It’s tough to navigate social media these days and not run into artists and songwriters complaining about getting buried in algorithms, not selling enough tickets on tour, not being able to find the traction to keep sustainable careers going, not being able to get past gatekeepers and locked doors in the industry, and how the hustle to become “content creators” drains their creative energy for making actual music.
The Hook was built to help address these problems by providing a video platform for both established songwriters, and up-and-comers by allowing anyone to be able to sign up for the opportunity to perform a song. Though it’s still early and we’re only up to Episode 5 in Austin, the grassroots community and the kind of conversations that need to happen to build a more sustainable future in music are already taking shape.
The special guest performer and panelist for Episode 5 was Grammy-nominated songwriter, guitarist, and banjo picker Tony Kamel, who just released a new acoustic album called Live From The Bunker. The former member of the Austin-based bluegrass band Wood & Wire started the show off singing his song “John,” and then offered some great insight as a musician who spent nine years of his life in the business full-time, and now balances his musical life with other pursuits so he can be home with his family more.
The first performer selected randomly was Aden Rackley who made a big impression on Episode 4 with his song “Katydid.” He performed his new song “Wrong Side of Sober” to a favorable response once again. You get the sense that Rackly is one of the performers you’ll look back on and say, “Remember when we first saw him on that show ‘The Hook?’” as his career takes off.
Brian Tell came up and performed the song “Remembering You From The Future.” Perhaps one of the coolest moments of the entire episode is when he revealed that his performance was the first time he’d ever played guitar left handed. Naturally left handed, he’d been told to learn how to play with his right. But feeling like he’d hit a creative wall, and decided to make the switch. It’s this kind of experimentation and trying things out that The Hook was built for. Brian is also in the band The Loveshakers.
Boone Carter left a big, boomy impression with his engrossing dark country roots song “The Woods.” He also has a band called the Gilded Lows that specializes in a unique Gothic country sound. Both his performance, and the song itself received high praise from the panel. He also revealed that he’s been working on the new massive multi-part documentary They Called Us Outlaws.
Owen Stroud is another artist that you just know is on the brink of breaking out big time. He’s already playing gigs at places like Gruene Hall. Though his primary instrument is a piano, he showed up with a guitar and put a full band’s worth of energy out behind his song “I Want Her Near Me,” capturing the fervent desire of a pining heart. This guy feels like a big stage act just waiting to be discovered.
The only possible way to try and follow the impassioned performance from Owen Stroud was to go completely intimate. That is what Kat Costolo did with her song “Mother,” written for her son upon his graduation. It was a teary-eyed performance for Kat, and many others in the audience. Kat also talked about her really cool Austin-based music podcast/YouTube show Austin Downbeat. Some of her previous interview subjects include The Hook Gold Patch winners Katrina Cain and Tuskola, along with Boone Carter.
Reverend Leon Bush from Taylor, TX presented a very interesting character, and a riveting song about a shady preacher based off a real life individual who was in one of his father’s bands. The Rev is one of those kinds of guys that gets up on stage and you can’t wait to hear him sing a song. And then when he does, he doesn’t let you down.
Marsha Craft made her third appearance on the show, first showing up to the inaugural episode in Austin, and since then making bigger and bigger impressions each time. Her song “Jilted” is a perfect specimen of her propulsive, brutally honest, and vulnerable songwriting, while she set a new benchmark belting out the lines with both beauty and force.
The show was closed out by Gold Patch winner Tuskola singing a new song “Buffalo.” If he hadn’t already won the Gold Patch previous—which affords anyone the opportunity to perform on The Hook any time they choose—he would have earned it again for the new song.
The next taping of The Hook happens on Sunday, June 21st from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at Sagebrush in Austin. If you want to sign up for a chance to perform, arrive by 2:30.
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The Hook is not just for songwriters. Fans of songwriting are also encouraged to stop by. For more information, visit savingcountrymusic.com/thehook. Please subscribe to The Hook’s YouTube Channel, and follow The Hook on Instagram and Facebook.
The Hook is sponsored by Ear Trumpet Labs, Keystone Artist Connect, The Willie Bus, Mule Kick Productions, JWA Media, and Sagebrush.
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