Voted one of the top 11 DFW DJs to book at your next party, DJ CP has been fine-tuning her DJ skills with a unique repertoire of mixes, music elements, and playlists. Her career took off in 2013 after she began her now-retired show "The Weekend Wrecking Crew" on Fishbowl Radio Network, but has been DJing since 2008. Propelled by a loyal following that loves the classic influences of DJ CP, ranging from Classic Hip-Hop and R&B, this is one DJ who ain't afraid to keep soul in the mix.
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DJ CP's podcast, The DJ CP Show is live on MixCloud or you can stream it below.
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DJ CP can also be heard every Monday at 7:00 PM EST/6:00 PM CST on 4Elements Radio. The 4Elements Radio is available at www.4ElementsRadio.com

THE POC-Pop of Color of TX :rainbow:
Miss Gay Texas America 22:crown:
Owner @thequeeroff co owner @asideofdrag :luggage:
Queen of @dfwpahs :dog_face:
Wanna Tip? @/$Kyleeohara

Trinity Pride Fest 2024 is proud to announce that Salem Moon will be joining Trinity Pride Fest 2024 as one of our incredible performers. Salem serves more than looks, she is the creator show director, and host! You can find Ms. Salem Moon on Instagram @salemmoondrag

JT Davenport will be joining Trinity Pride Fest 2024 and is a performer to their core! You can follow JT on Instagram @jtdavenport

Sapphire Davenport will be bringing the heat to Trinity Pride Fest 2024. You can follow Sapphire on Instagram at @dazesapphire.

Deja Dubois will be joining Trinity Pride Fest 2024 and is a Latina queen, that knows how to werk a stage! You can follow Deja on Instagram @dejad_dubois

We are excited to welcome Dallas native, Britton Smith, back to the DFW area, along with his band Britton & The Sting, as featured performers at Trinity Pride Fest 2024.
Britton & The Sting is an alternative soul band fueling the NYC music scene. They recently were the support act on the Sammy Rae & The Friends world tour. They have played sold out performances at The Apollo, Williamsburg Musical Hall, Rockwood Music Hall, Nublu, and Joe’s Pub, as well as being featured in Vanity Fair, Vogue, Fault Magazine, and the New Yorker. Their waves of funk, gospel, rock, testimony collide with mesmerizing melodies that carry their journey driven music deep into your soul.
Join Britton & The Sting and all our amazing performers at Magnolia Green Park at Trinity Pride Fest presented by Frank Kent Cadillac on Saturday, June 15 from 6-10pm. MEET ME AT THE GREEN.

We are so excited to welcome the 2024 GLAAD Media Award Winner for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist, David Archuleta, to Fort Worth as our headliner of Trinity Pride Fest 2024.

Since first stepping into the pop spotlight at age 17, David has embodied the kind of genuine star power that can’t be manufactured. After years of dazzling audiences with his radiant personality and phenomenal voice—a journey that’s included turning out multiple platinum-selling hits, achieving global acclaim as a captivating live performer, and emerging as an undeniable fixture on the pop-culture scene—the Miami-born singer/songwriter experienced a major personal transformation that radically altered his identity as an artist. As shown on his recent single “Hell Together,” Archuleta has dramatically expanded the landscape of his songwriting and devoted himself to making pop music with equal parts uncompromising emotion and exhilarating impact.

High & Outside is a trio of local neighborhood heavy hitters in Sam Anderson (of Quaker City Night Hawks fame), Jordan Richardson (Grammy award winning drummer of Quaker City Night Hawks and guitarist and lead vocals for Son of Stan) and Kris Luther (the premier bassist in the city playing for multiple best of the best local bands)! They will play a fun, no frills set of honestly whatever they want haha but will mainly play some fun covers that will have everyone singing and dancing along all night!

One of Fort Worth's best local bands has been back at it in 2024 and they bring their live show to DnO this Saturday! Featuring Jordan Richardson, Mallorie Tidwell, Justin Pate, Austin Green, Michael Doty and Steve Steward (whewwww that's an incredible list of musicians) all from the neighborhood. Can't wait to have them take over DnO for a live show not to be missed!

Jordan Richardson aka Jorts aka Son Of Stan will end the night on the vinyl decks with a special vinyl set to celebrate his very own bday!!! We will celebrate Jordan and dance the night away on the DnO dancefloor!

