Genre
Texas Country
Texas Country is a vibrant regional sound that blends traditional country storytelling with a distinctly Texan spirit—think honky-tonk grit, outlaw attitude, and a modern energy that refuses to play by Nashville's rules. Drawing from the Lone Star State's deep roots in country, blues, and folk music, the genre celebrates authenticity and raw emotion, as showcased by artists like Alex Williams, Jacob Ryan Marshall, and Jarrod Morris who are pushing the sound forward today. Whether it's the swagger of Cory Cross or the soulful delivery of Omar Oyoque, Texas Country captures the landscape, independence, and resilience that define both the region and its people.
Artists
Aaron McDonnell
Texas, USA
Texas Country · Traditional Country
Alex Williams
Indiana, USA
Outlaw Country · Americana
Coby Rotan
Texas, USA
Country Rock · Texas Country
Cory Cross
Texas, USA
Texas Country · Americana
Cory Michael
Texas, USA
Country · Texas Country
Jacob Ryan Marshall
Texas, USA
Traditional Country · Texas Country
Jarrod Morris
Texas, USA
Texas Country · Country
Jenni Rose
Texas, USA
Country Rock · Texas Country
John Teague
Texas, USA
Texas Country · Americana
Micky Braun
Texas, USA
Americana · Country Rock
Omar Oyoque
Texas, USA
Americana · Texas Country
Pug Johnson
Texas, USA
Americana · Texas Country
Race Ricketts
Texas, USA
Country · Americana
Summer Dean
Texas, USA
Texas Country · Country
Zachary Moulton
Texas, USA
Americana · Country
Episodes
Alex Williams
Alex Williams on Texas Country and Cosmic Country Influences
Get ready to discover the cosmic country sound of Alex Williams, a singer-songwriter from small town Indiana who is making waves in the music scene with his unique blend of Texas country and 70s cosmic influences.Alex Williams' journey to becoming a musician began when he started playing guitar at the age of 7. He grew up in a small town in Indiana, where he was influenced by the sounds of old country music and later discovered the works of Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. As he grew older, Alex Williams began to develop his own unique sound, which blends the storytelling of country music with the cosmic influences of 70s rock. He has released a new EP with 5 songs, including older and newer tracks, and is excited to share his music with the world. In this episode, Alex Williams sits down with Camden to talk about his music, his influences, and his journey to becoming a performer. From his early days playing daytime gigs at Tootsie's to his current status as a rising star in the country music scene, Alex Williams' story is one of passion, dedication, and a willingness to take risks.If you enjoy artists like Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, and Willie Nelson, you'll love the music of Alex Williams.00:00 Introduction to Alex Williams01:01 Alex Williams starts playing guitar at 7 years old09:04 Playing daytime gigs at Tootsie's and learning old country music10:05 Influence of Texas country and 70s cosmic country on Alex Williams' music14:07 Alex Williams' transition from a reserved person to a stage performer18:11 Release of new EP with 5 songs, including older and newer trackshttps://alexwilliamsofficial.com/https://www.instagram.com/alexwilliamsofficial/Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Milestone Episode
John Teague
Real Texas Country Music | Military Veteran John Teague from Teague Brothers Band
The Rugged Revival — independent Country, Americana & Roots music. Live sessions, artist interviews and real music discovery. John Teague from Teague Brothers Band is our guest in this 50th episode of The Rugged Revival Podcast! "Teague Brothers Band is an Americana Folk Country Rock group led by U.S. Army veteran and songwriter John Teague, whose roots run deep in the blue-collar soil of Winnie, Texas.Raised in a family of farmers, saddle makers, construction workers, and veterans, Teague learned early on that grit, heart, and hard work were the keys to building something real. After serving a life-changing tour in Iraq, John returned home with a deeper perspective—and a powerful voice that would soon carry across the Texas