Austin City Limits 2024: Weekend Two Day One Recap

The skies were clear blue as thousands of people entered Zilker Park. In anticipation of day one of the Austin City Limits festival, people walked to the entrance in their cutest outfits. Coog Radio had the honor of attending the lovely event. Here is a recap of all musical guests covered on October 11th.

Late Night Drive Home

At 11:55 am, the Late Night Drive Home opened the Honda stage with their gritty guitar and roaring vocals. The El Paso, Texas, group played unreleased music and top hits thanks to the early festival crowd. With songs such as “Over The Garden,” “Falling Apart” and “Stress Relief,” the band is a must-watch for fans of early 2000’s punk rock and indie rock.

Sir Chloe

At 2 pm on the T-Mobile stage, Sir Chloe walked on the stage with her ultra-calm demeanor. As her French bob and bangs swiftly in the breeze, she played songs from her debut alum Party Favors and recent album I Am The Dog. Notable hits performed, such as “Salivate,” “Know Better” and “July,” began the set. However, the end of the set with top hits such as “Sedona” and “Michelle” had the crowd roaring in bliss. She even played an unreleased song called “Forgiving,” which alludes to a new era of discography. Ultimately, Sir Chloe is a personal favorite, and I recommend it to fans of studio-perfect vocals and gritty indie rock.

Thee Sinseers

At 3:10 pm, Thee Sinseers brought old school soul on the Miller Stage. With a melody of instruments, the group teleports its audience to the early 1950’s. As Joey Quinones’s smooth vocals sing of love and sorrow, the guitar, brass, bass, keys, and flute create a gorgeous sound. A flute solo mid-set was a definite highlight. Alongside vocals from Adriana Flores, a member of The Altons who performed at the festival last year, the group is one of a kind by bringing back big band R&B. Notable tracks include “Seems Like,” “What’s His Name” and “It Was Only a Dream.” A must-watch for fans of R&B 1950s soul and Tiny Desk Concerts.

Norah Jones

At 4:10pm, Norah Jones walk onto the stage in a beautiful stripe dress as the sun beamed. Jones ability to play grand piano while having crisp vocals is one of a kind. She performed songs from her new album Visions, notable songs being “I Just Wanna Dance” and “Running.” It was a pretty calm set with the crowd listening the the pretty vocals and piano chords while sun shined on their faces. She ended the lovely set with her most well known song “Don’t Know Why.” Although the track is over 20 years old, the vocals remain the same performed live, her voice has not changed since the day it was released.

Leon Bridges

At 6:30 pm Leon Bridges graced the American Express stage as the sun began to set. The satisfying aesthetic of him performing the track “Texas Sun,” as the Texas sky turned orange. Furthermore, performing tunes such as “Coming Home,” and “River,” reminiscent of his Tiny Desk performance. Although I didn’t stay for the whole set, I his lovely vocals and blues inspired instrumental made a lasting impression.

The Marias

At 7:30 pm, The Marias closed out the T-Mobile stage in a unforgettable set. In a sea of blue lights and fog, the lead singer, Maria Zardoya, stage presence remains unmatched. With the set piece of a circle, Zardoya sings on top of the piece gracefully bring the bands slow melodies to life. As the moonlight streamed the stage, the songs “Only in My Dreams,” and “Hush,” displayed a mixture of tracks from CINMEA and Superclean Vol 1. A highlight was during the song “Orto Atardecer,” she went into the barricade and greeted fan. She even did a cover of “Lovefool” by the Cardigans which was a nice addition to the set. Additionally, during the “No One Noticed,” she dedicated the track to the bands former manager Gonzi, in light of his recent passing the song was an emotional sentiment. Finally, ending the set with the top hit “Carino,” the performance was my personal favorite.

The Paper Kites

At 5:30 pm The Paper Kites gave ACL the perfect place to catch a break in between some of the more rowdy crowds of the day. After releasing their sixth studio album last year, At the Roadhouse, the Australian band had plenty of fresh tracks to showcase, including “Goodnights Gone” and “Hurts So Good,” as well as some classics from their 2013 album, Woodland. The band was forced to change set times due to an illness that caused Stephen Sanchez to cancel his final performance.

Good evening, Austin! We are not Stephen Sanchez. Stephen sadly was unwell and asked us to take his slot… We’re actually on the road with Stephen these next couple of weeks. He said to me, ‘It’s cool man, take the slot. Just turn the people on for me.”

Sam Bentley

Foster The People

At 6:10 pm, Foster the People got the Honda stage ready for the big finale of the night. Not only is their music fun and exciting, but Mark Derek Foster’s (lead vocals) groovy dance moves get the people going. The band’s setlist was mostly focused on promoting their first studio album in seven years, Paradise State of Mind. Foster talked about their journey with ACL and how much has changed in the music industry in their time.

And it’s so weird getting back up on this stage seven years later because the world has changed so much. Though, what’s so beautiful about it and what I’m so grateful for is we’re all here going through it together, celebrating each other. Music, the great uniter, bringing us all in this place. I’m incredibly grateful to be here with you guys. Thank you.

Mark Derek Foster

Blink 182

At 9:10 pm Blink 182 gave ACL an unforgettable performance. The thing that makes Blink 182 iconic is not just Travis Barker’s unmatched talent (percusssionist) but the dynamic between all of the band members. Even in their banter between songs, Tom Delonge (lead guitar and vocals) and Mark Hoppus (Bass guitar and vocals) are so in sync it’s impossible to miss. The crowd was packed halfway down the park as the the band opened with “I’m Feeling This” before playing hits from all of their nine studio albums, including their latest album One More Time… Part 2 which release just last month.

The band’s punchlines were some of the most memorable parts of the night. Before playing “Stay Together for the Kids“, the band asked if anyone in the crowd came from a broken family before jokingly blaming the audience for their parents’ divorces.

Who here comes from a broken home, divorced parents? That sh*t was your fault! You did that to your family… It’s alright, happened in my family. I blame myself. Let’s all get through this together. If you would please put your cell phone flashlights up into the air. We’ll set a vibe. Bring down the house lights. Look around you. Every single one of those lights is a home that you wrecked.

Tom Delonge

Delonge and Hoppus also encouraged the crowd to sing the often mocked lines “Where are you and I’m so sorry” and “Don’t waste your time on me you’re already the voice inside my head” from the song “I Miss You.” The band’s bantering only fueled their energy as they continued to play an incredible show featuring an earth-shattering drum solo from the drum god Travis Barker himself. The band closed the night with a few nostalgic hits including, “What’s My Age Again?” and of course, “All The Small Things.”