BMI was so excited to return to Austin, TX for the 2023 South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival. As a proud founding sponsor and longstanding partner of SXSW, BMI has been known for consistently presenting the best in new music since 1987. From March 13-17, BMI curated an amazing lineup of mixers and showcases that featured a wide array of rising talent from Latin, pop, rock, hip-hop and every genre in between.
Join SAGindie, Directors Guild of America (DGA) and BMI at the official Film & TV Industry Happy Hour to network and mingle with film industry professionals, filmmakers, composers and creatives at Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Bar (701 Congress Avenue).
Complimentary beverages will be served. 21+ required.
BMI was thrilled to present its annual Howdy Texas party at Still Austin Whiskey Co. (440 E St Elmo Rd Suite F). The event, which was free and open to the public, consisted of performances from nine diverse Texas-based artists, including Geto Gala, KVN, Night Cap, Shooks, and more, with styles ranging from R&B/pop with western influences to southern rap, indie-pop and post-punk. Howdy Texas was sponsored by Austin Music Movement, Liquid Death and STEM.
Ben Goldsmith is a singer, songwriter, and performer who transcends musical trends. With undeniable talent and a fierce drive to continue creating, Goldsmith looks to be a force in music for years to come. His single “One Day Believer,” is out now, as is his latest release, “Wolves.”
Josie Lockhart is the solo endeavor from Aaron Miller, an artist most easily recognized as one of the three frontmen of the synth-pop trio, Sphynx, who in the last few years played shows with Walk the Moon, Spoon, Jungle, and Questlove. Lockhart’s 2021 debut album, Santa Rosa, contains singles that have been featured on BBC, NPR, American Songwriter, Obscure Sound, and Fresh on the Net; the project has also picked up international radio play in the US, UK, Australia, Spain, and Brazil. Since his debut, he has performed sold-out shows both solo and with a full band, dropped the music video for “If There’s a Heaven,” and performed DJ sets at ACL and SXSW. This year, he has been working on his second album with a who’s-who list of collaborators. Further details on the next project are to come, but in Lockhart’s own words, it’ll be “quality bops with the occasional banger.”
Naala is a classically trained vocalist and musician turned alt-pop singer/songwriter. Originally from Australia, Naala boasts soaring vocal melodies, unforgettable guitar and piano riffs, and searing lyrics about real pain and joy. She has performed on major stages across the US and at local venues in her home base of Austin (she’s even performed for HRH Prince William!), and in 2021 landed a residency at The Continental Club Gallery. Her first headlining show took place at the legendary Antone’s, and her first EP, Chase the Night, is expected to be released this spring. Her new single, “In the Morning,” is out now.
KVN (pronounced “Kevin”) is your mom’s favorite band. An Austin-based pop trio comprised of Primo the Alien, Dossey, and Lady Heartwing, the project launched officially in January 2022 with a four-week residency at Austin’s Mohawk. Shortly thereafter, they were nominated for Black Fret and included as an official SXSW artist. Their first two releases, “High & Low” and “Burn the Breeze,” are out now.
A formidable friendship formed in 2010 as Jake Lloyd and Deezie Brown emerged onto the Austin music scene. The duo, now known as Geto Gala, is a creation of their own table for their sound and their community (but all are welcome!). Geto Gala celebrates Black excellence, and their first EP, The Geto Gala as well as its companion, Geto Gala (Chopped and Slowed), dropped in 2021. Their latest single, “Champagne Wishes,” is out now.
Angel White is a singer/songwriter from Dallas, TX whose music blends R&B, pop, and Western influences in a new and unprecedented way. White spent his formative years busking on the streets of Deep Ellum, learning the power of his voice and how it could touch the people around him. It was this approach to songwriting that spawned his new solo identity and upcoming album, GHOST OF THE WEST. White intends for his music to take listeners to a specific place and finds inspiration in Western landscapes due to their equally beautiful and dark vastness. Check out "VILLAIN," "LONG WAY UP," and his latest release, “IF YOU’RE GONNA LEAVE,” now.
From the corners of Austin’s music scene, Shooks uses post-punk grit to push the boundaries of pop. With warming psychedelic textures and noise-driven undertones, Shooks oscillates between the familiar and the experimental to furnish their unique sound. After releasing the Pet EP in 2021 and a pair of singles in 2022, Shooks established themselves as one of the premier up-and-coming bands in Texas, taking their sound from Austin’s historic stages like the Continental Club to stages at ACL and an international tour supporting Black Pistol Fire. Led by singer/guitarist Marlon Sexton, the band features Dewey Ivy on guitar, Gabe Poliakoff on bass, Muddy on drums, and Matt Erlandson on keys/guitar. Their full-length debut is set to drop later this year.
