KUTX Staff’s Favorite Songs of 2026 (So far. . .)

The Tullamarines – “Running on Empty”

I thought this was pretty good in February and then I saw them like at our SXSW show and became a big fan. You can easily sing along with this one and if there is any justice in the universe, they should be a big deal soon. So get in now and be one of the cool kids.

Mon Rovia – “Heavy Foot”

When I first passively listened to this I thought it was just another cute song. Then I listened again and honed in on the lyrics. Whoa. This is a steel fist inside of a velvet glove. This song perfectly captures what many are feeling.

Valice – “Drive On“

These kids graduated from UT a couple of years ago and have garnered a nice following. This song rocks, is totally unpredictable and doesn’t sound like their other songs. And those songs don’t sound like their other songs either. So refusing to pick a lane works sometimes!

Kacey Musgraces – “ Dry Spell”

I’ve been on a country music bender lately and this song might be the reason. Great wordplay and a subject most adults can relate to make this song one of my favorites of any genre.

Charley Crockett – “Kentucky Too Long”

I’m a HUGE fan of Charlet Crockett and in my opinion he’s one of the most talented country musicians out and definitely in Texas. He doesn’t disappoint with this new record and continues his streak of releasing great music in a short amount of time. 

Grandmaster – “Life Arrow”

Grandmaster has more band members than Wu-Tang but that doesn’t stop them from continuing to release great music. Representing the Austin Music Experience extremely well, this single shows that their innovative style and P-Funk influences still shine bright, and yes, loud. 

Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds – “Situation”

Just when you thought Sturgill was all deep thoughts and righteousness, he hits you with this horndogger.

Cure for Paranoia – “No Brainer”

2026 NPR Tiny Desk Contest winners! Just a couple months before that, they put on an awesome show one morning at KUTX Live at Scholz during SXSW and I knew I was seeing something special. Their show was a meaningful combination of music, storytelling, social justice, and audience connection, all much appreciated and needed.

EddieAngel – “PAYASO”

Don’t take your eyes off EddieAngel. You can’t, really.

Tricky ft. Mitch Sanders – “Because I Don’t Know”

Not sure what anyone, the artist included, expects at this point from a trip-hop pioneer two decades into his career. Tricky hasn’t released an album under his own name in six years. But if he’s missing much of his initial menace, this driving slab of funk, featuring echoed falsetto from fellow Bristol-ite Mitch Sanders, embeds deep and stays there.

Grocery Bag – “Stop Calling Me Out”

There’s nothing all that serious about this Austin four-piece. I mean, really, who calls their band ‘Grocery Bag’? But resting somewhere between Bobby Fuller, early Kinks and ZZ Top, this nonsensical riff-rocker sidles up close to garage-rock nirvana. 

Tara Clerkin Trio – “Somewhere Good”

You’d never guess by looking at this trio, who resemble central casting for nerdy British suburb-dwellers, that the music they’re making is so radical. Blending genres seamlessly, this medium tempo vamp flows like hypnosis. While odd instrumentation – vibraphones, woodwinds – float above the fray. It’s trip-hop, it’s jazz, it’s folk, it’s none of those things, and it never stops surprising. 

EddieAngel – “PAYASO”

So much emotion in this beautiful gem from the much-anticipated CHICANO BLUES EP. With a spectacular voice far beyond his years, Angel Estrada delivers a ballad that sends you over the damn moon. There’s also something about the delivery of this single that feels so much like an old-school El Paso vibe. Trust me. La pasión y el dolor…

Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds – “Situation”

Quite a groove that I’m not at all surprised is coming from Sturgill Simpson’s alter-ego project. Remember SOUND & FURY, his soundtrack for the dystopian anime film on Netflix? Simpson’s got the grooves and then some. “Situation” starts out with a sultry swagger, giving you the once-over like you’re the one who’s trouble when it’s the other way around. The shift to the amped-up beat toward the end is superb. Oh, and if you’re going to check out the official music video – brace yourself.

Gran Moreno – “Temple of Fire”

Delivers fire directly into the soul. My favorite memory of our April 2026 KUTX Artist of the Month will always be the way they woke the crowd up at Scholz Garten at 8-something in the morning this last South-By. Los hermanos Rodriguez, Ricardo and Christian, build a massive sound as a two-person operation, thunderous and heavy like a headspace where Hendrix and Sabbath might converge with Aztec god of fire Xiuhtēcuhtli to set the world ablaze.

