High Water Music Festival celebrated another year in Charleston, SC on April 20th and 21st, bringing its trademark mix of indie, rock, and folk artists back to Riverfront Park. The park’s open spaces, bordered on one side by soaring oak trees and presenting a scenic view of the Cooper River on the other, made for an incredible setting for the two-day event.
Curated once again by High Water mainstays Shovels & Rope this year’s lineup featured headliners Noah Kahan and Hozier, both having a fantastic year on the charts with Kahan’s ‘Stick Season’ peaking at #9 and Hozier’s ‘Too Sweet’ sitting in the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time of writing. Looking beyond the headliners, the lineup had a solid mix of new and familiar, with rising names such as Al Olender and The Heavy Heavy, and established acts including The Flaming Lips, Grace Potter, and Fleet Foxes.
This year’s High Water was not without some problems. Festival goers were treated to some classic South Carolina weather; Saturday was oppressively hot with barely any cloud cover to help, while Sunday brought lower temperatures along with a steady rain for most of the day. While there was some dissatisfaction among those in attendance for day 1 due to reported issues with traffic leaving the venue, We both Luckily had no problems with said traffic. While parking in the furthest lot meant we had a trek at the end of both nights, once we got back to our cars we were able to get on the road in quick order.
This year Sauce With Spoons was able to send two photojournalists to the festival, and we split the stages.
Olivia Jean, Houndmouth, Courtney Barnett, Fleet Foxes, Babe Club, The Heavy Heavy, Kevin Morby, Briston Maroney, and Noah Kahn.
Al Olender, Leyla McCalla, The Dip, The Walkmen, Shovels & Ropes, Cut Worms, The Linda Lindas, The Wallflowers, The Flaming Lips, and Hozier.
Emily's Day One Recap
Hailing from Seattle, Washington, The band Fleet Foxes currently consists of Robin Pecknold (Vocals/Guitar), Skyler Skjelset (Guitar), Casey Wescott (Keyboard, Vocals), Christian Wargo (bass, Guitar, Vocals), and Morgan Henderson (multiple instruments), took on The Edisto stage Saturday evening. In attendance with the band, the incredibly talented Uwade, Born in Nigeria, but raised in our sister state, North Carolina.
Out of all of the bands at High Water, Fleet Foxes has been a long-time favorite of mine, and I have wanted to see them play live for over a decade. I can't describe how much I loved every second of their set. Hearing my favorites "Can I Believe You" "Mykonos, and "Helplessness Blues" by the ocean during a gorgeous sunset was unreal. I couldn't help but lay in the grass and enjoy their entire set after leaving the photo pit. You could tell the crowd was enjoying it just as much as I was, even the people who had no idea about them until they came out to perform. There was a sense of gratitude for having been a part of something special. For in the world of Fleet Foxes, music isn't just heard—it's felt, deeply and profoundly, leaving an indelible mark on all who experience it.
In the dynamic landscape of indie rock, few artists stand out quite like Australian singer, and songwriter, Courtney Barnett. With her distinctive blend of wit, vulnerability, and unapologetic honesty, Barnett has carved a unique niche for herself in the music industry. From her introspective lyricism to her raw, gritty guitar riffs, Barnett's music resonates with audiences on a deeply personal level. On the drums for this set was Warpaint's very own, Stella Mozgawa.
Courtney Barnett had a thrilling set in the Charleston heat. I've been a long-time fan of hers so seeing that she was on this year's lineup was very exciting to me. She exceeded my expectations and hopefully, everyone watching. She played two of my favorites 'Avant Gardener' and 'Pedestrian At Best' Which ended up being a big hit with the crowd, shaking things up at a fast pace compared to some of the slower indie/folk music before her set.
Olivia Jean is a force to be reckoned with in the music world. With a signature blend of garage rock, surf, and punk influences, she carves out her own unique space in the industry. Hailing from Detroit, Olivia's musical journey began as a member of the all-female garage rock band The Black Belles before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. I discovered Olivia through her husband of 2 years, Rock Icon and frontman of The White Stripes:
Jack White. Their partnership yielded dynamic tracks, blending Olivia's gritty vocals and formidable guitar skills with White's signature production style. Their collaborative efforts breathed life into songs like "What Can I Do?" and "It's Cold Outside," showcasing a chemistry that resonated with audiences worldwide.
