The BMI stage will return to Zilker Park for its 23rd year at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, with an electrifying lineup set across two weekends from Oct. 2–4 and Oct. 9–11. Renowned as a launchpad for rising songwriters and fresh new sounds, the BMI Stage will continue its vibrant tradition of championing multi-genre innovation and musical discovery.

This year’s lineup will showcase 22 must-see BMI affiliates, including Aaron Rowe, Chelsea Jordan, Chloe Qisha, Coleman Jennings, Common People, Dámaris Bójor, Elle Coves, Emma Ogier, Fai Laci, Fancy Hagood, FIGHTMASTER, Girlfriend, Grocery Bag, Izzy Escobar, Joe Jordan, Lauren Sanderson, Leon Knight, Marzz, Macy Todd, RUBIO, Sasha Keable and Vwills. Over the years, the BMI Stage has been the heartbeat of ACL Fest, catapulting future icons such as Ryan Bingham (’08), Alessia Cara (‘15), Gary Clark, Jr. (‘11), Luke Combs (‘17), Khruangbin (‘16), Miranda Lambert (‘03), Maren Morris (‘16), Jon Pardi (‘11, ‘14) and Billy Strings (’19). With an opportunity to check out tomorrow’s headliners today, BMI will bring another year of unforgettable music to Texas.

WEEKEND ONE

Friday, October 2

Elle Coves

Elle Coves

1:45pm - 2:30pm

Born in Germany to Spanish parents and raised in Ireland from age 13, Elle Coves brings a worldly lens to her music, pairing a cross-cultural perspective with deeply personal songwriting. Since finishing school in the summer of 2022, she has quickly gained momentum in the industry, touring with Niall Horan, Lewis Capaldi and Del Water Gap, collaborating with leading writers and producers, and releasing her debut EP, Selfishly Inclined, in March 2024. Elle’s music combines intimate, self-reflective storytelling with powerful melodies and stadium-ready choruses. Her highly anticipated latest single, “Peace,” drew millions of TikTok views before its release and hit 1 million streams within its first 10 days, becoming her strongest-performing release to date.

Izzy Escobar

Izzy Escobar

3:30pm - 4:15pm

Izzy Escobar is a singer/songwriter and musician whose dynamic pop sound is shaped by her classical violin training, passion for piano, and Cuban and Italian heritage. With powerful vocals, sharp musicianship and improvisational songwriting, she has built a dedicated following and earned millions of views across social media. In 2026, Izzy released “Evergreen Avenue,” featured on The Devil Wears Prada 2 soundtrack, and “Hate to Be the One,” written by GRAMMY-winning songwriter Diane Warren and featured in Season 5 of Hacks. She also partnered with Extra Gum on “Hotshot,” an official FIFA World Cup campaign song that reached millions of listeners and viewers worldwide. Following festival appearances at BottleRock Napa Valley and the Montreal Jazz Festival, plus sold-out headline shows in London, Paris, Berlin, Boston, Washington, D.C., New York City, Atlanta and more, Izzy continues to establish herself as a rising global artist.

Grocery Bag

Grocery Bag

5:15pm - 6:15pm

Grocery Bag is a raw, high-energy psych-garage rock band from Austin, Texas, known for mosh-inducing live shows. The four-piece—singer/guitarist Bella Martinez, guitarist Dillon Aitala, bassist Logan Kerman and drummer Jimmy Mercado—released their latest EP, DEADVOLT, earlier this year and were personally selected to perform with Billy Idol in September. Having shared stages with Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, OSees and Frankie & The Witch Fingers, Grocery Bag promises a chaotic set you won’t want to miss.

Saturday, October 3

FIGHTMASTER

FIGHTMASTER

12:45pm - 1:15pm

FIGHTMASTER is the solo moniker of nonbinary artist E.R. Fightmaster, who has cemented themselves as an undeniable force in the indie rock space with the release of their debut full length album, Tolerance. The album’s raw and unvarnished lyrics reflect the complexities of emotional growth and heartache, while perfectly balancing the propulsive energy of pop with the rich instrumentals of rock. Tolerance is an album that exhibits artistic clarity – a reflection of Fightmaster’s own self-awareness about their place in the world, musical and otherwise.

