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Preview: 8 Artists You Can’t Miss at Austin’s “Sips & Sounds” Music Festival

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Benson Boone performs a backflip while performing at the Austin City Limits Music Festival (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).

Austin is already known for its legendary music scene, and this weekend, Coca Cola’s Sips & Sounds Music Festival is bringing even more energy to the city during SXSW. Taking place at Auditorium Shores, just south of Downtown Austin, from March 7-8, 2025, the two-day festival blends an incredible lineup of pop, indie, and alternative acts with a focus on immersive experiences. With some of the biggest names in music sharing the stage with rising stars, there’s plenty to be excited about.

Here are eight artists we can’t wait to see at this year’s Sips & Sounds Music Festival.

1. Halsey

A true genre-bending powerhouse, Halsey is set to headline Friday night with a performance that’s bound to be an emotional rollercoaster. Whether she’s delivering gut-wrenching alternative ballads or electrifying pop anthems, her ability to connect with fans is undeniable. With five albums under her belt, including the critically acclaimed If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, Halsey’s live shows are known for their stunning visuals and raw energy.

Her set at Sips & Sounds could bring a mix of fan favorites like Without Me and Bad at Love, along with deeper cuts that showcase her artistic evolution. And if past performances are any indication, she might even throw in an unexpected cover or a stripped-down acoustic moment that leaves the audience hanging on every word.

2. Khalid

Khalid burst onto the scene with Location and has since become one of R&B’s most captivating voices. Known for his smooth vocals and effortless cool, he’s crafted a signature sound that blends soul, pop, and electronic elements into something uniquely his own. His debut album American Teen solidified his place in the industry, and he’s only grown from there, collaborating with the likes of Billie Eilish, Normani, and Disclosure.

His set at Sips & Sounds will be the perfect vibe for a Friday night, filled with laid-back bops and heartfelt anthems like Talk and Better. Expect a crowd full of fans swaying along to his infectious melodies as he effortlessly moves between R&B slow jams and upbeat, danceable tracks.

3. Ashe

If you’re looking for an artist who blends vintage charm with modern indie-pop sensibilities, Ashe is your must-see act on Friday. Her breakout single Moral of the Story became an instant classic, blending introspective storytelling with lush, cinematic production. Drawing inspiration from classic songwriters like Carole King and The Beach Boys, Ashe’s music has a timeless quality that sets her apart in today’s pop landscape.

Her live performances feel like a warm hug, inviting audiences into her world with stunning vocals and intimate storytelling. Whether she’s performing hits like Till Forever Falls Apart or new material, Ashe’s set promises to be one of the most heartfelt performances of the festival.

4. Suki Waterhouse

Suki Waterhouse might have started her career in the fashion and acting worlds, but she’s proven that she’s an artist to be reckoned with in music as well. Her dreamy, hazy brand of indie rock has drawn comparisons to Lana Del Rey and Mazzy Star, blending nostalgic melodies with poetic lyricism. Her debut album I Can’t Let Go showcased her ability to craft deeply emotional tracks that feel both ethereal and deeply personal.

Her live shows bring an atmospheric, moody energy that’s perfect for the festival setting. Fans can expect to hear standouts like Good Looking and Moves, with Waterhouse’s smoky vocals washing over the crowd like a mesmerizing daydream.

5. Benson Boone

Saturday’s lineup is stacked, but one of the biggest rising stars is Benson Boone. A singer-songwriter who first gained attention on American Idol, he quickly carved out his own lane with viral hits like Beautiful Things and In the Stars. His music is full of soaring choruses and deeply personal lyrics, making him one of pop’s most promising new voices.

With his recent success on social media platforms like TikTok and a standout performance at the Grammys, Benson’s fanbase has exploded. Expect an emotionally charged set with powerful vocals, heartfelt ballads, and a few surprises along the way.

6. AJR

If there’s one band that knows how to put on an unforgettable live show, it’s AJR. The trio of brothers—Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met—have built a career on theatrical, high-energy performances that blend pop, alternative, and electronic elements. With hits like Bang! and Weak, their music is quirky, anthemic, and undeniably fun.

Their performances often include elaborate visuals, live sampling, and interactive moments with the crowd. Whether they’re pulling off an unexpected mashup or leading the audience in a massive singalong, AJR’s set is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of the festival.

