Sips N Sounds 2025: A Sold-Out Spectacle in Austin
The 2025 Sips N Sounds Music Festival kicked off with a bang on Friday, March 7, at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas. This sold-out event saw thousands of music lovers gathering for an unforgettable experience, with tickets only available via verified sales. Notably, this festival also marked Otra X Favor’s debut in covering music festivals as a media outlet, making the occasion even more special for us.
A Day of Stellar Performances
Dazzle Camouflage: Opening the Festival with Energy
Dazzle Camouflage by Andrea Escobar
The festival's first act, Dazzle Camouflage, took the Coca-Cola Stage at 2:15 PM, setting the tone for an exciting weekend. We had the chance to interview the band, and you’ll soon find that conversation on our YouTube channel-stay tuned!
Ashe: Pink Dress, Barefoot & Confident
Ashe delivered an emotionally charged set, closing with Moral of the Story and expressing gratitude for the moment. Wearing a pink dress and performing barefoot, she embodied a powerful display of confidence and artistry, proving that sometimes, simplicity speaks the loudest.
Disko Cowboy: Blending Nostalgia with Modern Vibes
Over at the Coke Studio, Disko Cowboy had the crowd vibing to I Got Sunshine, perfectly matching the 80-degree weather. His set blended classic hits with trendy sounds, creating a unique experience that had everyone grooving.
Suki Waterhouse: Fashion & Art Collide
Known for her ethereal voice and effortless cool, Suki Waterhouse took the stage in a dark outfit with a green fur jacket, making a bold fashion statement. Her commitment to her artistry shone through, and the crowd was in for a treat when Ashe made a surprise appearance to perform Pushing Daisies with her.
Blusher: The Aussie Trio’s Sunset Vibes
One of the standout moments of the day was Blusher, the Australian trio known for their dynamic performances where each member takes turns leading a song. Their set hit just in time for sunset, bringing a new energy to the festival as the evening crowd caught a second wind.
Khalid: Back on Stage & Owning It
With the Austin skyline as his backdrop, Khalid reminded fans why they fell in love with his music in the first place. Wearing a white jacket and baggy jeans, he kept it simple yet stylish. His return to the stage after a long break was well worth the wait, as he delivered fan-favorite hits while also slowing things down for what can only be described as "baby-making music." 😏
Though we didn’t get the chance to interview him, our friend Sean Mack from Mix 94.7 had the honor of spending time with Khalid backstage, getting insight into his setlist and energy leading up to the performance.
Gus Dapperton: Simple Yet Captivating
As the second-to-last artist of the night, Gus Dapperton brought a unique sound that had many swaying to the music. His gray shirt and blue jeans matched his signature style-effortlessly cool, yet deeply engaging.
Now that I’ve had the chance to learn more about his music, his song Prune, You Talk Funny has been on repeat-it just hits differently after experiencing his live set. If you haven’t listened to it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out!
Halsey: Closing Out Friday Night in Style
As the Friday night headliner, Halsey made sure the crowd left on a high note. She opened her set with Bad in Love, fully embracing her Texas surroundings by donning a white dress and cowboy boots.
With a 90-minute setlist, Halsey performed a mix of chart-topping hits and deeper cuts for her devoted fans. She closed the night with Without Me, an emotional and fitting choice that left the audience buzzing as the first day of the festival came to an end.
Final Thoughts on Day 1
Friday at Sips N Sounds 2025 was nothing short of amazing. The sold-out crowd, the stunning venue at Auditorium Shores, and the diverse lineup made for an unforgettable start to the festival.
But this is just the beginning! We’ll be back with Day 2 coverage, including crowd reactions, our personal takes, and more moments that defined the festival experience.