On stage alongside Olivia; Marcus Argiro on guitar, Erica Salazar on bass, and Marcus Powell Davis on the drums. Olivia's guitar playing was infused with passion and personality, elevating each song to new heights. Her ability to effortlessly transition between different styles and moods showcased her versatility as a guitarist, leaving the crowd in awe of her talent.
Houndmouth is an American indie rock band formed in 2011 in New Albany, Indiana. Known for their soulful blend of folk, rock, and Americana, the band gained attention with their debut album "From the Hills Below the City" in 2013. Comprised of Matt Myers (lead Vocals, guitar), Zak Appleby (vocals/guitar), Aaron Goodrich (drums) And Caleb Hickman (Keys)
The band took on day one at High Water in the sweltering heat, during the hottest part of the day. I have seen them quite a few times and every show has gotten better and better. the set started slow with a somber track titled Darling". I noticed fans started getting more into the performance around the 5th song in their set titled "McKenzie" Sadly the song got cut short by a medical issue in the crowd due to the extreme heat. my favorite moment was hearing the crowd singing loudly along to the song "Sedona" which finished off their set.
Grammy nominee and rising star of indie folk-pop took on the main Edisto stage as the first-day headliner. Kahan has been making waves in the music scene with his distinctive blend of folk, pop, and indie influences.
Born and raised in Strafford, Vermont Kahan's musical journey began by writing songs at age 8 and uploading them to SoundCloud and YouTube, where his music began to gain exposure. honing his craft through years of dedication and passion, Drawing inspiration from his personal experiences and introspective storytelling, Kahan's music resonates with audiences on a profound level, offering a glimpse into the depths of human emotion.
Highlights of the set included performances of fan-favorite tracks such as "Stick Season," "Northern Attitude," and "Forever." Each song was delivered with sincerity and conviction, drawing cheers and applause from the audience, especially from the die-hard fans who endured the extreme heat all day to be front row. With his captivating vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic stage presence, Kahan delivered a performance that left a lasting impact on all who attended. As he continues to rise in prominence, Kahan's music serves as a beacon of authenticity and vulnerability in an increasingly chaotic world, reminding us of the power of music to heal and inspire.
Dillon's Day 1 Recap
New York’s singer-songwriter Al Olender was the first to take the stage and get the festival in full swing. Opening a festival has to be a nerve-racking experience, regardless of how many shows you have played. And while Al may have seemed a little anxious walking to the microphone, it vanished as soon as she began playing. Seeing that happen, combined with her all-in commitment to her performance and the unexpected barrage of jokes and quips between songs, was charming in a way that instantly clicked with the audience. This set was, for me, the ideal way to start a festival: an intimate performance from a single artist giving it their all and creating an atmosphere that, as the crowds grow and the stage production kicks into full swing, can’t be captured later in the day.
Multi-instrumentalist Leyla McCalla was my next set of the day. Her music pulls from a wide range of influences, ultimately leaning most heavily on folk, and perfectly set the stage for the acts that would be following. Leyla’s musical flexibility was a treat to see, her vocal delivery was great and she played guitar, banjo, and cello during her set. The heat was already in full swing at this point and you could see the impact it had on the audience, but from watching Leyla and her band you would never be able to tell. They put on a tight performance and delivered a great set for the audience braving the direct sun to watch them.
I knew that The Dip was going to show us something we hadn't seen yet as soon as their three horn players walked onto the stage. The Seattle R&B group started off their set with the track ‘Ready to Go’ and it was definitely appropriate! Hands down, my favorite part of live music is watching performers who are genuinely and visibly having fun on stage; and that’s exactly what we got from The Dip. The band was having a blast playing for the audience and the highlight for me was seeing the chemistry between vocalist Tom Eddy and Jace Holmes-Floyd, who played keys for the band on this tour. This was the set that really started to give me an idea of what High Water Music Festival is all about.
New York indie rockers The Walkmen returned to the scene in 2013 following a ten-year hiatus. As it turns out, that was a stroke of luck for the crowd at High Water Festival because the group hasn’t lost a step. They wasted no time starting into their opener, 2008’s ‘On the Water’. Vocalist Hamilton Leithauser is one of those musicians who seem to have an aura of cool around them on stage, and wherever he moved the eyes of the crowd followed. From a photography perspective, it’s always fun when a performer gives you something different to shoot and there was a stir in the photo pit when Leithauser picked up his own camera to snap a few photos of the crowd.
