Austin City Limits always does an excellent job releasing an impressively diverse lineup. That being said, most years they have a standout headliner hailing from the electronic music paradigm. In 2019, some EDM fans might have initially been a bit upset that a show stopper like LCD Soundsystem or Odesza was included like in years past.
Have no fear though, while maybe electronic music didn't make the top of the poster for this year's ACL, there is no doubt an impressive array of dance music's top talent throughout the undercard. Here are the dance music acts you cannot afford to miss this year at ACL.
1. Robyn (Weekend 2 Only)
Some younger dance music fans might not be aware of the cultural impact Robyn has had on electronic music. As someone who experienced the golden age of dance music innovation in the early 2010s, seeing Robyn's name on this year's lineup was an exciting moment.
With tons of dance hits like ‘Indestructible', ‘Dancing On My Own', and actually pretty much anything off of her 2010 mega-hit album Body Talk, Robyn is sure to bring the party when she takes the stage on Weekend 2.
2. RL Grime
For most, this one is a given. RL Grime is now a household name in electronic music. After changing the way the world viewed trap forever with the release of his album VOID, RL Grime followed up the madness with his sophomore effort NOVA.
Attracting electronic music purists as well as rap and hip hop fans with his crossover style, RL Grime is sure to leave ACL on fire when he takes the stage both weekends in October. Needless to say, RL Grime probably has a few tricks up his sleeve, including special guests and more.
3. FISHER
If you have paid any attention to electronic music over the last 2 years, then you undoubtedly know FISHER. After a series of successful singles off of Claude Von Stroke's imprint Dirty Bird, FISHER dropped the undisputed song of the year in 2018 – ‘Losing It'. With a grammy nomination under his belt, FISHER went into 2019 with new energy.
His sets are fun, based in the underground sound but with touches to make his shows accessible to fans of all electronic music, FISHER knows how to get people dancing. If you are not a massive fan of house or techno, FISHER is the perfect set to check out if you want to broaden your horizons, and you might just leave with a new appreciation for the underground.
4. Griz
Griz is truly one of the most talented producers in the entirety of music at the current moment. His ability to ignore convention genre restraints and unique blend of live instrumentation in his sets help set Griz apart from the pack. Griz is on top of the world right not, releasing tracks that are passion projects which still go absolutely off when performed live.
If you want to experience some of the best things dance music has to offer currently, Griz's set is an absolute must attend. Live saxophone, genre-bending original productions, and loads of surprises are not just expected they are assured.
5. TroyBoi
TroyBoi is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to electronic Music Production. Constantly refining his sound, and making sure to always promote originality above all, TroyBoi is respected by both his peers and fans as an innovator. His live sets champion this ideal, combining a range of genres to create an experience that is unlike anything else.
TroyBoi is constantly remixing chart-topping hits and collaborating with some of the most established and talented up and comers in the world. His ACL set is sure to be a show stopper, and missing it for anyone who calls themselves a fan of dance music is simply out of the question.
BONUS PICK! 6. Jai Wolf
Jai Wolf first gained notoriety with a string of euphoric, unforgettable singles released off of Odesza's Foreign Family imprint. While the atmospheric and otherworldly vibe has followed Jai Wolf, his sound is now much more complex than what most would categorize him into.
Experimenting with funk, driving house beats and so much more Jai Wolf's set will be a sure jaw-dropper. He knows better than almost anyone how to craft a full experience where time seems to stop and traditional thought transcends into so much more. Definitely add him to your schedule, as you need to be a part of what he is capable of creating.
