But it’s the music that truly pulses as Thin Line’s beating heart. From smoky guitar riffs to piercing vocal intensity, from ethereal textures to bold experimentation, the festival is a carefully curated symphony of sound, offering something extraordinary for every kind of listener.
This year’s music lineup, orchestrated under the hand of music director Charlie DeBolt, paints a vivid picture of contrasts and connections.
“What we really wanted to do was capture the distinct pockets of sound that make the DFW area so unique while pulling in artists who feel connected to this scene,” DeBolt says.
With a year to refine the experience, the Thin Line team, which also includes Philip Abramo, Jacqueline Wadley and Cheyanne Singleton, selected bands that embody both Denton’s roots and its restless, forward-moving spirit.
Max Diaz
Friday, April 25 at 8:40 p.m., East Side Patio, 117 E. Oak St.
Max Diaz might catch your eye as a cowboy but will surprise you as a boundary-breaker. Draped in gritty, indie energy with a hardcore edge, Diaz breathes rebellion into his music, blurring realism with splashes of nihilism. Known for subverting expectations through sound and spectacle, their set promises to balance chaotic brilliance and boisterous fun. Max is sure to be one of those artists who keep you guessing. “Denton loves that kind of offbeat energy. It’s a homegrown feel, but it’s entirely unconventional,” DeBolt says.
Melancholy meets mayhem as Slow Joy fuses grunge, emo and shoegaze into a visceral sonic experience you won’t forget.
Courtesy of Thin Line Fest
Friday, April 25 at 9:30 p.m. East Side Patio
Enter Esteban Flores, the sonic craftsman behind Slow Joy. Leaning into the melancholic undercurrent of grunge, emo and shoegaze, Slow Joy delivers music that feels timeless yet heartbreakingly current. Tracks like “Gruesome” are thick with emotion, making his set a must for fans of Manchester Orchestra’s lyrical grit or the sweeping, atmospheric energy of Milky Chance. Expect a set that starts soft and contemplative, only to erupt into cathartic release.
Brace yourself for Portrayal of Guilt’s dark and hauntingly beautiful storm of screamo and rock.
Courtesy of Thin Line Fest
Friday, April 25 at 11 p.m., Dan’s Silverleaf, 103 Industrial St
For those who seek catharsis in the heavy, Portrayal of Guilt will deliver an unrelenting sonic storm. This isn’t just a metal outfit; it’s a maelstrom of screamo and hard rock-infused fury with a knack for the hauntingly poetic. Listening to them feels like walking through nightmares only to discover their dark beauty. And for DeBolt, their inclusion is a homecoming of sorts. “They carry such a powerful presence in the Texas scene; their shows always resonate.”
Dive into the eccentric rhythms of Wombo, where post-punk innovation creates an unforgettable musical escape.
Courtesy of Thin Line Fest
Friday, April 25, at 11:20 p.m., Harvest House, 331 E. Hickory St.
From Louisville with love (and suspense), Wombo brings avant-garde art rock to the stage. Their quirky, post-punk-inspired sound bends genre norms into something fantastical, as heard in tracks like “Snakey.” DeBolt recalls their Denton debut in 2022, opening for Naked Giants, and notes how far they’ve come. “That connection with Denton has grown, and it’s amazing to see them return as one of our most intriguing acts this year.” Expect musical left turns and cosmic rhythms that pull you into their experimental orbit.
Daze
Saturday, April 26 at 9 p.m., Harvest House
Floating like a dream through the haze of sound, Daze evokes a deep sense of nostalgia. Shoegaze at its finest, their music embraces reverb-drenched guitars and wistful vocals, channeling the moody brilliance of Slowdive or Cocteau Twins. Whether nursing a broken heart or craving introspection, make space for their set.
Hey Cowboy!
Saturday, April 26 at 9:50 p.m., Harvest House
This synth-pop trio carves out a section of sound reminiscent of your favorite ‘80s movie night, with a splash of modern drama. Micah Vargas’s bass lines groove like neon lights, while Gaby Rodriguez and Sydney Harding-Sloan harmonies tap into layered, reflective melodies. Think Electric Youth mingling with Sylvan Esso. Their music has a lively pulse that will leave you bobbing your head long after.
With raw tales of love, loss and West Texas charm, Kat Hasty is set to steal the show with her heartfelt country-inspired anthems.
Courtesy of Thin Line Fest
Beyond these standouts, Thin Line delivers a diverse lineup of talent that spans the spectrum. Denton’s own Dome Dwellers will bring math rock precision with melodic flair (akin to the band Hikes), while Lola Tried offers grungy, emo licks straight out of Austin. Bob Cummins Jr. softens the crowd with folk-pop charm (like Elliot Smith and Harry Nilsson), and country talents Kat Hasty and Gracen Wynn anchor the festival in poetic Texas songwriting.
“Every act has a connection to this region, or to the town itself,” DeBolt emphasizes. “These aren’t just artists passing through. They’re part of the local heartbeat, even when they come from farther out.”
A Festival for All
The magic of Thin Line isn’t confined to just one street or one kind of music. The three main venues (East Side, Harvest House and Dan’s Silverleaf) create a walkable canvas for festivalgoers to explore the soundscape while reveling in Denton’s DIY charm. DeBolt encourages everyone to join the celebration. “We’re at a moment where DFW’s music scene feels sharper than in years. Thin Line is a way to honor that and bring people together for discovery.”
Thin Line Fest is free to attend. Donations, however, are encouraged, helping to maintain its accessibility and growth. To enhance your experience, consider upgrading to VIP for $99. This includes perks such as priority seating at Campus Theatre film screenings, exclusive access to the VIP line at Dan’s Silverleaf, entry to all hospitality events and a complimentary festival T-shirt. If you’d simply like a keepsake, festival T-shirts are available to purchase separately for $25. Passes and further details are available at thinline.us.
