The Austin City Limits festival is one of the biggest events on the annual music calendar, drawing in tens of thousands of fans each year to experience a diverse range of musical acts. However, this year’s lineup of headliners has sparked a conversation about the state of festival headliners in general.
While Kendrick Lamar and Alanis Morissette are both exciting additions to the top line, there are some familiar faces that seem to be making their rounds on the festival circuit yet again. The Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, and the Lumineers are all acts that have headlined major festivals in recent years, and Odesza and Hozier have made their fair share of festival appearances as well. It’s a formulaic lineup that doesn’t exactly feel fresh or inspired.
But, as the article points out, the undercard is where the real magic lies. The smaller-font names on the lineup are packed with exciting and diverse acts that could easily make for a great weekend of music. From the Yeah Yeah Yeahs to Death Grips to Rina Sawayama, there’s no shortage of talent on display.
The issue at hand is not necessarily that these familiar headliners are bad, but rather that they represent a larger trend in festival booking. It’s become all too common to see the same handful of acts headlining every major festival, often in the same year. While these bands and artists are undoubtedly popular and draw crowds, it can start to feel stale for those who attend multiple festivals or simply want to see something new.
Of course, festivals have to cater to their audience, and there’s certainly a market for these repeat headliners. But, it’s worth having a conversation about the balance between pleasing the masses and taking risks on exciting, up-and-coming acts. After all, it’s the smaller-font names on the lineup that often provide some of the most memorable performances.
The 2023 Austin City Limits festival may not be the most groundbreaking lineup, but there’s no doubt that attendees will have a great time seeing some of their favorite artists live. However, it’s a reminder that it’s time for festival bookers to take a step back and think about the bigger picture when it comes to headlining acts. There’s a whole world of talent out there waiting to be discovered, and festival-goers are eager to experience it.
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