Growing up on Long Island, NY., Darrin, primarily self-taught, learned some guitar chords at 12, from Dad after being exposed to his Chuck Berry, Ventures and other guitar based records throughout childhood. He got into the Beatles for a minute, then it was onto the hard rock of the day (Zeppelin, Hendrix, Sabbath, Rush, Deep Purple, Judas Priest, UFO, etc.) as well as other blues based rock, before later digging into Delta and Chicago styles and improvisation. After relocating to the Fort Worth area with his family and many years in the budding DFW metal scene, Kobetich has since branched out into acoustic instrumental experimentation, drawing from many styles over the years, including middle eastern, Indian, mountain and bluegrass, to name a few. Notable fingerstyle/flat pick influences are Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges, Doc Watson and John Fahey. In more recent years, getting involved in live theater production at mostly Hip Pocket Theatre, but also Jubilee and Amphibian, has enabled him to draw from all of these influences as the live soundtrack to these shows. He also travels the country, playing mostly in quirky desert and mountain towns.

Playing shows around Texas, touring throughout Scandinavia, U.K., Europe, Alaska and the continental U.S., songwriting and studio sessions with the likes of Charley Crockett, Summer Dean, Vincent Neil Emerson, and others eventually led Flory to Fort Worth, TX where his solo career flourished and opportunities in teaching, acting and filmmaking soon followed. His most recent releases, 2019’s LP Radioville and 2020’s EP Songs From Paper Thin Lines garnered local acclaim, as did his poetry film, Paper Thin Lines which was officially selected for the Thinline Music and Film Festival and the PressPlay Film Festival. 2021’s LP Haul These Blues Away found Flory’s music compared to John Hartford, The Carter Family, Gillian Welch, and even the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. His short film version of the LP’s single, The More You Talk The Less I Hear” won “Best Short Short” at the 2021 Lonestar Film Festival.

The Pour Brothers layer acoustic guitars with stacked harmonies to create a mellow, rootsy Americana sound that goes well with tasty beverages and good company.

Jaybirds is a band of 5 friends that started in the little town of Haslet, TX in 2018. Our lead singer and rhythm guitarist, JP Walsh, has been writing music for many years, but in 2018, he decided to form a band with our lead guitarist, Braedon Ward. Soon, Josh Brantley was invited to play bass to complete the trio. After a couple other band members came and went, Jenna Walsh was brought in for some background vocals and tambourine. The band was made whole in spring 2021 with the addition of our drummer, Connor Mullen! Our first album, “Let it Break” was released in 2021. Jaybirds is rockin' and rollin' around DFW with a plan to release a new album in Spring 2024!

Hi, we play rock music. We’re new/not new here. Kevin, Steffin, Chuck, Neil and Maui Mang. In the fall of 2019, after more than 20 years of performing on local stages, singer-songwriter Kevin Aldridge needed a break. At the time, Kevin Aldridge & The Appraisers were a regular fixture on local marquees, with a string of EPs and a loyal fanbase who would show up most times to hear the band’s brand of heart-heavy Americana, but for the sake of his mental health, Aldridge knew he had to put the gigs on pause. With new material in hand, he hit up some of his old bandmates. What might have been another iteration of the Appraisers soon became its own thing, the five-piece rock ’n’ roll outfit Hotel Satellite.Aldridge, along with guitarist Steffin Ratliff, keyboardist Robert “Maui” Miller, drummer Neil Saunders, and bassist Chuck Brown, began jamming again in the spring of 2022, though this time around, they weren’t just working out Aldridge’s solo songs into full-band versions.Hotel Satellite sounds distinctively different enough to qualify as a new project or at least the next logical progression from the Appraisers.

Jonathan Arthur is an Indie-Folk Artist from The Great Pacific Northwest.

Smokey Lew has original music that you can find on any music platform and also plays covers from different era's and genres.

Elton John, David Bowie, Queen. All excellent acts that no longer release records. Thankfully for fans of the genre, there is Hayden Miller. Born into a highly musical family, (his grandfather played steel guitar for Hank Thompson and other Texas country/swing acts of the sixties) Hayden had always had music is his blood. He moved to Fort Worth right out of high school and began cutting his teeth with his first Fort Worth outfit, The Frisky Disco, at iconic and sadly shut down venues such as The Grotto, Lola’s, Twilite and The Cellar. Later, around 2014, he and longtime collaborators Tyler Vela and Jordan Tucker formed Dead Vinyl, a now well-known and influential rock n’ roll band in the DFW area. After a decade of work and touring with Dead Vinyl, Hayden is still singing and writing songs with his band mates and best friends. However, after the death of an old friend, Hayden decided to write and self-produce a solo record that was released in October of 2023 called “BARTALK”. The album is not only a heartfelt valentine to his late friend but a great accompaniment to anyone’s mental health journey. An exposition of grief and loss through catchy pop piano tunes. “Miller, whether he’s belting out soulful bangers in Dead Vinyl or composing these heartfelt salutes to wild nights and bloodshot mornings, knows his way around the classic rock canon.” - The Fort Worth Weekly (Oct. 4th, 2023)

