As the temperature rises this summer, so do the number of talented acts that flock to the city. So which do you see and which do you skip? Think local: Not only are these four Austin-bred bands and performers poised to blow up this season, but each has a brand-new EP ready for some ATX love.
Chantell Moody
One of Austin’s most talented acts set to take over this summer is the alluring Moody. You can find her in the Digital Wild, an electronic pop group that recently released the EP Tall As Trees. In addition to providing stellar vocals, Moody produced and codirected (with videographer Daniel Vestal) the band’s uplifting video for the single, “They Say.” She also lends her various talents to another electronic-leaning band, Fort Never, which put out an album called Home in the back end of last year. Find room on both of Moody’s bandwagons while you can. Check the bands’ websites for upcoming shows, and keep an eye out for Fort Never’s new video in June.
Sweet Spirit
This powerhouse act jumped onto plenty of locals’ radar in 2015 with its catchy debut album, Cokomo. Now its sophomore effort, St. Mojo, is here to shake any stragglers into submission. Fronted by the dynamic Sabrina Ellis, Sweet Spirit makes attention-grabbing music that’s a mix of rock, pop, soul and country. Its two-night party to usher in St. Mojo was quick to sell out, so you’d be wise to check its schedule well in advance—though you can definitely catch the group at Float Fest in July.
The Wild Now
Taylor Baker and Drew Walker, a couple who first met at a Local Natives show in 2013, are the driving force behind the Wild Now (formerly known as Taylor & the Wild Now). The duo’s 2017 EP, Afterglow, is a versatile pop effort with hooks to spare, and its songs are a perfect fit for any beachy or breezy situation you may find yourself in this summer. Watch the video for their infectious lead single, “Run for Your Life,” then make plans to catch them at ACL this fall.
Walker Lukens
Lukens wrapped up a strong 2016 with his EP Never Understood, which features “Every Night,” the indie hit that has now been streamed more than a million times. This year he’s continued to ramp things up for himself: His second album produced by Jim Eno of Spoon, Ain’t Got a Reason, was released in the spring, and it’s loaded with Lukens’s unique blend of rock and pop that somehow manages to be both retro and futuristic. In addition to his performance at Float Fest, look for Lukens to impress at every turn this summer.
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