Texas has more than its share of batshit crazy politicians. However, the Lone Star State makes up for this embarrassment of "riches" (emphasis on embarrassment) with what it offers in the way of indie music artists and their music. Many Texans have ample reason to be ashamed when their members of Congress or their state officials make national news for their ignorance, absurdity, callousness, or just plain being out of touch with the people and their needs.
It can be close to impossible for sane, level-minded Texans to maintain their composure and hold their heads up high as these politicians engage in what amounts to an episode of political Jackass on the national stage. However, one local resource that can never be taken away from Texas is the amount of quality independent musical talent that is born and raised within its borders. It's these very same homegrown, indie artists who are better at speaking for the people of Texas and representing the state than its current lineup of politicians. Unfortunately, independent artists are not backed by major record labels or corporations, so they don't have a platform equal in size and reach to that of the elected officials who continuously misuse their platform by bullying children's television characters, perpetuating baseless fearmongering about nonexistent threats, and erasing and rewriting history to benefit their political agenda.
Just like with politics, it should be the people who decide who represents them and their state when it comes to music and musicians residing in and originating from their hometowns. You as an ordinary citizen hold the power to expand the platform and raise the voices of Texas independent musicians. Buy their music if you like it, attend their live shows, and promote their music via word of mouth and on social media. You can begin to help broaden the platform and amplify the voices of Texas indie musicians by listening to and supporting the artists below.
*As always, music is subjective and songs don't have the same impact on everyone. Hopefully, you will like these selections and share them with others. If they aren't for you, take this as a wake-up call or an invitation, depending on where music fits in the hierarchy of your life, to search out new and hidden songs from the past and present and introduce them to a larger audience.
If you have any underappreciated or underplayed songs or musical artists you would like to suggest, please leave them in the comments section.
-Bobman
Roman Candles by New York City Queens (2012) - Kingwood, TX
Doll by RoZY (2021) - Houston, TX
Afraid to Dream by Ellis Easley (2021) - San Antonio, TX
Magician by Keeton Coffman 2021 - Houston, TX
People Talk by Second Lovers (2020) - Houston, TX
Visit the Spotify Five for Finding playlist compiled from the Five for Finding series