Musician/Songwriter/Filmmaker Williams’ songs are nothing if not infectious, and whether you’re paying attention or not, they can get into your brain. It’s no wonder, given that Williams has been making the songwriter rounds for well over a decade, first in Austin, then here in Fort Worth, and over all that time, he’s developed a sound that leans outside a host of songwriter-y conventions. I don’t want to make him out to be “Fort Worth’s next big thing,” because he’s been here for years, but he is certainly a talent who is not as appreciated as he should be. Hopefully, all that constant gigging has helped his visibility a little — at least enough to perpetuate more paying gigs. Sing Along collects five songs that he and a cadre of area musicians (Dylan Ewen on synths, Gary Grammer on harmonica, Samantha Knight on vocals, Burton Lee on pedal steel, BK Lovell on bass, Zach Mayo on guitar, and Peter Wierenga on drums) recorded at the Cove Studios in Arlington between December 2021 and January 2022, with Wierenga (Siberian Traps, Sur Duda) engineering. In all, they finished 17 songs. By the time the tracks were mixed and mastered (by Wierenga and Adam Thein, respectively), Williams realized he had two separate song collections on his hands. As a songwriter, Williams likes to try new things. Blooming Eye, he said, was “an effort to blend electronic [sounds] and organic instruments and doing it all at home, and [Sing Along] was kind of a return to Chillamundo and [another former band] Chingalotus … not really trying to recreate them but just rocking again, because when the pandemic hit and Chillamundo disbanded, we made a record in a bedroom. We softened the sound up, but this EP brings back the rock a little bit. I have this backlog of all sorts of songs, but when we recorded with [Wierenga], there were enough country-type songs to put that [album] together, too.”

Williams credits his willingness to travel across a map of variegated approaches to musical composition to a friend and former bandmate, multi-instrumentalist Charles Marchbanks (Chingalotus, Chillamundo, Henry the Archer).

Outlaw Rock - Covers from the 70's - 2000's

Lazer Blazer a is a loud but sensitive indie rock band based in Fort Worth, TX.

Self-proclaimed “working class” rock trio Cool Jacket's sound is a solid balance of indie and punk, and even a little emo. Cool Jacket fits in a Venn diagram about bands like Bad Sports, the Buzzcocks, and Dinosaur Jr. The band makes music that reminds you of end-of-the-millennium college rock with lyrics that provide room for reflection.

BMG has been actively playing original rock music in the DFW area since 2014, featuring melodic hooks and absurdist energies. Featuring Alexis Randolph on the drums, Adrien Lewis on bass guitar, Dylan Mosley on electric guitar, Max Bellomy on piano, and Jack Bellomy singing, the band is set to bring a smile to even the most stoic listeners.

RW Ratcliff, a humble songwriter, has a knack for plain speech and biographic storytelling. He has garnered recognition for his songwriting, from opening for notable touring acts, and winning local awards. He has been honing his craft in bars since his teens, his journey embodies a gritty dedication to the art. Influenced by a diverse musical spectrum ranging from punk rock to folk legends like Townes Van Zandt and John Prine, he meticulously crafts songs, weaving the right adjectives into his no-nonsense folk tunes.

Harvard is an Indie Rock band based out of Austin, TX. They float the line between Indie, Alt Rock, and Red Dirt. As Harvard is a newly formed project, their debut single will be released later this year. Though, frontmen Mitchell Crain and Joey Salinas are not new to the business. As solo artists, they have collectively compiled over 80,000 streams across digital streaming platforms. As Harvard continues to gain momentum in the scene, they aim to break barriers between genres and create music that maintains truth and authenticity.

I’m a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. My songs start out as more or less of a therapy session with myself, stemming from my journal entries that touch very personal points throughout my life. “Sam” was written for my oldest son who is part of an open adoption. “Don’t Make A Sound” touches on domestic violence and mental health awareness. “Loopholes” and “Trash Day” touch on relationship turmoil. It sounds very cliché, but I really mean it when I say that I wear my hear on my sleeve. My hopes with every song is to have an open conversation with my fans.

We are a cover band playing a variety of classic and modern hits across Texas. Specializing in songs you know and love – songs that bring back your best memories.