music scene and beyond.Backed by a band of road-tested musicians, the Teague Brothers Band has earned a loyal following through sweat-soaked, high-energy performances and songwriting that hits where it hurts—and heals. Their 2019 debut album Harvest Day introduced regional favorites like “Coyote,” “Rainbow Bridge,” and “Fingers and Thumbs,” and the breakout single “Don’t Want To Go Home” climbed to #2 on multiple Texas charts.With over 5 million streams and counting, the Teague Brothers Band is no longer Texas' best-kept secret.Their latest record, Wish You the World (released May 9, 2025), builds on the momentum of 2022’s Love and War with a diverse, heartfelt collection of songs produced by Derek Hames at Edgewater Studios. From the fiddle-fueled stomp of “Hotel Water” to the intimate reflection of “Tell Me Anything,” the album showcases Teague’s lyrical depth and emotional range. Tracks like “Breathe” and “Depression” offer candid, sometimes raw portraits of struggle and hope, while “Smiles” leaves listeners with a sense of hard-earned optimism. With Wish You the World, the Teague Brothers Band makes a strong case for national recognition, delivering music that’s as thoughtful as it is timeless.“We love playing music people can dance to,” Teague says, “but we also bring a little more rock 'n' roll. We fit in wherever they'll let us through the door—dancehalls, concert halls, listening rooms.”Off stage, John runs a ranch and construction business with his wife, Desirae, continuing the hands-on lifestyle that shaped his music. On stage, he and the band deliver boot-stomping shows that are as heartfelt as they are electrifying.The message is real. The music is alive. The Teague Brothers Band is just getting started."Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Coby Rotan
Coby Rotan - Gritty West Texas Country Rock | Rugged Revival
Born out of the ashes of other Texas projects, Coby Rotan & The Naturals is less a band than a brotherhood. Fronted by Permian Basin native Coby Rotan — now based in Canyon Lake — the group delivers a sound that’s gritty, soulful, and unmistakably their own. Rotan first surfaced with a string of independent singles in 2023, including “The Yeti Song” and “Place Outside of Austin,” showcasing a blend of West Texas grit and Southern warmth. His songwriting has been compared to troubadours like Robert Earl Keen, with a mission to “write songs people can feel.”In early 2025, Rotan teamed up with bassist Lucas “Honky Tonk Red” Copeland, drummer Lincoln “Love” Lankford, and manager Jon Paul “JP” “Hogleg” Long to form The Naturals — a band built on chemistry, groove, and truth-telling songs. The lineup quickly expanded to include Ryan Igler (lead guitar), Rolando “Rolo” Ramon (fiddle), Brad Sosebee (keys), and Kevin Garinger (harmonica).
Pug Johnson
Pug Johnson – El Cabron Album | Texas Roots, Americana, and Louisiana Influences | Rugged Revival
Pug Johnson grew up on the outskirts of Beaumont, Texas, listening to the multicultural soundtrack of a city flanked by Louisiana, the Big Thicket, and the Gulf Coast. Those influences would resurface on his solo records, coloring Johnson's eclectic version of American roots music, turning him into a country artist whose songs reach far beyond the genre's borders. Praised by Lonesome Highway for "exploring life's darker side in places… with high spirits and wicked humor," he hits a new peak with El Cabron, an album that finds the songwriter saluting his Texas roots while also delivering universal songs about the American everyman. The album's central character — El Cabron himself — reappears in multiple songs, running up bar tabs on both sides of the Mexican border, evoking personalities from Lonesome Dove's Gus McCrae to Hunter S. Thompson to the flawed protagonists in John Prine's catalog. Rooted in equal parts fiction and autobiography, that character becomes the unlikely hero of El Cabron, an album that follows its predecessor (2022's critically-acclaimed Throwed Off and Glad) in highlighting the wry, witty songwriting of a road warrior who has shared shows with Steve Earle, Eli Young Band, Midland, and Hayes Carll.
