Our Hidden Gems
One of our Hat & Halo favorite pastimes is finding “new to us” music. I think we get asked what we are listening to more often than how we are doing….LOL… Helping artists connect with fans is the main reason we started our agency, so it only makes sense that we start our own playlist to do just that.
Our “Hidden Gems” playlist will grow as we find them or think of them, so make sure you save to your library and always feel free to holler at us with your faves. There is nothing that inspires us more than finding new tunes! As you know, the most unique thing about the Texas Country music scene is that it spans so many different genres. Red Dirt, Americana, Traditional, Swing, Southern Rock, Soul Country….Just to name a few. Whether you love a good two-step beat, prefer a story-teller vibe, want to sit by a campfire, or hear something with a nostalgic vibe that takes you back, they will all be on this list!
We like to call these amazing talents “underground” rather than new or up & coming, because in this business of music there is no such thing as an “overnight success”. Most artists slave away for anywhere from 5-10, in some cases 15 years before they are recognized by the masses. So, if there is anything in Kay or my power that we can do to help, we are damn sure going to do it.
In addition to adding songs daily, we will have a weekly blog highlighting a few from the playlist so that you can connect with them, see when they are playing live near you and follow their social media. Every play. Every follow. Every share counts….and none of it costs you, as a music lover, a dime. So, whether you are a seasoned listener or just finding your passion for it, WELCOME. We sure hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed starting it!
Click on the artist name to visit their website and read more about them!
Bailey Rae- Since the age of thirteen, Bailey Rae has been performing on stages from Texas to Tennessee. She has traveled thousands of miles playing honky-tonks, music venues, events and festivals. With her pure country voice and distinctive western style, she has consistently stayed true to her roots with her brand of country music.
Cole Whittlesey- With East Texas and Hill Country ties, Cole Whittlesey calls College Station home. The class of 2019 Texas A&M graduate most recently released the "Pack Your Bags" EP on all streaming platforms. Be on the lookout for more music coming soon!
Isaac Jacob- Born and raised on the back roads of south Texas, Isaac Jacob grew up on his family’s ranch living the country life. Pursuing music with the support of family, Jacob began writing and put together a band during his senior year in high school.
Ryan Talley- Ryan Talley was born in Beeville, TX. He's been writing and singing his own songs for the better part of a decade. He received a guitar as a graduation gift during his senior year of high school. It wasn't long after learning his first covers that he started writing his own songs. With those songs, he put together his first independent EP called Texas Most Wanted.
The Ransom Brothers- There’s no mistaking Austin band the Ransom Brothers’ major musical influence; those slide and twinned guitar riffs, fierce fiddle solos and bluesy, soul-infused melodies pay proud homage to the Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band and other ’70s Southern rockers, though the band also pledges allegiance to red dirt, outlaw and outlier country, jam bands. But it’s definitely their own musical chops and songwriting skills on display in each track of their debut album, Resurgence.
Steph Cash Band- Steph Cash is a singer/songwriter from Virginia, currently based in Austin, TX. Cash spent most of her summers in the Blue Ridge Mountains playing music with her father and other family members over the years. Cash moved to Austin from Richmond, VA in 2019 to begin breaking into the Texas Country music scene. When it comes to writing songs, Cash brings a blend of 90’s style Texas Country mixed with a new age twist. Cash and her band, the Steph Cash Band released singles “Country Music”, “Blue”, “Bloodlines” and more before releasing their first debut album, “Where I’ve Been” on January 27th, 2023
Payton Howie- With backwoods bathed vocals and bona fide southern swagger, recently nominated Texas Regional Radio's New Female Vocalist of the Year and 2023 Texas Country Music Awards Emerging Artist of the Year, Payton Howie is on the rise and one to keep your eye on. Payton unapologetically embodies the untamed tradition that country music was built on, and she’s hellbent on bringing her own grit to the honky- tonk.
Stay Focused. Stay Driven. Stay Lead.
-A-
