Texas's reputation as a robust music scene home to the acentric and creatively inclined would be lost without the work that Black musicians put in. Here are just a few black Texas musicians you need to listen to.
Blakchyl
Blakchyl holds on tightly to her East Austinite roots. Many of her hits, like “Lungsful” and “Hazy Dayz,” speak candidly of her experiences in the city, spotlighting the good, the bad and the ugly. Her most recent album Better Than i Imagined restated what makes her such a Texas speciality: a hearty meal of brash rapping mixed with her warm molasses voice, and lyrics so distinctly catered to her identity as a Black queer woman that her personal flavors prove fruitless to try and replicate. Make sure to catch this versatile hidden gem at one (or both!) of her performances at SXSW this year.
-dj duderanch
Follow Blakchyl here.
Peyton
The first word that comes to mind when I listen to Peyton’s music is “vibrant.” Her angelic voice accompanies the luscious instrumentation in her songs perfectly, crafting a sound both nostalgic and fresh. This particularly rings true in her single “Make Me Say It Again, Girl,” which has elements reminiscent of ‘90s R&B, but somehow encapsulates an entirely new space — it’s something you want to listen to repeatedly. The Houston-based artist has been delivering originality and flair since 2015 and is a must-listen.
- Matty G
Follow Peyton here.
Fat Tony
Fat Tony emerged in the Houston hip-hop scene over a decade ago, making his mark as an early proprietor of indie-rap. His 2013 album Smart Ass Black Boy gained him national recognition, and he has since worked with artists such as A$AP Rocky. Fat Tony’s music mixes key lyrical elements of 2000s Houston rap with indie rock and jazz inspired instrumentation, resulting in gems like “Texas” and “Loosen Up.” He won the Best Underground Hip Hop Award at the Houston Press Music Awards from 2008-2010, and he continues to impress with his style in last year’s album, I Will Make a Baby in this Damn Economy.
-DJ Lemonhead
Follow Fat Tony here.
DeanKelly
DeanKelly, an afro beats artist from New Jersey is currently making his way through the music scene in Houston Texas. His Nigerian roots play a big role in the sound and aesthetic of his music. The prolific artist has yet to release new music since 2022 but his sound still permeates through the heart of Texas and his energetic stage presence has garnered him enough attention to keep his name in festival lineups and playlists everywhere. With more music planned for the near future, it's exciting to be a DeanKelly fan.
-dj Rat
Follow DeanKelly here.
Alesia Lani
Lani, a rising star hailing from the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, is making waves with her soulful voice and genre-blending sound. This singer-songwriter has been captivating audiences with her unique fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and pop elements. With each release, Alesia showcases her versatility and artistry, earning acclaim both locally and across the digital landscape. Keep an eye on this emerging talent as she continues to make her mark on the music industry.
-dj natothee
Follow Alesia Lani here.
Vonne
Step into the groovy world of Vonne, better known as the enchanting DJ Bootyshorts over at KVRX. With her signature blend of dreamy bedroom pop melodies infused with a touch of jazz, she effortlessly transports listeners to a sonic wonderland. Recently, Vonne graced the airwaves with a mesmerizing Black History Month radio special, delving deep into diverse narratives and offering an enlightening journey through music and culture. Her show was nothing short of captivating, leaving audiences informed and inspired. Now, it's time to show our appreciation and support for this talented artist. Catch Vonne live at our upcoming Black History Month show, where we'll celebrate her incredible talent and contributions.
-dj natothee
Follow Vonne here.
Daniel Fears
Get ready to groove with Austin's own R&B sensation, Daniel Fears, as he blurs the lines between classical finesse and soulful vibes. With a sound that's as fresh as it is timeless, Daniel's unique fusion lifts listeners to new heights. Armed with an unmistakable style that evolves with each beat, he's on a mission to redefine the boundaries of modern music. From his classical trombone roots at the University of Texas to his cutting-edge compositions, Daniel Fear's journey is one you won't want to miss.
-dj natothee
Follow Daniel Fears here.
