Making music and history: UT college kids take the stage at ACL Fest

Oct 5, 2024 at 8:38 PM

Indie Sensations West 22nd Conquer Austin City Limits

The members of the indie-rock band West 22nd are buzzing with excitement as they take the stage at the prestigious Austin City Limits music festival. This college quintet, hailing from the University of Texas, has defied the odds and landed a coveted spot at one of the biggest music events in the country, marking a significant milestone in their meteoric rise to fame.

Fueled by Passion and Determination, West 22nd Captivates Audiences Nationwide

From Dorm Room Jams to the Bright Lights of ACL

The journey of West 22nd has been nothing short of remarkable. Formed just two years ago, the band has rapidly ascended from playing sweaty frat-party basements to headlining shows across the country. Their rise to prominence is a testament to their unwavering dedication and the undeniable chemistry they share as musicians.The members of West 22nd – Logan Madsen (lead vocals), Jeremy Ancheta (lead guitar), Doug Blatt (drums), Gabe Acevado (rhythm guitar, backup vocals), and Jet Beck (bass) – met serendipitously during their time at the University of Texas. What started as casual jam sessions in dorm rooms quickly blossomed into a shared vision to take their music to the next level.

Conquering the Austin Music Scene and Beyond

Hailing from the vibrant music hub of Austin, the members of West 22nd have leveraged the city's thriving indie scene to their advantage. "Living in Austin, it's like music is just falling out of the sky," says Gabe Acevado. "It's been a really awesome place for us. It's just the perfect incubator for bands."In the span of just two years, West 22nd has gone from playing local bars and parties to headlining prestigious venues like the Paramount Theater in Los Angeles and the SXSW Music Festival. Their infectious energy and captivating live performances have earned them a loyal following, and their recent opening slot for Remi Wolf at Forty Acres Fest only further solidified their status as rising stars.

Balancing Academics and Rockstar Dreams

As if their meteoric rise to fame wasn't impressive enough, the members of West 22nd have managed to maintain their academic pursuits while pursuing their musical passions. "We still get decent grades," says lead singer Logan Madsen. "We take pride in our education, and we definitely all want to get our degrees before we hit the ground running."The band's ability to juggle the demands of college life and their burgeoning music career is a testament to their discipline and determination. "I'm not gonna get a 4.0, I'll tell ya that," admits guitarist Jeremy Ancheta, "but we're grateful for how busy it's been – that's a good thing."

Embracing the Thrill of the Stage

Despite their impressive accomplishments, the members of West 22nd still experience the familiar pre-show jitters that come with performing in front of large crowds. "It's weird, because leading up to it, I won't be nervous at all," says Logan Madsen. "Then, five minutes before we go on, I'll just freak out."To combat the nerves, the band has developed a unique pre-show ritual that helps them channel their energy and focus. "We do, like, a little breakdown," Madsen explains. "We go 'one, two, three, all the way home.' Because that's what our EP's called. And then we all kiss."

Charting a Course for Continued Success

As West 22nd takes the stage at Austin City Limits, the members are brimming with excitement and a sense of accomplishment. "This is the dream already," says guitarist Jeremy Ancheta, reflecting on the band's remarkable journey.With an album in the works and plans to support a major act or embark on their own headlining tour, the future looks bright for West 22nd. Their performance at ACL is just the beginning of what promises to be an even more remarkable chapter in their story, as they continue to captivate audiences and solidify their place as one of the most exciting indie acts to emerge from the heart of Texas.