Chief Cleopatra
Originally hailing from Corsicana, Texas, Chief Cleopatra (born Jalessa Jessie) came to Austin in 2012, garnering media praise and prompting comparisons to Santigold. She is a five-time SXSW official artist and is excited to play ACL for the first time! Drawing inspiration from Aretha Franklin and Wu-Tang Clan, her performances are fueled by soul, funk, pop and hip-hop.
“I love Austin’s music scene. It is definitely one big family of support and creativity and I love it. ACL Festival is definitely going to be an important moment in my career but also a personal milestone that I’ll get to cherish forever.”
Chance Pena
He may have been eliminated from The Voice in 2015, but nothing is going to stop this Tyler, Texas, native. The 19-year-old has developed a penchant for penning songs that showcase an emotional vulnerability that connects with his growing legion of fans. In addition to playing ACL, Chance played Outside Lands this year and will be adding support to Kaleo’s Payback Tour, followed by a headline UK + European tour.
Fun fact: Chance told 1883 Magazine “If I could only listen to two artists for the rest of my life, it would be Kid Cudi and The Lumineers.”
Kalu and the Electric Joint
Blending psychedelic soul music with rock and roll and ancient rhythms of Africa, Kalu and the Electric Joint offer an experience that will have you entranced. Their music invokes a range of emotions with an uplifting and empowering message carrying modern music forward while paying tribute to the inspirations of the past.
“Playing ACL feels like an acknowledgment of the journey of immigrating to the United States at age 18 from Nigeria and at 25 (2007) moving to Austin in pursuit of music and never backing down. We’re bringing to the stage the energy of all (the dreamers, the underdogs) who have carried us here. It’s their win too!”