Halsey, Khalid, and More Brought the Heat to Town!
Austin’s vibrant music scene welcomed back the Coca-Cola Sips & Sounds Music Festival, and Day One set the tone with a spectacular blend of styles, voices, and energy. From the moment the gates opened, fans were treated to a seamless fusion of emerging talent, beloved indie icons, and chart-topping stars.
Against the scenic backdrop of Austin’s outdoor charm, festival-goers sipped craft drinks and soaked up the sunshine while grooving to a lineup that effortlessly balanced pop, indie, and electrifying performances of great names such as Dazzle Camouflage, Ashe, Disco Cowboys, Suki Waterhouse, Blusher, Khalid, and Gus Dapperton. Every corner of the festival grounds pulsed with anticipation as the crowd grew with each passing hour, building to an epic crescendo with headliner Halsey closing out the night.
Whether attendees came for the vibe, the drinks, or the music, Day One delivered a sensory feast that cemented Sips & Sounds as an essential addition to Texas’ festival calendar. Of course, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to see all these great artists to bring you the kind of recap that feels like you were in the pit with us (minus the sweat!).
DAZZLE CAMOUFLAGE
Our day started with great beats and fun! Dazzle Camouflage launched Sips & Sounds Day One at the Coca-Cola Stage with an unapologetic burst of color, sound, and infectious energy. From the first shimmering synth line to the final beat drop, they turned the early afternoon slot into an all-out dance party. Their neon-clad presence radiated pure joy, pulling even the shyest festival-goers into the groove. The band’s genre-blending approach — seamlessly fusing electro-pop, dance, and glimmers of disco — created a kaleidoscope of sound that never stood still.
Their witty banter between songs only deepened the crowd’s affection, making the performance feel less like a set and more like a communal celebration. High beat tracks felt tailor-made for the open-air Austin vibe, while new material hinted at an exciting future. Dazzle Camouflage didn’t just open the festival — they set the tone for a day where music knew no boundaries, only possibilities.
ASHE
Ashe took the stage next with a radiance that immediately captured the hearts of the crowd. Her signature blend of vulnerability and playful charm wrapped the audience in a warm embrace, creating an atmosphere that felt very intimate. Opening with the shimmering “ONW,” (On My Way) Ashe’s vocals soared effortlessly, weaving personal stories into melodies that felt both universal and deeply personal.
Barefoot and dressed in ethereal festival chic, Ashe danced, laughed, and connected with fans like they were lifelong friends. Tracks like “Another Man’s Jeans” and “Angry Woman” had the crowd singing every word, a sea of voices harmonizing under the Texas sky. Between songs, she shared anecdotes that made her feel like the festival’s honorary best friend — raw, real, and radiant.
DISKO COWBOY
On the other side of the field, it was the turn for Disko Cowboy to start the activities at the Coke Studio Stage. The Houston native DJ brought a unique Texas twist to the Coca-Cola Sips & Sounds lineup, blending honky-tonk charm with dancefloor-ready beats in a way only he could pull off. His set was a masterclass in genre fusion, turning the festival lawn into a full-on boot-scootin’ disco under the sun.
Joined on stage by two cowgirl dancers, Disko Cowboy seamlessly mixed classic country riffs with pulsating house beats, creating sonic combinations that shouldn’t work — but absolutely did. Tracks like “Texas Hold ‘Em,” “One More Time,” and “Love Rollercoaster” had both two-steppers and shuffle-dancers moving side by side, proving that Texas flair and electronic euphoria make perfect partners. His charisma was infectious, pulling curious passersby into the dance party. By the time his set wrapped, Disko Cowboy had turned a sunny afternoon into a genre-bending celebration, leaving the crowd eager for more — and maybe a pair of glittery boots.
SUKI WATERHOUSE
A little before 5 p.m., a large audience eagerly gathered to see English model, actress, and singer-songwriter Suki Waterhouse, who graced the Coca-Cola stage with effortless cool. Her velvety voice glided over dreamlike instrumentation, enveloping the crowd like a hazy sunset. Wearing a glamorous bodysuit, Suki radiated charisma without ever needing to demand attention — her voice and presence did all the work.
Her set felt like a cinematic slow burn, with ethereal tracks like “Gateway Drug,” “My Fun,” and “Coolest Place In The World” washing over the crowd in gentle waves. Each song unraveled like a secret, the audience hanging onto every lyric as though it had been written just for them. Suki’s conversational ease between songs made it feel like we were all insiders in her world — a world where vulnerability, glamour, and indie grit existed in perfect harmony. By the time she closed her set, the crowd swayed collectively, mesmerized by her understated magic.
BLUSHER
Back at the Coke Studio Stage, Aussie pop-trio Blusher electrified the afternoon with a performance that was equal parts edgy, playful, and unapologetically bold. From the moment Lauren Coutts, Jade Ingvarson-Favretto and Miranda Ward stepped onto the stage, their punchy electro-pop beats and confident swagger commanded attention, transforming the festival lawn into a shimmering, synth-driven dance floor.
Their vibrant harmonies and razor-sharp hooks made tracks like “Dead End Disco,” “Hurricane Chaser,” and “Accelerator” impossible to resist, pulling festival-goers closer with every pulsating bassline. Clad in fashion-forward fits that screamed rebellious glamour, the trio radiated both fierce individuality and seamless cohesion — a true testament to their chemistry.
Their infectious energy spilled off the stage, sweeping through the crowd like a neon tidal wave. It was a declaration that pop music is at its best when it’s bold, brash, and totally unafraid to have fun.
KHALID
Once again, back at the Coca-Cola stage, Khalid stepped with his signature laid-back charm, and from the first velvety note, the crowd was his. His voice, rich with warmth and effortless soul, floated through the festival grounds, creating an atmosphere that felt both euphoric and deeply personal.
Kicking off with the irresistible grooves of “OTW,” Khalid invited the audience into his world — a place where vulnerability meets undeniable swagger. His smooth dance moves and beaming smile made it impossible not to move along, whether you were pressed against the stage or lounging on the grass.
With hits like “Better” and “Saved,” the crowd became a massive singalong, every voice blending into a chorus of pure joy. By the time his set ended, Khalid had left Austin wrapped in good vibes, proving once again why his voice and spirit resonate with so many.
GUS DAPPERTON
Switching stage and genre, indie-pop singer and songwriter Gus Dapperton brought his quirky brilliance to Sips & Sounds, delivering a set that was as offbeat and charming as his signature style. Decked out in his unmistakable eclectic fashion, Gus transformed the stage into his personal playground, weaving through shimmering synths, jangly guitars, and irresistibly off-kilter rhythms.
He opened with “Prune, You Talk Funny,” instantly setting the tone with his eccentric energy and off-the-wall charisma. Gus danced like no one was watching — loose, carefree, and completely in his element — inspiring the crowd to embrace their own weirdness right along with him.
The emotional punch of tracks like “Post Humorous” and “Horizons” showcased his ability to blend vulnerability with lighthearted fun, creating a set that was both playful and profound. His effortless connection with the audience, complete with off-the-cuff jokes and plenty of grins, made his performance feel like a celebration of individuality.
HALSEY
And to finalize our incredible day, it was time to enjoy the beautiful presence of Halsey! She didn’t just headline Day One — she poured her whole soul into every lyric and we felt every second. From the moment she strode onto the stage, the air crackled with energy, and every pair of eyes locked onto one of pop’s most magnetic forces. Dressed in avant-garde glam with a punk edge, Halsey commanded every inch of the spotlight, effortlessly blending raw vulnerability with ferocious power.
Opening with the haunting pulse of “Bat At Love,” and “Panic Attack” she made it clear this wouldn’t be a passive performance. Halsey poured every ounce of emotion into each lyric, her voice shifting from delicate whispers to full-throttle wails that echoed through the Texas night.
The setlist spanned every corner of her discography, from the ethereal beauty of “Lonely Is The Muse” to the anthemic catharsis of “You Asked For This” and to her latest single and live debut, “Safeword.” The crowd sang every word, hands raised skyward in unison, caught in the spell of Halsey’s emotional honesty and magnetic stage presence.
Halsey spoke candidly to the crowd about resilience, identity, and finding beauty in chaos — words that resonated even louder under the open sky. By the time the final notes of “Without Me” rang out, it was clear: Halsey didn’t just close the night — she owned it, leaving hearts racing and spirits soaring.
As the final echoes of Sips & Sounds Day One faded into the warm Austin air, it was impossible not to feel swept up in the magic that had unfolded across the festival grounds. The lineup had been a masterful blend of sonic textures — from shimmering synth-pop to tender ballads, indie eccentricity to larger-than-life anthems — each artist adding their own vibrant hue to the festival’s evolving tapestry.
What made Day One so unforgettable wasn’t just the music — it was the energy. Every performance felt like a love letter to the audience, a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the unbreakable bond between artist and fan. The crowd, diverse and colorful as Austin itself, didn’t just watch — they became part of the experience, dancing, singing, and feeling every note as though it was written just for them.
If this was only Day One, what could Day Two possibly have in store? One thing was certain — Sips & Sounds had officially arrived, and Austin was all in.
