LIST: Texas talent taking center stage in music industry
Texas has always raised unique and talented musicians, and in 2019, Texans are dominating some major stages including the Grammys, the Super Bowl and Studio 8H at NBC. Here is a list of music artists from Texas that are currently enjoying the spotlight and a few more to keep an eye on.
Gary Clark Jr.
A staple in the Austin music scene, Gary Clark Jr. has been building up a national reputation in recent years with his soulful blues-rock sound. His recent performance on Saturday Night Live hopefully heralds a further move into the mainstream spotlight. Give a listen to “Got My Eyes on You” from his latest album “This Land.”
Travis Scott
It is refreshing to hear the area code 713 in a rap song for a change. Houston’s own Travis Scott was also nominated for three Grammy awards this year and appeared at the Super Bowl LIII halftime show to play his hit single “Sicko Mode.” For newcomers, here is one of his most recognizable songs that captivated rap audiences back in 2015, “Antidote.”
Post Malone
Grapevine, Texas’ Post Malone has reached mainstream rap success in just four years. His first single, “White Iverson,” dropped on SoundCloud in 2015 and this year he played and was nominated at the Grammy Awards. This is “Better Now” off of Post Malone’s second studio album “beerbongs & bentleys.”
Chrysta Bell
A singer-songwriter from San Antonio who frequently collaborates with David Lynch. You might have seen her in the “Twin Peaks” revival as FBI Agent Tammy Preston. Her sound can be described as dream pop, or otherworldly and ethereal.
St. Vincent
While Annie Clark has been ruling over indie rock for some time, in recent years she’s also been popping up the Grammys. The enigmatic songwriter from Dallas won for Best Rock Song in 2019 and gave an incredibly memorable performance with Dua Lipa. Although her new stuff has gained St. Vincent a lot of new popularity, she was already making amazing music ten years ago.
Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves’ voice is too unique and too powerful to be tucked away in the Country charts. With “Golden Hour,” Musgraves crossed over and snagged four Grammys in 2019. This is “Space Cowboy,” by Mineola, Texas’ Kacey Musgraves. P.S. she just did an amazing tribute to Selena at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo by singing “Como La Flor,” along with an adoring crowd.
BROCKHAMPTON
Brockhampton is a musical experience dressed up like a boy band. Formed in San Marcos and led by Kevin Abstract, a rapper from Corpus Christi, Brockhampton redefined alternative hip hop, and their fourth album “Iridescence” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Album Chart. From America’s favorite 13-man rap boy band, give a listen to “J’OUVERT.”
Khalid
It feels like every time the radio is playing, Khalid’s voice can be heard. This 21-year-old R&B singer-songwriter powerhouse has been all over but he calls El Paso his hometown. In February 2019, he released “Talk.”
A rapper and stand up comedian, you can find his special “They Can’t Deport Us All” on Netflix, and listen to his podcast at https://www.whatdidhesaid.com/.
Texans on the rise:
- Gina Chavez sings bilingual pop songs and blends her multi-cultural background into her music.
- Shakey Graves has the skills to play the guitar, drums, and sing simultaneously.
- Bri Bagwell appeared on the music competition show “Real Country.” Check out her performance of “If You Were A Cowboy.”
- Cody Johnson will be performing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo March 15.