7. Chelsea Cutler & Jeremy Zucker

Few musical pairings have as much natural chemistry as Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker. Both known for their introspective, melancholic indie-pop sound, the duo has collaborated on numerous tracks, most notably you were good to me and this is how you fall in love. Their music captures the highs and lows of young adulthood with raw honesty and dreamy production.

Seeing them perform together at Sips & Sounds will be a special treat, as their voices blend seamlessly in live settings. Whether they’re playing their signature duets or performing solo material, this will be an emotionally charged set you won’t want to miss.

8. Nessa Barrett

A social media sensation turned alt-pop star, Nessa Barrett has built a dedicated following with her dark, brooding sound. Drawing inspiration from artists like Billie Eilish and Halsey, she crafts music that’s equal parts emotional and hauntingly beautiful. Tracks like i hope ur miserable until ur dead and la di die have solidified her status as one of Gen Z’s most compelling voices.

Her set at Sips & Sounds will likely be filled with raw energy, moody visuals, and a strong connection with her fans. If you’re into emotional, atmospheric performances, this is one set you don’t want to skip.

Honorable Mentions: Paul Russell & Claire Rosinkranz

With his viral hit Lil Boo Thang, Paul Russell brings a funky, feel-good energy that will be a perfect vibe for Saturday’s crowd. Expect an infectious performance packed with groove and personality. Meanwhile, Claire Rosinkranz has mastered the art of effortless indie-pop, with tracks like Backyard Boy and Frankenstein showcasing her laid-back, youthful sound.

Both of these rising stars are bringing something fresh to the festival lineup, and their sets are definitely worth checking out.

Features, News

Review: A Star-Studded Night Two at iHeartRadio Music Festival 2024 with Hozier, Doja Cat, The Weeknd and More

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If you thought Friday night at the iHeartRadio Music Festival was a wild ride, Saturday night took things to a whole new level. With a lineup that stretched from country superstar Keith Urban to pop sensation Doja Cat, and closing out with The Weeknd’s electrifying performance, it was like playing every card in the deck—and winning big every time. The second night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas had something for every music lover, from the nostalgic beats of New Kids On the Block to the heart-wrenching soul of Hozier. And with special guests and surprise debuts, this show turned out to be a sure bet.

With performances that felt like hitting the jackpot time and time again, the energy in the crowd was electric from the moment New Kids On the Block helped kick things off. The night featured everything from intimate acoustic moments to high-octane pop anthems, and every artist brought their A-game. Las Vegas may be known for its blinding lights and high stakes, but the real magic on Saturday was inside the arena, where music reigned supreme.

New Kids On the Block: And a Nostalgic Crossover

Opening night two was none other than the boy band legends themselves, New Kids On the Block. Decked out in classic ‘90s swagger, they took the crowd on a trip down memory lane with “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” and “Step by Step.” But the real surprise hand came when they brought out Flavor Flav to join them for an unexpected mash-up of “Hangin’ Tough” and Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” It was the perfect mix of nostalgia and Vegas-style showmanship, and the crowd ate it up. For fans of the old school, this was the moment they had been betting on.

Big Sean Represents for the Rappers

Next up was Big Sean, and he didn’t come to play—well, not just to play. Sean tore through a high-energy set that included the live debut of “It Is What It Is” and classics like “Mercy” and “Bounce Back.” Dressed in black leather over a white tee, Sean looked every bit the rap star, and the crowd couldn’t get enough when he dropped “I Don’t F*ck With You.” His performance was as entertaining as ever, reminding everyone that Big Sean’s always a Big Deal when it comes to live performances.

Keith Urban Gives Vegas some Country Sounds

Keith Urban brought his signature mix of country and rock to the stage, opening with “Straight Line.” Dressed in black pants and a red plaid shirt, Urban reminded everyone that country can hold its own in a festival lineup packed with pop and hip-hop stars. “Blue Ain’t Your Color” had the crowd swaying, while “Wasted Time” brought the energy right back up. Urban’s guitar skills were on full display, and he played every note like it was a winning hand.

Victoria Monét: Pure R&B Gold

Victoria Monét made her iHeartRadio debut with a performance that was pure gold. Opening with “Alright,” she delivered an effortlessly smooth R&B set that included crowd favorites like “Ass Like That” and the sultry “Jaguar.” Monét commanded the stage with elegance and swagger, and when she closed out with “On My Mama,” the audience was right there with her. Her performance was a slow burn, building the energy perfectly for the artists to follow.

