headliners at this year’s ACL festival is famed DJ/producer Deadmau5. The moniker is the stage name of Toronto native Joel Zimmerman, who came up with the name in reference to an incident when he once found a dead mouse inside his computer. Always sporting his trademark giant LED mouse head, he puts on spectacular performances for huge audiences all over the world. He has proven himself as a legend in electronic and house music, and has been extremely influential in the genre.

Bassnectar

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Lorin Ashton, better known by his stage name Bassnectar, is an American DJ and record producer. He is known for his live performances and stunning light shows, and sells out huge venues all over the country. Not only has he proven himself as an influential EDM artist, but he has also stood out over the years as a social activist and philanthropist. In 2011, he donated one dollar per ticket sold on his tour to charity for what was known as the “Dollar Per Basshead” campaign, for which he raised $250,000 and let his fans vote for which charities it would benefit.

alt-J

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

English indie rock band alt-J, named for the Mac keyboard shortcut for the delta symbol, have one of the most unique sounds of any band to emerge in the last few years. Their experimental style combines elements of folk, electronica, and traditional alternative rock among other things. Their debut album exemplified just how well-rounded the band is, with a collection of very sonically different songs spanning multiple genres. alt-J’s sophomore album, “This Is All Yours,” came out in 2014 and was met favorably by fans and critics alike, earning the band their first Grammy nomination.

Hozier

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Andrew Hozier-Byrne, a.k.a. Hozier, is an Irish singer-songwriter who has gained tremendous success recently with his gospel and blues-inspired single “Take Me to Church.” The wise-beyond-his-years twenty-something singer grew up as the son of a blues musician, so it’s no wonder he adds that influence to his music and does it so well. He released his self-titled debut album near the end of 2014, and his song “Take Me to Church” was nominated for a Grammy award for Song of the Year.

Alabama Shakes

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

Roots rock band Alabama Shakes formed in Athens, Alabama in 2009, when lead vocalist and guitarist Brittany Howard met bassist Zac Cockrell in a high school psychology class and the two started making music together. Other members of the band include guitarist Heath Fogg, keyboardist Ben Tanner, and drummer Steve Johnson. They released their debut album “Boys & Girls” in 2012, and have since received several Grammy nominations, including one for Best New Artist and another for Best Rock Performance for their single “Hold On.”

Of Monsters and Men

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

The indie folk five-piece Of Monsters and Men hails all the way from Iceland. Formed in 2010, the band centers around the talents of vocalists/guitarists Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdottir and Ragnar Thorhallsson, guitarist Brynjar Leifsson, bassist Kristjan Pall Kristjansson, and drummer Arnar Rosenkranz Hilmarsson. Of Monsters and Men first came into the spotlight in 2011 with their hit single “Little Talks,” which was getting international airplay and propelled them to fame. The next year, they released their debut album, “My Head Is An Animal,” which climbed the charts and sold over 2 million copies worldwide. Recently the band has been busy recording new material and is now anticipating a summer release for their sophomore record “Beneath the Skin.”

Modest Mouse

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

Formed in 1993, indie rock band Modest Mouse would grow to become one of the most successful acts of the 2000s. The band released a few albums before really hitting it big with their 2004 commercial breakthrough “Good News For People Who Love Bad News.” For their next album, 2007’s “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank,” they recruited former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr to record with them. Marr eventually became a full member of the band, touring in support of the record, although he ultimately left to join The Cribs. Modest Mouse hasn’t seen a whole lot of activity since then, other than releasing an EP in 2009 and playing a few shows here and there. However, they came back in full force in 2014 with the release of their latest single, “Lampshades On Fire.” Their long-awaited new album, “Strangers to Ourselves,” is the band’s first full-length since ’07.

Tame Impala

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Australian psychedelic rock band Tame Impala began as a bedroom recording project in 1999 when vocalist/guitarist Kevin Parker and bassist Dominic Simper were only 13. The duo was joined in 2007 by drummer Jay Watson, after which the band signed with Modular Records. The ’60s-inspired, fuzzy, psychedelic sound of their 2010 debut album “Innerspeaker” attracted international critical praise, and their follow-up effort, 2012’s “Lonerism,” was even more successful. Tame Impala is expected to release their highly anticipated third album “Currents” later this year.

Sturgill Simpson

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Country singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson, former leader of the roots rock band Sunday Valley, released his solo debut “High Top Mountain” in 2013. The album became a word-of-mouth hit, opening doors for him as an artist. The Kentucky native expresses his deep southern roots through his music, but wanted to experiment more with pushin the boundaries of the genre for his second album. Simpson released his sophomore effort, “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music,” in 2014.

