Lauren Sanderson will be stopping by this year’s Austin City Limits and is considered one of our most highly-anticipated acts.
Lauren Sanderson is everything great about nu-metal and queer pop rolled into one massive artist. With the release of her self-titled album, LAUREN, in May, Sanderson has continued to build an ever-growing fan base with music that is unapologetic, aggressive, and catchy as hell.
Born and raised in Indiana, Sanderson found her way into music after realizing she wanted to inspire others. At just 19 years old, she landed a spot on a TED Talk, an experience that helped shape her mission as an artist: encouraging people to embrace who they are and unapologetic be themselves.
That message is woven throughout Sanderson’s music. She isn’t afraid to push boundaries, blend genres, or make the kind of music she wants to make. The result is a sound that pulls from the intensity of nu-metal while embracing the energy, vulnerability, and attitude of queer pop. It’s inspiring to watch her continue to grow in the space while staying true to herself. She’s even gotten the chance to collaborate with one of her musical idols, Fred Durst, after he heard her single “COME SAY SUM” and she decided to shoot her shot. That collaboration feels like the perfect example of Sanderson’s willingness to take risks and go after the opportunities she wants.
Now, Sanderson is bringing that same energy to Austin City Limits Music Festival. She will take the stage during Weekend One on Friday, October 2, at 7:00 PM, giving ACL fans the chance to experience her wild live presence firsthand.
If you’re looking for an artist who refuses to conform to the norm, will put on an epic show and sounds damn good doing it, make sure to put Lauren Sanderson on your list to see.
Austin City Limits Music Festival will be happening on October 2–4 and October 9–11, 2026. Check out the full lineup and get your ACL 2026 tickets here: https://www.aclfestival.com/tickets
I am an Austin, TX based concert photographer with roots in Houston, TX. I graduated from Texas Tech University with both my BA and MBA. In my spare time, I photograph shows in the local Austin scene, buy way too many plants, and go bouldering. Some of my favorite local artists are NSFWho?, Chancla Fight Club, and Nolo.
