Live from Auditorium Shores, Coca Cola’s Sips and Sounds makes it sold-out return on March 7th, which features performances from Halsey, Khalid, and more.
What was previously Sips and Sounds Summer Festival at Circuit of the Americas is now a springtime event, taking place at Auditorium shores with panoramic views of Austin’s downtown. The two stages offered constant music between the giant headliners of the Coca-Cola Stage and the more intimate Coke Studio Stage.
Dazzle Camouflage
This DJ duo kicked off the weekend with a pop-electronic set. They played their spins on hits such as “Hush” by the Marías, “Lights” by Ellie Goulding, and “Good Luck Babe” by Chappell Roan with an added bassline.
Ashe
The pop singer kicked things into full gear. She opened with a truly impressive high-energy set, dancing across the burning stage barefoot. Ashe then slowed things down with her cover of “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield and ramped the energy back up with “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, sung with her slight southern twang.
Disko Cowboy
This DJ mashed up country with club music, playing his version of hits like “9 to 5,” and “Texas Hold ‘Em.” His dancers kept things fun with bedazzled, sparkling cowboy outfits, and the crowd danced along.
Suki Waterhouse
The multi-talented English actress, model, and singer-songwriter took to the Coca-Cola Stage to play all the hits. She took on the Texas heat in a fur coat and sparkling black jumpsuit. Waterhouse had the crowd chanting with her on “Big Love,” premiered an unreleased song, and brought back Ashe to the stage to play their collaboration “Pushing Daisies.”
Blusher
The Australian pop trio traveled to Austin’s Coke Studio Stage. The singers traded melodies as they danced and moved between spots on stage to share the spotlight. They then brought out the instruments and led the crowd with their signature electronic dance sound.
Khalid
Ever since his debut album American Teen released in 2017, El Paso native Khalid has been a star. Fans in Khalid merch camped out at the barricade since doors opened. He brought extra life to his more chill songs with a live band and backup dancers, dancing with them to the edge of the stage. He played hit after hit with “8TEEN,” “OTW,” “Talk,” “Location,” and more.
Gus Dapperton
Dapperton and his band can really rock out. His drummer even broke the drumset after the first song from playing so hard (he was able to fix it). The indie pop singer danced and sung across the stage, bringing big energy and a large crowd to the smaller stage.
Halsey
The iconic pop star joked that the issue with creating her setlist is that she has too many hits- she just can’t play them all. Instead, the focus is on fun. Halsey surprisingly brought back her massive hit and Chainsmokers collaboration “Closer,” though this version changed genres to rock. Their set highlighted interesting parts of her expansive discography, including “Bad At Love,” “Graveyard,” “I am Not a Woman, I’m a God,” and their first performance of new single “Safeword.”
The first half of the Sips and Sounds music festival ended on a high note. A full day of music and fun, with even more in store tomorrow.
I am an Austin, TX-based photographer and filmmaker. I moved from Houston to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where I graduated in 2022. I'm a lifelong music lover and spend tons of time attending shows and making music. Some current favorites are Sophie May, Farmer’s Wife, and K. Flay.