The Decemberists

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Formed in 2000 in Portland, Oregon by frontman Colin Meloy, The Decemberists are known for making music with theatric grandeur, literary influence, and lush instrumentation. The group built up a substantial fan base in the first half of the decade before signing with major label Capitol Records in 2005, releasing their widely successful album “The Crane Wife” the next year. Over the last decade, The Decemberists have released several critically praised albums and enjoyed tremendous commercial success. The band went on hiatus for a few years, but came back together in 2014 to record their seventh studio album. The new record, titled “What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World,” was released in early 2015.

A$AP Rocky

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

A$AP Rocky is the stage name of rapper Rakim Mayers. He released his debut mixtape called “Live. Love. A$AP.” in 2011, which was met with favorable reviews from critics. In 2013, he released his debut studio album, “Long. Live. A$AP.” The record debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and features a plethora of big-name guests, including Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Santigold, Skrillex, and Florence Welch.

Gary Clark Jr.

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Austin-based musician Gary Clark, Jr. has been compared to guitar greats like Jimi Hendrix. His sound is an innovative mix of blues, soul, and hip hop, incorporating both modern and classic elements of blues style, and accompanied by smooth vocals. The Texas native recently collaborated with the Foo Fighters on their track “What Did I Do? / God As My Witness” from their latest album “Sonic Highways” and in September he released a live album of his own.

Chance the Rapper

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Chicago’s Chancelor Bennett, better known as Chance the Rapper, made his breakthrough with the release of his 2013 mixtape “Acid Rap.” The mixtape featured the likes of Childish Gambino, Ab-Soul, and Action Bronson, and received high praise from major critics from Rolling Stone, Spin, Pitchfork, NPR, and others. The 21-year-old rapper’s only releases thus far have been a few mixtapes, yet he has earned a high enough profile to be a headliner at festivals this year. We’re expecting big things from this young talent in years to come.

Ben Howard

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

English singer-songwriter Ben Howard came to attention after releasing his label debut “Every Kingdom” in 2011. The album went double platinum in the U.K. and earned him a nomination for the 2012 Mercury Prize as well as two BRIT Awards. Howard released a follow-up record in 2014 titled “I Forget Where We Were,” which reached #1 on the U.K. albums chart.

Brand New

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Brand New is one of those bands that you may have listened to if you went through a punk/emo phase in high school. Formed in Long Island in 2000, the band consists of vocalist/guitarist Jesse Lacey, guitarist Vin Accardi, bassist Garrett Tierney, and drummer Brian Lane. Although they haven’t released an album in six years, Brand New has been keeping fans happy by touring here and there since 2011. They are rumored to be working on new material, but the band has not yet made any official announcements nor provided any sort of timeline for release.

TV On The Radio

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

TV On the Radio emerged onto the New York City indie rock scene in 2001, at a time and place which saw the formation of several successful bands. They have shared their post-punk sound on four critically acclaimed albums, which have had contributions from artists like David Bowie, Trent Reznor, and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The band has carried on through the unfortunate passing of bassist Gerard Smith in 2011, and they released their most recent album, “Seeds,” in 2014.

Walk the Moon

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Upbeat indie pop band Walk the Moon formed in Cincinnati in 2008. The group features vocalist Nicholas Petricca, bassist Kevin Ray, guitarist Eli Maiman, and drummer Sean Waugaman. They independently released their debut album, “I Want! I Want!,” in 2010, and their single “Anna Sun” became a big hit and officially put the band on the radar. They released their self-titled major label debut two years later, which earned them huge commercial success. In September 2014, they released the catchy top 40 single “Shut Up and Dance” before coming out with their third full-length, “Talking Is Hard,” a month later.

Billy Idol

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

British rocker Billy Idol was one of the first stars to achieve fame through the American television network MTV in the early 1980s. Having launched his career as a member of punk rock outfit Generation X in the late ’70s, Idol made a move to go solo in 1981, relocating to New York City and releasing his self-titled debut album a year later. He soon became an MTV fixture as part of the Second British Invasion, along with artists like Duran Duran and Culture Club. Idol’s second album, “Rebel Yell,” came out in 1983 and was even more successful than his first. Since then, he has released a number of successful records, with his most recent, “Kings & Queens of the Underground,” appearing in 2014. Along with the new album, Billy Idol also recently released his autobiography, titled “Dancing With Myself,” in October.