Emma Ogier

Emma Ogier

1:45pm - 2:30pm

Houston-born singer/songwriter Emma Ogier blends indie, country, rock and pop into undeniably catchy songs that have earned endorsements from major artists across genres. As anticipation builds for her debut album via Lost Highway Records, Emma recently appeared with cult-favorite indie-folk rock band Bright Eyes and released her latest single “Rocksteady/HeavyMetal” featuring Eden Joel.

Coleman Jennings

Coleman Jennings

3:30pm - 4:15pm

Texas native Coleman Jennings brings an anti-establishment edge to a modern-classic sound rooted in Western twang, country-folk grit and sharp originality. After earning comparisons to Willie Nelson and Townes Van Zandt with his 2024 EP, Wildflowers & Tears, Jennings now enters a new chapter with his debut album, Lead You Home, produced by GRAMMY-winning producer Dave Cobb.

Fai Laci

Fai Laci

5:15pm - 6:15pm

Boston quintet Fai Laci— consisting of founder/frontman Luke Faillaci, guitarists Anthony Cervone and Michael “Goldie” Goldblatt, bassist Cal Hamandi and drummer Zack Putnam—has built a grassroots following through energetic, wildly cathartic live shows across the Northeast. Working on his own and learning as he went, Faillaci first released two EPs and a handful of singles that he hoped might reach beyond his circle of friends before gradually building the band around players chosen as much for their personalities as their musicianship. Today, all five members live together in Medford, Massachusetts, where they can jam constantly and record whenever inspiration strikes. Their debut album, Elephant in the Room, was shaped across two trips to Nashville, where they co-wrote with Dan Auerbach and Daniel Tashian and recorded at Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound Studios. Blending punk urgency, glam stomp and classic rock theatricality, the album captures Fai Laci’s swagger, Faillaci’s charismatic vocals, inventive guitars and nimble rhythm section across songs like “Cure Upon the Hill,” “Beautifully Boring,” “Sarasota,” “Headlights” and “Have You Nothing Left to Say.” Rooted in a mission to bring people together through authentic, communal rock and roll, Fai Laci channels the spirit of its live shows into a bold, high-energy debut.

Sunday, October 4

RUBIO

RUBIO

12:45pm - 1:15pm

Rubio is the award-winning project of Chilean songwriter, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Fran Straube, whose genre-blurring sound has earned acclaim from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and Billboard, a Latin GRAMMY nomination, and an NPR Tiny Desk appearance. One of the most internationally recognized voices in Latin America’s alternative music scene, Rubio has appeared at major international festivals like Primavera Sound Barcelona, Lollapalooza Chile, The Great Escape, Festival Ceremonia, Tecate Pa’l Norte and Ruido Fest. Beyond her solo work, Straube composed the soundtrack for the International Emmy Award-winning film La Caída and received Mexico’s Diosa de Plata Award for “Después de Ahogarme,” with additional music featured in series including Elite, Genera+ion, Los Espookys, Desenfrenadas and La Jauría. Blending avant-pop, electronic experimentation and Latin American influences, Straube has built a distinct sonic world across acclaimed releases including Pez, Mango Negro, Venus & Blue and her latest album, Espero Podamos Ver Un Ovni Juntxs. Driven by curiosity, emotional honesty and a constant desire to evolve, Rubio continues to create on her own terms.

