See Episode 3 of New Songwriting Showcase ‘The Hook’
The Hook is quickly morphing from an interesting concept into a bonafide music community, with each show doubling the audience size over the previous one, and doubling the amount of performers signing up to play. These are good problems to have as the show looks to give a platform to both undiscovered songwriters and established songwriting talent to help them find the support they deserve.
That happened in a big way during the second episode of the show after songwriter Susan Gibson went viral with her revelation about the 3rd verse to the [Dixie] Chicks hit “Wide Open Spaces.”
On Sunday, May 24th, The Hook conducted its third live taping in Austin, with Austin-based songwriting guru Silas Lowe acing as special guest performer and panelist. He started the show off playing the title track from his 2025 album Mirror Behind The Bar, and also told a hilarious “dad” joke before taking a seat at the table.
Episode three featured a good mix of both returning songwriters featured on the previous two episodes such as favorites Marsha Clark and Jellybean Sparkles, Tony Guy, along with a batch of new songwriters who made a big impression.
Nobody made a bigger impression than songwriter Ryan Brewer, who performs under the name Tuskola. He pulled out his song “Blue Collar, Green Dollar” that floored everyone, and made him only the second recipient of The Hook’s coveted Gold Patch in Austin, which allows a songwriter to be able to perform on The Hook whenever they want. Tuskola has already been performing shows around Austin at places like Sagebrush and The White Horse, and promises to be one of the city’s next great emerging performers.
The Hook in Austin also hosted its first duo on the show. Yes, duos can perform if they both had a hand in the songwriting. Facing each other as they sang like Chris and Morgane Stapleton, Kat and Jason stunned the audience with their song “Calming,” even if it was a little annoying and envy-inducing just how clearly in love they were with each other.
Pud Muniz was another new character. He performed his song “Seven Seas” to a positive reception.
Other returning favorites to The Hook included Muchacho Sanchez, who impressed with his song “Silver and Gold,” Chill Phill Brush who sang about a “Country Gal,” and Jake Busby, who continues to be one of The Hook’s most interesting characters, and impressed with his performance of his song “The War.”
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The next Hook shows are May 31st at Sagebrush from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, as well as June 14th and 21st. Songwriters who want to perform are asked to show up at 2:30.
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.
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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