No ACL Music Festival lineup is complete without a couple dozen local artists, and this year, Chief Cleopatra will perform at the fest for the first time in her career.

The native Texan, multi-instrumentalist, and five-time SXSW Music Festival performer said getting the opportunity to hit the ACL stage was "very surreal."

Chief Cleopatra — whose real name is Jalesa Jessie — sat down with ATXtoday to talk about it.

Jessie began her journey as a musician as a child, singing in her church choir, playing snare in marching band, and learning bass + piano in Corsicana, Texas.

"(One year) my mom and dad bought me a drum set for Christmas, along with Led Zeppelin's discography," Jessie said. "My mom didn't understand what was going on, but she was like, 'this is what she wants.'"

An alumna of Hot Summer Nights and SXSW, Chief Cleopatra said her favorite local venue to perform in is Antone's Nightclub. | Photo by Konstantin Belyshev

Since then, Jessie has largely been focusing on music, and moved to Austin in 2021 to pursue her passion further.

"For a few years now, I've been trying to bother (ACL) about playing," Jessie said. "I'm still really in shock about to be honest with you ... it's great, it's a dream come true."

If you stop by for her set, you're in for a unique performance. Jessie said she plans to play drums live for the first time and perform her new single, "Cold Dancer."

You might see Jessie walking the festival grounds after her set, as she said she plans to be in the audience for Khruangbin, Santigold, Leon Bridges, and Jungle.

Chief Cleopatra performed with a few bands before going solo in pursuit of a lasting career in music. | Photo by Felicia Graham

An ACL set isn't all that 2024 has in store for Jessie — Chief Cleopatra is also up for America's Next Top Hitmaker. If she wins, she'll earn $10,000 and a feature in Rolling Stone Magazine — vote here.

Haven't heard her music yet? Jessie recommends starting with "Belushi" and "Dreamlights."

Psst — don't miss our upcoming guide to every local artist performing at the festival.