Live music preview: May shows to see in Austin

May 2, 2022 Christina DeStefano 449 Views Austin Music, live music, preview

Editor’s note: This month ushers in what we hope to be a recurring series of recommended shows by our staff. Today’s (massive) list of upcoming May shows in Austin was compiled by Christina DeStefano. The notes about the shows are hers. We included links to ticketing pages when possible. Remember to tip your bartenders and waitstaff. If you really enjoy a show, consider purchasing music or merch from the artist at the show. This way of supporting touring acts is particularly helpful for independent and unsigned acts.

May 2 – Snail Mail – ACL Live / Moody Theater
- For fans of Soccer Mommy and Japanese Breakfast may I present to you Snail Mail. Debuting her first album, Lush, at seventeen years old back in 2018, Lindsey Jordan signed on with Matador Records to dip her toe into the indie rock music scene. Grab tickets here.
May 3 – Orville Peck – Stubb’s
- He wears a fringed mask, a cowboy hat, and an oversized belt, Orville Peck is one for dramatics. The maked singer skillfully holds high notes over a sleepy sundown track “Dead of Night”. Peck sets the stage for a western film’s romance scenes. Show is sold out but there may be secondary market tickets available for die hard fans.
May 3 – Good Morning w/ PACKS and Hall Johnson – Hotel Vegas
- Hotel Vegas is kicking off its summer hosting Melbourne-based duo Good Morning on its back patio. The beachy band will be accompanied by Canadian female artist PACKS, touring to promote her second album Take The Cake. Hall Johnson has been working quietly on their first album here in Austin, Texas. Check out Hotel Vegas if you are into lofi surf rock to usher in the Texas summer sun. Presale tickets are still available.
May 4 – Hi How Are You Day – Grouplove, Polyphonic Spree, Madame Ghandi, Kate Davis – ACL Live / Moody Theater
- The Hi, How Are You Project launched its lineup at ACL Live to promote mental health. The “Hi, How Are You” Project was founded by the famous Austin muralist’s Daniel Johnson’s family to remove stigma around mental illness. Both general admission and premium seating can be purchased here.
May 4 – Car Seat Headrest w/ Bartees Strange – Stubb’s BBQ
- There’s something about belting it all out, unrestrained to “Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales” that is incredibly cathartic. The song has become one of my quintessential car songs; I am stoked to share in this with a crowdful of strangers. Car Seat Headrest put out a new album in early pandemic back in 2020. Bartee Strange carries the angst of pop punk inspirations in his lyrics mixed with the sonic sounds of Bloc Party and King Krule. Grab tickets here.
May 4 – Arlie X Betcha w/ Rightfield – Empire Control Room
- Indie pop band Arlie will be bringing feel good indie pop tunes. Arlie, formed in 2015, vocalist Nathaniel Banks began recording songs in his dorm room at Vanderbilt University. He was later joined by Carson Lystad, Adam Lochemes, and Tyler Waters. The band announced a week ago on YouTube, Arlie announced they would be releasing new album “BREAK THE CURE” on 6/3. Get tickets here.
May 6 – Kurt Vile and the Violators – ACL Live
- Kurt Vile has had a prestigious career: performing as a member of The War On Drugs, collaborating with Courtney Bartnett among other achievements. Vile signed to Matador Records in 2009, producing his first album with his backup band, The Violators. There are still tickets available.
May 7 & 8 – Bikini Kill – Far Out Lounge (7th) / Mohawk (8th)
- “Rebel Girl”. Need I say more? The May 7 date was moved to Far Out Lounge and Stage due to high demand for tickets. Night two is still scheduled for Mohawk. Both shows are sold out. Check both venue social accounts for last minute tickets.
May 7 – Okilly Dokilly & Steaksauce, Rival Waves – Empire Control Room and Garage
- It’s a Ned Flanders themed metal band. For a novelty experience similar to Sriracha flavored beer. In a good way. Grab advance tickets here.
May 8 – Half Dream and Beach Street – Hotel Vegas
- Half Dream comes from Austin, TX. Dream folk singer Paige Renee Berry navigates her vocals like Angel Olsen, while Jack Ames contrasts with sonic booming melodies on guitar.
May 11 – Darius and Cezaire – The Parish
- Darius remixes R&B tracks with a hint of house and a drop of disco to produce bouncy tracks. The Roche Musique label artist collaborates with funky vocalists WAYNE SNOW and Dune. Presale tickets are available here.
May 11 King Hannah – The Mohawk
- Liverpol duo Hannah Merrick and Craig Whittle return to Austin after their appearance in March for SXSW, playing at Cheer Up Charlie’s and The Pershing. Debut album “I’m Not Sorry, I Was Just Being Me” is unapologetic, slinky, and slinky, the kind that pulls a cigarette from red painted lips, and singes it on the skin. The show is indoor with tickets available here.
May 12 15 – Oblivion Access Fest – Red River Cultural District
- Formerly Austin Terror Fest, this underground music festival will take place across the Red River Cultural District at Elysium, Empire Control Room, the Mohawk, and Hotel Vegas. Lineup includes Blonde Redhead, Danny Brown, Carcass, the Locust, Xiu Xiu, amongst the long list. SOLD OUT
May 12 – The Antlers w/ Wild Pink – Antone’s
- Indie folk band The Antlers covers a broad emotional range: from somber as “Put the Dog to Sleep” to its much more cheerful new album “Green to Gold”, released in 2021. For fans of Sigur Ros. Grab tickets in advance.
May 13 – Dehd – Antone’s
- Like Car Seat Headrest, I’ve been caught at stoplights belting it to sunshine-y surf rock track “Bad Love”. I happened across the track on KEXP’s “Song of the Day” podcast a month or so ago and it has been on repeat since. Tickets are still available.
May 14 – 81355 – Mohawk
- Pronounced “Bless”, Indianapolis hip hop trio brings DIY sounds for their first album for a fusion of old school and new school style rap. Show is indoor meaning there a a limited number of tickets available for that small room.
May 15 – Wallows – Stubbs BBQ
- Indie rock band The Wallows gives an air of nonchalance and a “cooler than thou” attitude. Maybe it’s the oversized jackets; maybe it’s the fact I’ve seen them on TikTok, maybe it’s that I’ve seen lead singer Dylan Minnette on 13 Reasons Why. SOLD OUT
May 17 – Destroyer – Mohawk
- Blissed out dream pop artist Destroyer delivers ambient tunes at the Mohawk. Dan Bejar spread his time between many different projects including indie folk group The New Pornographers to experiment with different instruments in Destroyer. For fans of Wild Nothing. Buy presale tickets here.
May 18 – Bombino with Mélat – Stateside Paramount Theater
- Back in college, my friend Sarah and I traded music. I expected maybe 20 songs. No; she gave me approximately 600. Bombino conjures up the Sahara in his music, with psychedelic rock with the grittiness of the blues. After fleeing his home country of Niger in 2007 due to political unrest, filmmaker Ron Wyman tracked him down to help produce his first record. For fans of The Black Keys. Austin songstress Mélat opens. Get tickets here.
Every Saturday – Orion Garcia and King Louie- Hotel Vegas
- DJ Orion Garcia has been an integral part of the Austin music scene for years, holding it down at the Volstead, remixing the music of his Hispanic roots.