Given their history with High Water Festival, it should come as no surprise that husband and wife duo Shovels & Rope were rock solid for their performance. Practice makes perfect, and the folk pairing might just have perfected their act for this festival. I admittedly don’t have much exposure to their music, but that didn’t stop me from getting wrapped up in the performance and enjoying every bit of it. I don’t often see a harmonica at shows, so watching Michael Trent on playing both one along with his guitar was fun for me. But the real draw for this show was the incredible intensity of Carrie Ann Hearst behind the drum kit. There was very little onstage movement during the set, but Trent made his way to the drums where the pair shared a microphone to deliver some of the final lyrics of the show.
Emily's Day 2 Recap
Babe Club is a captivating indie pop duo originating from Charleston, South Carolina. Comprised of Jenna Desmond and Corey Campbell, their music is a mesmerizing blend of dreamy melodies and gritty guitar riffs. Since its formation, Babe Club has been steadily gaining recognition for their electrifying live performances and evocative songwriting. With each release, they continue to push the boundaries of their sound.
Babe club started off the second day of the festival and I really enjoyed it. Their indie rock vibes filled the grounds with energy and excitement, as fans danced along to the catchy melodies. I was impressed by the stunning visuals and outfits, making for a fun set to photograph. It wasn't just the music that made their set special—it was the connection between the band and their fans. Babe Club's down-to-earth vibe and infectious enthusiasm made the concert feel like a gathering of friends, with the band members sharing stories and jokes between songs. Jenna even threw a few trucker-style hats with 'Babe Club' designed on the front to some of the fans in the crowd. Babe Club definitely caught the attention of us all in attendance and I walked away as a new member of the Babe Club-club.
The Heavy Heavy is an indie/alternative rock band hailing from Brighton, UK comprised of Will Turner and Georgie Fuller. The band began with a shared ambition of “making records that sound like our favorite records ever”. There was something so nostalgic about their sound that I am currently obsessing over. I haven't been able to stop listening to their music.
My first thought after hearing them was "WOW!" They sound so much like 'The Mamas & The Papas' which I think is exactly what they were going for. you can really hear an influence of that psychedelic blues with fuzzy guitar tones from the 60s in their sound. I was pleasantly surprised when they covered 'Father John Misty's' song titled 'Real Love Baby' and knocked it out of the park. I really enjoyed their song 'Go Down River' as well as the rest of their set at High Water this year and I really hope to see them live again!
Kevin Morby is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music embodies a unique blend of folk, rock, and Americana—hailing from Kansas City, Missouri. Formerly known as the bass guitarist of the folk-rock band Woods and as the frontman of The Babies.
Morby began a solo career in 2013, releasing his debut album, Harlem River.
Morby's rich baritone voice, backed by a talented band, filled the festival rounds with a warm, inviting atmosphere. His songs, ranging from soulful ballads to upbeat anthems, were delivered with passion and authenticity, drawing the audience in. Between songs, Morby's humble stage presence and intimate storytelling created a genuine connection with the crowd.
With his soulful voice, poetic lyrics, and adventurous spirit, Kevin Morby continues to push the boundaries of modern folk and rock music, captivating audiences with his timeless sound and unwavering sincerity.
Briston Maroney is a rising indie rock artist hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee. With his earnest lyrics, infectious melodies, and dynamic performances, he has quickly garnered attention in the music scene. Maroney's music often explores themes of self-discovery, mental health, and the complexities of relationships, delivered with a raw authenticity that resonates with audiences.
Unfortunately, the weather had quite the switch up from Saturday's sweltering heat. Rain had started pouring during Maroney's set which led to a lot of festival-goers flocking to find cover and even leaving the festival. The rain did not stop the fans in the front row eager to see their favorite artist play though. Some even embraced it, dancing and singing along in the rain.
Briston and his band were easily one of the most entertaining to watch in my opinion. With each song, he delved into themes of personal growth, love, and the human experience, connecting deeply with the audience on a visceral level. Each member of the band brought their own unique flair to the stage. Towards the end of the set, fan-favorite track titled "Freaking Out On The Interstate" started and the entire crowd sang along. His guitarist Devin Badgett and Briston showed off with quite the killer guitar duet, ending with Devin doing a backflip on stage shocking everyone and leaving a lasting impact on the crowd.
Grace Potter is a powerhouse singer-songwriter and musician known for her electrifying performances and soulful voice. Hailing from Vermont, USA, Potter has carved out a prominent place in the music industry with her eclectic blend of rock, blues, folk, and pop.