Chris Martin: Acoustic Heartstrings

Chris Martin’s set brought the crowd to a quiet, intimate place with acoustic versions of Coldplay classics like “A Sky Full of Stars” and “Viva la Vida.” Performing in his signature understated style, Martin reminded the audience why his songs are the soundtrack to so many lives. In a surprise moment, he brought out Elyanna to join him on the track “We Pray,” adding an extra layer of magic to an already stellar set. For a moment, it felt like we were all gathered around a campfire, listening to stories told through song.

Hozier: Soulful and Soaring

Hozier followed with a hauntingly beautiful set that included “Nobody’s Soldier,” “Work Song,” and, of course, his massive hit “Take Me to Church.” Dressed in an all-grey suit, Hozier looked like a man who had wandered straight out of a dream, and his voice matched that vibe perfectly. His performance was a masterclass in soulful vulnerability, making everyone in the crowd feel like they were part of something deeply intimate—even in an arena of thousands.

Halsey: Fiery and Fearless

Halsey, fresh off her engagement to Avan Jogia, hit the stage with fire and passion—and red hair to match. She opened with “Nightmare” and powered through hits like “Without Me” and “Closer.” Dressed in a dress shirt, suspenders, and pants, Halsey looked fierce and fearless, delivering every song with the intensity she’s known for. The raw emotion of “You Should Be Safe” hit hard, but she quickly flipped the energy back up with her closing track, “Ego.” Halsey doesn’t hold back, and Saturday night was no exception.

Doja Cat Delivers

Doja Cat scratched her way to the top with a high-energy set that kept everyone on their feet. She opened with the “WYM Freestyle” before launching into “Demons” and fan-favorite “Say So.” In a white tank top and gray pants, Doja kept it simple—but her performance was anything but. “Agora Hills” had the crowd hyped, and by the time she finished with “Paint the Town Red,” it was clear she had solidified her status as a pop powerhouse. Every move, every beat—Doja Cat owned the night.

The Weeknd: Full Production, Full Perfection

Closing out night two was none other than The Weeknd, and if you thought his performance was just going to be a few songs and done, think again. The full production set featured about 50 dancers, perfectly complementing his stage presence. He opened with his new single “Dancing in the Flames” and kept the energy high with “Take My Breath” and “Blinding Lights.” When he closed with “Dancing in the Flames” again—this time the full version—it felt like he had taken the crowd through a journey and brought them back again. It was the perfect final act for a night that had already seen so many highlights.

And That’s a Wrap

Night two of the iHeartRadio Music Festival was everything fans could have hoped for and more. With a lineup that delivered hit after hit, it was a fitting end to an unforgettable weekend. From The Weeknd’s fiery finale to Keith Urban’s country-rock swagger, there was something for everyone. Here’s to another jackpot weekend of music magic in Las Vegas!

News

Dua Lipa and Halsey Join iHeartRadio Festival’s Exciting Las Vegas Lineup

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BY TER STAFF

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Dua Lipa and Halsey have been added to the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival lineup, exciting fans with the promise of spectacular performances. This festival, known for its star-studded lineup, will be held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas over two days, September 20 and 21. With Ryan Seacrest hosting, attendees can expect a unique experience where artists perform on the same stage, one after another, in a setting more reminiscent of an awards show than a typical festival.

In addition to Dua Lipa and Halsey, the lineup includes an impressive array of artists from various genres. Day One will feature performances by Camila Cabello, Gwen Stefani, Paramore, Shaboozey, the Black Crowes, and Thomas Rhett. Day Two will showcase Big Sean, Doja Cat, Hozier, Keith Urban, New Kids on the Block, and Victoria Monét. This diverse lineup ensures that fans will enjoy a wide range of musical styles, making for a dynamic and thrilling festival atmosphere.

Tickets for the event are available on AXS.com, starting at $59.50, with options for single-day passes or two-day passes for those wanting to experience both nights. Additionally, the festival will be live-streamed on Hulu at no extra cost to subscribers and broadcast live on iHeartMedia radio stations across the country. With a mix of top-tier talent and unique festival production, the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival is set to be one of the most memorable music events of the year.