Blumoon
Let's take it back to February 2017, when the seeds of BluMoon were first planted. This dynamic ensemble brings together a cadre of seasoned musicians: Kendra Sells on vocals, Taylor Louis on keys and synthesizers, Andrew Harkey on bass, and Austin Kinney on drums. Their melodic blend of sweet, raspy vocals and retro synthesizers creates a sonic journey that transcends both time and space. Born from the mellow vibes of San Marcos, Texas, BluMoon's debut album, "Decisions Decisions," marked the beginning of their musical odyssey. Since then, they've been lighting up stages across Texas, from cozy restaurants to lively house parties, enchanting audiences with their alternative R&B groove.
-dj natothee
Follow BluMoon here.
Jackie Vensom
Jackie Venson is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter known far and wide for her complexly beautiful music and blazing guitar skills. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Jackie has traveled the world playing to massive crowds both as a headliner and as support for major acts such as Gary Clark Jr, Melissa Etheridge, Aloe Blacc, Citizen Cope to name a few. With the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cancellation of her entire tour schedule and the wave of social change sweeping across the country in 2020, Jackie committed herself to releasing more music than ever before, connecting with her fans directly and speaking up about the change she wanted to see in her city and country. Since then, Jackie has released 2 studio albums and 2 live albums. During the pandemic, Jackie Venson also made her National TV Performance Debut on Austin City Limit’s 46th season, a huge honor for the native Austinite. Venson’s most recent release, “Ghost in the Machine”, Venson firmly established herself as a sonic force to be reckoned with out of Austin, Texas.
-dj natothee
Follow Jackie Venson here.
Melat
Introducing Melat: The Soulful Songstress with an Ethereal Touch. Hailing from the vibrant music hub of Austin, Texas, Melat is making waves with her intoxicating blend of R&B melodies and soulful vocals. Drawing from her Ethiopian heritage and American upbringing, Melat infuses her music with a captivating authenticity that sets her apart in the industry. With each release, Melat invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery and emotional exploration. Her lyrics, brimming with sincerity and depth, touch on themes of love, resilience, and the human experience. Whether she's crooning about heartbreak or empowerment, there's an undeniable honesty to her music that resonates with fans around the globe. Having garnered a dedicated following both locally and internationally, Melat continues to captivate audiences with her magnetic stage presence and ethereal sound. With each new project, she reaffirms her status as a rising star in the realm of contemporary R&B, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for this rising songstress as she continues to enchant listeners with her soul-stirring melodies and undeniable talent.
-dj natothee
Follow Melat here.
Charlie Belle
Introducing Charlie Belle: The dynamic sibling duo from Austin, Texas, captivating audiences worldwide with their infectious indie pop sound. Comprised of Jendayi Bonds and Gyasi Bonds, their music seamlessly blends shimmering guitar riffs, irresistible hooks, and Jendayi's honeyed vocals, drawing inspiration from alternative rock, folk, and indie pop. From bustling venues in Austin to global stages, Charlie Belle's catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics have garnered acclaim, making them a force to be reckoned with in the indie pop scene. With an ever-growing discography of EPs, singles, and collaborations, Charlie Belle continues to captivate listeners with their dynamic sound and undeniable talent. Keep an eye out for this duo – they're poised to leave an indelible mark on the music world, one infectious hook at a time.
-dj natothee
Follow Charlie Belle here.
We Don't Ride Llamas
Hailing from Austin and formed in 2014, We Don't Ride Llamas (WDRL) is a band of siblings, featuring Chase on lead guitar, Max on lead vocals, Blake on drums, and Kit Mitchell on bass guitar. Embracing their diverse interests ranging from sci-fi and anime to fashion and music spanning punk to funk, the members of WDRL are avid readers and self-professed nerds. While they've covered tracks from Nirvana, Pretty Sick, Pink Pantheress, and Yves Tumor, WDRL proudly identifies as an Afro Rock band. Their debut EP, "The Oracle," is now available on all major streaming platforms, inviting listeners into their captivating world of storytelling through engaging melodies.
-dj natothee