Local Texas Bands Releasing New Music, Bands From Out of Town Coming to Your City on Tour – We Have It All for You in This Month’s Texas Tunes. The obvious one for Austin this month is Austin City Limits, which is the first two weekends of October. Check out our preview article here!

#1 Paul Cauthen

Rising country star Paul Cauthen is set to release his highly anticipated album, Black on Black, on Oct. 25 via Atlantic Records. This marks his first major label project and features 12 tracks that capture his experiences traveling across America, both on his motorcycle and in a tour bus. The album was recorded in his hometown of Tyler, Texas, with longtime collaborator Jason Burt, and showcases Cauthen’s distinct baritone voice, which has earned him the nickname “Big Velvet.” Influences from hip hop production, ‘70s blues rock, and East Texas Western styles are woven throughout the music.

Cauthen, an East Texas native, has been gaining recognition in the country music scene through collaborations and live performances. Notable recent highlights include a duet with Lana Del Rey at Stagecoach, which marked her only appearance at the festival, and features on Shaboozey’s latest album. With a reputation as a dedicated road warrior, he has toured extensively across North America, sharing stages with artists like Margo Price, Orville Peck, and Cody Jinks. So far, Cauthen has released the tracks “Sweetheart From the Trailer Park,” “Black on Black,” and “Hot Damn” from the upcoming album.

#2 Charly Bliss

Charly Bliss – Eva Hendricks, Sam Hendricks, Spencer Fox, and Dan Shure – have recently released their highly anticipated power pop album, FOREVER. The record has garnered praise from prominent outlets including NPR, Rolling Stone, and The FADER, with critics describing it as “the best record of the band’s career.” The album features intricate instrumentation that captures a lifetime of emotions and the band’s deep-rooted friendship, creating sonically rich tracks that resonate with listeners.

Produced by Jake Luppen of Hippo Campus and Caleb Wright of Samia, FOREVER combines tightly crafted songs with expansive emotional depth. The music is characterized by vibrant melodies that evoke the visual excitement of fireworks. The band is set to embark on a tour next month, with a performance scheduled at Parish in Austin on Oct. 4.

#3 Ginger Root

Ginger Root, the musical project of multi-instrumentalist Cameron Lew from Southern California, has released his long-awaited third LP, SHINBANGUMI, marking his debut with Ghostly International. The album reflects Lew’s signature style, blending “aggressive elevator soul” with elements of synth-pop, alt-disco, and boogie, all influenced by his appreciation for 1970s and ’80s music, particularly the dialogue between Japanese City Pop and its Western counterparts. The release also features a visual album component, enhancing the auditory experience.

To celebrate the album, Ginger Root is embarking on a headline tour, with a stop at Emo’s in Austin, scheduled for Oct. 29. With a discography that includes singles like “No Problems,” “Better Than Monday,” and “All Night,” Lew continues to captivate audiences with his unique sound and thoughtful production. He describes SHINBANGUMI as a new chapter in his artistic journey, showcasing a more poised and intentional approach to his music.

#4 Quarters of Change

New York rock band Quarters of Change is hitting the road with indie-pop group The Hails for a high-energy tour this fall. Both bands have recently released new music, with Quarters of Change debuting their sophomore album Portraits and The Hails launching a deluxe version of their debut album What’s Your Motive. This collaboration promises to deliver some of the most electric performances of their careers, starting with dates in Texas, including Oct. 6 at Club Dada in Dallas, Oct. 7 at Last Concert Cafe in Houston, and Oct. 8 at Scoot Inn in Austin.

The tour kicks off in Richmond, Virginia, before heading into Florida and the South. Along the way, Quarters of Change will share stages with Two Door Cinema Club for select shows and later team up with aldn for the second leg of the tour, which will culminate in their first trip to the UK. Both bands made their Governor’s Ball debut this summer, and they plan to close out the year with a significant hometown performance in New York City. 

#5 The Dip

Seattle-based Rhythm and Blues band The Dip will perform at Scoot Inn in Austin on Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Known for their poignant songwriting and vintage sound, the group features a three-piece horn section that blends soul, funk, and jazz influences. The Dip’s latest album, Love Direction, released July 12, 2024, showcases their evolution, combining dynamic arrangements with introspective lyrics that explore the complexities of relationships.

The band has garnered acclaim for their polished yet handmade approach to music, highlighted in tracks like the title song “Love Direction,” which blends familiar funky guitar lines with atmospheric elements. Their performances are marked by tight-knit horn harmonies and a strong groove, creating a distinct sonic character that resonates with audiences. As they embark on their latest tour, The Dip aims to bring their new album’s rich sound and intricate themes to life on stage, promising an engaging experience for fans of all ages.

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Cover Photo by Martin Robles on Unsplash

Gracie Watt is a regular contributor to Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a graduate of St. Edward’s University in Austin, with a degree in Journalism. Watt is also a Lifestyle Producer at NBC-affiliate KXAN’s Studio 512. When she’s not writing, Watt enjoys singing, playing the guitar and doing volunteer work.