“Music can remind people they’re not alone—that’s probably the biggest thing. It can also bring people together who wouldn’t otherwise be in the same room.”

Seth James: The Soundtrack of Texas 

At first, Seth James’ story reads like plot lines…

“Music today gives people a place to connect, escape, and heal. Blues is the root of it all — rock, soul, even hip-hop grew out of it. Preserving and spreading the blues matters ’cause it’s our history, our truth, and it still speaks to what folks are going through now.”

Jay Hooks: Tequila, Bullets &…

“I think I miss the authenticity. It seems like so many people are just seeking validation and internet fame instead of focusing on the craft and originality. I'm afraid that people will just plug a few things into the AI machine and then think they did something original. My hope is that the young musicians who are true artists will shine and thrive.”

Chris…

“The blues is a vital part of history and must be spreaded around the world because it is one of the main genre in the music industry and it should be treated as such. For example,  there’s Blues, Country, Rhythm & Blues, Pop, Pop Rock, Bluegrass, Folk etc. The role of the music is to tell a story that people can relate to and the musicians role is to bring it to light by playing in every key and note that’s required.”…

"Texas Blues and the overall music scene in Texas has such a devoted following because of all the hundreds of musicians who play every kind of genre of music on the planet. Blues is the foundation of all other music."

Kent “Omar” Dykes: Lone Star Bluesman

Austin, besides being the Texas state capital, is home to much of the best in American roots…

“Texas blues is part of the truth. The truth in music blues is truth blues inspires blues history blues, and sadness. Blues is love blues is an ongoing story.”

Gary Myrick: Rock n’ Roll Lone (Blues) Star

Gary Myrick's journey as a musician began in the honky-tonks of Texas, where he first melded his rock roots…

“Music is church to me. It is sometimes my only prayer. when given the opportunity to play and share live music, it’s a chance to dance, to dive off into the Ether and get out of my own way. When I write songs, they are usually about things I am trying to understand.”

Carolyn Wonderland: The Truth of…

“Blues is such a huge part of our history, especially here in America. It transcends trends and reaches to the core of what it means to be human. Unfortunately, I think today’s society often misses the mark when it comes to music.”

Mark Nesmith: Authentic Melon Jelly Blues…

“The Blues and Rock has influenced my view of the world because it breaks barriers whether language political or other. African American blues is revered all over the world.”

Jay Willie & Bobby T. Torello:

Still Raisin’ Cane (Tribute to Johnny Winter)…

”The creativity is slow these days, the older players to me play with more passion.”

EJ Mathews: King of Backwoods Boogie

Texas native, and 2017 Living Blues Magazine’s Breakout Artist of the Year, EJ Mathews, schooled in the blues during early childhood by his…

"First of all, I think that it's important that people realize and understand the struggles and hardships Black Americans were going through when this music was first created, and how it literally influenced all American music to follow. Also, it's important for musicians of my generation to educate the younger generations on this topic, and how important Blues is for our history."

Hamilton Loomis:…

"Be true to yourself. Don’t try to please the masses too much, especially in such a very personal music style like the Blues. If you get lucky and are suddenly making big money, make sure to save some for a rainy day. Success usually won’t last forever, neither will your health."

Christian Dozzler: Blues & Boogie (Images)

More than 45…

"Music is a life long journey of discovery. It’s the one thing that I will never stop being curious about. Music is a place for me to fall in love over and over again. I guess that makes me a bit of a junkie. I just want to play live music for as long as this life will allow."

Lara Price: Soul Blues American Dream…

"Music is a tool for transcendence. Blues shows the way there. That there is a way to turn your struggles into beauty. That by being witnessed you create the path for others to do the same. This is our (human, not just white/black) history. It deserves to be honored."

Guy Forsyth: The Journeyman of Music

Austin, Texas-based musician, singer,…

"My travels have confirmed to me that music brings people together in ways that politics, culture or religion never can. I was in Austin, Texas in the early 70s when Willie Nelson brought the hippies and rednecks together. It was amazing. And I was blown away when I first went to Italy to find people who understood no English were huge Townes Van Zandt fans.  As long as music can continue to lead the way to our similarities as opposed to our differences…

"I just hope the generations of the future don’t forget the genre. There is a lot of great younger players climbing up the ranks. Hopefully they keep the blues tradition alive. I would like to see schools have more music classes and teach the kids about the culture of the blues. Today’s society tends to be too busy and fast paced. I miss the simpler times."

Lone Star Mojo: From Heart and…

"I miss the old musicians. They'll be no more Albert Collins or Freddie King. My hope for the future is to stay healthy and keep pushing."

Jim Suhler: Texas Scratch, Lone Star Blues

Jim…

"I think in general young people are looking for something to feed their spirit, with all the technology that we lean on, I think more, and more people are just looking for something real to hold onto. What could be better than the blues? So, it's actually a good time for BLUES and I'm very optimistic that it will. It will keep growing and new audience."

Sue Foley:…

"I think it's very important to have a healthy mix of technique and feeling. I feel like rock guitar leans more towards technical proficiency and blues tends to focus more on feeling and less technique. The problem with either approach is that too much technical proficiency can often start to sound a little too mathematical or academic and relying completely on feeling and ignoring technique can often sound boring and can be too stale or…

"The blues to me is a primal spirit of the human emotion."

Willie J Laws: Too Much Real Blues Deal 

Texas guitar slinger, songwriter and vocalist Willie J Laws creates music that is a soulful mixture of South Texas Blues/Funk, classic R&B, Country, Rock & Roll. William James Laws Jr. has over 30 years of performing experience and has…