Twenty One Pilots

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

High school friends Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun formed Twenty One Pilots in 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. They put out two self-released albums before their grassroots efforts paid off and they signed with alternative rock label Fueled By Ramen. They released their first label-issued album called “Vessel” in 2013, and have since taken their rap-infused pop sound on tour internationally.

Nero

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Nero is the British electronic music trio of Dan Stephens, Joe Ray, and Alana Watson. Formed in London in 2004, the group started off making strictly drum & bass music, but over time expanded their sound to include elements of house and dubstep as well. Their much-anticipated sophomore album is expected later this year.

Dwight Yoakam

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Since the early 1980s, Dwight Yoakam has been recognized as an iconic figure in country music, as well as a successful actor. Dismissing the Nashville traditions early on in his career, he moved to Los Angeles where his brand of stripped-down honky tonk was better appreciated. Now with multiple hit singles, several platinum albums, and two Grammy Awards to his name, Yoakam is revered for his pioneering take on the genre.

Father John Misty

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Singer/songwriter Joshua Tillman, also known as J. Tillman, currently performs under the name Father John Misty. Formerly a member of indie band Fleet Foxes, he left the band in 2011 but continues to make soft, folk-inspired music. In 2012 he released his debut album “Fear Fun” through Sub Pop Records. His sophomore effort, titled “I Love You, Honeybear,” came out in February of this year.

Brandon Flowers

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Having initially warmed his way into the hearts of fans and media alike as the charming frontman of The Killers, Brandon Flowers made his solo debut in 2010 with the release of his album “Flamingo.” This year, Flowers is back with a second solo record titled “The Desired Effect,” which drops on May 18. Thus far, Flowers has already released three singles from the forthcoming album and recently announced a North American tour that kicks off in July.

Vance Joy

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy used to play at open mic nights in Melbourne while working on completing a law degree. He ultimately decided to abandon the legal profession and wholeheartedly pursue a music career. His debut single “Riptide” was an immediate hit in Australia and led him to sign a multi-album deal with Atlantic Records. “Riptide” eventually became an international smash hit played in heavy rotation on radio stations all over the world, pushing him further into the limelight. Vance Joy released his debut studio album, “Dream Your Life Away,” in 2014.

George Ezra

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

English singer-songwriter George Ezra recently came into the spotlight with his single “Budapest,” which became a worldwide hit when he was only 19. He cites influences like Bob Dylan and Hank Williams, as evidenced by his soulful folk sound. He has a deep, mature and resonant voice that’s surprising coming out of a babyfaced young guy like him. George Ezra’s recent popularity has led to support spots for Tom Odell and Robert Plant, and he continues to bask in the success of his debut album, “Wanted on Voyage.”

Lord Huron

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

LA-based indie band Lord Huron has just released their sophomore album, “Strange Trails,” earlier this month. Lord Huron initially came about as the solo effort of Michigan native Ben Schneider, who eventually developed the project into a full-fledged band. The group currently features Schneider on vocals and guitar along with guitarist Tom Renaud, bassist Miguel Briseno, and percussionist Mark Barry.

Flosstradamus

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Flosstradamus is the project of DJs Autobot and J2K, which began as a series of DJ parties in their home city of Chicago. People took notice of their eclectic style and soon their monthly parties were selling out almost instantly, with people travelling from all over the country to attend. Their newfound fame led to them releasing their own music, as well as taking their performance from the clubs to major festival stages.

Cherub

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Nashville-based duo Cherub is comprised of Jason Huber and Jordan Kelley. The two scored a hit in 2014 with their song “Doses & Mimosas,” which reached #23 on the U.S. alternative charts. The single was off their 2014 album “Year of the Caprese,” which is their first release on Columbia Records. The new album is a follow-up to their 2012 digital debut called “MoM and DaD.”

Run the Jewels

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

What started as a one-off collaboration between noted rappers El-P and Killer Mike evolved into the hip hop superduo Run the Jewels. Shortly after a successful self-titled debut album, they released their sophomore album titled “Run the Jewels 2.” Both albums were met with huge success, and Killer Mike has stated that the duo is set to start working on “Run the Jewels 3” this year.

Glass Animals

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Glass Animals is an English indie rock band from Oxford consisting of childhood friends Dave Bayley, Drew Macfarlane, Edmund Irwin-Singer, and Joe Seaward. They released their debut album “Zaba” in 2014, which includes their hit song “Gooey,” which reached #19 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.