Michael Mangrum is a classical guitarist and bilingual educator who lives in Fort Worth, Texas. Michael's music reflects his formal training background as a guitar performance major at St. Mary's University (San Antonio, TX) and his strong connection to the culture and music of Latin America. Michael plays music from the classical guitar repertoire, original arrangements of popular/jazz songs for solo guitar, and original pieces. You can find his music on: Instagram - michaelmangrumguitar TikTok - @michaelmangrumguitar Facebook - Michael Mangrum Guitar Youtube - @michaelmangrumguitar

From the swing to the groove, it's got a vibe. Hailing from Houston, Dallas, South Korea, and Canada, we converse through notes and rhythms using old and new vehicles of improvisation.

Beware of the blends, because Jack Sinatra will dive deep into the rhythm of the soul.

Keegan McInroe is a writer, musician. and international touring artist based in Fort Worth, Texas. He will be releasing his seventh studio album Dusty Passports and Empty Beds on June 7, 2024. Keeping in spirit with his predecessor troubadouring minstrels, Keegan has spent the better part of the last two decades traversing the roads, wildernesses, and cities of the Old World and New, weaving the resulting experiences and observations together with varied influences from folk, country, and the blues to create an original and evolving tapestry of lyric-driven American roots music. McInroe has shared the stage with Leon Russell, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Willis Alan Ramsey, Otis Taylor, Carolyn Wonderland, Ian Moore, Shovels & Rope, Charley Crockett, and others. He has been published in various papers and magazines for his travel writings, stories, poems, and occasional forays into politics. Additionally, he has hosted The Keegan McInroe Radio Hour and The Uncouth Pilgrim Podcast, both of which are curently on indefinite hiatus.

I perform heartfelt and honest americana roots music. Songs that speak to emotion and struggle appeal to me. They make me feel less alone and more alive. Songs with passion and meaning keep the dark away.

Cameron Smith, a folksinger and songwriter from Fort Worth, TX, emerges from the Unexpected City, birthplace of songwriting legends like Smith’s hero Townes Van Zandt, Roger Miller, T Bone Burnett, and more. An artful storyteller forged in the crucible of the DIY punk scene, Smith grew up writing and touring the country as a teenager with bands making heavier music before maturing into his own distinctive voice and sound as a folk country singer-songwriter. His timeless melodies, infused with a southern gothic spirit, intricately weave tales of love, loss, and legacy, resonating with echoes of classic folk writers such as Fred Neil, John Prine, and Guy Clark, as well as alternative artists like Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Magnolia Electric Co., Smog, and Silver Jews. Since 2021 he's released a string of singles out of esteemed studios such as Modern Electric Sound Recorders (Paul Cauthen, The Texas Gentleman) with producer John Pedigo (Joshua Ray Walker, Old 97s, Vandoliers), and Niles City Sound (Leon Bridges, Vincent Neil Emerson, Robert Ellis). Smith has charmed hearts across the land on his relentless odyssey, leaving a trail of notable achievements, including standout showcases at 2023’s AmericanaFest in Nashville and Folk Alliance International 2024 in Kansas City. In 2022, he was awarded Best Folk artist by Fort Worth Weekly and its readership. Now, Smith is poised for a forthcoming revelation: his debut studio full-length album, Gold & Rust, looms on the horizon, destined to carve indelible marks upon eager souls, and showcase Smith’s evolution as a torchbearer, carrying on in a tried and true genealogy of Texas troubadour songwriters.

Court Hoang is searching for home. He feels a little out of place everywhere he goes, so he spends a lot of time in his head. From endless introspection and the need to create community comes an indie folk rock artist and composer based in Fort Worth, TX. He incorporates his background in choirs, a cappella styles and beatboxing into his work; inspirations range from Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley to Andrew Bird and Muse. Originally from Dallas, TX, he's worked in California, Vietnam (where he wrote and recorded his first album Taking Sides and had a brief stint as a pop artist in Ha Noi), and Austin (where he wrote and recorded his sophomore release Compass Rose) before moving back to north Texas. He has since released two EPs and three singles, and continues to perform locally and on tour. His work has been featured on radio, film, television and theatre in California, Texas, and Vietnam. His live performances range from intimate and introspective solo work to fully arranged strings and percussion, from electronic and hip-hop inspired live-looping to full-throttled indie rock power trio. Whatever the setup, whatever the space, the honesty and vulnerability shine through in his lyrics, melodies, and vocal performance. When he's not writing, composing, rehearsing, performing or recording, he spends as much time as humanly possible with his amazing spouse and their three children. His next full-length album Get Right is slated for release in June 2022. His sophomore album Get Right is out now.