The Ransom Brothers are a local Austin band who recently dropped their debut album, Resurgence. They have sold out local spot Saxon Pub several times and are continuing to grow a following in Austin and beyond. Several singles from Resurgence cracked the Texas Top 100, and early fan favorites include “Talk of the Town,” “Why Does It Rain,” and “Baby Doll.” The Ransom Brothers are shaping up to be a powerhouse group that sometimes has as many as seven members onstage performing, and BMI is thrilled to have them performing on our Howdy Texas stage.
Night Cap is an indie/alternative band that has been capturing ears and hearts with their signature emotional builds since 2017. Comprised of Ryan King, Jake Bomgaars, Alex Alfonso, and Adrian Ayala, they’ve made a home at the intersection of introspective songwriting and the intoxicating energy of rock-n-roll, selling out dozens of shows across Austin, Dallas, and Houston in the process. Early buzz led to a 2019 ACL performance for the group, kicking off a run of shows and collaborations with artists like Dayglow, Briston Maroney, Moon Taxi, and Mt. Joy. Having racked up over four million streams across their catalogue, they have turned their focus to finishing their debut album, set for release in summer 2023. Their most recent single, “Honey,” is out now.
There was something for everyone at the annual BMI sponsored YETI Music Showcase at the YETI Flagship on South Congress (220 S Congress Ave). Attendees had the chance to check out seven sets from emerging artists spanning the spectrum from bedroom pop and rock to indie singer/songwriter and punk. The event also included drink specials and food pop-ups, plus live painting by Denver-based and Texas-raised artist Laura Goodson. The showcase was additionally sponsored by Austin Music Movement, Liquid Death, STEM, Texas Music Office, and Topo Chico.
Zoe Ko is a NYC-based singer/songwriter journaling her life through her music. Her vulnerable lyrics and infectious melodies make her songs feel as intimate and electric as dancing alone in your room, and she is quickly establishing herself as a prominent tastemaker in today’s modern alt-pop scene. Ko’s debut single, “Line,” landed on numerous Spotify playlists and is quickly approaching 600K streams on the platform, while her sophomore release, “Til U,” served as a formidable follow-up. Her single “Lovesick in Public,” garnered significant buzz on social media ahead of its release and landed on playlists curated by both Apple Music (New in Pop) and Spotify (Fresh Finds and New Noise). Ko closed out 2022 on a high note, being selected as part of Spotify’s Fresh Finds Class of 2022. Her newest single, “I’m Bored” is available now.
Enumclaw is a band made up of Aramis Johnson (leader singer/guitarist), Nathan Cornell (guitarist), Ladaniel Gipson (drummer), and Eli Edwards (bassist and also Aramis’ younger brother). Their latest album, Save the Baby, is a massive-sounding debut that they describe as a swing for greatness and a collection of life-affirming and deeply personal songs about the importance of chasing your dream. The guys worked alongside Gabe Wax (Soccer Mommy, Crumb, Fleet Foxes) to craft their dynamic sound while taking their songwriting to the stratosphere. Standouts from the record include “2002,” “Jimmy Neutron,” and “Cowboy Bebop.” Their most recent release, a collaboration with Tanukichan called “Thin Air,” is out now.
Hayes Warner is a rising pop artist from New York City who draws inspiration from her hometown’s free spirit and no-nonsense attitude. Since age 14, she has been writing music and gearing up to deliver a new sound full of electrifying beats and melodic strains that invoke the style of artists like P!nk and Fletcher. Warner attended Northwestern University to study musical theater and has contributed music to several film/TV projects, including The Descendants franchise and the theme song for the Golden State Warriors basketball team. Having spent 2022 releasing solo music and opening shows for acts like Fetty Wap and Lewis Capaldi, she is now celebrating the success of her streaming hit, “SHUT UP.” She recently signed a worldwide publishing deal with Connection/Glassnote and is working on her debut record with some of today’s biggest pop producers. Expect Warner’s new EP this spring.