EddieAngel – “PAYASO”

Angel Estrada is a native Austinite; I grew up just down the road in San Antonio. But I’ve no doubt regarding cross-pollination between the two music scenes (SanAnto gave us Doug Sahm, after all.) I’d love this yearning song on its own merits, but I love it even more for the way it echoes the old-school Chicano soul of S.A. bands like the Royal Jesters. Go Spurs Go.

Keepsake – “Battlebots“

Once at Wheatsville, I complimented the 20-something-year-old cashier’s Cocteau Twins t-shirt. “Thanks,” she said, “It was my mom’s.” I died a little inside. Dear Reader, I’m old. Austin band Keepsake is not. But their atmospheric, Twins-inspired sound affirms that the kids are alright.

Kacey Musgraves – “Dry Spell“

If classic country music is known for one thing, it’s clever turns of phrase. This moody ode to lack-of-action made me audibly chuckle the first time I heard it (and again the time Trina Quinn followed it up with Cyndi Lauper’s “She Bop.”) Who knew that Kacey Musgraves was just like us? Alert US Weekly.

Left Side to the Right Side. A song that drills straight into the core of that thing that makes you twitch. Uncontrollably. Rapidly becoming my favorite Ghanian-Australian rapper ever.

Grrrl Gang – “Oh My Love”

Continuing our fine tradition of Indonesian bands wowing at SXSW. GG deliver a saccarin sweet yet spiky take on shoegaze and grunge that wouldnt have sounded out of place in 1991, but is very much at home right now. Fizzingly good live show too. Come back soon.

Bayonne – “Multiphase”

Austin’s own Roger Sellers has been at this for over a decade, but this might just be his finest 3 minutes yet. Whistful & melancholic but all wrapped up in a hypnotic trance of a melody. Wouldn’t have sounded out of place on Tame Impala’s Currents, but hey, that’s just fine indeed. 

Charley Crockett – “Kentucky Too Long”

Charley sounds a lot like Bill Withers on this one, from his voice to his soulfulness. Just an infectious song.

Genesis Owusu – “Stampede”

This song just gets me hyped and going. 

Grace Sorensen – “Shirt”

The smooth, smokey, sultry vocals just do it for me on this one from Grace. She has a way of making you feel like she’s talking just to you.

Adrian Quesada – Trio Asesino – “MF AF”

Everything Adrian touches is gold, (especially his retro-inspired instrumentals) and this piece of jazz-soul-funk fusion cut is no exception. Killer drum breaks, Alice Coltrane-esque harp, Donald Byrd-tinged horns. I mean, what’s not to like?

EddieAngel – “PAYASO”

Speaking of insanely good sonics, holy smokes does Angel have the pipes to propel the instrumental arrangement on this tune into full blown passion. And the sense of dynamics, man; the way it cools down after every chorus and then heats up to that boiling point of an outro…chef’s kiss.

KARLEE GIRL – “Right Back!”

I learned about this pop bop from mHart’s early-May My KUTX playlist of all AAPI pop-R&B artists and it’s been intermittently stuck in my head ever since. I love the uncouth lyrics, the wide ranging vocal delivery, and the production choices on the beat, bass, and synth. Not much else to say other than that it’s a banger!

Pete & Bas – “Oldschool Gangsta”

I learned about this pop bop from mHart’s early-May My KUTX playlist of all AAPI pop-R&B artists and it’s been intermittently stuck in my head ever since. I love the uncouth lyrics, the wide ranging vocal delivery, and the production choices on the beat, bass, and synth. Not much else to say other than that it’s a banger!

Flea – “Wichita Lineman”

 I haven’t paid much attention to the Chili Peppers since the mid-’90s. I listened to them a lot before then, and of course, knew Flea as a great funk bassist. Recently, though, I’ve been immersed in a corner of the LA jazz scene centered around players like Jeff Parker and Anna Butterss. Then this record comes out. And, beyond being impressed by the quality of Flea’s trumpet playing and song choices, having collaborators like Parker, Butterss and Deantoni Parks, make the results feel revelatory. With the surprising choice of the mighty voice of Nick Cave, this classic is beautifully reborn. I think most of Flea’s Honora is fantastic, and this track is one of its highlights.

