{Up and Comer} The Badlands Band

Welcome to the second edition of Up and Comers. Yes, I realize this was supposed to be a monthly Galleywinter feature. So sue me. Things in my life have taken a rather abrupt turn recently. As many of you have already heard, I have moved to Tampa, FL. Yes I know, what the hell am I doing in Tampa when all the music is in Texas? Well it was a move associated with my job and it was an opportunity I could just not pass up. But that’s not why you’re reading this. You want the music right? Well without further ado, here goes…

The Badlands Band is a band that is taking north Texas and the D/FW area by storm (according to their website.) However, it’s a band that is more likely take the whole Texas music scene by storm soon. They recently headed back to the studio to record an album with the working title of “Drink or Shut Up.” While the band says the studio work is great, many say their live show is really where it’s at. At home on stage and restless when they are not playing, they mix country, metal, rock, Texas blues with a hell of a good time. Front man John Crocker describes it as “Texas Music with a Pantera attitude.” They are on already on the bill for Larry Joe Taylor Festival in the spring. Like most bands, they play a few covers but the original songs are what we here at Galleywinter are all about spreading. With that said, we are proud to feature two songs available for your listening pleasure. “Sunny Day in Gruene” and “El Diablo.” Download them, share them and go see their show. I’m sure you’ll be impressed as many others already are.

Our second artist for Up and Comer this month is Drew Cowan. Many of you have seen his shows or at least heard of him. Erin, (Countrykid8) the lucky winner of my improptu New Year’s Day CD giveaway got Drew Cowan’s CD entitled “Circus.” I’m sure she, like the growing number of Mr Cowan’s fans, will be pleased. If you’re not a current fan, you probably will be after hearing these tracks. Drew Cowan is one of the rising stars of Texas music. He and Magee Payne are already working out the details for an east coast starting this month. Quite an accomplishment for a young singer/songwriter who is just starting to make waves on the scene. You can order Drew Cowan’s album at his website while you are checking out his schedule. Also included are lyrics, links and news. There isn’t a lot more I can say about Drew as you just have to listen to the music to feel the emotion and heart behind every note of every song he plays. Download “Mary” and “Unwound” and go see his show. You will certainly not be disappointed.