The Hook Searches For ‘Who’s Next?’
In an era when it’s harder and harder for up-and-coming talent to find a foot in the door, The Hook was built to break down barriers and let ANYONE have an opportunity to play a song in front of an attentive audience, a panel of experts, and a viewership worldwide. Along with featuring established songwriters, The Hook has already found some songwriters that very well could be “next,” including multiple ones who appeared on the latest episode (Episode 12), now up on YouTube.
Episode 12’s special guest performer was Central Texas songwriter Mason Lively, who has just released a unique album called Hill Country Sound that combines originals and covers from some of the songwriters who inspired his music. Specifically he played a song called “Someday” inspired by being a father before taking a seat at the Hook table with co-host for the show, Rita Ballou of KOKE.
The Episode featured a record number of performances (14), with an excellent Austin banjo player named Noah Griffin starting off the random-picked performers with a hard-charging clawhammer song called “Madman (Beast of Burden).” This was followed by a returning performer Jason Kosmas and his song “Emily Empathy.”
Sometimes it’s not just the performances that are worth the effort to witness The Hook, but the insight songwriters share. Sterling Cabbiness is a great local-based pop-oriented songwriter, musician, and producer. After playing a really personal song called “Give Me A Reason,” he said, “I really challenge myself to reach down as far as I can and say stuff that was really uncomfortable to say because as songwriters, I think what makes our job so interesting is that we’re the people who really try to force a connection with people. If you’re not giving everything, what are you doing?”
Both the Salernos (father and son) once again made appearances, with pops singing the song “End of the World,” and Gold Patch winner Owen Salerno singing his song “The Whale.” Once Owen explained the meaning of the song, it really hit hard just how impactful and insightful his songwriting really is. Owen could definitely be one of those “next” songwriters, along with Aden Rackley, who made his return singing the song “Hazel” with one of those cutting double-meaning turns that he does so well.
Other returning performers included Jason Michael Kelley, who sang his song “Backwater to the River,” and Nitin Anish who’s also been pulling double duty as a Hook producer. He sang what’s perhaps his most appealing song called “Liar’s Club.” People might be talking about the appearance of fictional character “Lavonda Sheckel” for a while. Refusing to play an original song, she instead performed Robert Johnson’s “Love In Vain.”
Two other first-time performers helped close the show out with Austin-based songwriters and children’s musical teacher/performer Scott Collins entertaining the audience with his song “Midwest,” which will have a studio version coming out October 1st. He was followed by Spencer Elijah from Kerrville, TX where he’s been mentored by Austin underground legend Possessed by Paul James. Elijah performed the song “Sweet Baby Blue,” which gave The Hook its second sentimental cat song in as many weeks.
Then to close the whole show out, rising Texas country star Matt Castillo played his song “Trail of Love” from his 2024 album Pushing Borders. He also happens to have a new single out that’s currently featured on the Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist called “Dontcha.”
But perhaps the biggest moment of the episode *SPOILER ALERT* came when fan favorite and most frequent performer on The Hook, Jake Busby, finally earned a Gold Patch. It was lucky number 7 for Jake. But really, luck had nothing to do with it. Over seven great songs and performances, he’s become one of the most beloved characters on The Hook. On his seventh one though, he absolutely reared back for something extra, while delivering a murder ballad with a plot twist that put it over the top.
The next taping of The Hook happens on Sunday, August 30th from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at Sagebrush in Austin. If you want to sign up for a chance to perform, arrive by 2:30.
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The Hook is not just for songwriters. Fans of songwriting are also encouraged to stop by. For more information, visit savingcountrymusic.com/thehook. Please subscribe to The Hook’s YouTube Channel, and follow The Hook on Instagram and Facebook.
You can now also stream the audio of The Hook via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, PocketCasts, as well as Deezer and other major podcast networks.
The Hook is sponsored by Ear Trumpet Labs, Keystone Artist Connect, The Willie Bus, Mule Kick Productions, JWA Media, and Sagebrush.
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