Sylvan Esso

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Sylvan Esso is the electro folk-pop duo consisting of singer Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn. The group formed in 2013 and soon signed with Partisan Records. The next year, they released their eponymous debut album, which includes their hit singles “Coffee” and “Hey Mami” among others.

Shakey Graves

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Actor-turned-musician Alejandro Rose-Garcia performs under the alias Shakey Graves as a one-man alt-folk/Americana band. The Texas native released his debut album “Roll the Bones” in 2011, which was a critical success with its ragged blend of country, folk and blues. He followed that up with the release of 2014’s “And The War Came,” which was generally received as favorably as his first album.

Leon Bridges

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Texas native Leon Bridges is a singer/songwriter who blends Southern soul and gospel. His sound has been compared to that of ’60s-era crooners like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. Bridges built up a local following in his hometown of Fort Worth before signing with Columbia Records in December of last year. Having just played at Sundance and SXSW, Leon Bridges has made himself known as an up-and-coming artist. His debut album is slated for release this summer.

Nate Ruess

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Nate Ruess initially rose to fame as the frontman of the early 2000s indie pop band The Format, but nowadays is better known as the lead singer of the Grammy-winning group Fun. As of this year, Ruess is embarking on a solo career for the first time, and in February he released his debut single “Nothing Without Love.” He is currently at work on a solo record, which is expected out sometime this summer.

Echosmith

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Formed in 2009 in Los Angeles, pop-rock band Echosmith is a family affair comprised of four siblings. The band features Sydney Sierota on vocals, Jamie Sierota on lead guitar, Noah Sierota on bass, and Graham Sierota on drums. Echosmith came to attention in 2013 with their breakthrough single “Cool Kids,” which became a top 40 hit the following year. The band played the Vans Warped Tour two summers in a row and in the last two years they have opened for artists like Owl City, Twenty One Pilots, and Neon Trees.

Royal Blood

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

British rock duo Royal Blood, comprised of vocalist/bassist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher, formed in Brighton in 2013. Their garage/blues rock sound is remniscent of bands like The White Stripes and The Black Keys. They were championed early on by the BBC, who named them to their Sound of 2014 list, as well as by Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders, who wore the band’s t-shirt during their headlining set at Glastonbury and later invited the band to open two of their shows at Finsbury Park. This exposure helped the band earn more spots at festivals around the world, and they were recently tapped by the Foo Fighters to be the opening act for their Sonic Highways tour.

MisterWives

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

MisterWives is an indie pop band based in New York City. They have garnered a lot of buzz lately, and have opened for acts like Twenty One Pilots, Bleachers, and American Authors. They released their debut EP, “Reflections,” in 2014 on the New York indie label Photo Finish Records.

Kurt Vile and the Violators

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Philadelphia-based musician Kurt Vile rose to prominence as a former member of the indie rock band The War on Drugs. After the band released their debut album in 2008, Vile left the group to focus on a solo career, wasting no time to issue his first solo record within that same year. He released another album after that and soon signed with the distinguished indie label Matador Records, which released his three latest albums. Vile has stated that he is currently in the recording process for his sixth album, and in the meantime continues to tour with his backing band The Violators.

Jose Gonzalez

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Swedish singer/songwriter Jose Gonzalez made his solo debut in 2003 after playing with several Gothenburg-based hardcore punk bands. His popularity extended beyond the borders of Sweden and into the rest of Europe before he hit it big stateside with his 2005 album “Veneer.” He has since earned a great deal of commercial success, having his music featured in several film and television projects. Gonzalez is also known for his acoustic covers of popular songs like The Knife’s “Heartbeats,” Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” and Massive Attack’s “Teardrop” among others. He recently released his third full-length, “Vestiges & Claws,” on Mute Records.

GRiZ

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

GRiZ is the stage name of DJ and producer Grant Kwiecinski. He began playing music at a young age, learning piano and alto saxophone in elementary school, and he incorporates his saxophone playing into his funk-inspired dance music. GRiZ has toured with artists like Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, and Big Gigantic, eventually earning himself his own headlining tour as well as appearances at huge festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Outside Lands.

Daughter

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

London-based trio Daughter consists of vocalist Elena Tonra, guitarist Igor Haefeli, and drummer Remi Aguilella. They released their debut album, “If You Leave,” in 2013 on noted indie label 4AD. The record earned them critical praise and plenty of buzz in the indie music scene, and soon they were touring with the likes of Ben Howard and The National.

