5 Songs by Local Artists as Good as a National Act
Wichita Falls has a scene, and these 5 songs prove it
As a former long-time radio deejay, I served as a Music Director for a number of radio stations, and one of my duties in that capacity was to have a meeting with other staff members, listen to the new music that was out that week, and decide whether it was a “hit” or not. I flexed that muscle a lot over 20 years, and pardon me for the brag, but I’d like to think I developed an ear for great songs.
Let me be very clear. This is about songs. Technical proficiency is great, and if a singer has a five octave range, good luck in your Queensryche cover band, but in the end, it all comes down to the songs.
I’ve been repeatedly amazed by the songs I’ve heard from local artists (some who aren’t listed here, and we’ll get to them in the future) with incredible production values, which make them indistinguishable from songs by nationally-known artists on major labels.
Wichita Falls has a scene, and these 5 songs prove it.
Blank Labels “Open Air”
Open Air has a killer Southern Rock vibe that reminds me of an updated Lynyrd Skynyrd or Allman Brothers; the Muscle Shoals sound modernized. I put this song right in the middle of a Southern Rock playlist I listen to in my truck and it fit right in amongst Black Stone Cherry and Blackfoot and Blackberry Smoke. Pay attention to how Bryson starts cutting loose on the vocals at the end. Smokin’ good.
Ladybird “Gravedigger”
I first encountered Garry on Instagram and I had never heard of his band Ladybird before, but he had a local following and some recorded music, so I decided to give it a listen. I played Gravedigger and promptly stood up and said “Are you KIDDING me?” Gravedigger is an excellent pop punk song that fits perfectly alongside Blink, Green Day and Wichita Falls legends Bowling for Soup.
If someone asked me to put money on who will be the next Wichita Falls artist to make it big, I’d be hard pressed to bet against Garry. Support this man and his music. We’re lucky to have him.
Better Strangers “Tombstone”
Greg Casillas is the driving force behind popular Wichita Falls cover band Strange Lucy, but also frontman for his original music in Better Strangers. Greg and I got to know each other a bit and he suggested I take a listen to Better Strangers, and I’m glad he did. “Tombstone” is a fantastic modern rock track in the vein of Bad Company and Three Doors Down. Guitarist Ron Weaver of Strange Lucy recently joined Better Strangers, who, as I write this, have 2 local gigs coming this weekend, and Greg tells me they are working on new music and re-recording some of these songs with Ron’s guitar work. Better Strangers is an act to watch.
Clint Vines & the Hard Times “While the Gettin' Was Good”
Wichita Falls standout Clint Vines wrote “While the Gettin’ Was Good” with Texas artist and songwriter Ryan Hager and it is an earworm. I saw Vines perform one night and realized I had “While the Gettin’ Was Good” stuck in my head when I woke up the next morning — the sure sign of a great song.
James Cook “Flat, Foolish and Despised”
James Cook was the first musician I photographed when I came to Wichita Falls, and he and his band are largely responsible for convincing me that something special is happening in our town. Americana, Country, Red Dirt, even the Blues, James Cook uses it all to create some of the most original songs I’ve heard.
Those are my favorites. What are yours?
I’m kind of a rock, southern rock, country rock type of guy, so those are my choices, but what are yours? Who is a local musician with recorded music we should all hear? Sound off in the comments.
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