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Concert Photos, Features, News

Our 8 Favorite Performances from Night 2 of the iHeartRadio Music Festival 2022

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BY TER STAFF

Avril Lavigne performs at the iHeartRadio Festival Daytime Stage on September 24, 2022 (Photo by Dan Garcia).

All good things must come to an end and thus this year’s iHeartRadio Music Festival came to a close on Saturday night after not one but three epic events blew fans away in Sin City over the weekend. And perhaps the best show of all three, Saturday nights performance at the T-Mobile arena welcome performances from superstars like Halsey, Luke Combs, Megan Thee Stallion and many more, putting an exclamation mark on an unforgettable weekend.

Check out our favorite performances from Night 2 of the stacked iHeartRadio Music Festival:

Halsey empowers crowd with “I am Not a Woman, I’m a God”

Halsey performs at Summerfest 2022 in Milwaukee, WI (Photo by Dan Garcia).

Halsey always delivers for her iHeartRadio fans and Saturday night’s set was no exception. Although she brought the hits like “Bad at Love” and “Without Me”, it was her awesome performance of “I am Not a Woman, I’m a God” that stood out the most.

Luke Combs closes set with “Beer Never Broke My Heart”

Luke Combs is the biggest name in country music right now. Not only is he touring the country at some of the biggest arenas, the “Beer Never Broke My Heart” singer has now hit stadium status and is performing at stadiums across the country in 2023, Combs gave a preview of what fans can expect for his tour with his iHeartRadio Festival performance of his mega hit.

Maren Morris duets with Hubby for “I Can’t Love You Anymore”

Maren Morris performs at the BMO Harris Pavilion in Milwaukee, WI on August 13, 2022 (Photo by Dan Garcia).

Maren Morris is a crossover queen with some of her addictive singles. Although she is certainly a country girl at heart, the “My Church” singer casts a wide net and has fans who favorite all sorts of genres. Morris surprised her Vegas fans on Saturday night when she brought out her husband, Ryan Hurd, for a duet of “I Can’t Love You Anymore”, just hours after he crushed it for the festivals Daytime Village.

Avril Lavigne Gets the Punk Kids Nostalgic with “Sk8er Boi”

It wasn’t just a phase, mom! Avril Lavigne took us back to a better time as she got fans nostalgic with her hit single, “Sk8er Boi”, one of the greatest pop punk classics of all time. Lavigne wasn’t only a highlight of Saturday night’s lineup but also at the Daytime Village earlier in the afternoon.

LL Cool J Closes 9-song set with “Mama Said Knock You Out”

LL Cool J performs at Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL on August 4, 2018 (Photo by Dan Garcia).

LL Cool J brought some old school hip-hop to Las Vegas with his iHeartRadio Festival performance. The rapper had one of the longer sets of the night and he ended his set with a classic, his record “Mama Said Knock You Out”.

Marcus Mumford Delivers Live Debut of “Better Off High”

Marcus Mumford is taking a small break from being the lead of Mumford & Sons and is hitting the road as a solo artist in support of his new solo LP. Mumford performed one of his first solo shows for the Las Vegas crowd on Saturday night, and treated fans to a live debut of his track “Better Off High”.

Megan Thee Stallion Brings Some “Thot S*** to the Sin City

Megan The Stallion performs at the 2021 Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, TX (Photo by Dan Garcia).

Megan Thee Stallion was twerking all night for the packed crowd at the T-Mobile arena, and of her many hits from the past couple years, she certainly won us over with her performance of “Thot S***”, one of the standouts from her 2021 album, Something for Thee Hotties.

Diddy Delivers Emotional Tribute to Biggie with “I’ll Be Missing You”

Diddy got us all tearing up during his career-spanning performance. The moment came as he paid tribute to the late-great Notorious B.I.G. when Diddy performed his 1997 single “I’ll Be Missing You”, certainly the biggest tear-jerker of the entire festival.

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Halsey Announces Headlining Love And Power” Tour

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BY TER STAFF

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Photo by Dan Garcia

Halsey is coming to an outdoor music venue near you this summer. Dubbed the “Love And Power” Tour, the “Bad at Love” artist will tour in support of her new LP, “If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power”. 

Kicking off on May 17th at West Palm Beach’s iThink Financial Amphitheatre, Halsey’s forthcoming tour will make stops in Nashville, Chicago, Milwaukee, Boston, Toronto and many more, until the tour comes to an end on June 9th in Irvine, CA. 

