West 22: From Wampus to ACL

Three years ago, four friends from Austin gathered in a cramped garage on West 22nd Street, jamming for hours on end with nothing more than borrowed amps, secondhand guitars, and a dream. They weren’t chasing fame yet but were just a couple of guys having fun playing together, and creating something bigger than themselves. Today, those same friends, now known as West 22, are carving out their own lane in Austin’s legendary music scene, proving that sometimes the best sounds are born from simplicity, friendship, and raw ambition.

The Beginning: Just Friends, Just Music

The band’s story starts where many Austin stories do, with live music pulsing through the city streets. Bonded by a shared love for indie rock and alt-pop, the members of West 22 first came together as classmates swapping playlists and scribbling song ideas between lectures. Their practice space, a tiny garage off West 22nd, gave the group their name and became their creative laboratory.

What began as late-night covers of Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes quickly evolved into original songs, textured with dreamy guitar riffs, punchy rhythms, and lyrics that capture the chaos and wonder of early adulthood. The garage was hot, the walls were thin, and the neighbors weren’t always thrilled, but those nights were where West 22 found their sound.

Finding Their Identity

Like many young bands, West 22 experimented restlessly at first, playing with heavier rock tones, trying out funk-inspired grooves, and layering in synths. But as they started performing around Austin, from coffee shops to packed backyard shows, the group realized their strongest moments came when they leaned into raw instruments. Their songs don’t try to be too polished but instead, they capture the immediacy of growing up, navigating relationships, and figuring life out one verse at a time.

Musically, West 22 draws inspiration from artists like The 1975 and Dayglow, balancing nostalgia with modern edge. The result is a sound that feels both familiar and fresh, bright indie-pop melodies wrapped around lyrics that reflect the band’s own coming-of-age.

Building Momentum in Austin

Austin, with its endless stages and hungry crowds, has been the perfect testing ground for West 22. The band’s DIY spirit, from designing their own merch to producing demos in dorm rooms, has earned them a loyal following. Word of mouth, campus buzz, and a handful of viral live clips have helped them move from neighborhood gigs to opening slots at local festivals.

And while their shows are steadily growing in size, the band hasn’t lost sight of the community that raised them. Whether it’s collaborating with fellow Austin artists, playing charity sets, or simply showing up to support other local acts, West 22 embodies the “keep Austin weird” ethos while pushing the city’s indie scene forward.

Looking Ahead

For West 22, the story is still being written.

As they look toward tours and future releases, one thing remains constant: West 22’s heart lies in connection. They’re not just chasing fame, they’re chasing moments where a crowd of strangers sings back your lyrics and suddenly feels like family.

In a city famous for shaping artists into icons, West 22 is well on their way to becoming Austin’s next breakout band!

Check out their music below!