Blood Orange Captivates New Fans at Austin Show

Dev Hynes' genre-blending project transforms ACL Live with haunting cello and devoted young crowd

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In a spellbinding performance at ACL Live in Austin, musician Dev Hynes and his project Blood Orange showcased their genre-defying sound, moving seamlessly between R&B, indie rock, and orchestral pop. The show captivated a devoted young crowd, who sang along to both old and new tracks, creating a shared concert experience. Hynes' careful construction of the music, switching between instruments and allowing the band to shine, created a mesmerizing atmosphere, culminating in a stripped-back cover of The Smiths' "How Soon Is Now?" on cello that transformed the room.

Why it matters

Blood Orange's performance at ACL Live highlights the enduring appeal of Dev Hynes' genre-blending sound, which has earned him a devoted following among a new generation of music fans. The show's intimate, immersive quality and the audience's enthusiastic response demonstrate the power of live music to create shared experiences and reshape the way people engage with and discover new artists.

The details

Throughout the show, Hynes moved between keyboards, guitars, and a cello, carefully constructing the music piece by piece. The band's sound slipped between R&B, indie rock, and orchestral pop, often within the same song. Tracks like "Bad Girls" and "Jesus Freak Lighter" built in intensity, with the room erupting in drums and lights. The young, fashion-conscious crowd sang along passionately to both older and newer songs, creating a sense of shared experience.

  • The show took place on Saturday night at ACL Live at the Moody Theater in Austin.
  • Blood Orange's latest album, "Essex Honey," was released in 2025.

The players

Dev Hynes

The musician behind the Blood Orange project, known for his genre-blending sound and careful construction of his live performances.

Solange

A collaborator with Hynes, who co-wrote the track "Bad Girls" for Blood Orange.

Ian Isiah

A singer who performed backing vocals and harmonies during the Blood Orange set.

Eva Tolkin

A singer who performed backing vocals and harmonies during the Blood Orange set.

TLF Trio

The opening act for the Blood Orange show.

Tariq Al-Sabir

The other opening act for the Blood Orange show.

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What they’re saying

“Maybe soul rock, I said, knowing that wasn't quite right. Hynes' music slips between R&B, indie rock and orchestral pop, often within the same song — something built on feeling rather than definition.”

— Ana Gutierrez, Author (statesman.com)

“Hynes himself spoke very little. He didn't need to. When he did address the audience, it was simply to say he was honored to play ACL Live, a stage that has hosted decades of memorable performances. He thanked his tour mates and openers. He thanked the audience, who cheered persistently between songs.”

— Ana Gutierrez, Author (statesman.com)

What’s next

Blood Orange is expected to continue touring in support of their 2025 album "Essex Honey" throughout 2026, with additional festival appearances and headlining shows scheduled.

The takeaway

Blood Orange's captivating performance at ACL Live showcased Dev Hynes' ability to create genre-defying music that resonates with a new generation of fans. The show's intimate, immersive quality and the audience's enthusiastic response demonstrate the enduring power of live music to foster shared experiences and introduce listeners to artists who defy easy categorization.