This or that: Toughest ACL 2025 head-to-head set choices

Illo Credit: Angela John

Austin City Limits’ schedule is full of overlapping sets, forcing difficult decisions. Each artist brings a unique experience, making every choice meaningful. To help pick, The Daily Texan highlighted some of the time conflicts to compare this year’s clashing performances.

Empire of the Sun at 7 p.m. vs. Cage the Elephant 6:30 p.m

Empire of the Sun, the Australian duo famous for their neon-drenched visuals and synth-heavy anthems, turns every show into a theatrical spectacle with elaborate lighting, costumes and immersive stage production. They offer dreamlike and cinematic performances, making the audience feel part of another world.

On the other hand, Cage the Elephant thrives on high-energy rock performances filled with raw improvisation and crowd engagement. The group offers chaotic, electrifying and unpredictable shows, with the band often moving through the audience and feeding off the crowd’s energy.

Empire of the Sun: Miller Lite Stage, both Fridays

Cage the Elephant: American Express Stage, both Fridays

The Strokes at 8:15 p.m. vs. Sabrina Carpenter at 8:35 p.m.

The Strokes, who defined early 2000s indie rock, deliver nostalgia and history. Sabrina Carpenter will kick off her next early major performance since releasing Man’s Best Friend, providing a chance to be some of the first to see these highly anticipated songs. 

These considerations make it difficult to choose between a legendary band with the possibility of fewer tours in the future and an exciting new chapter in pop music. With crowds for Sabrina predicted to be as large, if not larger, than Chappell Roan’s 2024 ACL performance, trying to see both of these artists in full may prove nearly impossible.

The Strokes: T-Mobile Stage, both Saturdays

Sabrina Carpenter: American Express Stage, both Saturdays

Doechii at 6:30 p.m. vs. The Backseat Lovers at 6:15 p.m. And Pierce the Veil at 6:15 p.m.

Weekend one brings The Backseat Lovers, who offer intimate, guitar-driven indie rock performances that focus on lyrical storytelling and tight harmonies. Their stage setups are often understated, allowing the music and emotional delivery to take center stage. 

For weekend two, iconic post-hardcore band Pierce the Veil is set against Doechii, giving fans the chance to hear their latest album, The Jaws of Life (Deluxe), come to life. Their angsty performance resonates with many listeners and has kept the band a relevant act in their genre. 

Both acts coincide with Doechii, Grammy winner for Best Rap Album and Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year, delivering dynamic, high-energy performances that fuse rap, R&B and experimental sounds. Known for her commanding presence and interaction with the crowd, she turns every song into a visually and sonically bold experience.

Doechii: American Express Stage, both Saturdays

The Backseat Lovers: T-Mobile Stage, Saturday weekend one

Pierce the Veil: T-mobile Stage, Saturday weekend two

Japanese Breakfast at 7:30 p.m. vs. DJO at 7:30 p.m.

Japanese Breakfast blends introspective lyrics with lush, cinematic indie-pop arrangements, often incorporating elaborate stage visuals and lighting to create an immersive, emotional experience. The band emphasizes both sonic depth and theatrical presentation, making each performance a complete sensory experience. 

DJO, riding off the momentum of his latest album, The Crux, delivers high-energy, genre-blending shows that mix rap, electronic and rock elements. His ACL set promises intricate production, dynamic lighting and physical performances to keep the crowd fully engaged from start to finish.

Japanese Breakfast: Beatbox Stage, both Saturdays

DJO: Ladybird Stage, both Saturdays

This article was written for The Daily Texan the official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin