Houston Rock Music: The Best Bands in the Scene
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Houston has a thriving rock music scene, and we’ve got the inside scoop on the best bands in the area. From up-and-coming artists to established acts, there’s something for everyone.
Houston rock music: an overview of the scene
Houston has always been known for its vast and vibrant music scene, and rock music is no exception. The city has produced some of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time, from ZZ Top to Poison 13 to Blue October.
Today, Houston’s rock music scene is as strong as ever, with a new generation of talented bands carrying on the city’s musical legacy. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best Houston-based rock bands that are making waves in the local music scene.
The best Houston rock bands
Houston has a thriving rock music scene, and there are many great bands to choose from. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best Houston rock bands. Whether you’re looking for something new to listen to or a band to see live, these are the groups that you should check out.
Houston rock venues
Standpipe Coffee House
This relaxed Heights haunt is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee and some local tunes. With a stage that has hosted the likes of Lyle Lovett, Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt, the Standpipe is one of Houston’s most legendary music venues.
The Continental Club
Another Houston institution, the Continental Club has been showcasing local and national talent since 1955. This dive bar has a great vibe and always has something going on, whether it’s live music or DJ nights.
Notsuoh
Located in Downtown Houston, Notsuoh is a eclectic venue that frequently hosts rock bands. With a mix of local and national acts, there’s always something interesting going on at this unique spot.
Houston rock festivals
There are plenty of great rock festivals in Houston every year. Here are some of the best:
Free Press Summer Fest
One of the biggest and best rock festivals in Houston, Free Press Summer Fest features two days of music on six stages, with more than 100 bands performing. There’s also a huge variety of food and drink vendors, and a kids’ area with interactive games and activities.
The fest takes place in early June at Eleanor Tinsley Park, and tickets start at just $50 for a single day or $80 for a two-day pass.
Day For Night
This unique festival combines music with cutting-edge visual arts, resulting in an immersive and unforgettable experience. past headliners have included everyone from Björk to Kendrick Lamar to Solange, and the lineup for this year’s fest is sure to be just as incredible.
Day For Night takes place over two days in December at the Post HTX complex in downtown Houston. Tickets start at $145 for a single day or $250 for a two-day pass.
Houston rock radio
Houston rock radio is strong and active, with many stations catering to the city’s large and passionate rock music community. There are also a number of great local bands making waves in the Houston rock scene. Here are some of the best Houston rock bands to check out.
The Suffers
The Suffers are a Gulf Coast soul group with a sound that infuses elements of classic R&B, country, Latin, and rock. The band’s debut album, Gulf Coast Soul, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim.
Dirty River Boys
Dirty River Boys are a Texas country band with a sound that blends singer-songwriter intimacy with raucous honky-tonk energy. The band’s debut album, Science of Flight, was released in 2013.
Buyer’s Remorse
Buyer’s Remorse is a Houston-based punk rock band that formed in 2016. The band’s sound is fast, loud, and urgent, with politically charged lyrics that explore topics like class warfare and social injustice.
Houston rock history
Houston has a long and storied rock history. From early garage and punk bands to the rise of metal and alternative rock, the city has produced some of the best rock bands in the scene. Here are some of the most iconic Houston rock bands of all time.
The 13th Floor Elevators
One of the most important garage rock bands of all time, the 13th Floor Elevators were a major influence on the development of psychedelic rock. The band’s 1967 debut album, The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators, is considered one of the first psychedelic rock albums ever released.
The Big Boys
One of Houston’s first punk bands, The Big Boys were known for their fusion of punk and hip hop. The band’s 1983 album, Where’s My Towel?, is considered a classic of early punk-funk.
The Butthole Surfers
One of Houston’s most successful alternative rock bands, The Butthole Surfers rose to prominence in the early 1990s with their mix of avant-garde noise and pop hooks. The band’s 1993 album, Independent Worm Saloon, was a commercial and critical success, and remains one of their best-loved releases.
The influence of Houston rock
Houston rock is a term used to describe the local music scene of the city of Houston, Texas. The city is home to a wide variety of rock bands and genres, including indie rock, punk rock, metal, and more.
Houston has a long history of rock music, dating back to the 1950s withthe rise of Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. In the 1960s, Houston was at the forefront of the psychedelic rock movement with bands like 13th Floor Elevators and Josefus. The 1970s saw the rise of punk rock in Houston with bands like The Suspects and Dead Horse.