Claire Hinkle, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, is a singer-songwriter with a deep-rooted passion for connecting with others through her music. Inspired by her father, blues musician James Hinkle, Claire began writing songs at the tender age of 5, setting her on a lifelong musical journey. At the age of 13, Claire picked up the guitar, and since then, she has dedicated herself to honing her skills and refining her songwriting craft. Her musical journey led her to study contemporary music at the New School in New York City, where she further enriched her musical perspective. Claire's has performed around the country, including memorable shows at The Bitter End in NYC and local DFW favorites like Twilite Lounge, Lola's Saloon, Tulips, The Cicada, and MASS. Notably, she has also shared her talents at the 2023 Arlington PRIDE parade. As the lead vocalist of Tiny Giants, Claire's focus remains on singing and songwriting, channeling her personal experiences into her original material. Her music speaks to the human condition, offering solace and understanding to listeners navigating life's ups and downs. In addition to her original compositions, Claire delights audiences with covers spanning decades and genres, showcasing her versatility and love for music in its many forms. Whether performing with her band or delivering intimate solo sets, Claire invites listeners to join her in a shared experience of emotion and connection, reminding us all of the power of music to inspire and uplift.

Step into the soulful melodies and dusty trails of Tom "Big T" Fleischer, a true Texan troubadour whose musical roots run deep in the heart of North Texas. With his trusty guitar by his side and a voice as warm as a summer breeze, he serves up a blend of swampy rock and down-home country that'll have you tappin' your toes and singin' along all night long!

Musician | Entertainer | Producer From crooning the old standards from the rat pack to classic rock, ballads and more, Noah covers a lot of ground!

Playing shows around Texas, touring throughout Scandinavia, U.K., Europe, Alaska and the continental U.S., songwriting and studio sessions with the likes of Charley Crockett, Summer Dean, Vincent Neil Emerson, and others eventually led Flory to Fort Worth, TX where his solo career flourished and opportunities in teaching, acting and filmmaking soon followed. His most recent releases, 2019’s LP Radioville and 2020’s EP Songs From Paper Thin Lines garnered local acclaim, as did his poetry film, Paper Thin Lines which was officially selected for the Thinline Music and Film Festival and the PressPlay Film Festival. 2021’s LP Haul These Blues Away found Flory’s music compared to John Hartford, The Carter Family, Gillian Welch, and even the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. His short film version of the LP’s single, The More You Talk The Less I Hear” won “Best Short Short” at the 2021 Lonestar Film Festival. We are a string band set up that promotes positivity, progressive thinking, and an overall good time. We take the best of traditional styles and mix them with modern themes and musical stylings to create a sometimes raucous, but always engaging experience.

Shem Taylor is a hiphop artist with positive vibes and fun! He's a rapper that cares for your Soul. 

Solo performance! Guitar, harmonica, vocals. Open to providing pedal steel support if open to it.

Christian Carlos Carvajal is a Fort Worth local artist just trying to make his way in the world. While taking on topics such as religious trauma, heartbreak, and depression, CCC always tries to find the silver lining in it all.

Stadium is a new band in Fort Worth featuring celebrated musicians Robert Ellis, Jordan Richardson and Jay Jernigan. Completely improvised violence...or music. Maybe music.

Big Heaven is a dynamic indie rock band hailing from Fort Worth, Texas. Known for their powerful melodies and engaging live performances, the band has cultivated a loyal following within the DFW music scene. Their music blends elements of rock, pop, and alternative genres, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with a wide audience. With a passion for storytelling through music, Big Heaven's lyrical themes often explore personal experiences and emotional landscapes. The band's energetic performances and genuine connection with fans have made them a beloved act in Fort Worth and beyond.

Michael Mangrum is a classical guitarist and bilingual educator who lives in Fort Worth, Texas. Michael's music reflects his formal training background as a guitar performance major at St. Mary's University (San Antonio, TX) and his strong connection to the culture and music of Latin America. Michael plays music from the classical guitar repertoire, original arrangements of popular/jazz songs for solo guitar, and original pieces. You can find his music on: Instagram - michaelmangrumguitar TikTok - @michaelmangrumguitar Facebook - Michael Mangrum Guitar Youtube - @michaelmangrumguitar

Erin is a singer-songwriter out of Fort Worth. Her laidback sound blends coffee shop style music and an old school soul with lyrics that tell stories from all seasons of life.