Zachary Moulton
Zachary Moulton - From Silverada Pedal Steel to Solo Singer-Songwriter | Rugged Revival
South Texas singer-songwriter Zach Moulton steps out from behind the pedal steel after fifteen years with Silverada (Formerly Mike and The Moonpies) to tell his own stories. His debut EP, Faded Jackets, is a direct reflection of the years he spent grinding it out on the road, highs, lows and all the places he’s called home.
Race Ricketts
Race Ricketts - Exploring Texas Culture & Music | Rugged Revival
In this episode of The Rugged Revival Podcast, TJ and guest Race Ricketts discuss various topics including the impact of COVID on music careers, and their experiences at the Stocktober event. Race shares insights about his upbringing in a small Texas town, his journey into music and acting, and the pride he feels in being Texan. The conversation also touches on favorite hangout spots in Texas, the dynamics of collaboration in music, and the essence of Texas reflected in Race's songs. In this conversation, Race Ricketts discusses the dynamics of collaboration in music, the journey of his recent releases, and the storytelling behind his songs. He shares insights on maintaining mental health in the music industry and his aspirations for future touring and growth. The discussion highlights the importance of personal connections and the creative process in songwriting, as well as the challenges and joys of being an independent artist.
Cory Michael
Cory Michael - From Texas to Nashville | Rugged Revival
Join us for another engaging episode of The Rugged Revival Podcast as we sit down with the talented Cory Michael. From his roots in Texas to his musical journey through Nashville, Cory shares his experiences, challenges, and the passion that drives his music. Discover the stories behind his popular tracks like "Damn I Need a Drink" and "Mexico," and get a sneak peek into his upcoming releases. This episode is filled with laughter, insights, and a few unexpected accents!You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel. Follow Cory Michael on Instagram for more updates on his music and upcoming shows.
Aaron McDonnell
Aaron McDonnell - Texas Alt-Country Star with a Timeless Sound | Instagram LIVE | Rugged Revival
Aaron McDonnell is one of Texas’ most exciting alt-country artists. With multiple Top 40 hits, over 1,000 live shows, and his acclaimed LP "Too Many Days Like Saturday Night", Aaron has carved out a reputation for blending classic country roots with moody, timeless influences reminiscent of Dwight Yoakam and Chris Isaak.
Cory Cross
Cory Cross - Texas Country Musician | Instagram Live | Rugged Revival
Texas native Cory Cross has been honing his specific brand of country music for over a decade. Getting his start playing guitar in church, Cory began crafting his own songs after being inspired by songwriters like Townes Van Zandt and John Prine. Now making the rounds at dance halls and dives across Texas, as well as sold out shows in Los Angeles and New York City, Cory and his band put on a performance that is equal parts rough-n-rowdy and tenderly intimate. Utilizing classic country instrumentation from steel guitars and fiddle, Cory’s band infuses their style of honky tonk with garage rock energy coming from fuzzy electrics and a thumping rhythm section. T he Burden is made up of musicians that each bring their wide and unique influences to create a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. Cory‘s debut full length album, “There’s More”, is a culmination of years of paying dues and cutting teeth. The fourteen songs are an honest look into the life of a working musician that has lived the words he wrote. Cory Cross and the Burden have played with notable and established acts such as Joshua Ray Walker, Summer Dean, and Jeremy Pinnel. They continue to play regularly around Texas at legendary venues like Continental Club in Austin and the famous Stockyards in Fort Worth, as well as national tours through Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York City.
Omar Oyoque
Omar Oyoque - Bass Player For Texas Country & Americana Band, Silverada.