Aaron Rowe

Aaron Rowe

2:00pm - 2:45pm

Dublin singer/songwriter Aaron Rowe, from Monkstown Farm in Dun Laoghaire, is known for emotionally direct storytelling, guitar-driven performances and a powerful, old-soul voice. After starting music as a teenager and receiving unexpected encouragement from his neighborhood peers, he spent nearly 13 years gigging five days a week before gaining wider attention. Rowe was discovered by one of his future managers while performing covers at The Dame Tavern in Dublin and later connected with Lewis Capaldi after Capaldi saw him at Cassidy’s, with the two reconnecting at an open mic in Nashville. Drawing from his upbringing, family, home and formative relationships, Rowe writes with maturity, vulnerability and empathy, channeling influences including Sam Cooke, Nina Simone, Paolo Nutini, Damien Dempsey and Damien Rice. His debut single, “Hey Ma,” built early momentum before its release as fans shared versions pieced together from social media snippets, and he has already performed in pubs with Ed Sheeran, supported David Gray at Dublin’s 3Arena before releasing any music and joined Dermot Kennedy in Boston to sing “The Parting Glass” for 20,000 people. With an upcoming project featuring songs inspired by home, family and the people who shaped him, including “Talking With You” and “The Lane,” Rowe is emerging as a timeless songwriter whose music blends heart-wrenching honesty with warmth and deeply personal detail.

Fancy Hagood

Fancy Hagood

3:30pm - 4:15pm

Fancy Hagood first arrived in Nashville at 17 with the dream of becoming an openly queer country artist, and over the past decade he’s built a reputation as one of the genre’s most charismatic and boundary-pushing voices. After the success of his critically praised album American Spirit and years of blending country, pop, and glam influences, Hagood is stepping into a new era of music that leans into high-energy, organic instrumentation—drawing from bluegrass and roots textures while keeping the sharp pop melodies that have always defined his songwriting. Fresh off a run of UK dates opening for CMAT and continuing to build a devoted international fanbase, Hagood is gearing up for a major 2026 chapter with new music that feels both deeply rooted and completely his own.

Lauren Sanderson

Lauren Sanderson

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Lauren Sanderson is a genre-blending artist whose sound fuses Y2K nü-metal, hip-hop, alt-pop and rock into a bold, queer rock ’n’ roll identity. In May 2026, she released her new album, LAUREN, along with “COME SAY SUM,” a collaboration with Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst. Following a surprise appearance with Limp Bizkit at the UK’s Download Festival, she is set to open for the band this fall, bringing her immersive, community-driven live show to even more fans. With a highly engaged audience and millions of monthly views, Sanderson continues to build a world that encourages listeners to feel louder, hotter, more confident and more themselves.

WEEKEND TWO

Friday, October 9

Leon Knight

Leon Knight

1:45pm - 2:30pm

Leon Knight is a producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and sassy guitar shredder known for being a force of nature in the studio and on stage. He crafts original classic rock and funk that feels timeless yet electrifyingly fresh for modern ears. Refusing to water down his sound for trends or algorithms, Knight delivers an authentic, raw sound you just can’t find anymore. Backed by a tight, razor-sharp band and always dressed to the nines, Knight’s live shows are a true spectacle and the centerpiece of his movement. Mic tricks, splits, and blistering guitar solos collide with tight grooves and world-class musicianship, earning whispers that he may just be the future King of Rock & Roll.

Girlfriend

Girlfriend

3:30pm - 4:15pm

Girlfriend is emerging as a distinct voice in R&B, blending heartfelt storytelling with soulful melodies. Her latest single, “Tell Me Again,” featuring Bay Swag, showcases her talent for transforming personal experiences into universally relatable music. Born Kenya Edwards, Girlfriend is a Mississippi native who grew up immersed in music. Reggae and R&B were at the bedrock of her now-refined listening ear, and developing her own sound became her mission at the age of 16. Her music feels deeply personal yet universal, addressing the moments we all share but aren’t always able to voice. Girlfriend's discography reflects steady growth and range. In 2025, Girlfriend released her debut EP, It’s Complicated, a candid exploration of love, miscommunication, and emotional uncertainty that further established her as a nuanced and relatable storyteller. Girlfriend is creating music that resonates far beyond the moment — offering connection, comfort, and understanding to anyone who presses play.