Houndmouth

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Alternative country band Houndmouth formed in 2011 in New Albany, Indiana. The band is made up of Matt Myers, Katie Toupin, Zak Appleby, and Shane Cody. In 2012, they performed at the SXSW music festival to promote their self-produced, self-titled EP, where they met Geoff Travis, the head of Rough Trade, who signed them shortly afterward. In 2013, Rough Trade issued the band’s debut full-length “From the Hills Below the City.”

BORNS

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

BORNS is the solo project of musician Garrett Borns. Originally hailing from Michigan, he eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he signed with Interscope and released his debut EP “Candy.” The EP came out in 2014 and contains four songs that blend dreamy pop with electronic synths, folk, and glam rock.

Rhiannon Giddens

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Rhiannon Giddens is best known as the lead singer and founding member of the Grammy-winning folk band Carolina Chocolate Drops. Giddens dove into her solo career in 2013, receiving high praise from critics when she stole the show in New York City at the “Another Day, Another Time” concert, which was inspired by the Coen brothers’ film “Inside Llewyn Davis.” She just released her debut solo album, “Tomorrow Is My Turn,” this February.

Boots

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Boots is the stage name of musician and producer Jordan Asher, who rose to fame in 2013 due to his large contribution to Beyonce’s self-titled fifth album, including production and writing credits. With praise and promotion from Beyonce herself, Boots was able to launch his own successful solo career, and released his debut mixtape “WinterSpringSummerFall” in 2014. Earlier this year, he released an EP called “Motorcycle Jesus,” and he is expected to come out with a full-length record soon.

Strand of Oaks

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Strand of Oaks is the rock project of producer and songwriter Timothy Showalter. He has released several albums as Strand of Oaks since 2009. His most recent album came out in 2014 and is called “HEAL.”

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Unknown Mortal Orchestra is a rock band comprised of singer, guitarist, and songwriter Ruban Nelson, bassist Jake Portrait, and drummer Riley Gleare. After signing with Fat Possum Records, the band released their self-titled debut album in 2011. They released their second and most recent album, “II” in 2013.

Ryn Weaver

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Ryn Weaver is the stage name of American singer and songwriter Erin Wuthrich. She released her debut single “OctaHate” in June 2014, which boasted collaborators like Charli XCX and Passion Pit’s Michael Angelakos. With these big-name connections, the song quickly rose to popularity and Weaver later released her debut EP, “Promises,” in August of 2014.

Albert Hammond Jr.

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

As the son of successful songwriter Albert Hammond, as well as one of the guitarists for superstar indie rock band The Strokes, Albert Hammond, Jr. certainly had all the connections he needed to embark on a solo career of his own back in 2006. He put out his first solo record that year titled “Yours to Keep,” followed by another album, “Como Te Llama,” in 2008, both of which contain catchy, Strokes-esque songs. Last year, Hammond released a new EP simply titled “AHJ” on bandmate Julian Casablancas’ label Cult Records, and is said to be working on a third full-length album at the moment.

Moon Taxi

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Moon Taxi is a progressive rock and jam band from Nashville. The band quickly gained quite a following in their hometown, which led to eventually signing a record deal with 12th South Records. Moon Taxi formed when vocalist Trevor Terndrup, guitarist Spencer Thomson, bassist Tommy Putnam, drummer Tyler Ritter, and keyboardist Wes Bailey met while attending Belmont University. The band has recently begun to see more commercial success, and in the last two years they have played on late night television shows like “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “Conan.”

Halsey

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Halsey is the stage name of New York’s Ashley Frangipane. In true hipster fashion, the New Jersey native took the name of a stop on the L train to use as her musical alias. She self-released her first single, “Ghost,” and based on the strength and popularity of that song she signed a deal with Capitol Records-owned electronic/dance label Astralwerks in 2014. She released her debut EP later that year.

Classixx

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Classixx is the production duo of childhood friends Michael David and Tyler Blake. Formed in Los Angeles in the mid-2000s, the duo began DJing together at house parties, blending genres like house, disco, and funk. They gained recognition early on for their remixes of popular indie rock artists like Phoenix and Passion Pit, and eventually began releasing their own music in 2009. Classixx released their first full-length album, titled “Hanging Gardens,” in 2013.

In the Valley Below

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

LA duo In the Valley Below was formed in 2011 by vocalist/guitarist Jeffrey Jacob and vocalist Angela Gail. Together, they make dark, harmony-laden electro-folk. After signing with Arts and Crafts, In the Valley Below released their debut album, “The Belt,” in 2014.