In this episode, Camden speaks to the awesome Omar Oyoque from Texas based Country & Americana band, Silverada.#texascountrymusic #americanamusic #reddirtmusic www.theruggedrevival.com
Jenni Rose
Jenni Rose - From Texas Band Vandoliers
The collection of songs on Vandoliers’ fifth album, Life Behind Bars, offers a window into frontwoman Jenni Rose's journey through addiction and gender dysphoria — a journey that has culminated in her decision to come out as a trans woman while working in the macho worlds of Texas country and punk rock. Ten years into their career, the band’s latest work is as upbeat and sing-along ready as ever, but with a little more stripped-down and intimate feel than their typical fare, in addition to being lyrically more substantive and, at times, more politically pointed. Bars is fearless and fun, a bold entry in a musical space that is still too often hidebound by tradition.www.theruggedrevival.comwww.vigilantehaircare.com#texasmusicscene #countryrock #punk #cowpunk
Micky Braun
Micky Braun – Life on the Road with Micky & The Motorcars
Micky & The Motorcars are a powerhouse of a group. Led by brothers Micky Braun (Vocals/Guitar) and Gary Braun (Vocals/Guitar/Harmonica/Mandolin) rounded out with Bill Corbin (Bass), Pablo Trujillio (Guitar/Pedal Steel), and Bobby Paugh (Drums). Micky and the Motorcars hail from Austin, Texas by way of Stanley, Idaho. Micky and Gary are the sons of Western Swing musician Muzzie Braun and along with their brothers Willy and Cody (Reckless Kelly) spent their childhood on the stage and were veterans of the stage. Once moving from Idaho and settling in Austin the band released Which Way From Here (2002), Ain't in it for the Money (2005), Careless (2007), Naive (2008), Raise My Glass (2011) , Hearts From Above (2014), Across The Pond - Live in Germany (2015) and Long Time Comin' (2019). The band tours the country, averaging 100+ shows a year and continues to draw fans nearly 20 years after forming.
Summer Dean
Summer Dean – The Queen of Texas Country
Summer Dean is considered by most to be the reigning queen of Texas country music. Armed with three albums, constant tours, and a hot band behind her, Summer struts onto every stage with the confidence and vulnerability of a songstress that has cemented her place among the top rank Texas tunesmiths. Her live show takes the concert goer on a ride of original songs blending bravado, vulnerability, and a novelist’s eye for detail. Whether with her full band or all by herself, listeners are treated to an authentic, funny, and honest storyteller performing her way into legendary status.
Jacob Ryan Marshall
Jacob Ryan Marshall – Young Texas Honky-Tonk Voice
Jacob Ryan Marshall has been playing music since he found his grandmother’s old Gibson guitar under the bed when he was three. He played his first two original songs in Nashville’s Bluebird Café at 15 and has been writing and playing ever since. Jacob recorded his first single in a freshman apartment at Texas A&M. A few weeks later it showed up on the Texas country streaming charts. His songs never stray far from the sound of traditional Honky Tonk country music.
Jarrod Morris
Jarrod Morris – Texas Horseshoer & Songwriter
Jarrod Morris is a horseshoer from Texas who writes songs while he's working. An indie sound and an old soul with a dedicated, modern songwriter’s heart. Jarrod is on a journey exploring different sounds and honest lyrics through the lens of the American West. #countrymusic #texasmusic #countryartist #musicpodcast #countrysingersongwriter
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FAQ
What is Texas Country?
Texas Country is a regional country subgenre rooted in the Lone Star State's musical heritage, blending traditional country with honky-tonk, outlaw, and contemporary influences. It prioritizes authenticity and storytelling, with artists like Aaron McDonnell and Summer Dean delivering music that reflects Texan values and landscapes.
Who are the best Texas Country artists right now?
The current Texas Country scene includes rising stars like Alex Williams, Jacob Ryan Marshall, Jarrod Morris, Cory Cross, and Omar Oyoque, alongside established voices like Pug Johnson and Race Ricketts, each bringing their own take on the genre's rebellious spirit and regional pride.
How is Texas Country different from mainstream country?
Texas Country prioritizes regional identity, raw authenticity, and independence over commercial polish, with artists like Coby Rotan and Micky Braun creating music that stays true to Texan roots rather than following industry trends.