Joe Jordan

Joe Jordan

5:15pm - 6:15pm

Joe Jordan is an independent singer/songwriter whose heartfelt music is inspired by family, faith, and real-life struggles. Originally from Woonsocket, Rhode Island, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, with his wife, Alley, after connecting with the Mountain Road music team. Together, they are raising four children while building his music career. After years of success writing songs for other artists, Jordan launched his solo career in 2023. His emotionally honest songwriting quickly gained traction, leading to millions of streams, a brief stint with Atlantic Records in 2024, and ultimately a return to independent music in 2025. Since then, he has surpassed 150 million streams, sold out shows across the U.S. and internationally, and partnered with Rix Records for the release of his debut album, The Heart Sessions, arriving August 18, 2026. Featuring songs about love, heartbreak, faith, addiction, forgiveness, and healing, The Heart Sessions showcases Jordan’s most personal work to date. He will support the album with his first full headlining tour beginning September 10, 2026. In a world driven by fleeting trends, Joe Jordan is creating music that connects on a deeper, lasting level.

Saturday, October 10

Macy Todd

Macy Todd

12:45pm - 1:15pm

Macy Todd’s warm, lived-in voice and roots-leaning sound balance classic songwriting with a quiet modern candor, pairing intimate lyrics and raw vocals with an understated sense of nostalgia. On her debut EP, Pretty Ruthless, she carries the plainspoken intimacy of Sheryl Crow, the timeless emotion of Patsy Cline, and the raw vocal edge of Alanis Morissette, while remaining distinctly her own. Across the project, Todd leans into the contradictions of growing up, falling in love, and finding strength in the messier parts of self-discovery. Having earned an early cosign from Lana Del Rey, Todd is carving out a space that feels both deeply familiar and entirely fresh. Fresh off an opening run and gearing up to join Willow Avalon’s fall tour, she is stepping confidently into a defining new chapter – and introducing her most personal work to date.

Dámaris Bójor

Dámaris Bójor

1:45pm - 2:30pm

Dámaris Bójor is a rising star from Hermosillo, Mexico and the pioneer of Folkpirano, a captivating fusion of regional Mexican music and North American folk. In just two years of releasing music, she has quickly established herself as one of the most distinctive and compelling new voices on either side of the border. Her sound draws inspiration from the contrasting landscapes of the Sonoran Desert andthe lush Yécora region, blending emotional resilience with warmth and tranquility. Her debut album, Folkpirana - produced by Iván De La Rioja (of Daniel, Me Estás Matando) - earned acclaim upon release, featuring the singles "Miedo Al Cielo," "Nube De Paso," and "Volar" with Mexican folk legend Juan Cirerol. She has since continued to build momentum with the singles "Mirando desde afuera" and a reimagining of "All The Things She Said.” Dámaris has been recognized by major outlets including NPR and Rolling Stone, and her live resumé continues to grow: she has performed at SXSW and New York City's Lincoln Center, and takes the stage at Austin City Limits and the Hudson River Music Festival this fall.

Common People

Common People

3:30pm - 4:15pm

Common People is an alternative rock band comprised of Nicky Winegardner (vocals), Cormac Cadden (drums), Asher Thomson (guitar), and Sam Belzer (guitar). Formed in Los Angeles in 2022, the band quickly began writing and performing local shows together. Initial demos caught the attention of Cage The Elephant co-founder and guitarist Brad Shultz, leading to the band signing with his Parallel Vision label in partnership with Big Loud Rock. In 2025, the quartet released a series of singles and joined Cage The Elephant and The Criticals on their respective tours. Earlier this year, Common People made their festival debut at Innings Festival before supporting Rainbow Kitten Surprise, The Bends, and Congress The Band on their respective Spring tours. This summer, the band is on the road with Young The Giant and performed at Bonnaroo’s Outeroo, and is set to deliver exciting festival sets at Minnesota Yacht Club and Austin City Limits. Common People’s debut EP Games, produced by Brad Shultz, is out now.