With a career spanning over two decades, Potter has released multiple albums both as a solo artist and as part of the band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Her solo work showcases her versatility as an artist, exploring a range of themes from love and heartbreak to empowerment and self-discovery.
In addition to her musical talents, Potter is also known for her philanthropic efforts and advocacy work, using her platform to champion causes such as environmental conservation and LGBTQ+ rights.
Unfortunately, due to restrictions outlined in a press release, we were unable to photograph Grace Potter, I took the time to my advantage to grab a bite to eat while watching her set.
Dillon's Day 2 Recap
Cut Worms, the brainchild of Brooklyn-based songwriter Max Clarke, was first on the agenda for the Stono stage. The set was relatively low energy, which is fair given the 2:15 pm start time, but more importantly, it was a good set musically. Clarke made a point to engage with the crowd during songs and took a moment to laugh at himself when he announced “This is a song from a great hero of mine. Never mind, it’s just one of mine again.” The band finished the set with the Americana-inflected ‘Veteran’s Day’.
The Linda Lindas played one of my favorite sets of the weekend. The LA rockers came together in 2018 and quickly began making a name for themselves through their high-energy performances. But it was in 2021, when a video of the group performing ‘Racist, Sexist Boy’ at the LA Public Library took the internet by storm, that they entered national attention. The band took the stage by storm and set a new standard for energy levels at this year’s High Water. Each of the four members; Bela Salazar (Guitarist, vocalist) Eloise Wong (Bassist, vocalist), and sisters Lucia (Guitarist, vocalist) Mila (Drummer, vocalist) de la Garza all took a turn at providing vocals throughout the set, and they grabbed the crowd’s attention and made the most out of it. What's truly remarkable is the level of skill and confidence they display on stage, ranging from 19 to 13 years old defying expectations and proving that age is just a number when it comes to rocking out. It's refreshing to know the future of our music isn't a complete lost cause, thanks to bands like The Linda Linda's.
We were notified a few hours before the set started that there would be no access to the photo pit for The Wallflowers, but we would be able to shoot from the front of the soundboard. Unfortunately by this point, the rain had rolled in and was trying its best to bring down the mood of the festival. The rain and limited mobility made taking pictures a more difficult task, but it was a lot of fun despite the conditions and Jakob Dylan made a point to thank the audience for showing up regardless. While I left the stage once the first three tracks finished to get my camera out of the rain, I could hear the performance from where I took shelter and this group killed it.
The Flaming Lips delivered a mesmerizing performance of their 2002 album "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots," blending captivating onstage props and imagery with their signature psychedelic sound. Vocalist Wayne Coyne started off the show closed inside a giant inflatable plastic ball, and the stage itself boasted four massive inflatable pink robots. There was some minor issue getting one of the four to inflate properly, but a stage tech quickly fixed it and the band was ready to begin. The energy at this set was absolutely infectious from start to finish. The audience got involved in the fun when large inflatable balls were tossed out to them, although one was quickly lost over the bleachers at the back of the venue when the wind caught it. The Flaming Lips have had a long and storied career, and this performance showed that their creativity and ability to guide listeners through a musical journey has not diminished with time.
Photo by Emily
Hozier's performance at High Water 2024 may have turned me into a fan. Despite only knowing his mainstream hits beforehand, I was blown away by his commanding stage presence, musicianship, and the impressive talent of the band he brought with him.
A standout moment occurred when he seamlessly recovered from a mid-song mistake, showcasing his professionalism and his band’s ability to adapt to the unexpected. If he had not called out that he was singing the wrong verse I likely would never have noticed anything unplanned had taken place. Never one to shy away from using his platform to push for social change, Hozier took a few minutes to address important issues faced by women and the LGBTQ+ community, and the ongoing war in Gaza. His message emphasised that real change only takes place when enough people collectively decide they have had enough with the status quo is one that is particularly important today. He returned to the stage for an encore performance of ‘Nina Cried Power’ and ‘Work Song’ Which made for the perfect ending to the festival.
Emily's photos of Hozier:
In conclusion, High Water proved to be a resounding success, despite issues with the weather and parking. Bringing music lovers together for a weekend of unforgettable performances, And Delicious (but Pricey) Food & Drinks. This annual event continues to be a highlight of the city's cultural calendar, showcasing the vibrant musical talent and spirit of the community that defines Charleston's identity.
photos by emily
Photos by Dillon
Words & Photos by: Dillon Reesor & Emily Sluss
Via: @SAUCEWITHSPOONS