Toadies – “Charmer”

I could have picked 4 or 5 other tunes off this record. But, since this is the title track (and the one we’ve been playing), I’ll go with it. This has all the trademark Toadies bits, the creepy, quiet verses, shouty and loud choruses, snaky guitar leads, solid rhythms. Brilliant analog recording by the late, great maestro, Albini. Since I bought this record it hasn’t moved far away from my turntable. 

Magna Carda – “Slide”

I’ve been a fan ever since I first worked with them, way back. Dougie and Megz have always had a knack for crafting inventive beats and rhymes that somehow feel exploratory and familiar at the same time. Live drums almost always pull me deeper into a production, and here they give the track an extra sense of momentum and grit. This tune settles into a spiraling, fuzzy groove that just feels right.

Adrian Quesada (feat. Keyon Harrold) – “MF AF”

This is as close to a jazz tune as you’re likely to hear in our general rotation.  Leave it to the masterful Adrian Quesada to mix the various elements into a toothsome delight.  Trumpeter Kenyon Harrold, well-established in the jazz world, provides the secret sauce.

je’Texas – “No Vacancy”

This sounds as near to mid-60s, Highway 61 Revisited-era Bob Dylan as I’ve heard in a very long time.  A rip-off?  Maybe, but this former KUTX Artist Of The Month certainly channels the pluck and rambunctious energy of Dylan’s early “folk rock.”

The Animeros – “Danza de Los Saguaros”

Soulful Latin cumbia from another former KUTX Artist Of The Month.  Perfect sounds for a summer dance party.

EddieAngel – “PAYASO”

First time I heard this song, I was like daaaaaaang,  this is some good s#@*.   

Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds – “Situation”

You can’t find this song on the streamers.  Instead, I had to watch the music video to re-listen to it.  Not only is the song super sexy but the music video, a montage of dance clips, is too.   

Harry Styles – “Aperture”

I was in the grocery store with my headphones on when this song started playing on my Sony Walkman.  The music impelled me to start dancing in the potato chip aisle . It was that delicious.  

Ratboys – “Anywhere”

Like the best writers working in literature and music, Ratboys’ Julia Steiner coyly writes in both primary text and subtext. On “Anwhere,” Steiner shows off the deftness of her storytelling skills with what on first listen appears to be your prototypical song about a lover’s longing. Dig deeper into the subtext, and you slowly realize the song is written from the perspective of a dog missing its favorite person. “Anywhere” races with unbridled joy, the Ratboys flexing at their poppiest and bubblegum-iest. But make no mistake: their new LP the song appears on, “Singin’ To An Empty Chair”, is a pathos-filled song cycle that sunrises and sunsets. My favorite album released so-far in 2026, it unfolds like a familiar tale from an old friend … taking flight from its award-worthy iambic posey and stellar musicianship.

Equally great songs from “Singin’ To An Empty Chair”: “Penny In The Lake” and “Light Night Mountains All That”

Adrian Quesada –“JCC”

Think you know what Adrian Quesada’s new project sounds like? Well, you may be wrong, because the prolific Austin-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, & crate digger just dropped an instrumental album where he continues to follow his muse into the musical nooks and hot houses of simmering beats, psychedelic Chicano Soul, and arrangements that would make both Alice and John Coltrane smile. Quesada’s only mandate on “JCC” and his new Trio Asesino project appears to be, “does it BOP?!” And bloody Hell, does it ever! 

Alabama Shakes – “American Dream”

After returning from an extended hiatus, Alabama Shakes’ recent single is a revelation: a 4 1/2-minute vamp that builds into the most prophetic protest song released by any artist this year. Half a century ago, Marvin asked, “What’s Goin’ On?” Decades later, Alabama Shakes’ superstar Brittany Howard answers the call, all Southern soul and tent revival testifying, speaking to the times we are living in … right now. Brittany is the TRUTH!

Bayonne – “Multiphase”

Bayonne’s new single, “Multiphase,” was several years in the making; growing out of an unused synth loop that eventually inspired the beautiful, piano-centered track we get to share today. It is a somber, if hopeful, song that explores the multitude of emotions we go through when faced with the unimaginable loss of a loved one. With more than a million streams in the few months since its release, Bayonne is obviously reaching fans far beyond his hometown.

EddieAngel – “PAYASO”

Native Austinite EddieAngel is a relative newcomer to the scene, with a 2024 debut EP and a handful of singles—including the sizzling R&B number, “PAYASO.” Translated to “clown” in English, the track features frontman Angel Estrada playing the part of a fool in love, highlighting his absolutely searing vocals. Earnest, yearning, and dripping with desire, it’s the kind of performance that makes you want to hold someone special, close your eyes, and sway to the music. Punctuated by soaring guitars and tastefully restrained drums, this is easily one of the best love songs to come out of Austin in a long time. EddieAngel releases his Chicano Blues EP, Friday, June 18th at 29th St. Ballroom.