“Weaving together an impressively thick sonic tapestry,” Fort Worth-based KatsüK and their “massive Middle Eastern sound” call to mind both “Dead Can Dance and acoustic Led Zeppelin.” ~Harder Beat Magazine~

Claire Hinkle is a singer/songwriter from Fort Worth, Tx. She has played several Texas venues- both as a solo act and fronting her band, Tiny Giants. In addition to her original compositions, Claire delights audiences with covers spanning decades and genres, showcasing her versatility and love for music in its many forms. Whether performing with her band or delivering intimate solo sets, Claire invites listeners to join her in a shared experience of emotion and connection, reminding us all of the power of music to inspire and uplift.

Runaway Sky's journey began when they met at a Hear Fort Worth Mixer in August 2021. What started as a chance encounter quickly blossomed into a musical partnership fueled by shared creativity and a knack for harmonizing. After discovering their compatibility as songwriters and performers, they introduced themselves as a pair to the DFW scene in 2022. Together they blend elements of Sheryl Crow's soulfulness with Kacey Musgraves' storytelling charm, sprinkled with their own girlish fun. Their ascent was marked by milestones such as features on Good Morning Texas, performances at prestigious venues, and also sharing the stages with artists they admire, including Alexz Johnson, Tim Lightyear, and Billy King and the Bad Bad Bad. Their debut single, "Arizona," released on April 11th, 2024, quickly gained traction on KXT's radio rotation. With heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies, Runaway Sky invites listeners into a world of emotive storytelling and genuine charm, promising an exciting musical journey ahead.

Elton John, David Bowie, Queen. All excellent acts that no longer release records. Thankfully for fans of the genre, there is Hayden Miller. Born into a highly musical family, (his grandfather played steel guitar for Hank Thompson and other Texas country/swing acts of the sixties) Hayden always had music in his blood. He moved to Fort Worth right out of high school and began cutting his teeth with his first Fort Worth outfit, The Frisky Disco, at iconic and sadly shut down venues such as The Grotto, Lola’s, Twilite and The Cellar. Later, around 2014, he and longtime collaborators Tyler Vela and Jordan Tucker formed Dead Vinyl, a now well-known and influential rock n’ roll band in the DFW area. After a decade of work and touring with Dead Vinyl, Hayden is still singing and writing songs with his band mates and best friends. However, after the death of an old friend, Hayden decided to write and self-produce a solo record that was released in October of 2023 called “BARTALK”. The album is not only a heartfelt valentine to his late friend but a great accompaniment to anyone’s mental health journey. An exposition of grief and loss through catchy pop piano tunes. “Miller, whether he’s belting out soulful bangers in Dead Vinyl or composing these heartfelt salutes to wild nights and bloodshot mornings, knows his way around the classic rock canon.” - The Fort Worth Weekly (Oct. 4th, 2023)

Cameron Smith, a folksinger and songwriter from Fort Worth, TX, emerges from the Unexpected City, birthplace of songwriting legends like Smith’s hero Townes Van Zandt, Roger Miller, T Bone Burnett, and more. An artful storyteller forged in the crucible of the DIY punk scene, Smith grew up writing and touring the country as a teenager with bands making heavier music before maturing into his own distinctive voice and sound as a folk country singer-songwriter. His timeless melodies, infused with a southern gothic spirit, intricately weave tales of love, loss, and legacy, resonating with echoes of classic folk writers such as Fred Neil, John Prine, and Guy Clark, as well as alternative artists like Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Magnolia Electric Co., Smog, and Silver Jews. Since 2021 he's released a string of singles out of esteemed studios such as Modern Electric Sound Recorders (Paul Cauthen, The Texas Gentleman) with producer John Pedigo (Joshua Ray Walker, Old 97s, Vandoliers), and Niles City Sound (Leon Bridges, Vincent Neil Emerson, Robert Ellis). Smith has charmed hearts across the land on his relentless odyssey, leaving a trail of notable achievements, including standout showcases at 2023’s AmericanaFest in Nashville and Folk Alliance International 2024 in Kansas City. In 2022, he was awarded Best Folk artist by Fort Worth Weekly and its readership. Now, Smith is poised for a forthcoming revelation: his debut studio full-length album, Gold & Rust, looms on the horizon, destined to carve indelible marks upon eager souls, and showcase Smith’s evolution as a torchbearer, carrying on in a tried and true genealogy of Texas troubadour songwriters.