San Gabriel is an Austin-based bedroom pop musician who crafts dreamy, nostalgic songs and records them inside an East Austin liquor store. Named after the river where he spent countless summer nights learning guitar and jamming with childhood bands, San Gabriel features three-time Austin Music Award recipient James Bookert (Whiskey Shivers/Wild Child) splitting duties as writer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist. After gaining experience writing with musicians like Trinidad James, Raissa, and producers Nate Donmoyer and Odie, Bookert began writing and recording under the name San Gabriel behind the counter at a liquor store to entertain himself during his night shifts. His fan favorites like “Castles,” “Tape Machine,” and most recent drop, “Circles,” fuse 80’s style synth hooks with modern reverb-drenched guitars and synthesizers.
Krooked Kings come from humble beginnings. In 2019, a group of five college friends from the University of Utah came together to write music and play shows in backyards and basements. Over the course of the last few years, they have proven time and time again their ability to write heartfelt indie rock gems. After signing with LA-based indie label Nobody Gets It Records in 2020, the band released their breakout single, “96 Subaru,” which has amassed nearly four million streams on Spotify alone. By September 2021, Krooked Kings released their debut project, The Comedown, followed by tours with Goth Babe and Rare Americans and headlining shows in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles. They’re currently wrapping up production on their sophomore record and just released a new single called “Sick of Being Young.”
Ruby Red is an Oakland-born, LA-based duo who mix genres, combining warbled synthesizers with introspective lyrics and sounds that blend pop and the unknown. RR sold out their LA headline debut at the Moroccan Lounge and recently toured the US and Canada with Two Feet, Emmitt Fenn, and Clinton Kane. From Apple Music's Zane Lowe to FLAUNT Magazine, to securing the top spot on Spotify's anti pop playlist, the tastemakers have been put on notice. The next generation of indie electro-pop is upon us and can be heard on Ruby Red's standout tracks like "Desert Star," "Too Late (To Call)," and "TUESDAY." Check out their latest drops, “Can We Talk?” and “Martina Soleil (Living at the Same Time),” out now.
Snooper is a fast-paced, highly synchronized, and immersive band that was formed in Nashville in 2020. Originally comprised of Connor Cummins (Spodee Boy) and video/visual artist Blair Tramel, their initial eight-track project was released on the Australian label Computer Human Records and Italy’s Goodbye Boozy Records. The duo was soon joined by Cam Sarrett (drums), Matthew Campbell (guitar), and Happy Haugen (bass) for their live debut in September 2021 as the supporting act for Lil Ugly Mane. Since that time, Snooper has won over crowds at Gonerfest 18, SXSW, and Mosswood Meltdown and toured alongside the power disco supergroup, Cobra Man. They are known for the integration of different artistic mediums in their show (even puppets!) and aim to create unique experiences for their audience. This year, they plan on more music, more touring, and dancing. Check out their hits “Running,” “Fitness,” and “Pod” now.
BMI’s Sonidos showcase at Parish (501 Brushy St) was the place to discover the best emerging talent in Latin music, with electrifying performances by an eclectic group of artists from around the globe including Mexico City, Puerto Rico, the U.S. and Colombia. The stage featured unforgettable acts by alt-pop/funk band Caravanchela, indie pop singer-songwriter Neysa Blay, singer-songwriter and producer Jona Camacho, contemporary art-pop trio Estereomance, alternative R&B songstress Girl Ultra, and special guest host/DJ El Dusty.
Caravanchela is a Colombian band with alternative pop and funk sounds - naming them 'Funky Feeling' with which you definitely gonna dance. Two studio albums and an EP have them touring in México, US, Costa Rica and Colombia in important festivals such as Rock Al Parque and SXSW. In 2023 they're presenting their third album and will be touring in Mexico and the US.
Neysa Blay is an alternative singer/songwriter with an irreverent attitude and a discography of songs influenced by female rockers like Julieta Venegas, Shakira, Ely Guerra, PJ Harvey, and Alanis Morissette. Originally from Puerto Rico, she debuted on the indie scene in 2018 with her melodic pop single, “Ojos de Diamante,” and in 2019, she was chosen to represent Puerto Rico at the International Song Festival with “Ya no pienses más.” Her first EP, Destrúyeme, led to a tour that took her to Argentina, Mexico, New York, and LA, and a cut from the project landed on the Univision network. Blay was a performer at BMI’s 2021 Latin Alternative Music Conference event in New York and recently finished her debut album with producer Felipe Caballos. “This next album will be an exaltation of my alternative rock influences, especially the female figures,” Blay says. “I want to bring a refreshing and different proposal to what sounds right now by focusing on guitars with a lot of distortion, heavy drums and daring lyrics.”