Valice – “Drive On”

Sounding like an alternate theme song to the Cruis’n USA or Out Run arcade games, the newest single from Austin five-piece Valice is the sonic equivalent of doing a burnout in your pixelated Ferrari Testarossa with a sexy someone in the passenger seat. “Drive On” is the second track from the band’s upcoming album to make it into rotation here at KUTX, and it’s the perfect song to kick off an epic summer road trip. As a two-time SXSW performer and 2025 Sonic Guild grant winner, we expect 2026 to be a big year for Valice. Drive on!

Adult Leisure – “Kiss Me Like You Miss Her”

I Caught AL at KUTX Live at Scholz Garten during SXSW and was an instant fan of their 80s-soaked synth pop sound. Kiss Me Like You Miss Her showcases a great use of urgent bass lines, big reverb, and shouty lyrics that typify that sound. 

EddieAngel – “PAYASO”

“Hey Baby Que Paso, I thought I was I was your only…”, pretty sick first line (and nod to Texas Tornados); Eddie croons effortlessly on this incredible heartbreak track. To me, he’s got a Frank Ocean meets Juan Gabriel vibe that I really love. Looking forward to more from him. 

Ratboys – “Penny in the Lake”

Alternative, indie, country? I don’t know how to characterize Rat Boys sound but it’s very good and their latest album is great. Penny in the Lake is a playful and sweet tune that sounds like summer time to me. 

Francis of Delerium – “It’s a Beautiful Life”

Jana Bahrich, aka, Francis of Delerium, continues her hot streak of gorgeous singles. The Luxembourg native has a preternatural knack for melodies, harmonies and dynamics that soar to the heavens and back. This song is rife with bittersweet irony, where the idea that life is beautiful is sung with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Yet the ultimate message is, indeed, it’s a beautiful life when music like this exists.

White Denim – “(God Created) Lock and Key”

Somewhere on his way from Austin to his new home in Los Angeles, James Petralli picked up the hitchhiking ghost of Captain Beefheart. Apparently in the afterlife Beefheart absorbed the joy of Southern Boogie. All kidding aside, this is a blast of controlled chaos, rollicking from one wall of fuzz to another, overseen by a madman who has, at last, taken over the asylum.

Almost Heaven – “Fever Trying to Blow”

Maybe I’m just in the mood for lunacy in my music these days (can you blame me?). Austin’s Almost Heaven has found the sweet spot between post-punk, dance pop, and a soupçon of hysteria. Stefan Barraza sounds like he’s screaming at airplanes passing overhead while Jaelyn Valero stomps on the ground trying to beat the earth into submission. In other words, it’s the soundtrack to 2026.

The Opera – “Thrasher”

“Thrasher” fuses Trent Reznor’s industrial grit with Goldfrapp’s sardonic seductiveness for something you’d likely hear in an underground goth dance club in some former Soviet bloc warehouse district. You know, one of those places that might actually be a front for a vampire den. But if music for the hip undead isn’t your thing, The Opera’s debut, I Want This To Last, features a deep repertoire of darkness, especially Unwound’s brand of swirling post-hardcore dissonance on the singles “Cinderblock” and “Slow Draw,” and even a sprinkle of deafening fuzz a la slowcore on “God’s Gun.”

P.S. I know this came out in 2025 but those late year releases always get forgotten in these kind of lists!

Magna Carda – “Slide”

Megz Kellie reminds us why she wore the crown for Austin Music Award’s Best Rap/Hip-Hop artist five years in a row with her ultra laidback flow – like a unique synergy of Ladybug Mecca’s effortless cool with the poise and confidence of Bahamadia.  

Touch Girl Apple Blossom – “The Springtime Reminds Me Of…”

Pacific Northwest Twee Pop Mecca K Records still knows how to pick ‘em, recently adding the Austin-based Touch Girl Apple Blossom to the list of bands, such as Built to Spill and Modest Mouse, that can call the label their first home. I will say though, while Touch Girl Apple Blossom has some of the sweetness of K Records founders Beat Happening, they sonically remind me more of bands from K’s Kiwi-contemporary, