West 22nd, a band formed by current University of Texas students, is set to make their debut at the ACL Festival. The band members, Gabe Acevedo and Logan Madsen, share their excitement about this opportunity and their journey as musicians while juggling college life.
Logan Madsen expresses their gratitude for being the first all-current UT-Austin-student band to play at ACL, highlighting the rich music history of the university. They see this as a chance to showcase the talent coming out of UT and the vibrant music scene in Austin.
Despite their busy schedule of over 75 shows, including a headlining slot in L.A., the band prioritizes their education while balancing touring and recording. Gabe Acevedo mentions that they try to focus on being full-time students and musicians, often working on music during weekends, holidays, and summer breaks. They are currently working on their first full-length album, set to be released in spring 2025, which they believe will showcase a more mature and cohesive collection of songs.
In terms of advice for local bands aspiring to play at ACL, Logan encourages aspiring musicians to play in Austin as much as possible to gain exposure and experience. He emphasizes the importance of networking and reaching out to venues that are affiliated with the festival.
Looking ahead to their ACL performance, Gabe expresses their excitement about being able to experience the festival as fans after their set. Despite being performers, they are eager to enjoy the music and energy of the event.
As fans of the Austin Chronicle, the band encourages readers to support independent journalism by making donations to help keep the publication running. The Austin Chronicle has been a vital source of news and cultural coverage in Austin for over 40 years, and their support is crucial in maintaining independent press.
Overall, West 22nd is thrilled about their upcoming ACL performance and the opportunity to share their music with a larger audience. They remain dedicated to their craft and are excited to see what the future holds for their band.