Halsey will tour with a talented cast of artists, including beabadoobee, Pinkpantheress, The Marias, Abby Roberts and Wolf Alice; fans can visit the tour’s official website for tickets and more info.

Check out the dates and locations for Halsey’s 2022 Love And Power Tour below.

Continue reading Halsey Announces Headlining Love And Power” Tour →

New Music, News

Halsey Releases Music Video for New Single “Without Me”

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Following millions of streams upon its release, Halsey has released the official music video for her new single, ‘Without Me’. Directed by Colin Tilley, the visuals are for Halsey’s first solo track since 2017.

Speaking on ‘Without Me’, Halsey said told fans, “This record is about understanding your worth. It’s a very honest record. And it helped me prove to myself that I can still manifest my feelings into art after all this time. My music will always be the vehicle that carries my heart.”

Watch Halsey’s music video for ‘Without Me’ below.

Continue reading Halsey Releases Music Video for New Single “Without Me” →

New Music, News

New Music: Halsey Drops New Single “Without Me”

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Everyone’s favorite, Halsey, has returned with her brand new single ‘Without Me’. After premiering the track on Zane Lowe’s World Record on Apple Music’s Beats 1, Halsey dropped the new track on multiple platforms for streaming and download here.

Speaking on the new record, Halsey said told fans “Questioning your purpose and your effort in a relationship can be confusing and draining. But it’s important to self-reflect and know your worth and value… This record is about understanding your worth. It’s a very honest record. And it helped me prove to myself that I can still manifest my feelings into art after all this time. My music will always be the vehicle that carries my heart.”

Stream ‘Without Me’ below.

Continue reading New Music: Halsey Drops New Single “Without Me” →

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The B96 Summer Bash Brings an All-Star Female Cast to the Allstate Arena: Halsey, Dua Lipa, Meghan Trainor & More

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Before Chicago transitions into festival mode, with Lollapalooza and Pitchfork scheduled to takeover the Windy City in the coming months, B96 kicks off the summer by bringing some of the biggest names in music to the Allstate Arena with their annual B96 Pepsi Summer Bash.

Celebrating some of the biggest female artists in pop music today, this year’s Summer Bash saw performances from Dua Lipa, Meghan Trainor, Alessia Cara, Bebe Rexha and a huge headlining set from Halsey. And that is not to say that the guys on the lineup didn’t deliver, because Liam Payne, Why Don’t We, 5 Seconds of Summer and ‘Mine’ newcomer Bazzi all delivered for their Chicago fans in Rosemont.

Check out our photos of 2018’s Summer Bash below!

Continue reading The B96 Summer Bash Brings an All-Star Female Cast to the Allstate Arena: Halsey, Dua Lipa, Meghan Trainor & More →

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Halsey Drops Music Video for “Strangers” ft. Lauren Jauregui

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

The success of Halsey’s sophomore album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom continues as the ‘Bad at Love’ singer has released the new music video for the 2017 LP’s track ‘Strangers’. Assisted by Fifth Harmony’s newly solo Lauren Jauregui, ‘Strangers’ is one of the many stand out tracks on the album.

With Halsey and Jauregui battling in the ring, the new music video is a knockout.

Watch Halsey’s new music video for ‘Stranger’ ft. Lauren Jauregui below.

Continue reading Halsey Drops Music Video for “Strangers” ft. Lauren Jauregui →

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Halsey Announces Final Legs of Hopeless Fountain Kingdom Tour

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Halsey has surprised her fans around the globe today, as the ‘Bad At Love’ singer extended her headlining tour by announcing its final legs throughout Australia, North America, Latin America, Asia and more.

Dubbed the “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom / Final Installment”, Halsey will kick things off on April 19th in Auckland, and will make stops in Sydney, Rio De Janeiro, Singapore, Milwaukee and more, until things come to an end on September 22nd in London. And Halsey will not be alone either, as she will be joined by Jessie Reyez, Kehlani, Lauren Jauregui and more!

Tickets for the North American dates will go one sale for the general public on Thursday, March 29 at 10AM (local time) at LiveNation.com. Fans can visit HFKTOUR.com for more info.

Peep Halsey’s world tour dates below.

Continue reading Halsey Announces Final Legs of Hopeless Fountain Kingdom Tour →