The city was transformed in the best way possible for the past two weekends as Austin City Limits Festival 2018 took over Zilker Park. Set in the heart of downtown, performances from music legends such as Sir Paul McCartney, Arctic Monkeys, and Travis Scott brought together people from all across the world. During those six days of music in the park, Austin City Limits Radio was backstage talking with some of the performing artists; asking questions and hosting live lounge performances. In case you missed any of the backstage festivities, here is a recap of weekend two!
We kicked off Friday with Curtis Roush who had the honor of performing in his home city, Austin. Straying away from his personal sound of psychedelic beats, Roush surprised listeners as he covered Sade’s “No Ordinary Love” with an acoustic, rustic twist. With a new album, Cosmic Campfire Sounds, released earlier this year, Roush showcased his musically diverse talents backstage as he took an older, R&B song and gave it his own spin with just a guitar in hand.
Next, on stage, we welcomed German-Canadian-British singer/songwriter Alice Merton and her band. Performing her single “No Roots”, Merton sat between her band members who strummed a guitar and beat on an empty guitar case for makeshift instrumental sounds. Together, the trio boldly sang the lyric, “I’ve got no-” as Merton went on to finish the chorus. Given Merton’s background of moving from country to country, the soul and passion radiating from the group’s backstage performance deepened the meaning for those listening.
Saying goodbye to the most wonderful time of the year, Mt. Joy visited Austin City Limits Radio backstage for one last performance of the festival. Starting with “Jenny Jenkins” and ending with fan-favorite “Astrovan”, the performances were beautifully backed with vocals from Matt Quinn, Sam Cooper, and Jackie Miclau. During Mt. Joy’s set, the band beamed with feelings of relaxation, joy, and peace that many feel while hanging in Zilker Park for Austin City Limits Festival.
From the incredible performing artists and energetic crowd at every stage, Austin City Limits Festival 2018 was one for the books. Check out more of our performances from weekend one and two of the fest here.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Barajas
