Emerging Artists: The Future of Texas Country Music
Spotlight on Finalists: Profiles of the 5 Emerging Artist Nominees
Every year, the Texas Country Music Awards (TCMA) celebrates the past, present, and future of the genre. While the headliners and established stars often steal the show, some of the most exciting moments come from the Emerging Artists category, where fans get to discover fresh new voices ready to make their mark on the Texas country scene. These are the artists who are pushing the boundaries, blending genres, and bringing their unique stories to the forefront.
The 2024 TCMA Emerging Artist finalists represent the future of Texas country music, each bringing a distinct style, voice, and perspective. Here’s a closer look at this year’s nominees:
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- Payton Howie: Known for her fierce stage presence and bold, dynamic sound, Payton Howie has been making waves with songs that blend country, rock, and blues. Her breakout single, Freedom, became an anthem for resilience and independence, earning her a spot on radio playlists across Texas. Payton’s music is full of energy, passion, and raw emotion, reflecting her fearless approach to life and art. She’s quickly gained a loyal following and has been dubbed the next big thing by several industry insiders.
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- Chris Colston: With his smooth, soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting, Chris Colston has quickly become a fan favorite. His sound is a blend of classic country and Southern rock, with influences ranging from Willie Nelson to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Colston’s songs, like First Dirt Road, tell stories of small-town life, love, and the open road, connecting deeply with fans who appreciate genuine, relatable lyrics. His easygoing charm and down-to-earth persona make him a standout in this year’s lineup.
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- Kaitlin Butts: A storyteller at heart, Kaitlin Butts is known for her beautifully crafted songs that explore themes of love, heartache, and resilience. Her music blends traditional country sounds with a modern twist, and her voice has been compared to that of Emmylou Harris and Patsy Cline. Kaitlin’s album,
1What Else Can She Do,
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- Brennen Leigh: An artist with a flair for blending Americana, bluegrass, and traditional country, Brennen Leigh has built a reputation for her sharp wit, clever lyrics, and distinctive voice. Songs like Obsessed with the West and You’ve Never Been to Texas showcase her ability to capture the essence of the Texas spirit, weaving humor and heartfelt sentiment into every line. Leigh’s live performances are a mix of storytelling, music, and a little bit of comedy, making her one of the most entertaining artists to watch.
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- Jade Marie Patek: Bringing a touch of Texas soul to her music, Jade Marie Patek has been gaining traction with her unique blend of blues, country, and folk. Her songs often feature intricate guitar work, catchy hooks, and a voice that’s both powerful and soothing. Tracks like Drive and My Texas have become fan favorites, showcasing her ability to blend genres while staying true to her Texas roots. Patek’s music is a breath of fresh air, offering a modern take on classic country sounds.
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Their Stories and Musical Styles
What makes these emerging artists stand out is their ability to blend tradition with innovation. While each artist brings something different to the table, they all share a common thread: a deep respect for the roots of Texas country music and a desire to bring those roots into the modern era.
Payton Howie’s music is bold and unapologetic, with a rock-infused edge that sets her apart from her peers. She’s not afraid to tackle difficult subjects in her songs, addressing everything from personal struggles to social issues. I want my music to make people feel something, to remind them that they’re not alone, Howie said in a recent interview. Country music is about telling the truth, and that’s what I try to do with every song.
Chris Colston, on the other hand, takes a more laid-back approach, focusing on the simple pleasures of life. His songs are often nostalgic, reflecting on the joys of small-town living, long drives, and summer nights. I’m just a guy who loves to play music and tell stories, Colston says. If my songs can make someone’s day a little better, then I’ve done my job.
For Kaitlin Butts, storytelling is at the heart of her music. Her lyrics are deeply personal, often drawing from her own experiences and those of the people around her. I write about what I know, she says. Sometimes that’s love, sometimes it’s heartbreak, and sometimes it’s just trying to figure out who you are. But whatever it is, I want it to be honest.
Brennen Leigh is known for her clever, witty lyrics and her ability to capture the quirks of life in Texas. Her music often has a playful, tongue-in-cheek quality, but there’s a depth to her songwriting that resonates with listeners. I think humor is a big part of life, and it’s definitely a big part of my music, Leigh says. But I also like to dig a little deeper and find the stories that aren’t being told.
Jade Marie Patek brings a soulful, bluesy element to her music, blending genres in a way that feels fresh and modern. Her songs are introspective, often exploring themes of identity, love, and self-discovery. I grew up listening to all kinds of music—blues, rock, folk, country—and I think that comes through in my sound, Patek explains. I don’t want to be confined to one genre. I just want to make music that feels true to who I am.
The Emerging Artists Competition: A Platform for New Talent
The Emerging Artists Competition is one of the most anticipated events at the TCMA, giving new artists a chance to perform in front of industry professionals, fans, and media. For many of the finalists, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talents on a larger stage, gain valuable exposure, and potentially launch their careers.
Each artist performs a set of original songs, judged on everything from vocal ability and musicianship to stage presence and originality. The winner receives a recording package from Texas Music Cafe®, as well as promotional support, and a spot to perform at the main awards show. Past winners of the competition, like Kylie Frey and Jon Wolfe, have gone on to successful careers, proving that the Emerging Artists Competition can be a springboard to bigger things.
Fan Reactions: What the Audience Loves About Emerging Artists
The TCMA audience loves the Emerging Artists category because it gives them a chance to discover new music and support the next generation of Texas country musicians. Fans play a significant role in the success of these artists, often acting as their biggest advocates, sharing their music on social media, attending shows, and spreading the word.
I love going to the Emerging Artists showcase because you get to see the future of Texas country, says Samantha Jones, a longtime TCMA attendee. There’s something really special about seeing an artist before they make it big. You can say you were there from the beginning.
For fans who want to get involved, the TCMA offers a fan voting system, where they can cast their votes for their favorite emerging artists. This year, the voting has been more competitive than ever, with fans rallying behind their top picks and even organizing online campaigns to help their favorite artists win. The fans are everything, says Chris Colston. They’re the reason we get to do what we do, and I’m grateful for every single person who has supported my music.
The Future of Texas Country: A Genre Evolving and Expanding
The 2024 TCMA Emerging Artists finalists represent the future of Texas country music, and their success is a sign of how the genre is evolving. While traditional sounds will always have a place, there’s a growing movement to blend country with other genres, creating something that feels both familiar and new. Artists like Payton Howie and Jade Marie Patek are proving that Texas country can be edgy, soulful, and genre-defying, while still maintaining the authenticity that fans love.
I think the future of Texas country is bright, says Linda Wilson, President of the TCMA. We’re seeing more diversity, more creativity, and more artists who aren’t afraid to take risks. That’s what keeps the genre alive, and that’s what makes it exciting.
Conclusion: Why Emerging Artists Matter
The Emerging Artists category at the TCMA is about more than just discovering new talent; it’s about celebrating the spirit of Texas country music. It’s a reminder that the genre is always growing, always changing, and always finding new voices to tell its stories. Whether it’s a rock-infused anthem, a soulful ballad, or a witty, tongue-in-cheek tune, there’s room for everyone in the Texas country family.
As fans prepare to watch this year’s Emerging Artists perform, they can look forward to discovering new music, supporting up-and-coming musicians, and maybe even finding their next favorite artist. Because in Texas country music, it’s not just about who’s on top—it’s about who’s next.
4https://texascountrymusicassociation.org/ Texas Country Music Awards event guide