Years & Years

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

British electronic trio Years & Years formed in London in 2010. The group consists of frontman Olly Alexander, bassist Mikey Goldsworthy, and keyboardist Emre Turkman. As Years & Years, they have released a number of successful singles so far, and they are set to drop their debut album, titled “Communion,” this June.

Sheppard

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Australian indie pop outfit Sheppard has been making waves worldwide with their hit single “Geronimo.” Issued in 2014, the track hit #1 in Australia and has since been certified 5x platinum there. The single appears on the band’s debut studio album, “Bombs Away,” which they released in the summer of 2014.

Waxahatchee

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

Singer/songwriter Katie Crutchfield makes music as Waxahatchee, adopting the name of a lake where her parents have a house in her native Alabama. She released her debut album, the bedroom-recorded “American Weekend,” in 2012, to much critical acclaim. From there, she began performing in the Philadelphia area, where she put together a full band for her live appearances, and released her sophomore album, “Cerulean Salt,” in 2013. Now, Waxahatchee is signed to Merge Records, and just released a third record titled “Ivy Tripp” in April.

Milo Greene

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Milo Greene is an indie folk-pop ensemble from Los Angeles. Formed in 2009, the five-piece consists of Marlana Sheetz, Robbie Arnett, Graham Fink, and Andrew Heringer, who all share vocal duties, along with percussionist Curtis Marrero. The band’s music is self-described “cinematic pop,” a style which came about as a result of a desire to create songs that could be used in movies and TV. Milo Greene released their eponymous debut in 2012, and followed it with their sophomore album, “Control,” earlier this year.

San Fermin

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

San Fermin is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based composer and songwriter Ellis Ludwig-Leone. After graduating from Yale, where he studied music composition, Ludwig-Leone decided to focus his efforts on this project and wrote what became the band’s eponymous debut album released in 2013. San Fermin’s music is filled with Baroque pop flair and avant-garde arrangements that showcase Ludwing-Leone’s skill as a composer.

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

Nashville’s Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors attracted initial attention with their 2005 album “Washed in Blue.” Since then, the band has released six more studio albums and toured with big-name acts like The Avett Brothers and Ryan Adams.

Meg Myers

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Singer-songwriter Meg Myers moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career when she was just 20 years old. There, she met producer Doctor Rosen Rosen, with whom she signed a production deal and recorded her first EP, 2012’s “Daughter in the Choir.” She soon scored a contract with Atlantic Records and released a second EP called “Make a Shadow.” Myers is ready to embark on her first headlining tour this spring, and she is expected to release a full-length album later this year.

The Maccabees

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

The Maccabees is an English indie rock band that came together in London in 2004. They released their debut album “Colour It In” in 2007, which featured their UK Top 40 singles “First Love” and “About Your Dress” and earned them a slot supporting Bloc Party on tour. The Maccabees have released two more albums since then, and they are currently at work on a fourth.

Ruen Brothers

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Ruen Brothers is made up of siblings Henry and Rupert Stansall. Guitar music is making a comeback, and this British duo is a part of that movement. Their music takes on a ’60s rockabilly style, and they are already generating buzz from a variety of media sources as the next big thing.

Amason

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Amason is a five-piece band from Sweden consisting of Amanda Bergman, Gustav Ejstes, Pontus Winnberg (of Bloodshy & Avant), Nils Tornqvist, and Petter Winnberg. After releasing an EP and a number of singles since 2013, the band issued their debut full-length, “Sky City,” in January of this year.

Wolf Alice

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

London-based alternative rock band Wolf Alice is made up of vocalist Ellie Roswell, guitarist Joff Oddie, drummer Joel Amey, and bassist Theo Ellis. The four-piece officially debuted in 2013 with an EP called “Blush,” drawing comparisons to female-fronted grunge bands of the ’90s like Garbage and Hole. In 2014, the band released their sophomore EP, “Creature Songs,” and will soon release their first proper full-length.

Avers

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

The six members of Avers came together in Richmond after a series of informal jam sessions in 2013. In just a week’s time, the bandmembers wrote an album’s worth of songs, resulting in the recording of their debut record “Empty Light.”

Asleep at the Wheel

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Austin-based country band Asleep at the Wheel has been around since the 1970s. Throughout the last several decades, the band has won nine Grammy Awards and released over twenty studio albums. To this day, the band is still led by frontman and founding member Ray Benson.

