The Power of Song Explored in the Latest Episode of ‘The Hook’

The Hook is not a performance competition. It’s a songwriting showcase. But it’s not just that either. Nor is it just a “podcast,” or a glorified open mic.

The Hook is an attempt to address the issues that you see and hear so many of your favorite artists complaining about as existential threats to their livelihoods, like the encroachment of AI into music, the way social media algorithms are increasingly burying their content, influencers are boosting affluent performers, while gatekeepers are keeping worthy artists out. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for artist to find the support they need, especially when it comes to things like touring.

The Hook will not be able to solve all of these problems, and especially not overnight. But as opposed to sitting back and complaining about them and simply allowing the technology dystopia take over, The Hook looks to take action to do something about these issues under the belief that a song can change a life, change someone’s perspective on life, and change the world.

This theory was on full display on Episode 10, with Austin-based songwriter Jonathan Terrell as the special guest. Terrell started the show off singing an unreleased gem called “I Still Dream of Horses,” which was a great way to get the songwriter energy flowing. But when he told a story about how his 2020 album Westward helped save a man’s life who was contemplating suicide, it really put everything in perspective.

One of the cool things about The Hook is that’s it’s not only become a forum to discover new songwriters, but a forum for new songwriters, and songwriters that for whatever reason walked away from music previously to find their first footing, or the excuse to come back. T.D. Steven made only his second appearance on stage on Episode 9 of The Hook, and returned as the first randomly-drawn performer to start off Episode 10 with his song “Over The Pines.”

Inne Aguilar became one of the highlights of the show. Even though she had to start and stop her performance a couple of times at the beginning since it had been so long since she’d been on stage, once it took off, she turned in one of the greatest performances of the week with “Straight Into The Fire.” Aguilar has a howitzer for a voice, and left The Hook audience stunned.

Episode 10 also featured its first ever father/son performances. First up was father Anthony Salerno, who along with being a solo singer/songwriter, has performed under the name Raised By Pandas. His song “All The Way Down” was dutifully impressive.

But it was Anthony’s son Owen Salerno who would make the biggest impression on the day with his song “Adam.” And at the insistence of co-host Silas Lowe, Johnathan Terrell, and The Hook audience at Sagebrush, Owen Salerno walked away with a coveted Gold Patch—the first handed out in three weeks. Owen also told an inspiring story of how songwriting is what had worked him out of a deep depression.

Other performances included Paul Clear performing his song “Breakdown Lane,” Robert Anderson performing an epic Western tale “Hell on the Wabash,” and Episode 10 also saw the return of Otis Wilkins who sang his original song “Don’t Bury Me.” Jonathan Terrell filled in everyone just how much of a cult Austin legend Otis Wilkins actually is with his heavier project called Otis The Destroyer.

It was unfortunate there was not enough time to talk to returning Hook performer Alex Evans about her song “Wishbone,” which was yet another stunner from the subdued, but super powerful performer and songwriter. And for the second time in three episodes, Gold Patch winner Thomas Pritchett finished off the episode strong. He performed his song “Beauty Queen,” putting a bow on an episode that had quite a few songs about toxic relationships.

The next taping of The Hook happens on Sunday, August 16th 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.

– – – – – – – –

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.

– – – – – – – – – – –

If you found this article valuable, consider leaving Saving Country Music A TIP.