Chloe Qisha

Chloe Qisha

5:15pm - 6:15pm

Chloe Qisha is a Malaysian-born, UK-based alternative pop singer/songwriter. Having released her debut single in 2024 and played her first show that same year, Chloe has moved quickly through the gears with her tireless hard work, growing rapidly with each of her two melodic, 80s-inspired, independently released EPs. In the last 18 months Chloe has built critical acclaim receiving accolades from the likes of British VogueElle UKClash and being in the long list for BBC Sound Of and has graced the covers of Rolling Stone UKNME and more recently Notion and Dork. As a touring act Chloe has followed a similar trajectory selling out her debut show in just four minutes before being booked to headline the Festival Republic Stage at Leeds Festival as well as supporting the likes of Sabrina Carpenter and Coldplay (multiple times) last summer. She closed 2025 with a sold-out UK and European tour in October and next has headline dates in Canada and the U.S in spring 2026. Her debut EP and singles, including "21st Century Cool Girl”, “So Sad So Hot” and "Modern Romance" showcase her versatility and ability to craft infectious pop tunes with depth. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Chloe Qisha is undoubtedly one to watch.

Sunday, October 11

Marzz

Marzz

12:45pm - 1:15pm

Marzz is a Louisville, Kentucky singer/songwriter known for blending soulful vocals with honest, emotionally driven songwriting. Her music fuses R&B, soul, and alternative influences into a sound that is both intimate and powerful, exploring themes of love, healing, self-discovery, and resilience. With a growing catalog and a reputation for captivating live performances, Marzz continues to establish herself as one of the most promising emerging artists.

Chelsea Jordan

Chelsea Jordan

2:00pm - 2:45pm

Chelsea Jordan is a Baltimore-born singer/songwriter whose music blends heartfelt storytelling with soulful pop and R&B influences. Her creative journey began at USC's Thornton School of Music before gaining recognition on TikTok for her vocal performances and relatable, down-to-earth content. What started as short covers and candid moments quickly grew into a platform for sharing her own original music, including her debut single "The Good Parts" — a reflection on growth, vulnerability, and finding confidence in imperfection. Her sophomore EP, Better Late Than Not At All, produced two standout hits: "halfwaythru," which has surpassed 9 million streams, and "picky choosy," which has nearly 4 million of its own — together. Her authenticity has also attracted brand partnerships, including Adidas, who featured her in their "1000 Originals" campaign celebrating individuality and creativity. With new music on the horizon later this year, Chelsea Jordan continues to shape her sound and presence as one of the emerging voices redefining what it means to be an artist in the digital age.

Vwillz

Vwillz

3:30pm - 4:15pm

Vwillz is an independent artist and songwriter whose genre-blending sound fuses hip-hop, pop, alternative rock, folk and country with a nostalgic yet modern edge. Originally from Colorado Springs and now based in Nashville, he has built a devoted audience through emotionally honest songwriting and boundary-pushing music. With songs like “Falling Slowly,” “Sundown” and “Darkside,” Vwillz has earned hundreds of millions of streams and cultivated a loyal fanbase drawn to his raw storytelling and late-night-drive atmosphere. Moving seamlessly between introspective ballads, anthemic hooks and high-energy tracks, his music feels cinematic, personal and instantly recognizable. Beyond his streaming success, Vwillz continues to write and collaborate across genres, expanding what an independent artist can achieve outside the traditional industry blueprint.

Sasha Keable

Sasha Keable

6:00pm - 6:30pm

Sasha Keable has seen an outpouring of critical and fan acclaim since releasing her projects act right and act right II. Featuring collaborations with Leon Thomas and BEAM, the music marked a new era for Sasha: bold, introspective, and unflinchingly honest. The release was celebrated for its cinematic production and lyrical vulnerability, with standout performances at Glastonbury, Meltdown (curated by Little Simz), and COLORS NYC, as well as two instantly sold-out headline shows at London’s KOKO and Manchester’s Deaf Institute. At the end of last year Billboard named her their last R&B Rookie of the Month for 2025. Her Tiny Desk performance drew widespread acclaim for its raw emotion and vocal mastery, while her recent tour with GIVĒON introduced her to an even wider international audience. She recently performed at The Roots Picnic in Philly, in Cannes for Meta and earned an opening slot on Olivia Dean's Art Of Loving Live tour. With well over 100 million global streams, Sasha Keable continues to shape her own lane.