William Clark Green

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

Country singer-songwriter William Clark Green made his debut in 2008 with his album “Dangerous Man.” He drew more attention by the time he released his third record, 2013’s “Rose Queen,” which was quite successful around Texas and peaked at #34 on the US Country Albums chart. Green’s latest album, “Ringling Road,” came out in April and hit the top spot on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

Charlotte OC

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Charlotte OC is the stage name of British singer-songwriter Charlotte O’Connor. Initially she was signed to Columbia Records and recorded an album for the label, but was eventually dropped and had to start her career over. Eventually fortune struck again and she scored a deal with U.K. label Stranger Records, which is known for signing Lana Del Rey early on in her career. Charlotte OC has released two EPs thus far, and is at work on a debut album.

Songhoy Blues

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Songhoy Blues is a four-piece band from Mali. Formed in 2012 after the bandmembers fled northern Mali for the south due to civil unrest, Songhoy Blues is now the first African act to be signed to Atlantic Records since 1972. After drawing initial attention in Southern Mali, the band caught notice of French music manager Marc-Antoine Moreau, and soon recorded their debut album “Music in Exile,” produced by Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Elle King

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

Singer and songwriter Elle King‘s musical style encompasses several genres, including country, soul, folk, rock, and blues. She was inspired to become a musician early on, influenced by female-fronted bands like Blondie, The Runaways, and The Donnas. After releasing her self-titled EP, King garnered favorable attention from a multitude of publications, including Entertainment Weekly, Esquire, and Vanity Fair. She released her full-length debut, titled “Love Stuff,” earlier this year.

Ume

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

Austin-based trio Ume (pronounced “ooh-may”) formed in Texas in 2002 after members Lauren Langner and Eric Larson met at a skatepark as high schoolers and decided to make music together. They released their debut record, “Urgent Sea,” in 2005, and have since earned a growing fanbase and plenty of critical praise. Their latest album, “Monuments,” was recorded with Grammy-winning producer Adam Kasper, who in the past has worked with bands like Queens of the Stone Age, Nirvana, and the Foo Fighters.

Whiskey Myers

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

Southern rock band Whiskey Myers formed in Elkhart, Texas when roommates Cody Cannon and Cody Tate began writing songs together. After enlisting several more band members, they officially became a five-piece and adopted the name Whiskey Myers. Since 2008, the band has released three albums, the latest of which came out in 2014.

Lion Babe

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Lion Babe is an experimental soul duo based out of New York City’s Lower East Side. The group is comprised of producer and instrumentalist Goodman and singer Jillian Hervey (the daughter of actress Vanessa Williams). They came onto the scene in 2012 with their single “Treat Me Like Fire,” and recently released a collaborative single with Childish Gambino called “Jump Hi.” They are at work on a full-length album, which will include production from the likes of Pharrell Williams among others.

Holychild

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

Holychild is an experimental pop duo from Los Angeles. The group is composed of Liz Nistico and Louie Diller, who met in 2010 and began making music together. Holychild was a buzzworthy act in last year, ending up on both Billboard and LA Weekly’s lists of bands to watch in 2014. They signed with Glassnote Records and released their EP, “Mindspeak,” last March. They are expected to release their debut full-length album later this year.

Marian Hill

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

Marian Hill is an electronic pop duo from Philadelphia comprised of producer Jeremy Lloyd and vocalist Samantha Gongol. Their debut single, “Whisky,” was popular with music blogs and made it to the top ten on the Hype Machine charts. They released their latest EP, “Sway,” on February 17 of this year.

Con Brio

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Con Brio (named after a musical direction meaning “with spirit”) is a San Francisco-based group led by Ziek McCarter. Their sound is inspired equally by funk legends like James Brown and Sly & The Family Stone and R&B pioneers like Prince and D’Angelo. This February, Con Brio released an EP called “Kiss the Sun,” and are now touring around North America.

Kaleo

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

Icelandic rock quartet Kaleo formed in 2012, after which they quickly became a big hit in their home country. They released their eponymous debut album in 2013, which rose to the #1 spot on the charts in Iceland. Their mellow sound evokes that of artists like Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes.

The Hunts

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

The Hunts is an indie-folk band from Virginia made up of the seven Hunt siblings. The Hunts (twin sisters Jenni and Jessi and their five brothers Josh, Jonathan, Jordan, Justin, and Jamison – their family clearly has a thing for the letter J) are relatively young; all are under the age of 25, and they’ve been performing together since they were kids.

WHEN: BOTH WEEKENDS

Mako is an electronic duo from Los Angeles comprised of DJ Logan Light and Juilliard-trained composer Alex Seaver. Before coming together in 2011, Light was already a successful DJ, opening for big names like Tiesto and Avicii, while Seaver was successfully scoring for film and television. As Mako, the two artists have released a number of popular singles over the last three years.

