This genre has always been a "go to" for me. The spectrum ranges from songs about just hanging out with friends (Hanging' Around- Josh Abbott) to songs about facing your battles (Holes- Cody Johnson). For every moment there is a song. These artists don't focus on what will appeal to the masses but rather what will pull on the heart strings for the few people who have experienced that same snapshot in life.

www.khrispoage.com

Many of the artist I had the chance to speak with made their way into the industry in the same way. For some it ran in the family, some started a young age and some just wanted to say what they had to say. Jody Bartula (Cody Johnson Band), Brandon Rhyder, Cleto Cordero (Flatland Calvary) and William Clark Green all started playing at a younger age. Sam Riggs "wanted to look back and have a story to tell". Cody Braun (Reckless Kelly) recalls an early start as he grew up in a musical family.

www.wolfingbarger.com

Collectively these artist had similar opinions on the difference between Texas Country and Country as genres, though each had a unique way of describing it.

"[Texas Country] is scraped off the blade of life." -Sam Riggs

"Texas [Country] tends to write more for the heart" -Cody Braun

"This genre allows you to be an artist" -Brandon Rhyder

"As an artist you are able to write whatever you want and it's an honest thing." -Cleto Cordero

Several times the word original was thrown around. All in all these artist feel that they are able to be original and not fit into a certain box through this genre. Braun attested to the integrity that is put into Texas music. It is real and raw and "artist have the courage and humility to keep raising the bar".

www.brandonrhyder.com

www.brandonrhyder.com

I asked each artist which song meant the most to them. I found that each song was one that could be applied to a person at any point in life. That quality is something that I personally feel like makes a great Texas Country song.

wyrk.com

The artists of this genre aren't a part of it for what it can or will do for them. They focus on their music and the message they want to get across through it. In doing so they have found a way to connect with fans on a deeper level than I have seen done before. There is absolutely something to be said about the connection these artist have with their fans. When asked what makes the genre Cordero's response was simple and sweet, "The fans".

www.pledgemusic.com

This genre allows for genuine music. Without the acceptance that comes with Texas music these artists wouldn't be able to put out the music that they do. They completely open up their heart to criticism, hope, respect, the good, the bad and the ugly. As a fan I thank you for that. It shows in the music you produce and it makes your hard work shine through.

www.concertclint.com

Sam Riggs said it best, "I see songs as chapters in different stories in different peoples' lives." To me that's exactly what this genre is made up of and why I love it so much.