The Pop Girlies Dominated ACL This Past Weekend
Emei performs on the BMI stage during Austin City Limits Music Festival, Saturday Oct. 12, 2024, in Zilker Park.
Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine
A wave of femininomenon took over Austin this year at ACL, with the lineup shining a spotlight on up-and-coming female artists like The Tiarras and pop sensations like Reneé Rapp. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to cover some standout moments at ACL Weekend 2. Here are the highlights that made the festival unforgettable.
The Tiarras Bring Forth a New Era of Music
The Tiarras performs on Tito’s stage during Austin City Limits Music Festival, Saturday Oct. 12, 2024, in Zilker Park.
Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine
The Tiarras showcased their distinctive soud at Austin City Limits. The Tiarras are an emerging musical group known for their vibrant sound that blends elements of Latin music, pop, and rock. They are recognized for their energetic performances and distinctive style, often featuring catchy melodies and engaging lyrics. The band is composed of talented musicians, including singers Tori, Sophia, and Tiffany Baltierra, who bring a dynamic presence to their shows. Starting off with their first set, The Tiarras had a stage that uniquely reflected their music. The microphone stand was adorned with roses and vines, elegantly intertwined around it. The background screen features the band’s name and logo, depicting a fiery red rose engulfed in flames. Finally arriving at Tito's Stage at 12:30 pm, the band made their debut. They donned red-adorned cowgirl outfits that perfectly matched the festival's vibrant vibe, blending a touch of Western flair with a lively, spirited aesthetic. They kicked off their performance with an energetic rendition of “Cumbia En El Cielo,” setting the stage ablaze with vibrant rhythms. Following that, they seamlessly transitioned into “Florecita,” captivating the audience with their infectious energy and harmonious melodies that had everyone swaying along. As their performance progressed, they excitedly introduced their new song, “Every Kinda People”, captivating the ACL audience with its fresh sound. The act continued to build in energy until it culminated with their final song, “La Negra Tomasa.” As the last notes resonated through the crowd, Tori Baltierra, the band’s lead singer, expressed their gratitude, saying, “Thank you, ACL! We are The Tiarras!”
Emei Delivers a Powerhouse Performance that Electrifies the Crowd
Emei performs on the BMI stage during Austin City Limits Music Festival, Saturday Oct. 12, 2024, in Zilker Park.
Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine
Making her festival debut, Emei captivated the crowd and left a lasting impression with her dynamic performance. “I’m Emei, I’m so pumped to be here!” She exclaimed to the crowd. “We’re going to get very sweaty, we’re going to lose our voices and get shin splints!” Emei is an alternative pop musician based in Los Angeles, California, and a true trailblazer with her music. She ignited the crowd's energy as she introduced herself on the BMI stage at 3:10 pm, launching into her track "Backtrack." This vibrant opener set the tone for an unforgettable performance, drawing the audience in with her catchy rhythm and her dynamic stage presence. With relatable and heartfelt lyrics in tracks like “Ferris Bueller” and infectious melodies in songs like “Love Me Not,” she introduced a fresh and captivating sound to Austin. Her long braided pigtails danced around her as she poured her heart into every note, captivating the audience with her performance. Emei continued her performance with her new single “RABBITHOLE”, diving into anxiety and her issues with stress. She even engaged the crowd by slingshotting a signed Emei t-shirt into the audience, adding an interactive element to her electrifying performance. She even included a crowd favorite, performing the sing-along hit "Call Me Maybe," inviting everyone to join in and creating an unforgettable moment. The audience belted out every word alongside her, creating a lively, feel-good atmosphere that radiated across the festival grounds. It was one of those moments where the artist and crowd were in perfect sync, making it a highlight of her set.
Remi Wolf Brings a Funky-pop ibe to ACL
Remi Wolf performs on the Miller Lite stage during Austin City Limits Music Festival, Saturday Oct. 12, 2024, in Zilker Park.
Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine
Remi Wolf got the crowd hyped before her ACL set, radiating infectious energy as she warmed up the audience for the vibrant performance to come. Wolf, an American singer and songwriter from Palo Alto, California, took the stage at the Miller Lite stage at 5:10 pm, ready to deliver her signature high-energy performance. Her goal was to align the crowd's energy with the band's and her own, aiming to "complete the circle of life together" through music and shared experience. Her energy was absolutely lively as she powered through performances of “Cinderella” and “Alone in Miami,” keeping the crowd on their feet. She surprised everyone with a playful cover of Rascal Flatts’ “Life Is a Highway,” adding her unique twist to the classic hit and elevating the mood even further. Wolf's performance was bursting with energy and fun, as she encouraged the audience to dance along with her infectious beats. Her playful spirit had the crowd moving, creating a lively, carefree atmosphere throughout the set. Remi Wolf's performance was a whirlwind of color and charisma, perfectly embodying her eclectic style and vibrant personality.
Reneé Rapp Rocks ACL: A Spellbinding Performance Under the Austin Sky
Reneé Rapp performs on the T-Mobile stage during Austin City Limits Music Festival, Saturday Oct. 12, 2024, in Zilker Park.
Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine
Reneé Rapp delivered a wild, high-energy performance on the T-Mobile stage at ACL, kicking off her set at 7:20 pm. Rapp is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her legendary vocals and engaging performances. Her commanding stage presence had the crowd mesmerized from the first song, creating an electric atmosphere that only intensified as the night went on. Reneé Rapp brought a carefree, unapologetic attitude to the crowd, lighting up the stage as she performed “Bruises.” Her raw emotion and passion shone through every note, drawing the audience deeper into the song's heartfelt lyrics. Rapp's vocals are powerful and effortless in her performance. Throughout her set, Reneé Rapp danced energetically around the stage, amplifying the excitement with her dynamic movements. Her infectious enthusiasm kept the crowd captivated, as she moved effortlessly from one side of the stage to the other, fully immersed in the moment. Rapp’s performance was solid, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Her set was anything but unremarkable as she finished with her final song “Snow Angel”.
Dua Lipa Lights Up ACL: A Night of Iconic Hits and Unforgettable Energy
Dua lipa performs on the American Express stage during Austin City Limits Music Festival, Saturday Oct. 12, 2024, in Zilker Park.
Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine
Leaving us feeling weightless with her music, Dua Lipa had the crowd levitating as she took the American Express stage at 8:20 pm. Lipa is a British singer, songwriter, and model known for her distinctive voice and modern pop sound. In her performance, Lipa didn't hold anything back. With a dazzling pop show, she captivated the audience through her dynamic dancing and the stunning transformation she brought to the stage, leaving the crowd in Austin utterly amazed. Her vibrant energy and artistic flair created an unforgettable experience, elevating the performance to new heights. The singer electrified the crowd by performing some of her biggest hits, including “Levitating,” “Love Again,” and “New Rules.” Each song had the audience singing along, fully immersed in the infectious energy of the performance. With each song, she showcased her impressive vocal range and commanding stage presence.
