Although some members of Spoon don't live in Austin, they are an Austin original Ausitn Bands & MUSICIANS
YOU HAVE TO SEE

Everybody and their grandma is a musician in Austin. There are over 2,000 recording acts and a total of 8,785 musicians in all genres of music, but especially folk, Americana, rhythm and blues, indie rock, and country. I've narrowed the list down to Austin's best bands and musicians as I see it. If you see any of the following names in the music section of the Austin Chronicle, be sure to check them out.

Alejandro Escovedo

Musicians the world 'round are huge fans of Alejandro, but somehow this remarkable singer-songwriter never lands a hit song on the radio. In his case, this is a good thing. As a Hispanic coming out of the late-'70s punk rock movement, Alejandro blends what he knows into a fascinating, moving arrangement of words, melodies, and rhythms that reach all audiences. The best place to see him is at the Cactus Café.

And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead

This punk-influenced alternative rock band got their start by playing Emo's as much as possible, but somehow they became more popular in the rest of the country before they really got recognized in Austin. Occasionally they still play in front of a sold-out crowd at Emo's and other smaller venues around town.

Asleep at the Wheel

Austinites, and all of Texas for that matter, have always tapped their toes to the traditional country music pumped out by Asleep at the Wheel. This prolific Grammy award-winning band has survived the terrors of Nashville by sticking to their cause of keeping Western Swing alive and kicking. They still tour around Texas from time to time. If you can catch them at Gruene Hall in the Hill Country you are sure to enter Western nirvana, and the only way to get there is by dancing.

Bob Schneider

The artist that has the power and charisma to reach fans of many music genres is Bob Schneider. He's a skillful songwriter who puts on a spectacular show and somehow comes across as honest in his search for mainstream appeal. His folky rock approach sounds like Neil Young meets Beck.

Bruce Robison

The tradition of country ballads of love gone wrong is carried on by Bruce Robison. But don't expect a Stetson and boots on Bruce because he's more of a quiet, contemplative, urban guy that resembles John Cusack. Catch him at the Broken Spoke and other Hill Country venues.

Charlie Robison

Contemporary country that I like to call tractor pop is provided by Charlie Robison. Originally from Houston, Charlie landed in Austin by way of Bandera, and walked straight into the CMT scene. He's a strong country staple for Central Texas, and performs all over the state and the United States. The best place to see him live is at Gruene Hall in the Hill Country.

Iron & Wine

Soft spoken alternative folk master Sam Beam recently relocated to the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This Sub Pop artist doesn't perform live that often, so if his name is listed in the Chronicle you best buy your tickets ASAP.

Charlie Sexton

Not many Austinites have graced the cover of Rolling Stone in their teens, but Charlie Sexton is one of those few. This prodigy had a hit in the 1980s with "Beat's So Lonely," which was an MTV hit, then he seemed to vanish. For most of the '90s and into the 21st century he was a studio musician and songwriter for some top musicians. In fact Bob Dylan handpicked Charlie to write and perform with him for a long stint in the '90s. Recently Charlie has released a folk/adult alternative record to much acclaim.

Dale Watson

Country music has been carefully preserved by local legend Dale Watson. When Nashville gave the boot to country legends such as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson and started pumping out atrocious pop Western sounds, Dale dug deep into the classics for inspiration. Dale is best enjoyed while sipping on a Lone Star at the Broken Spoke or the Little Longhorn Saloon.

Dixie Chicks

Everyone has heard of the popular but controversial self-made all-girl country band the Dixie Chicks. Although they generally have to stick to stadiums they occasionally surface around town.

Grady

This southern Hard Rock band consistently puts on powerful shows fraught with hooks and riffs inspired by blues and '70s rock. Grady features seasoned musicians Grady Johnson from the Canadian band Sugar and Whip Layton, who played with Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Arch Angels.

James McMurtry

Blue collar singer-songwriter James McMurtry is a staple around town. He's perpetually performing, and people are perpetually enamored by his unique folk- and blues-based songs that talk about real down-home people in tough real-life situations.

Willie Nelson

Country music legend Willie Nelson is one of the hardest-working artists in Texas. He performs all over Austin and the Hill Country. Seeing him perform here is seeing him perform in his own backyard, and his comfort on local stages really comes through. In fact, despite his age he cuts loose and takes his audience on a ride through his standards, coupled with lots of country classics, all faster and juiced up.

Patti Griffin

This spectacular singer-songwriter has been deep in the background of the music industry and hasn't fully walked onto the mainstream stage for reasons unknown. She has performed with and written songs for some of today's top folk and country acts such as the Dixie Chicks, Lucinda Williams, and Emmylou Harris.

Spoon

Alternative rockers Spoon are Austin's music scene personified. They've been around for years and years performing and recording records that fly beneath the radar. It wasn't until 2005 that they finally broke into the mainstream, and this didn't break their original sound as mainstream often does. Although they generally command high ticket prices and require big venues, they still pop up around town for a low-key show from time to time.

Stevie Ray Vaughan

This American blues guitar legend may have passed away back in 1990, but I'm confident his ghost is cruising all around Austin's music venues. You can pay homage to one of the most influential electric blues musicians in history by visiting his life-size statue on Lady Bird Lake.

The Sword

Heavy metal and stoner rock has found its way to Austin with the rise of The Sword. These young, semi-nerdy, fully cool kids blast audiences with riff after riff-the kind that made Black Sabbath scary. If you catch them at Emo's be sure to wad up some toilet paper in your ears unless you enjoy tinnitus.