Tag: Texas musicians

Seth James Releases ‘Motormouth’: A New Era of Texas Soul and Blues

Seth James announces new album ‘Motormouth.’ Photo: Erin Valkner, used with permission.

Texas Soul Meets Nashville Groove: Seth James Drops New Album ‘Motormouth’

NASHVILLE, TN — The wait is over for fans of authentic, soul-infused roots music. Texas-bred guitarist and singer-songwriter Seth James has officially released his latest album Motormouth via Qualified Records. (Aristo PR, 2026)

Produced by multi-Grammy winner Kevin McKendree, the project features groove-driven songwriting, further solidifying James as a premier voice in the modern blues and roots circuit.

A Legacy of Lone Star Excellence

A veteran of the Texas music scene, James didn’t take shortcuts to success. He built his reputation through years of sweat and strings in roadhouses, blues clubs, and major festival stages. While his sound pays homage to legends like Delbert McClinton, James’ disciplined songwriting and distinct voice have earned him a devoted following through previous acclaimed albums like Different Hat and Good Life.

The Making of ‘Motormouth’

The album was recorded at the legendary Rock House studio in Franklin, Tennessee. To bring these songs to life, James assembled an elite “all-star” roster of session heavyweights:

  • Kevin McKendree: Piano and Organ
  • Rob McNelley: Guitar
  • Steve Mackey: Bass
  • Lynn Williams: Drums
  • The Time Jumpers: Featured members

“Kevin speaks a musical language that’s rare these days,” James says of the collaboration. “He truly understands where I come from musically… It’s akin to making music with family.”

McKendree was equally inspired by the sessions, noting that James possesses a “rare mix of raw emotion and pure soul.”

Building on Chart-Topping Momentum

Motormouth arrives as the highly anticipated follow-up to Lessons, James’ debut with Qualified Records. That project didn’t just resonate with fans, it dominated the industry, hitting No. 1 on the Blues charts and breaking into the Top 25 on the Americana charts.

With this new release, James leans harder into his signature blend of:

  • Deep Texas Blues
  • Stax-inspired Soul
  • Gritty Roots Rock

Catch Seth James Live

To celebrate the launch, Seth James will be hitting the road for a series of high-profile appearances. Mark your calendars for the official release event and upcoming tour dates:

DateLocation / EventVenue
May 8Franklin, TNMockingbird Theater (Release Event)
TBATexas TourVarious Locations
TBASandy Beaches CruiseAt Sea
SeptNashville, TNAmericana Music Festival

‘Motormouth’ is available now on all major streaming platforms and via Qualified Records.

Motormouth Track Listing:

  1. “Why Should I Suffer”
  2. “Motormouth”
  3. “I’m In Trouble”
  4. “It’s Later Than You Think”
  5. “I’ll Be Gone”
  6. “High Horse”
  7. “I Can’t Find Your Mind”
  8. “Just A Thought”
  9. “I Can’t Wait”
  10. “I Got To Know”
  11. “Lonely Avenue”
  12. “I Feel The Burden”
  13. “Start A Brand New Day”

From ‘Yellowstone’ to ‘Honkiest of Tonkers’: Garrett Bradford’s Musical Journey

Texas country artist Garrett Bradford releases Honkiest of Tonkers Part 1 – out now. Photo: WT Fletcher, used with permission.

Nashville, Tennessee – Texas country artist Garrett Bradford has officially released Honkiest of Tonkers – Part 1, the highly anticipated first installment of his two-part album. Out now via H.O.T. Records and available on all streaming platforms (Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and more), the album delivers a collection of boot-stomping honky-tonk anthems and dynamic tracks showcasing Bradford’s signature grit and deep Texas roots. The second installment, Honkiest of Tonkers – Part 2, is set to arrive on April 11, 2025. (Aristo PR, 2025)

Fans got an early taste of the album with lead singles “Watching You Burn,” “Do You (I Do),” and “Bad Girl Good.” Part 2 will follow a similar rollout, featuring “She Loves Horses” (March 21) and “Firefly” (April 4) ahead of its full release. 

This is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Bradford, with his music gaining traction across major platforms. His single “Watching You Burn” landed on playlists, including Spotify’s All New Country, CMT’s Roundup, and ACM’s Fresh New Finds. Meanwhile, “Do You (I Do)” was featured on Apple Music’s New in Country playlist. Additionally, Country Evolution named Bradford to their Artists to Watch in 2025 list, further cementing his status as one of country music’s most exciting rising stars.

Bradford’s music has also caught the attention of critics, earning high praise for its traditional honky-tonk grit: “Pure, classically old-fashioned, 100% hardcore Texas honky tonk. Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of this type of music and trust me; this is stellar honky tonk country where the singer/songwriter has lived every word and note … Bradford is the real deal.” – The Rocking Magpie

Raised on a ranch in Weatherford, Texas, and deeply connected to the Western and rodeo lifestyle, Garrett’s music is infused with authenticity and a genuine understanding of the cowboy way of life. His background in ranching, rodeo, and bucking stock, combined with his natural talent as a songwriter and performer, makes him a true storyteller who captures the heart and soul of the West in every song.

Bradford burst onto the Texas music scene in 2020 with his debut EP. His breakout single, This Way of Life, was featured on the hit TV series Yellowstone (Season 3, Episode 9), catapulting him into the spotlight. The track became the most Shazammed country song in the U.S. the day after its airing, climbing to #32 on the iTunes Country Top 40 Chart.

Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed writer, producer, and director behind Yellowstone and its prequels (1883, 1923), as well as Landman and Lioness, played a pivotal role in inspiring Garrett’s music career. Sheridan’s mentorship and belief in Bradford’s authentic storytelling helped reignite his passion and opened doors for his music to reach a wider audience. 

In 2023, Bradford was recognized as the songwriting winner of Texas Songwriter U, a prestigious program hosted by Jack Ingram, Liz Rose, and BMI. With over 60,000 monthly streams and a loyal fanbase, Bradford has solidified his place in the world of Texas country music, performing more than 600 shows and keeping dance floors packed across the state.

His ability to blend authentic Texas grit with compelling lyrics and dynamic performances positions Honkiest of Tonkers as a standout project that true country fans can appreciate.

Honkiest of Tonkers – Part 1

  1. Honkiest of Tonkers (Garrett Bradford)
  2. Bad Girl Good (Garrett Bradford, Greg Manuel Sr.)
  3. Keep On Drivin’ (Garrett Bradford, Jami Grooms)
  4. Do You (I Do) (Garrett Bradford, Greg Manuel Sr.)
  5. Watching You Burn (Garrett Bradford, Logan Jarvis, Greg Manuel Sr., Greg Manuel Jr.)
  6. 50 In The Fast Lane (Garrett Bradford)
  7. Peterbilt Pipe Dream (Garrett Bradford)
  8. Bulletproof (Garrett Bradford, Greg Manuel Sr., Greg Manuel Jr., Kristina Van Dyne, Yale Van Dyne)
  9. Honky Tonk Devil (Garrett Bradford, Greg Manuel Sr.)