The 1980s was a golden age for Houston rock, with bands like Rotten Imps, Really Red, Scattered Pages, and Ed Hall gaining national acclaim. The 1990s saw a decline in the Houston rock scene, but the 2000s have seen a resurgence with bands like Bang Bangz, Black Market Syndicate,and Grandfather Child leading the way.
The future of Houston rock
Houston has long been a city known for its southern hospitality and its diverse music scene. In recent years, the Houston rock music scene has begun to gain national attention. This is due in part to the success of local bands such as The Tontons and The Suffers, who have both received critical acclaim from music publications such as Pitchfork and NPR.
The future of Houston rock looks bright, with a number of up-and-coming bands beginning to make a name for themselves. Here are some of the best Houston rock bands to keep an eye on in the coming years:
The Tontons – The Tontons are a five-piece band that formed in 2007. They have released two albums, 2011’s Golden and 2014’s Tomorrow Forever. Their music has been described as “a perfect blend of indie rock, pop, R&B, and psychedelia.”
The Suffers – The Suffers are an eight-piece band that formed in 2011. Their debut album, 2015’s Make Some Room, was met with critical acclaim, with NPR calling it “a triumph.” Their sound has been described as “a gumbo of genres that shouldn’t work but absolutely do.”
Black Kite – Black Kite is a five-piece band that formed in 2012. They have released one album, 2016’s Loomer, which was praised by Pitchfork for its “atmospheric textures and ethereal melodies.”
Wild Moccasins – Wild Moccasins are a five-piece band that was formed in 2007. They have released three albums: 2008’s Skin Collision Past, 2010’s Two Worlds Leaving, and 2014’s 88 92. Their sound has been described as “a unique blend of indie rock, pop, and African rhythms.”
The Niceguys – The Niceguys are a four-piece rap group that formed in 2006. They have released four albums: 2007’s James Keenan EP, 2009’s The Show,, 2011’s EG2S 1NFINITY,, and 2013’s After Hours 2: The Get Back EP. Their sound has been descried as “a unique mix of southern hip hop
Houston rock in the national spotlight
Houston rock is in the national spotlight. This is a scene that has been bubbling under the surface for years and is finally getting the recognition it deserves. There are a plethora of great bands in Houston, and this list features some of the best.
The oriGins
The origins of Houston rock can be traced back to the city’s rich musical history. The early years of rock n’ roll were heavily influenced by blues and R&B, and Houston was a hotbed for both genres. Artists like Janis Joplin, Johnny Winter, and ZZ Top all got their start in Houston clubs. The city was also home to influential record labels like Peacock Records, which helped promote the careers of artists like Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown and Albert Collins.
In the 1970s, Houston’s musical landscape began to change. The city’s clubs began booking more punk and New Wave acts, and a new generation of Houstonians was exposed to this exciting new music. Bands like The Scattered Pages and The Hunger became fixtures on the local scene, and they helped pave the way for future Houston rock bands.
The 1980s saw Houston’s rock scene explode. Bands like Dead Horse, Insect Warfare, . . . And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead,and Dilated Peoples all got their start in the city during this decade. The 1990s were equally as influential, as bands like from Zero and Jude Cole began to make a name for themselves.
The 2000s have been a banner decade for Houston rock. The Strokes rose to international fame in 2001 with their debut album “Is This It,” followed by White Stripes’ “Elephant” in 2003. Interpol’s “Antics” arrived in 2004, giving New York City its first taste of Houston rock. Band of Horses’ “Cease to Begin” was released in 2007 to critical acclaim, solidifying Houston’s place as one of America’s premier rock scenes.
The international reach of Houston rock
Houston rock has been described as “a shadowy netherworld whereB-52’s-style new wave, Doorsy classic rock, metal, punk and pop collide.” It’s a melting pot of genres that has produced some highly acclaimed bands over the years, including the Geto Boys, ZZ Top and Destiny’s Child.
The city has also been home to a number of influential record labels, including SugarHill Records, which was responsible for launching the careers of numerous Houston-based artists in the 1970s. More recently, Swishahouse Records helped to put Houston on the map as a key player in the Southern rap scene.
Houston rock music is characterized by its diversity and its ability to cross borders and boundaries. The city’s unique blend of cultures has resulted in a sound that is both distinctly Houstonian and internationally appealing.