Beat Connection

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

Beat Connection, who take their moniker from the LCD Soundsystem song of the same name, make tunes that blend surf-oriented indie pop with electronic music. The group began as the project of Reed Juenger and Jordan Koplowitz, who met as students at the University of Washington. They self-released their debut EP, “Surf Noir,” in 2010, and followed that with their first full-length album, “The Palace Garden,” in 2012.

Talk in Tongues

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

LA quartet Talk in Tongues has the internet buzzing about their debut single “Still Don’t Seem to Care.” Though their psych rock sound has already garnered a million comparisons to like-minded band Tame Impala, critics have not been quick to dismiss them as a copycat band. Talk in Tongues expects to release their debut album this year.

Leopold and His Fiction

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

Led by frontman Daniel James, Leopold and His Fiction is often compared to The White Stripes for their raw, stripped-down blues rock sound. The band released a self-titled debut album in 2006, followed by their sophomore record, “Ain’t No Surprise,” three years later. A third album called “3” came out in 2012, and the band is ready to release another this year.

The Nightowls

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

Although they hail from Austin, The Nightowls channel the Motor City soul of Detroit, blending the traditional with the modern. The band is a ten-piece, lead by singer and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Harkrider. They released their debut record, “Good As Gold,” in 2013, earning them critical acclaim and a strong following around Texas.

Sons of Bill

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

Sons of Bill was formed in 2005 in Virginia by brothers Sam, James, and Abe Wilson, along with bassist Seth Green and drummer Todd Wellons. Since 2006, the band has released four albums. Their latest, “Love & Logic,” came out in September 2014.

Mandolin Orange

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

Mandolin Orange is the duo of Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz. Forming in 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Marlin and Frantz issued their debut album “Quiet Little Rooms” the following year. After releasing their sophomore record in 2011, they signed on with Yep Roc for their third. Mandolin Orange has now just released their fourth record, titled “Such Jubilee.”Spirit Family Reunion

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

Spirit Family Reunion is a band based out of New York. So far, they have self-produced and self-released two albums. Their first, “No Separation,” came out in 2012, followed by a second called “Hands Together” in 2015.

The Suffers

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

The Suffers is a ten-piece soul band from Houston, Texas consisting of lead vocalist Kam Franklin, guitarist Alex Zamora, guitarist Kevin Bernier, bassist Adam Castaneda, saxophonist Cory Wilson, trumpeter Jon Durbin, trombonist Michael Razo, percussionist Jose Luna, keyboardist Patrick Kelly, and drummer Nick Zamora. Since the band formed in 2011, they have received eleven Houston Press Music Awards.

Kehlani

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

Kehlani Parrish, known as just Kehlani, is a young talent hailing from California’s Bay Area. She originally intended to become a dancer, but after a knee injury left her unable to dance, she gravitated towards music. She joined up with the group PopLyfe, which in 2011 became a finalist on America’s Got Talent. Kehlani has since made the decision to go solo, and at just 19 years old has already shared stages with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Sheila E., and Jamie Foxx. Despite her growing success, she still remains grounded and relatable.

Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas is a Detroit-based band whose sound combines genres like R&B, rockabilly, jazz, and reggae. In 2014, the band released their much-anticipated debut album “Secret Evil.”

Kali Uchis

WHEN: WEEKEND TWO ONLY

Colombia-born, Virginia-based artist Kali Uchis released her first mixtape, “Drunken Babbie,” in 2012. She has since collaborated with the likes of Diplo, Snoop Dogg, Kaytranada, and Tyler the Creator, and in February of this year released an EP called “Por Vida.”

American Aquarium

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

Alt-country band American Aquarium formed in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2006. Earlier this year, the band released their sixth album, titled “Wolves.” The entirely fan-funded record came out in February and features a more rock-oriented sound than their previous efforts.

Rayland Baxter

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

Nashville-based alternative country artist Rayland Baxter began his career in 2010. He released his debut album, “Feathers & Fishhooks,” in 2012 on ATO Records, followed by an EP called “Ashkelon” in 2013.

The Wind and The Wave

WHEN: WEEKEND ONE ONLY

The Wind and The Wave is a duo based in Austin, Texas. The group is comprised of good friends Dwight Baker and Patricia Lynn, both of whom were involved in the Austin music scene before coming together in 2009. As The Wind and The Wave, they signed to RCA in 2013 and the duo released their debut album, titled “From the Wreckage,” in 2014.