While making the list Ten Texas Bands You Need To Know, I realized that there are a whole lot of people who just don’t know what we have going on here. The music scene in Texas is amazing. So many great bands, that will often visit your town twice a year or so. But maybe you have a friend in Utah or Connecticut, and you want to share the scene. Where do you start? This list is for the completely uninitiated.With this list, you can get a great start on some of the music we probably take for granted. So go ahead, tag your cousin on Facebook to finally take a listen to the stuff you’ve been talking about for years.
Once again, I’m not ranking the bands, these are in no particular order.
1. Cody Johnson Band @CodyJohnsonBand
I don’t want to brag, but I’m going to anyway. I was lucky enough to be at a show where these guys were just beginning. There were 18 people in the bar that night. Now they regularly sell out venues wherever they go. CJB is cowboy country. But, even if you wouldn’t call yourself a cowboy, it’s a lot of fun dancing to their easy to relate to tunes. They have a new album coming out in July, expect this band to take it to the next level.
2. Wade Bowen @WadeBowen
There are some things that are just good for the soul. Wade is one of those. A graduate of Texas Tech University, Wade and his band have been wearing out tires on their tour bus for years. He’s one of my favorite shows to see. Wade turns his life’s moments into songs to share with the world. Like when his wife suffered postpartum depression, he made “If We Ever Make It Home.” There’s real life in his music.
3.Randy Rogers Band @rrbchoir
RRB is another one of those bands that’s been doing this, and doing it well for years. While he was signed to a major label, they just never seemed to know what to do with him. Their music is diverse. They can go from playing “Buy Myself A Chance” to “Fuzzy” and not miss a beat. It’s fun to watch them grow, and these guys love each other.
4. William Clark Green @WilliamCGreen
Full disclosure, I’m writing this the day after seeing WCG in concert. I won’t lie, I’m a little worse for wear. I’m a professional, or something though, So we’ll see this through. WCG writes sad songs you can scream. I feel like I should explain. First off, it’s not just sad songs. There’s a lot to be said fo being so upset and sad, that you want to scream. WCG’s got plenty of those. But seeing him concert is like going to a pep rally. You are all in this room together. And you’re all in this together. Then a song like Ringling Road comes on and the entire crowd starts going ‘Da da, dada da da…It’s an amazing show. His records work on the road too, I myself have driven across west Texas with his CD’s on repeat.
5. Josh Abbott Band @joshabbottband
From a small town just outside of Lubbock called Idalou, Josh Abbott has been rewriting the book about what can be done to get more eyes on the Texas scene. He also is very vocal about his opinions on twitter. Which I always like seeing. If you want to have a good time with some beautiful girls, go to a Josh Abbott concert. You won’t be disappointed, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
6. Turnpike Troubadours @tptroubadours
They came on the scene a few years ago, and they’ve been blowing everyone’s mind’s since. From Oklahoma, these guys have been selling out shows wherever they go. Their last album, a self titled effort went to #3 on the US charts.
7. Whiskey Myers @whiskeymyers
If you love southern rock sounds, you will love Whiskey Myers. I’m not the only one who’s been waiting for them to produce a live album. Let’s put that on the list guys.
8. Aaron Watson @aaron_watson
Aaron made some national news in the past year an a half after calling a woman ‘sweetheart.’ As someone who has lived all over the country, I know that kind of thing can get taken very differently in different places. For instance, when I lived in Northern California, I said “hella” about every other word. But I digress. Aaron Watson is a family man who doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke and still manages to win over crowds where ever they go.
9. Pat Green @PATGREENMUSIC
Wait, you’re thinking, I’ve heard of Pat Green. Didn’t he have that song ‘Wave on Wave?” Yes, as a matter of fact you did. Pat Green could be considered one of the founding fathers of today’s Texas music. After a short time in the mainstream, he came back home and went back to the dance halls.
10. Reckless Kelly @recklesskelly
The Braun brothers started this band back in 1997. They consistently have fun music and a great live show. They also make sure the music takes them home. Hosting a music festival in their native Idaho every year. I’m sure it gives them a good chance to catch up with brother Mickey, frontman of Mickey and the Motorcars.
So there. That’s your introduction into Texas music. I hope you keep looking and finding more. Remember, go out and see a show.
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