Jess Nelson Featured Image by Nathan Zucker / Austin City Limits Festival
Our first year covering Austin City Limits in Austin, TX at Zilker Park and wow, it did NOT disappoint. Honestly have so much to say & highlight that it’s overwhelming (but in THE best way!). We were there for Weekend One (10/4-10/6).
Photo Credit: Dusana Risovic for Austin City Limits Festival
Leading up to the festival, I was having a lot of anxiety and feeling mad mad imposter syndrome. As a fan who has loved live music, artists, bands, concerts since I was about 16, it felt so surreal that I was now on the other side of it (all glory to God here!). Thoughts swirling through my head of “do I really deserve this?”, “Am I capable?”, “ME?!!?”. The anxiety & preparation was consuming me. Especially because I had never attended the festival so had no idea what the grounds would be like or what to expect. For anyone who has experienced this kind of anxiety, you totally know what I’m talking about. Wanting to know all the ins and outs to feel prepared and comfortable.
But let me tell you, all that worry was NOT necessary. It was telling myself that God’s got me, that I am capable, and once I got in the festival on day one, it was like I was right where I was supposed to be. In my element.
The Festival as a Whole
Before we break down each day, we have to discuss the VIIIIBES of the festival. My absolute favorite part of a festival is the collective energy of the attendees that we are all just there to have a good time, hear some fabulous live music, and unplug from the rest of the world. It’s like a vacation, if you will. A place to disconnect, be free & let all your worries float away.
Photo Credit: Greg Noire for Austin City Limits Festival
ACL had everything you needed and more, and this being outside of the music. From hydration stations on the grounds, to exclusive lounges, VIP viewing, games, local vendors, brand pop ups & more. To be honest, I don’t even think I got to see everything, even after spending 3 days there. There were stages for kids performances for the family that I missed. Also, an event called “Bonus Tracks” that I believe was a place they had bands go and did live interviews that you could watch. Which if I get to go next time, I will definitely be checking that out.
Photo Credit: Nathan Zucker for Austin City Limits Festival
But when it comes to the music, WOW it was STACKED. My ADHD was struggling, especially on the first day because I was wanting to go to every stage all at once because so many good acts overlapped that I wanted to see. This was probably the hardest thing to manage for me, but that just tells you how many good artists were on the lineup. One of my other absolute favorite things about a festival is getting to see artists you wouldn’t necessarily buy tickets for their tour, but you get to hear and discover them in this collective atmosphere. An artist you maybe have been sleeping on that you fell in love with, or a bigger headlining artist that you maybe can’t afford to see on their standalone show, but got to catch here. It. Is. Magical.
Day One – October 4, 2024
Strolling myself for about a 25 minute walk from my hotel to Zilker Park, I was so excited to get there & get inside. I arrived a little before gates opened, so that I could get in and get myself acquainted with the festival grounds, as well as sign up for side stage for Fletcher‘s set later that night (I am obsessed with her, OKAAAAY). As I mentioned above, the day was a little overwhelming as I was trying to bounce between too many things & stages, trying to catch a little bit of all the sets I wanted to.
Going into the day, I wanted to see Chaparelle, Dasha, Tanner Adell, Chance Peña, Norah Jones, Dexter & The Moonrocks, Connor Price, Stephen Sanchez, Foster The People, Leon Bridges, Porter Robinson, Fletcher, The Marías, Blink 182 & Chris Stapleton. Looking at the schedule below, maybe you can see how that was NOT possible. Too many overlaps LOL. I also had a couple interviews that day in my schedule that I had to manage too, so I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off!
Speaking of interviews!!!!! I got to chat with Dexter & The Moonrocks as well as Stephen Sanchez. Unfortunately, I messed up and didn’t get any of the audio to record for Dexter & The Moonrocks and my audio for Stephen is god awful (sounds like we’re in a wind tunnel LOL). So, here’s some highlights for you from those chats.
Interview w/ Dexter & The Moonrocks
So they garnered attention on social media which attracted their fan base/ following. We discussed how overnight success can be overwhelming, going from being “unknown”, if you will, to a larger audience knowing who you are. This chat / discussion was similar and along the lines of how Chappell Roan has been outspoken about this & that you can’t really prepare for it until it happens. I also had to throw in and discuss if they knew what PCD was & we chatted about the come down after a show, and just like needing to mentally take a break. You’re on stage and have such a high to needing a moment to calm down once the set is over. I call it Post Concert Depression (Artists Version).
Photo Credit: William Rhodes / Rhodes in Focus
Interview w/ Stephen Sanchez
Before I even got into the nitty gritty of questions, I had to compliment Stephen on his dapper attire. He always looks so polished and put together and I love seeing the coverage from his shows. He told me how he gets them custom made & the intricacy that goes into it. Bravo all around! We then transitioned into how he felt about his set that day, as we did the interview later in the evening. He gave the honest answer that he thought “it was alright…and sometimes it’s hard to play shows.” There was the discussion about being “an anxious person” & that being on the road can be tough. The anxiety / ADHD of it all and that he doesn’t think anyone was “meant to be famous.” Having the normal routine, cooking at home helps soothe him. Honestly, a sweet sweet guy & was so lovely to chat with him!
