New releases and tours in Texas– we have some of the best of the month of July rounded up here for you in this month’s #TexasTunes.

#1 Parker Twomey

Rising country-folk songwriter Parker Twomey will release his debut album “All This Life” on July 15 (PRE-SAVE). Recorded at The Echo Lab Studio and co-produced by Beau Bedford (Texas Gentlemen, Paul Cauthen) and Matt Pence (John Moreland, Jason Isbell, Justin Townes Earle), the 11-song album is the unveiling of a new artist with sky-high potential. 

Twomey (pronounced “Too-Me”) recently released the album’s first single “I’d Be Your Man” (HERE) and is now launching a second, the longing and upbeat Western, “Counting Down the Days” (HERE).

#2 Courtney Barnett

Shot on vivid 16mm film over a three-year period, “ANONYMOUS CLUB” chronicles notoriously shy, Melbourne-based musician Courtney Barnett’s ups and downs on the world tour for her album Tell Me How You Really Feel. 

Featuring Barnett’s unguarded narration from her audio diary, recorded on a dictaphone provided by filmmaker Danny Cohen, the film delivers frank and unprecedented insight into Barnett’s creative process, the sacrifices and inner conflicts set in motion by fame, and the sometimes dark backdrop to her whimsical, relatable poetic compositions.

#3 Particle Kid + Willie Nelson

Particle Kid, aka Micah Nelson, and his legendary father Willie Nelson duet on a new single, “Die When I’m High (Halfway To Heaven)”. The duo shared a video via Rolling Stone, prior to the track dropping via all DSPs.

Particle Kid and Willie Nelson will hit the road as part of the Outlaw Music Festival. A limited-edition, wood carved single of “Die When I’m High (Halfway To Heaven)” will be available exclusively at the dates. They’ll be in Dallas at Dos Equis Pavilion on July 2 and in Austin at Q2 Stadium on July 4. 

#4 Pale Waves

Rising indie stars, and one of the hottest bands out of the UK, Pale Waves will be opening for 5 Seconds of Summer’s North American tour amidst releasing new music ahead of their August album– they come to Austin, TX on 7/24 at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Greenway.

Pale Waves have made a name for themselves by inspiring inclusivity and self-discovery and creating an accepting place for their passionate fans looking to find a community. The band’s new album “Unwanted” will be out August 12 on Dirty Hit (home to The 1975, beabadoobee, etc.), featuring lead single “Lies” which premiered on BBC Radio 1 as Hottest Record In The World.

#5 The Western Express

Pro Country debuted The Western Express’ “Flower of the Rio Grande,” the first single from their upcoming full-length album, “Lunatics, Lovers & Poets.” With a swaggering, moody Mex-Tex feel, “Flower of the Rio Grande” tells the story of a lovelorn man roaming the desert, as Castillo puts it: “searching for the dark-eyed woman who now only lives in his dreams.” A lonesome fiddle and a reverbed-out electric guitar dance in and out of Castillo’s vocal melody, painting a cool desert evening scene. “He wants her and she knows it,” says Brush. “And she’s not giving in that easily.” 

Fans can check out the music video for “Flower of the Rio Grande” now at this link and stream it here. Catch them live in July in Austin at Guero’s Oak Garden on the 16 and Broken Spoke Dancehall on July 20. 

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Cover Photo courtesy Eric Nopanen, Unplash

Gracie Watt is the Editorial Assistant at 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.