Allie received theatrical training from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and musical training from Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she studied songwriting and vocal performance. She has performed at SXSW, KXT Austin, NYU, Berklee, Columbia University, and venues across the country, both as a solo act and in collaboration with other artists and bands. Her songs have been featured in commercials for Nationwide, on the network 'Adult Swim', within Netflix's 'Too Hot To Handle', on the Australian soap opera 'Neighbours', and for both the GlobalHER Campaign (in partnership with Planned Parenthood) and the Ocean Film Festival (in partnership with UN World Ocean's Day, NEWINC, Zero Hour, and Sima Studios). Her vocals have been featured on projects for: Pitchfork, Nickelodeon, Venus, Arknights (Hypergryph), Cyber Knights Flashpoint (Trese Brothers), Matthew Herbert, Power Haus, and most lately throughout the film score for ‘The Wonder’ starring Florence Pugh. She currently writes for: BMG, Sony/EMI, Power Haus (UK), and Universal Music Group. In the past she has worked with Lyric House (Los Angeles), Ghostwriter Music Group, Hexany Audio, and Methodic Doubt Music. Her film compositions have been selected for features by Booooooom, Vimeo, the Young Director's Award, and the Florida Film Festival, and her collaborative work with experimental visual art Lucy Cordes-Engelman was recently featured at Shimmer Rotterdam and Royal Academy of Art the Hague. She is a member and composer associated with Free the Work and Glass Elevator, and an alumnae of the Helene Wurlitzer artist-in-residence program (Taos, NM). Allie’s been working on an EP alongside Brooklyn-based audio/visual collective Mason Jar Music, set to release next year. ​

Austin is a Fort Worth based singer/songwriter inspired by the ups and downs of life and love. Finding his way though his own hardships and experiences has given him perspective that he channels into his writing - leaving the listener feeling not only connected but understood. Austin is an up and coming writer and performer you won’t want to miss!

After years of lending her talents to dozens of other artists, the soulful singer-pianist is focusing on the most important music to date: her own. When thinking of the volume of local musicians with whom the singer-pianist has played over the last 10 years or more, it could be argued you could shave it down to just four or five degrees. From her time in bands such as Chucho, Hot Knife, and Foxtrot Uniform to working with singer-songwriters like Eric Osbourne, Keegan McInroe, or Cameron Smith, plus countless cover sets with the likes of Big Mike Richardson and Blake Parish (Royal Sons, Hanna Barbarians) or in her electric-psych duo Genini with Jennifer Rux (Year of the Bear, The Fibs) — all but a handful of her collaborations — she’s made music with just about everyone in town at some point. One night, she enlisted her bandmates to come to Cloudland Recording Studios to track “Just to Say” the following day. In addition to the contributions of her Hot Knife bandmates Smith and wife Stevie Smith, Schuyler Stapleton, and Peter Marsh, horns were provided by Chuck Brown (Hotel Satellite, Telegraph Canyon), Jeff Dazey (Leon Bridges, EPIC RUINS), and Chris Waldon (Starbass Laboratories, War Party). Britt Robisheaux (Hoaries, Big Youth) helmed the sessions while Jordan Richardson (Son of Stan, White Denim) provided mastering. Released through Dreamy Life Recordings, the single will represent the 100th entry in the local imprint’s catalog.

“Just to Say” is a soulful and dynamic piano ballad about heartbreak and loneliness. Marrying the sounds of classic Motown and a Winehouse-esque blues, warm electric piano trills over rolling rhythms while Robertson’s smoky rasp is intertwined with the brass trio’s lush sustains that combine to build toward a climactic and cathartic vamping finale as she refrains heart-wrenchingly, “It hurts me just to say I don’t belong / It hurts me just the same, I’m alone.”

A south Fort Worth hip hop artist & craft beer enthusiast. Influenced by boom bap rap, blues, jazz and many other forms of music. Unlike craft beer, his music is not an acquired taste and appeals to all demographics. Inspired by life experiences and an obsession to be great.

“Straddling the line between alt-country and Americana, the song finds Duncan laying down heartfelt and deeply personal lyrics … a strong indication that he is an artist to watch in the Americana scene.” - Glide Magazine

“Singing earnestly and honestly about the ups and downs of moving on to a regular-ass type of life is what makes this record a great listen.” - Fort Worth Weekly

“The lyrics are very intentional and make a beautiful album.” - The Amp

“A gorgeous 10-song collection that will immerse you in a world of magical alt country-Americana soundscapes.” - MusicNGear

“Genuine, lyrically eloquent, and easy on the ears, it’s well worth your time…” - Galleywinter