Some other quick highlights from the day, as to not skip over the other amazingness!!!!
- Got to reunite w/ an old friend in the industry (Porter Robinson‘s tour manager!) & got to chat briefly with Porter in press area. He was actually the first concert I ever shot/covered and was an integral turning point in getting me to where I am today. Forever forever grateful for that opportunity and will always hold a special place in my heart. I also walked by and caught a little bit of his set & he always brings it. Definitely someone to catch if you’ve never seen him live, bringing radiating positive energy that just fills you up.
Photo Credit: Porter Robinson by Kirby Gladstein for Austin City Limits Festival
- I also got to meet Hudson Westbrook (he is amazing, go check him out). He got my attention during his set when he covered Taylor Swift. I was anxious and overwhelmed at this point, laying down in the grass under a tree to cool off & calm down. But was so lovely to just lay, relax & listen to some good music.
- One perk I had the pleasure of getting to experience was the lounge that was connected to the IHG Stage. IHG members of a certain status had access to this exclusive area, where you could sign up to be side stage for any act playing that stage (if the artist allowed it!).
- A friend I made that day and I ended up going in there and mosey-d our way to side stage for Connor Price, who absolutely SMASHED it. I knew of him because he is MASSIVE on social media, but the heat he brought to his live performance was unmatched.
- Then later in the evening, it was time for Fletcher. I had just caught her show in Atlanta the previous weekend, so I was still on a high from that, ready for round 2. I cannot even tell you how incredible of a performance she puts on, switching off from Cari to her stage persona of Fletcher. And let’s not forget her vocals are OFF THE CHART. She even had a moment climbing the risers a little bit stage right, elevating herself for the crowd and her to see each other better. I really could go on and on and on, but just know, you HAVE to see her live.
Credit: Fletcher by Taylor Regulski for Austin City Limits Festival
- The headliners for that night were Chris Stapleton & Blink 182. Another moment where I felt pulled between both stages, wanting to see and hear both simultaneously, but obviously impossible. Chris’ voice is so soothing it’s not even funny. It was so peaceful to listen to and just take a breath & vibe. And Blink 182 – woooow!! This was my first time seeing them, and I didn’t even get to see the whole set. But we stood kind of middle between their stage and Chris’ stage, and when Chris was taking a break, you could hear the magic coming from Blink’s set. It was like being on the continental divide, getting to experience two different “zones” at the same time. The nostalgia for Blink was REALLLL.
Photo Credit: Blink 182 by Roger Ho for Austin City Limits Festival
Photo Credit: Chris Stapleton by Dusana Risovic for Austin City Limits Festival
Day Two – October 5, 2024
Having tackled day one and heading into day two, it was a little more manageable in terms of schedule and stages as all the artists I wanted to see didn’t overlap (woo!). The struggle of choosing to run around between sets or just pick ones and stay is so real.
Before I even got to the fest, I attended an event with Rolling Stone & Patrón at South Congress Hotel. One of my all time favorite bands, Misterwives was performing and I just HAD TO attend before heading to Zilker Park for the day. My write up for this…coming soon!
To The Fest
Once that event was over, I was zoom zooming over to ACL, as I was trying to catch The Beaches set & had a short window to get there and make it in. Getting dropped off at a different entrance than I was used to, I saw a Platinum entrance & was like, ooooh let me see if media can get in this way! It ended up being a no go, as that was a super exclusive entrance BUT as I was turning around to head to the normal entrance…none other than Jared Padalecki walks up. Let me tell you, I WAS STUNNED. Couldn’t really speak but got to say a quick hello, but I did end up running into him on Day 3 too LOL.
With all this hoopla, I ended up missing The Beaches, but made it in time to catch most of Teddy Swims‘ set, having entered right next to the stage he was performing on. I went and met my friend and we JAAAAMMMMED out. That man can SAAAANG. Post Teddy, I caught a lil bit of Still Woozy‘s set and was impressed with what I heard and definitely want to try to catch a show of his on tour! But post teddy, pre-Benson Boone, I needed a lil AC/water break so I could make it through for the rest of the acts I wanted to see that day.
Photo Credit: Teddy Swims by Dusana Risovic for Austin City Limits Festival
But okay…Benson Boone, y’all. That man is GOING PLACES. From all the flips he does during his set, to the interaction with the crowd, to HIS VOCALS. Like holy fucking shit, I can’t even give you all the words for how impressive he is live. I had just covered his show at Red Rocks and was stoked I got to relive the magic at ACL.
Photo Credit: Benson Boone by Ashley Osborn for Austin City Limits Festival
Next up was Renee Rapp, and ya girl needed a standing break so I posted up on a fence at the back of the crowd. Sitting and listening to the superstar she is, as well as the crowd absolutely DOMINATING scream singing all the lyrics back to her. It honestly impresses me how much her fan base KNOOOOOWS her music – the dedication oozing through. Something else I love about Renee is her IDGAF attitude. She just comes out, does whatever the fuck she wants, while still putting on a performance like no other.