Jona Camacho is one of the most exciting new talents in Colombian music. His skills as a songwriter, performer, and producer are evident on songs like “Dulce Vino,” “Bla Bla Bla,” and “Está Bn,” and on EPs like Sincipado, Vol. 1 and Plástico. “Dulce Vino” is currently his most popular song on Spotify and was self-written, self-produced, and mixed/mastered by Nicolás Essig, who has worked on music by icons like Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Daft Punk, and many more. Camacho’s unmatched vocal ability and on-stage versatility bring together his pop and R&B fusions, and he continues to work on new music to follow up 2020’s Memento LP.
Estereomance is a contemporary art pop project made up of producer Manuel Calderon (El Cosmophonico), multi-instrumentalist and singer Adria Del Valle, and renowned vocalist Paulina Reza. The project came into fruition in 2019 and since then, their work has produced a powerful blend of seasoned musicianship, emotive lyricism, and dynamic storytelling that dances effortlessly between their bilingual tongues. The trio captured the attention of audiences with their 2020 self-titled EP and their 2021 follow-up, What Do You Want It To Be?, which received a live release on its one-year anniversary. In 2022, they joined Carla Morrison’s El Renacimiento Tour and supported Beach House on their Once Twice Melody Tour for their Mexico dates. They have received praise from Spotify and The FADER, and their songs have been featured in Netflix’s Todo Va Estar Bien and ABC’s Promised Land. 2023 looks to be a promising year as the band continues bringing their hypnotic sounds to the live stage.
Girl Ultra is the musical project of Mexico City-based artist Mariana de Miguel. Her sparkling alt-R&B cuts shine from start to finish with late ‘90s nostalgia and 2000s sonic texture, and her work features a little bit of everything, from house and UK garage to Spanish rock. Girl Ultra has released three projects, beginning with 2018’s Adiós and continuing with 2019’s Nuevos Aires, with 2022’s EL SUR being the most recent. She has toured as an opener for acts like The Marías, Triathalon, and Clubz, and has also headlined her own shows in Europe and at international festivals like Lollapalooza Argentina and Lollapalooza Chile. Additionally, Girl Ultra has taken part in the Berlin-based internet show Colors and has performed for NPR’s popular Tiny Desk series. A new album is in the works for later this year.
Raised and rooted in Corpus Christi, TX, producer, DJ, and nu-cumbia pioneer El Dusty translates the Southern Texas border experience into new barrio anthems where the MPC2000 sampler and chopped clips of Latin music history collide. His early single “K Le Pasa” became a huge hit, and his Trapanera EP was a massive success; the latter was accompanied by an alternative version that made it easier for DJs and live percussionists to mix and scratch, demonstrating his commitment to live performance and on-the fly creation. In the time since his debut, El Dusty has continued releasing a steady string of projects and songs like the Cumbia City and American Beat Tape, Vol. 1 albums, the Sombrero Galaxy EP, and successful singles like “Sax Riddim,” “We Out Chea,” “Real High Grade,” and his latest, “Prende La Vela” alongside Clips X Ahoy.
SXSW’s Music Week ended on a high note with one of the most highly anticipated events of the festival, the BMI Brunch at Geraldine’s at the Hotel Van Zandt (605 Davis St). Presented for the first time with two stages, this marquee event featured the eclectic sounds of artists Arcy Drive, Baby Rose, J Guero, Sunny War, Venbee, Your Grandparents, and many more. The BMI Brunch is sponsored by Austin Music Movement, Bird Dog Whiskey, Liquid Death, Marfanista Tequila, ONErpm, Topo Chico, Texas Music Office and The MLC.
Sisi is hitting the ground running. The American-Venezuelan artist performed her first show at last year’s SXSW festival and has wasted no time in knocking out milestone after milestone. She has already released two singles, packed out several performance venues, and been a featured artist alongside Eric Tessmer at ACL, all while working on her debut album. Sisi’s cool vintage vibe, distinct vocal tone, and grounding live performances have already made noise in Austin, but she’s ready to take it even further. Whether she’s doing good old fashioned country love songs, wailing rock and roll, or getting into a Spanish groove, Sisi is always down for a good time. Her latest single, “Good Time,” is out now, and her debut album is set for a fall 2023 release.
