Almost Heaven talks about their new EP release and ACL debut experience.
Words by Megan Eppolito. Photo by Tessa Harfenist.
The Austin-based indie-electronic duo Almost Heaven played the Tito’s Stage on Friday at Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL). Drummer/singer/co-writer Jaelyn Valero and producer/ lead vocalist Stefan Barraza describe their sound as something that makes people dance but also has significance in the lyrics. “Jaelyn told me an awesome story: someone had to call their family in the middle of the set because one song was making them feel something, which is so powerful,” Barraza shares. “That’s the biggest compliment we’ve ever gotten about a show.”
Barraza grew up in El Paso, Texas. After pursuing graphic design and videography, he found his passion for producing his own music. He moved to Austin in June of 2024 with his photographer Sebastian Saef, working in the music industry alongside many talented creatives, including Valero.
Almost Heaven’s debut EP RAW CRANIUM was released in January, with an eight-month anniversary edition just released, featuring new remixes and tracks. They performed shows across the country, and their growth reflects on their latest work. “Us celebrating eight months is the best way we can describe how we’re feeling about the project and the progress and growth we’ve made,” Barraza says. “We’re really grateful. We feel strongly about our sounds and our vision, and it’s been pretty consistent, and I think our impact continues to grow. This was a celebration of everything we’ve accomplished and how much we’ve gone through since the release in January. We do understand that eight months- the year is not over, and we just got another super beautiful special moment under our belt for this year. Speaking for myself, it’s been the best year of my life.”
“We just came out with two new tracks; they are on the anniversary edition of Raw Cranium,” Valero says. “We have ‘monkey disco brain’ and ‘rock push pulse sweat,’ check them out!” “This eight-month anniversary edition is a great opportunity to inform people of what is to come and inform them as well of the foundational elements of what it means to step into the world of Almost Heaven,” Barraza says. “We have a lot of awesome shows coming up, and we’re coming out with a remix of ‘fever trying to blow,’” Valero shares. Performing in their own city has been an incredible experience for the duo. “It means the world; it’s everything,” Valero explains. “It’s a sign that we’re on the right path; we’re doing the right thing. We’re so grateful to feel endlessly supported by the Austin community.” Almost Heaven has shows coming up, playing with Joey Cash and playing the Ghostland Observatory on Oct 31 with Somewhere Special.
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Megan Eppolito (she/her) is a photographer and writer based in Houston, TX. She captures the energy and emotion of live music through vibrant concert photography and thoughtful coverage. Megan is passionate about documenting emerging artists and the alternative music scene, bringing fans closer to the shows and stories they love. When she's not at concerts, she loves thrifting, going out with friends, or binging the next popular comedy TV series.