After several years of improving his craft and singing solo on the Texas music scene, Ryan Turner is establishing quite a following. Ryan is a versatile and soulful Austin-based singer/songwriter who holds a compellingly different perspective on contemporary country music. He has dedicated the entire past year to working on his debut album, “Rollin’ Up My Sleeves”. The album features Ryan as a co-producer, alongside the multi-talented producer/engineer/drummer, Ken Tondre. Also taking part in the album are some of the finest players around the state including the renowned Lloyd Maines, members of Bruce Robison’s and Pat Green’s bands, as well as other outstanding musicians from the Austin music scene. The enthusiastic pre-release ”buzz” for the album, set for release in September of 2005, is a strong sign of good things to come. At this early stage in his career, Ryan has already seen his fair share of accomplishments. In the summer of 2003, Ryan won a statewide amateur songwriting and performance competition at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. In March of the following year, his former band, LiveWireDown, was invited to showcase its talents at the esteemed South by Southwest Music Festival (SXSW) in Austin. That performance helped to broaden Ryan’s following from Texas all the way to Europe, producing e-mails and phone calls demanding more music. With this in mind, soon after the SXSW performance, the idea to create a full-length album became the number one priority. During his high school days in the small prison-town of Gatesville, Texas, Ryan picked up his first guitar and started writing songs. His musical tastes were shaped from a variety of influences. Classic sounds from the likes of Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Beach Boys, John Mellencamp, the Beatles, the Eagles, George Strait and Tom Petty have all made their impact on Ryan. Along with the greats from the past, he also credits many current song men as mentors. Bruce Robison, Radney Foster, Monte Warden, Darrell Scott, Rodney Crowell, and many other “behind the scenes” songwriters are among those he chooses to study and learn from. At the age of 20, Ryan took a “break” from college and carried his songs and dreams to Nashville, where he lived and worked for a couple of years. There he began playing open mics at the famous Blue Bird Café and before long was invited to join the invitation-only Sunday Writer's Night show. During this time, he also obtained an internship at the Country Music Association on Nashville's famed Music Row, working with Fan Fair and other exciting projects. However, with his roots still firmly planted in Texas, he returned home to finish college, earning his degree at Texas State University, in beautiful San Marcos. Today, Ryan Turner’s sights are tightly focused on the continued development of his songwriting craft and the success of the new band and album. Ryan's original work ranges from the self-deprecation of "She's No Amy" to the positive self-realization of “A Real Good Day”. However, Ryan definitely knows how to have a good time, as reflected in the feel-good first single, “Julie’s Gonna Dance”. It’s also obvious that Ryan’s paid his dues to the blues in the bittersweet ballad, “The Heart Has a Mind of Its Own.” Ryan’s music offers something for everyone, with a wide variety of material exploring a broad range of honest emotion. His work is both sincere and full of fun. With Ryan’s combination of sound writing and relentless dedication, he should look forward to a lengthy and successful career.

Adam Chittum is a transplant from Kansas City who has lived in Fort Worth for 6 years. Before Covid, Adam was gigging monthly in and around town. After a Covid he became a stay at home Dad to a beautiful daughter who never lets him practice his guitar. Both eclectic and familiar at once, Adam’s music is sure raise some eyebrows with his slightly unorthodox approach to how he interprets and confronts his own demons. Taking his cue from artists like Leonard Cohen, Ben Harper, and Damien Rice- this tortured poet has been baring it all for decades. The duality of man is on full display as Adam is admittedly a nihilistic hippie who forges ahead fueled by SSRIs, IPAs, and naps. Lots of naps.

Kevin Aldridge has been in the DFW music scene so long he can't remember when or where started. His career has been spent navigating the jangle and noise of his influences while creating original-yet-familiar songs full of depth and charm. Once described as "roots-rock Radiohead", Aldridge's bands and projects have traversed the full sonic landscape of rock music with a view from the back seat of Neil Young's hearse.

Accordion Virtuoso Ginny Mac shines with her fresh take on western swing.

Armond Vance is a multidisciplinary teaching artist originally from Toledo, Ohio. He is an active performer, composer and educator - directing a middle school orchestra and mariachi program in East Fort Worth. His performance style is a syncretic mix of hip hop, R&B and classical, with violin being his main vehicle of expression. He has performed as a soloist at the Main Street Arts Festival in Fort Worth, The Cowboys of Color Rodeo in Dickies Arena, and with the Famous Hip-hop Violin duo, Black Violin while directing the a youth ensemble. As a composer, Armond has written and arranged pieces for professional and amateur ensembles, such as the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Fort Worth ISD District Youth Orchestra, the Columbus Promusica Chamber Youth Orchestra, and the Gunn High School Chamber Orchestra at the Midwest Conference in Chicago. In 2018, Armond gave a TEDx talk at The Ohio State University called from Bach to 2Pac, where he discussed parallels between hip-hop and classical music. Armond’s ultimate life goal is to simply be happy and free.