Deezie Brown and Jake Lloyd, members of the unique Southern hip-hop duo Geto Gala, are busy preparing for their performance at Austin City Limits Festival.
As they brainstorm ideas for what the seamstress can stitch onto their festival outfits, the two artists ponder designs like a lightning bolt or a question mark.
Their set is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5, at 1:45 PM on the Beatbox stage, adding to the excitement of the festival weekend.
Philip Lupton from Briscoe, a duo consisting of him and Truett Heintzelman, shares a laugh about their own preparations.
“Water. No, seriously, lots of water,” Lloyd advises Briscoe in reference to staying hydrated while performing in the heat, underscoring a lesson learned from past experiences.
Lupton and Heintzelman are slated to perform their own set at 5:30 PM on Friday, and they are grateful for the opportunity to take the stage at the festival for the first time.
Having both played as solo acts in previous years, Brown and Lloyd emphasize the importance of being mindful of the Texas sun, especially given the black attire they plan to wear.
Brown, sporting a vintage leather coat that elicited a humorous comment from a fellow putt-putt player, confidently claims he will acclimate to the heat.
While the weather is certainly a topic of discussion, the larger purpose of their mini-golf outing serves to bridge connections between two Austin-based musical acts.
Lloyd and Brown have deep roots in Austin, having grown up nearby and participated in the local music scene for years.
Their collaboration blossomed in 2019, leading to the formation of Geto Gala, where they aim to create music that resonates with the Black community and a diverse audience.
“The goal was to create something for everyone,” Brown reflects on their efforts to produce music that celebrates hardworking individuals from various backgrounds.
Their upcoming debut album, Major League, is infused with nostalgic sounds, combining elements like Nineties falsetto and smooth synths, offering listeners a glimpse into their evolving artistic process.
As they prepare for their ACL set, the duo plans to showcase tracks from Major League, accompanied by a few unreleased songs that are still being fine-tuned.
On the other side of the musical spectrum, Briscoe is riding the momentum from their newly-released second album, Heat of July, which debuted just weeks prior to the festival on Sept. 19.
Their sound, shaped by their experiences touring, blends Americana influences with storytelling lyrics crafted during their travels.
Heintzelman describes the process of composing music on the road, emphasizing how road trips can inspire poetic writing even without instruments.
Despite the contrasting styles of hip-hop and folk, both duos share common ground that extends beyond their music.
Many might mistake Lupton and Heintzelman for family due to their uncanny similarities and shared history that traces back to childhood summer camps.
Having moved to Austin from South Texas for college, the duo and their wives recently celebrated their marriages, solidifying their bonds further.
Discovering their musical identities under the Briscoe name has led to opening slots for renowned acts like Dave Matthews Band and Noah Kahan, thanks to their roots-inspired sound.
Their musical journeys reflect a mix of influences, from classic Texas country to iconic bands like The Beatles.
Heintzelman fondly recalls Paul McCartney’s impressive performance at ACL, highlighting the electric atmosphere he created.
In a playful moment during their mini-golf outing, Heintzelman entertained the group with an a cappella rendition of a Beatles classic, solidifying the iconic band’s place in their hearts.
The vastly different styles of Briscoe and Geto Gala demonstrate the beauty of collaboration amidst a rich musical scene, breaking down barriers between genres.
Both acts recognize that ACL is a prime example of unity in diversity, showcasing the range of Austin’s vibrant music culture.
Lloyd envisions a potential collaboration between the two bands, hinting at the exciting possibilities that could lie ahead.
In the blending of folk and hip-hop, both groups celebrate their roots, acknowledging the shared traditions of storytelling and musical heritage that have shaped their respective sounds.
As the festival unfolds, it stands as a testament to the artistry that thrives when diverse musical styles come together, reinforcing the spirit of Austin’s collaborative scene.
image source from：austinchronicle
