Surprise Appearances and Powerful Moments Grace The Hook Episode 9

You never know who is going to show up to The Hook, or what’s going to happen. That’s part of the fun. But each week it seems someone with a name behind them in music shows up unexpected, and something happens that really helps reset your mind to the most important things in life. That’s the power of song, and music, and it was certainly on display on Sunday, August 2nd for the taping of the ninth episode of The Hook from Austin, TX.

Sarah Golden might not be a household name, but she proved why she was selected as the special guest and guest panelist for the episode. Coming out and performing her hilarious and cuttingly-true song “Hovering,” she made a huge impression, especially with her voice that proved why the NBC show The Voice recruited her back in 2012 to be a contestant. But as Sarah has proven since winning multiple songwriting awards, she’s not just a singer. She also happens to be one of the funniest people you might ever meet.

The excellent singing husband/wife duo of Mikaela and Jordan Burchill who perform under the name “Beth James” were holdovers from the last week, and they also made a major impression with their song “Parents Are People,” told from their perspective as a childless couple. Then it was time for that unexpected, but welcomed appearance most every Hook episode seems to have as Bloodshot Records recording artist Jason Hawk Harris took the stage to sing his new song “Never Though I’d Miss You.”

For those that don’t know, the classically-trained Jason Hawk Harris has released two of the most unique albums in the last many years in country in Love & the Dark (2019) and Thin Places (2023). Recently he’d sort of disappeared, but he reappeared back on The Hook stage in Austin, and says he’s got a new album loaded in the hopper, and hopes to be announcing it soon.

Austin native Tyler Richards continues to be one of the coolest recurring characters on The Hook, with excellent songcraft that comes with infectious delivery. His new song “Killing Dreams” was another example of this. You can listen to his new EP Unwind out now, and his new single “Undertow” that he first performed on The Hook is out August 14th.

Colin McDonald of Daily Austin Music showed up with a 1/4 sized First Act guitar, and delivered a protest song about the state of the music industry and other things called “Sick and Fed Up” that stimulated a lot of riveting discussion. This was followed by a much more sedate, but equally riveting performance by Anna La Mare and her song “Waves Hold To The Moon.” It was one of those songs and performances you just want to crawl into and live in because it feels so warm.

The Hook officially was ready to facilitate piano players on Episode 9, and was graced by the presence of songwriter Alex Hartley and his song “Elephant In Your Room.” Among other accolades and his solo efforts, Hartley has worked with Micky and the Motorcars. Nathan Kearney of Kearney’s Rangers made his second appearance in as many weeks, and once again turned in an impassioned performance with his song “Volcano.”

Nobody has performed on The Hook more than Jake Busby. But nobody has grown tired of Busby just yet. Co-host Caitlin Cannon complimented Jake by saying his performance gave her “buzz beezs,” which officially is a new term for The Hook lexicon. He also arguably had the greatest “moment” on the show when explaining the inspiration behind his new song with the working title “The Weight.”

The final randomly-picked performer was the very first performer to show up on the day named T.D. Stevens from Portland, Oregon. Though time was running short and he didn’t get a proper interview, he explained after the show it was only his second time performing in front of people. You would have never known it though, both from the quality of his song “Dog Days of Summer,” or the solid nature of his performance.

T.D. Stevens helped illustrate that from the established and label-signed like Jason Hawk Harris to first-timers, The Hook can be a platform for everyone.

The show concluded with yet another stirring performance from Ryan Brewer, who performs under the name Tuskola. The Gold Patch winner pulled out an acoustic version of his song “Thunderbolts,” and it was a perfect way to finish the show strong. He’s currently playing a Wednesday residency at Austin’s Hole in the Wall for August.

The next taping of The Hook happens on Sunday, August 9th 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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