When Australia-born Hayley Warner was diagnosed as a child with a rare disease that left her having to learn to walk again, a drum set used during physical therapy became the catalyst for her musical passion. She’s now a successful performer and singer/songwriter with writing credits for Katy Perry (“Never Really Over”), Nickelback (“Song on Fire”), and Kelly Clarkson (“Glow”). Warner placed second on Australian Idol and struck a deal with Sony Music shortly after the show ended, which led to the release of her 2015 single, “Closure.” Her latest single, “You Were Once,” was released last year and serves as the first single from her upcoming EP, I Think I Saw the Moon.
Behind Kaitlin Butts’ flowing auburn hair is a storyteller with an Oklahoma twang, a wry grin, and a demanding voice. In 2022, she followed up her delightful debut album, Same Hell, Different Devil, with her latest offering, What Else Can She Do. The new album features a cast of characters who offer hope and demonstrate how to persevere through life’s perils and pitfalls across its seven intricate tracks. “These songs are all stories from different women facing the question: What else can she do,” says Butts. “I don’t think that life is all that pretty sometimes and it comes with pain and pushing through hard times.” Late last year, her EP Sad Yeehaw Sessions, was released, and she continues to work on music and live performances that showcase her strength as an artist, storyteller, and woman.
Born and raised in Tyler, TX, Chance Peña is a singer/songwriter and producer who has cultivated a unique style of storytelling infused with modern musical influences. At just 17 years old, he began working with Secret Road Music Publishing as a songwriter while continuing to grow his own artistry and catalog. In 2019, his ballad “Up, Up & Away” found placement in the acclaimed drama Five Feet Apart, and his debut EP, anxiety and mixed emotions, dropped later that year. Peña then moved to Los Angeles, where he secured his first major label cut (and eventual GRAMMY nod) as a songwriter with “Conversations in the Dark” by John Legend. Earlier this year, his single “Bleeding Out,” was released; the song is heating up on streaming among his other hits like “In My Room,” “Hey Lovely,” and “Sleep Deprivation.”
Bright and bold with a powerful voice, TALK is a modern rockstar inspired by artists like Elton John, Freddie Mercury, and Guns N Roses. Growing up with a cinematographer father and a brother on Broadway, TALK was built for the spotlight and launched his career with his debut EP, Talk to Me, in 2021. The set earned praise from American Songwriter, People, Complex, and more, and preceded his recent signing to Capital Records and Range Music. His latest single, “Run Away to Mars,” became a massive worldwide success and has led to increased anticipation for his full-length debut, which is expected to drop this year.
Jack Barksdale is a folk/blues/Americana singer/songwriter from Texas who began performing at age nine. Having already shared the stage with greats like Wynonna Judd, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Junior Brown, and John Fullbright, among others, Barksdale’s wise-beyond-his-years music has earned praise from American Songwriter, NPR, and Premier Guitar. His latest single, “Gone,” became a streaming hit and his Death of a Hummingbird album features several fan favorites. In addition to being a talented singer and songwriter, Barksdale is a multi-instrumentalist, having mastered the guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, piano, and ukelele.
With an attic to jam in and time to kill, Arcy Drive—a four-piece band comprised of friends Nick, Pat, Brooke, and Austin—found their scratchy and spirited sound. Playing what they call “attic rock,” the quartet first shared their music via hometown performances and along the way developed a knack for playing live before embarking on their first US tour in a renovated school bus. Countless dive bars and music halls later, their Barefoot Tour landed them a cult following. In 2022, they released their first single, “Roll My Stone” (which is approaching two million streams on Spotify alone), along with a live album aptly titled Attic Sessions. They’re headed back out on the road this March and are excited to share their soulful and grungy sound with their fans.
Baby Rose is a GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter and producer who makes healing music for the aimless and broken. Her uniquely rich voice lends itself perfectly to her smoke-filled ballads that lament lost love and broken futures, and her musical inspirations—Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Janis Joplin—are all present in her diverse body of work. After releasing her first official single, “Without You,” in 2018, she has continued to release singles, EPs, and soundtrack songs; her song “Show You (Remix)” featuring Q appeared on HBO’s Insecure soundtrack, and her collaboration with BLK ODYSSY, “COMPLEX OF KILLING A MAN” is her most popular song on streaming. Baby Rose co-wrote and performed on the song “Self Love” alongside Ari Lennox and Bas for Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers III compilation album, which was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2020 GRAMMYs. Born Jasmine Rose Wilson, she finds comfort in songwriting and is determined to live, love, and create on her own terms. “I’m not just a singer with a unique voice,” she explains. “I’m somebody who has something to say.” Baby Rose’s latest singles, “Go” and “Fight Club” featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow, are out now.
