Austin’s Indie Sensation: West 22nd Steals the Show at ACL Fest

Austin’s Indie Sensation: West 22nd Steals the Show at ACL Fest

On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, October 6, 2024, the lively city of Austin played host to an electrifying moment at the Austin City Limits (ACL) music festival. The Tito’s Stage was packed to the brim, buzzing with excitement as a group of five spirited students from the University of Texas at Austin made their festival debut. That’s right, folks! West 22nd, an indie band entirely made up of UT-Austin students, absolutely brought the house down!

An Unforgettable Debut

After three energetic days filled with performances from icons like Leon Bridges, I was fully prepared to soak in the final day’s musical delight. Little did I know that the highlight steering my heart would come from a band made up of my fellow Longhorns. I had the pleasure of catching up with these talented musicians just two days prior, and their enthusiasm was positively infectious. However, nothing could compare to the raw energy they radiated when it truly mattered – during their performance.

Surf Rock Inspired Vibes

West 22nd’s sound can best be described as a delightful mix of land-locked “surf rock” with hints of indie flare influenced by big names like The Backseat Lovers and Mt. Joy. The artwork accompanying their first single, showcasing a dreamy palm tree and a turquoise VW Bus, sets the tone for their sunny, carefree sound. You could practically feel the summer vibes filling the Tito’s Stage tent! It was quite a feat to pack a venue shoulder-to-shoulder at a sweltering 1:30 p.m. slot on Day 3 of an already exhausting festival, yet they did it.

Charisma and Fireworks

Lead vocalist Logan Madsen is nothing short of a powerhouse. He owned that stage like a true headliner, oozing charisma as he danced his heart out while engaging with the audience. When he performed their original song “Sleeping Alone,” it felt like a call to arms, urging the crowd to throw their hands up and join in the revelry. It was a sight to behold, rivaling even the popularity of big names like Dua Lipa at the fest!

The Joyful Journey of a Young Band

What struck me the most was the palpable joy on West 22nd’s faces. They savored every moment of performing on such a big stage, and can you blame them? This opportunity is a monumental achievement for a band that’s still composed of college students, with some members juggling finals just days before. For instance, drummer Doug Blatt arrived a bit late to our interview because he was rushing back from a math final. Talk about dedication!

High Energy and Fan Engagement

As their set wound down, the band brilliantly transitioned from an original piece called “Road Trip” into a soulful rendition of Florence & The Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over.” Guitarists Jeremy Ancheta and Jet Beck, the latter only joining the band six months prior, transformed the scene by trading their strings for drumsticks, pumping infectious energy into the crowd with powerful beats. A moment of pure frenzy occurred when Beck tossed his wooden drumsticks into the audience, and the reaction was priceless — screams of delight echoed as fans reached for the prized sticks.

Hugs, Fame, and the Future

Once the final note rang out, Logan, still awash in excitement, left the stage to share hugs and gratitude with fans in the front row, leaving them starstruck and buzzing with disbelief at his approachable charm. I overheard a young woman exclaim, “Oh my god, did you see that? He fully hugged me!” The joy was contagious, and it was crystal clear — though the band might be graduating soon, their future in the music scene is just beginning.

Wrapping It Up

The cheers, the dancing, and the pure West 22nd-mania made it clear that Austin’s indie sensation is on the rise. With a combination of talent, passion, and a commitment to self-expression, this band is certainly destined for great achievements. Keep an eye out, because if their ACL performance was any indication, we’ll be hearing a whole lot more from West 22nd in the very near future!