Austin City Limits 2024: Weekend One, Day Three Recap

Day three of ACL Weekend one was a blast! With some of today’s largest artists performing, along with lots of fun up-and-coming artists, the Austin City Limits Festival showed that they really know how to go out with a bang!

West 22nd

West 22nd, a vibrant band formed by University of Texas students, brought a thrilling energy to the Tito’s Tent at ACL. Since their inception just two years ago, they have quickly risen from local performances to the prestigious festival stage. Their set drew a packed crowd, captivated by their dynamic sound and engaging presence. The band has gained recognition with their catchy single “Sunburns,” which has amassed over a million streams on Spotify, showcasing their growing appeal. Fans were thrilled to support this local talent.

Malcolm Todd

Malcolm Todd kicked off his ACL set with an infectious energy that drew a sizable crowd eager to rock out. The indie-rock artist effortlessly connected with fans, inviting everyone to join in on the fun. His performance featured the much-anticipated debut of “Electric Feel,” which had the audience vibing along, especially during the catchy bridge. As the set progressed, he showcased his charisma by signing a pink American flag for a fan, before playfully launching into the iconic iCarly theme song. Closing with the high-energy track “Roommate,” Todd had everyone clapping and dancing, perfectly highlighting his impressive vocals and stage presence. With a genuine love for music, he wrapped up the show by encouraging fans to jump along, leaving them eager to see what he would do next at ACL.

Glass Beams

At the Tito’s Stage, the up-and-coming band Glass Beams Group captivated the crowd with their unique fusion of indie pop and electronic sounds. Formed in 2020 by Australian Indian artist Rajan Silva, the group skillfully blends Eastern musical elements with Western influences, creating a refreshing sound that resonates throughout the festival. Dressed in striking golden masks that add an air of mystique, the band delivered an electrifying performance filled with shimmering synths and catchy melodies. Fans gathered around, and those seated at nearby tables could enjoy the show while savoring delicious food and drinks, fully immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. Glass Beams Group’s dynamic sound, distinctive attire, and inviting ambiance made their set a standout highlight of the day.

Flipturn

Flipturn lit up the Amex Stage with a whimsical synth sound that had the crowd swaying side to side in unison. The energy peaked when the drummer brought his kit right up to the barricade, playing passionately in front of the fans. In a fun, unexpected moment, he put one of the drum shells on his head and kept playing, adding a playful twist to the performance. All the while, celestial space visuals filled the backdrop, setting an ethereal, otherworldly mood that perfectly matched the vibe of their music. They will be back for weekend 2 and you can also catch them at their headline show at Scoot Inn on Saturday. 

Orville Peck

Orville Peck brought a classic country vibe to his ACL set, donning a flame-embellished cowboy outfit that perfectly matched his persona. With his smooth, gravelly voice, he set the tone at the very beginning of his set by announcing his only rule: if anyone felt like crying, they had to let it out. The audience was treated to heartfelt renditions, including “No Glory in the West,” which showcased his distinctive southern twang. Peck opened up about his struggles with depression, revealing that writing his favorite song, “Hexie Mountains,” was a cathartic process during a year-long tour hiatus. Emphasizing the importance of self-care, he encouraged fans to prioritize their well-being. With a blend of banjo and old-school honky-tonk percussion, his performance resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.

Cannons

Cannons treated the crowd to an incredible set, full of mesmerizing beats and an intimate atmosphere. Lead singer Michelle Joy expressed heartfelt gratitude, sharing with fans that the band has been together for a decade and that performing for them felt like a dream realized. When they played their viral hit “Fire For You,” the audience joined in, singing every word and moving to the smooth rhythm. Michelle’s ethereal vocals combined with the band’s signature sound created an unforgettable experience, making it clear that both the band and the crowd were celebrating something truly special together.

Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan commanded the stage as an undeniable superstar, arriving in a striking pink cowgirl outfit that instantly set the tone. Her performance was nothing short of captivating, featuring a powerful cover of “Barracuda” and a thrilling preview of her unreleased song, “The Subway.” Fans were all in, dancing along to the “Hot to Go” routine and singing every lyric with her. In a heartfelt moment, she dedicated “My Kink Is Karma” to a theater teacher who once kicked her out, turning the song into a triumphant statement. With fans waiting by the barricade since the gates opened, her set proved to be the most eagerly anticipated and celebrated performance of the night.

Dom Dolla

Australian DJ and producer Dom Dolla brought the house down with an unforgettable performance that had fans moving to every beat. The crowd was immersed in a high-energy atmosphere, complete with vibrant fireworks, flames, and strobe lights, making it feel like a massive nightclub. His setlist featured hits like “Saving Up,” and the audience responded with enthusiasm, dancing and cheering all around. Dom’s ability to connect with his fans made the night a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.

Kehlani

Kehlani electrified the ACL stage with her high-energy performance, captivating the crowd even after a long day. She slowed things down with “Lose My Wife,” featuring an impressive electric guitar solo that left everyone in awe. Accompanied by a full dancing ensemble, the production value of her set was nothing short of extraordinary. Kehlani playfully introduced herself as “KAY-LANI,” urging the audience to get her name right, and kept the momentum going with popular features from Cardi B’s “Ring” and Jordan Adetunji’s “KEHLANI”. Her rendition of “Ring” showcased her stunning vocals, transitioning seamlessly into “Some Nights,” where the entire crowd lit up with their phone lights. A dynamic dancer and performer, she infused the set with dance breaks, especially during “After Hours,” ensuring the energy never waned. Kehlani’s passion and talent shone brightly, making her set a memorable highlight of the festival.

Tyler, the Creator

Tyler, the Creator opened his ACL set with the explosive “IGOR’S THEME,” setting the stage for an unforgettable performance. As he wove through his catalog, he delighted fans with some of his greatest hits, including crowd favorites like “EARFQUAKE,” “See You Again,” and “NEW MAGIC WAND.” His love for the Austin crowd was palpable as he shared humorous anecdotes, recalling his first SXSW visit and a memorable Target trip where he almost got sold drugs. Throughout the set, Tyler’s personable and funny demeanor kept the energy high, engaging with fans and ensuring everyone was having a fantastic time.

Beyond the Music

ACL offers a variety of entertainment experiences that go well beyond the music stages. Fans can dive into the silent disco, enjoy a fun round of drag bingo, or discover up-close performances at the Bonus Tracks stage. Local Austin vendors line the festival grounds, offering unique finds and a taste of the city’s charm. Major brands have also set up immersive experiences, from the vibrant Coke Studio and T-Mobile’s Club Magenta to the Amex tent with exclusive merchandise for cardholders. With so many activities to explore, ACL brings an immersive festival experience packed with fun and variety for everyone.

Conclusion

As the final day of ACL’s first weekend wrapped up, it was clear the festival had something for everyone, bringing together an impressive lineup of artists across a range of genres. From electrifying pop performances to soulful indie sets and powerful rock anthems, ACL showcased the diversity and talent that keeps fans coming back year after year. With Week 2 on the horizon, there’s even more excitement to come—filled with incredible music, delicious food, and unforgettable moments. For anyone who hasn’t experienced it yet, Week 2 is a must, promising a true celebration of music and culture in the heart of Austin.