Your Grandparents is a LA-born and raised trio comprised of the producer ghettoblasterman and vocalists DaCosta and Jean Carter. They founded Your Grandparents in 2014, using the moniker as a nod to the elders who introduced them to classic artists, and cite D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, The Fugees, and Pink Floyd as inspirations for their current sound. Early on, they released exclusively rap music, though their work has evolved over the years to incorporate various genres like funk, soul, hip-hop, rock, and more. 2021 was a big year from the guys—they performed at Day N Vegas festival and released their album, Thru My Window, while 2022 saw the release of new songs like “Somebody Told Me” and “Pootie Tang (G.T.K.Y).” Their current single, “Livin in Hell,” is out now.
Venbee is a rising 21-year-old singer/songwriter who is having a breakout moment with her drum- and bass-tinged music. Hailing from Kent, she kicked off the year with recognition from NME, Amazon, MTV PUSH UK, BBC Radio 1, and more, in addition to placement on major Spotify playlists like Pop Rising, mint, and young & free. Her debut track, “Low Down” with Dan Fable, caught the ear of industry tastemakers, and her 2022 track “Messy in Heaven” reached #3 in the UK. Venbee has been a musician since age nine, when she taught herself the guitar and piano, and she uses music to express her authentic self. “I am and always will be unapologetically myself,” she explains. “When people listen to my songs, I hope they can relate.” She currently has over four million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, with millions of streams to date, and earlier this month wrapped the Messy In Heaven tour, which landed in cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, London, and Bristol. Venbee’s new album is in the works and will be announced soon.
“I feel like there are two sides of me,” says the Nashville-based singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso known as Sunny War. “One of them is very self-destructive, and the other is trying to work with that other half to keep things balanced.” That’s the central conflict on her fourth album, the eclectic and innovative Anarchist Gospel, which documents a time when it looked like the self-destructive side might win out. “Everybody is a beast just trying their hardest to be good. That’s what it is to be human. You’re not really good or bad. You’re just trying to stay in the middle of those two things all the time, and that’s okay because we’re all just monsters.” That concept is carried throughout the project—even down to the album cover itself—on songs like “No Reason,” “New Day,” and “Higher” featuring David Rawlings. Having just dropped Anarchist Gospel last month, Sunny will continue touring in support of the LP through 2023.
J Güero is a Latin electronica project founded by LA-based Chilean producer, Juan Covarrubias. With two EPs and four singles released since 2019, the project has collaborated with artists like Enrique Bunbury, Carolina Eyck, and Asano Taiko Ensemble, among others; their first EP, Wired Sessions Vol. 1, led to a feature in Rolling Stone and performance slots at both Ruido Fest and SXSW. J Güero’s new EP is set for release this month and is full of Latin energy, world beats, and psychedelic electronica.
Returning again as the official performing rights organization (PRO) sponsor, BMI was proud to present the BMI Songwriters Circle under the Revival Tent at Luck Reunion. BMI songwriters John Baumann and Poet Hawkins performed intimate renditions of some of their favorite songs and shared stories of the inspiration behind them.
John Baumann has established himself as equal parts prolific songwriter and captivating entertainer. He has released several solo albums and EPs while honing his songwriting skills and landing cuts with Kenny Chesney and Randy Rogers Band. In addition to his work as a solo artist and songwriter, he is part of the band, The Panhandlers alongside Josh Abbott, William Clark Green, and Cleto Cordero of Flatland Calvary. Baumann is currently working on a new solo project as well as a new Panhandlers record. Both are expected to be available in the near future.
It takes bravery to write with the kind of threadbare honesty that Poet Hawkins achieves in his songs. His voice is reminiscent of Alexi Murdoch and Nick Drake, and he approaches music as a man untouched by the relentless pace of our world. Poet Hawkins bids his listeners to slow their mind, to feel, to hear, and to love. His sings “Wild Ride” and “Caroline” are available now.
Photo credits: Matthew Berinato (Ben Goldsmith), Jake Rabin (Geto Gala), Patrick Ryder (Venbee), Jacclyn Sky (Jack Barksdale).