Photo Credit: Renee Rapp by Taylor Regulski for Austin City Limits Festival
But guys, the absolute HIGHLIGHT for me was Dua Lipa‘s set. The last time I saw her was at Fillmore Auditorium (where she only played 3 songs then canceled & I couldn’t make the rescheduled date) in Denver, a capacity of about 3,600 so I hadn’t gotten to experience the magic of her larger shows with the production, dancing, etc. Let me tell you, my jaw was to the floor THE WHOLE TIME. I would like to go back and relive it 140394823592598 more times, PUH LEASE!!!!
Photo Credit: Dua Lipa by Charles Raegan Hackleman & Kirby Gladstein for Austin City Limits Festival (See specific image for individual photo credit)
Day Three – October 6, 2024
Day Three rolled around and at this point, my body was EXHAUSTED. Festivals in your 30s are NO JOKE, especially when it felt like a breeze before in my mid twenties.
This day was FOR SURE outstaged by Chappell Roan – the takeover and absolute draw she has is incredible. I arrived for when gates opened, and the amount of people SPRINTING to her stage to set up camp and be close for her set (which wasn’t for another 6-7 hours) was WILD.
Starting off the day, I leisurely walked by listening in on Richy Mitch & The Coal Miner‘s set & was cheering them on as I did so. But I was THE most excited for Misterwives, because as I said before, one of my all time favorite bands. This was their kickoff show of their fall tour, and what a way to kick it off. Mandy & the guys always bring THE most energy, and I can’t even begin to tell you how much I fangirl over her voice. To die for! I also got to catch up with them a lil in the press tent & they were the kindest, as always.
Following this, the next act I was sooo stoked for was Myles Smith. I made my way over to the IHG lounge again, scoring myself a side stage spot again. Having been obsessed with his viral hit, “Stargazing”, and other songs that kept popping up in my random shuffles, I was elated to finally get to see him live. And let me tell you, the British accent paired with his charisma…it was *chefs kiss*. His music just makes me feel so good about life. It’s so positive & uplifting. I cannot wait to see a headline show of his!
Photo Credit: Myles Smith by Taylor Regulski for Austin City Limits Festival
Following Myles was Jess Glynne (who I had chatted with earlier that week leading up to ACL). This was my first time seeing her live, which I’m shocked by because I was ob-freaking-sessed with her song “Hold My Hand”. I was LIVINGEEEEE just scream singing (the songs I knew) back to her. I love love love the message behind her song “Enough” which we discuss in our chats!! Overall, obsessed – she’s currently on tour so make sure ya catch her live!
NOOOOOW, we have made it to the Drag Queen herself: Chappell Roan. I was in the midst of it all for a few songs, and the energy of the crowd, excitement of the fans was impeccable. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced being in a crowd like this, where everyone is in complete AWE of what’s happening on stage. When the time came, she also taught the crowd the HOT TO GO dance which was amazing, b/c i was nervous to look like an idiot who didn’t know it LOL. A midwest, queer woman DOMINATING the festivals this summer. WOOOOW. I am here for it.
Photo Credit: Chappell Roan by Chad Wadsworth for Austin City Limits Festival
After a few songs being in the midst of the crowd decently close, I got too anxious / overwhelmed in the sea of people (i like to have room to move around and dance and don’t like feeling crammed in). Anyways, leaving the crowd, I ran into none other than Myles Smith. He tried to say he wasn’t Myles, then confirmed & got to express how much I loved his set. Wholesome interaction for sure.
Finalizing out the night, I bounced from Qveen Herby to Kehlani to Tyler, The Creator. Qveen Herby brought the theatrics with a mix of singing & rapping, which I LOOOVED. Walking by Kehlani (who I’d never seen live) and hearing her voice live was everything I needed and more. A walk over to Tyler, The Creator, I caught the end of Dom Dolla‘s set which gave me an energy boost for Tyler, The Creator‘s set. It was exactly what I needed in that moment, thank you Dom.
Photo Credit: Kehlani by Nathan Zucker for Austin City Limits Festival
But the goon himself – Tyler, The Creator – came out on what looked like a boulder. Some mountainous structure built for his stage set up. He definitely was up there, clowning around while absolutely dominating with his performance. By this point, I was so delulu that I decided to end it a lil early, walking out of Zilker Park to Tyler’s set, continuing to soak in the magic that was ACL.
Photo Credit: Tyler, The Creator by Roger Ho for Austin City Limits Festival
Day Three Interview (WATCH)
Qveen Herby
Final Thoughts
Remember when I said I was having all those anxieties leading up to the festival? That I felt like an imposter? Well, let me tell you. I feel the exact opposite post ACL experience. I left feeling SO fulfilled. Cup was overflowing with joy, love, gratitude, & more. This is where I am meant to be. This is what I’m meant to be doing. When God gives you a gift, RUN WITH IT. He’s using you for something so so so special.
Mad shout out to Austin City Limits Festival/C3 Presents for having PCD out, & we hope this isn’t our last. Until then, we will be suffering from Post ACL Depression….