For the Love of SIMS – Sir Woman, Primo the Alien, special guest – Far Out Lounge
- A SIMS Foundation benefit concert featuring Primo The Alien, Special Guest TBA, and Sir Woman. All proceeds support SIMS Foundation and mental health and substance use recovery services for musicians, music industry professionals, and their dependent family members. Tickets available here (early bird discount until May 6).
May 21 – Raveena – Parish
- Raveena meshes vibrant R&B melodies with lo-fi beats for breezy listening. Earlier this year, she collaborated with Vince Staples to release her single “Secret”, letting her Indian influence shine through. SOLD OUT
May 22 – Black Violin – Long Center
- Classically trained Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus cross genres to fuse together hip hop and classical music. Remixing “Vivaldi – Spring” and “Sugar Plum Fairy” with beats, the duo modernizes classic music to break down cultural norms and stereotypes. The performance will take place in the intimate Dell Hall. Tickets can be purchased here.
May 23 – Sigur Ros – ACL Live
- Icelandic experimental band Sigur Ros returns to ACL Live for an ethereal experience. Sigur Ros (Icelandic for Victory Rose) has been known to deliver whimsical scenery amongst their meticulous compositions. Get advanced tickets here.
May 26 – Mystery Skulls – The Far Out Lounge and Stage
- For fans of Ghostland Observatory and Daft Punk, Mystery Skull released the disco-funk album “Beam Me Up” early 2022. Dubuc pumps serotonin into each track to keep the audience on their feet. Grab tickets here.
May 27 – Barfield The Tyrant – C-Boys Heart and Soul
- Michael Barfield of Texas Funk brings one part Johnny Cash and one part James Brown to C-Boys and is guaranteed to get you dancing. Barfield, The Tyrant is no stranger to Austin, frequenting South Austin music venues C-Boys and Continental Club.
May 28 – 29 – Austin Live Music Revival – Empire Control Room
- Fauci himself has declared the pandemic to be over. With that being said, over 20 performances are scheduled between Antone’s and Empire Control Room to take back Austin as the live music capital of the world. Abhi the Nomad, TCC favorite Jackie Venson, Henry Invisible and lots more are slated to perform. Get tickets here.
May 25 – 27 – Hot Luck Festival – Mohawk and other venues
- What would Austin be without its smoked meats? Engorge yourself with delicious foods by day, burn off the calories jamming to music by night. Hot Luck Festival will feature Superchunk, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Shannon and the Clams, and many more. Grab tickets to shows here.
May 31 – Animal Collective w/ Spirit of the Beehive – Emo’s
- “Animal Collective”: I haven’t heard that name in years. Animal Collective has been playfully experimenting with harmonizing their vocals and testing the early boundaries of indie rock in its prime. “Time Skiffs”, released in 2022, holds true to their original sound with some maturity. The venue still has tickets on sale.
May 31 – Borzoi, Abandoncy, Porcelain (First Show) – Hotel Vegas
- I have NO idea what to expect, but I will strongly encourage taking a chance on a new band. Music discovery is my favorite thing.