KVRX's Blog and FER teams have come together to highlight some incredible Black Texas artists to check out this Black History Month and beyond!
Akina Adderly - DJ Mama CD
Music runs in Akina Adderly’s blood. Her father, the acclaimed pianist and arranger Nat Adderly Jr., was a longtime bandleader for Luther Vandross. Adderly grew up in New York and lived in LA before calling Austin home. Her soulful vocals and amalgamation of R&B and Jazz sound make her performances and music unforgettable. A producer, vocalist, songwriter and arranger, Akina is not just a solo artist, but an ensemble musician as well. Akina Adderly and the Vintage Playboys play big-band soul with a modern rock ‘n roll twist. Nori combines neo-jazz, folk, and world music. You can stream her latest single, Where Does the Love Go? on Spotify now.
Check out Akina Adderly here
Norman BA$E- DJ Mama CD
Originally from Brooklyn, Norman BA$E has called Austin home for over 20 years and his work shows his dedication to justice and hip-hop culture. Inspired by watching his mother’s VCR tapes of yo mtv raps, Ba$e’s sound combines golden-age hip-hop with a modern rap groove. BA$E frequently uses soulful samples in his production and collaborates with other hip-hop and rap artists. Stream his recent EP of songs Live From Austin Texas, and his single Smile on Spotify now.
Check out Norman Ba$e here
John Muq- DJ Mama CD
Rapidly emerging on the music scene since the release of his 2024 album Flying Away, John Muq draws from African and Western tradition in his deeply reflective resilient lyricism. Born in Uganda, and now a native of Austin, music has been an integral part of Muq’s life since childhood. Right now, he is completing his debut with producer Dan Auerbach and touring with Billy Joel, Norah Jones and Mavis Staples among others. An artist with rich vocals and a happy sound, find John Muq’s Flying Away anywhere you stream music now.
Check out John Muq here
KindKeith- DJ Mama CD
A frequent collaborator with KVRX, Keith is a household name for us. An incredibly talented keyboardist, Keith is active in the Austin music scene, in individual and collaborative projects. Their dreamy R&B alternative pop sound is ever-present and guiding in their latest single Too Easily.
Check out KindKeith here
Pleasure Venom - DJ I.V. Drip
Pleasure Venom, the experimental punk outfit from our very own Austin, Texas, have frequented my playlist since I first saw them at ACL in 2022. That year, they were touring their first album release, “Rebirth/Return,” which packed so much kinetic energy it left my ears ringing for the rest of the day. Audrey Campbell, Pleasure Venom’s lead singer, packs her lyrics with red-hot anger and rebellion which has, as of late, felt necessary to get through my days. All things said and done, I am a massive fan of their work. Though tour dates and other announcements from Pleasure Venom have been few and far between since 2023, they are certainly an act to keep your eye on.
Check out Pleasure Venom here
The Suffers - DJ Spidey
The Suffers are a Houston-based band well known for their unique mix of soul, funk, and R&B. Formed in 2011, they coined their own term to define the music they make, known as “Gulf Coast Soul”, emphasizing that a lot of their inspiration comes from music all over the gulf coast. Their lead singer Kam Franklin, is from College Station and has incredible vocals that are highlighted in the band's most recent album released in 2022, It Starts With Love.
Check out The Suffers here
Lunar RAE - DJ Spidey
Amber Baker, more well known as Lunar RAE is a musician and producer based in ATX. She works a lot on projects with notable artists like Jon Batiste and bands that specialize in psych-rock. However, her solo career is what really stands out as she combines indie with soul which is beautifully depicted in her EP released in 2021 titled Lucid. Most of her music is meant to be introspective, to connect listeners through relatable lyrics and soulful melodies.
Check out Lunar Rae here
34K - DJ Spidey
34K (Karrington Donald) is a singer-songwriter as well as guitarist located in San Antonio who blends elements of soul, R&B, and pop to create her own personalized tune. Inspired by music artists such as John Mayer and Jill Scott, she focuses her talent on expressing her emotions through music. Not only that but 34K’s love for the video game Guitar Hero inspired her to pick up the instrument at the age of 11. Originally from Louisiana, she reflects her roots in her music by creating Neo Soul/alternative-driven songs focused on overcoming life’s trials and spreading peace.
Check out 34K here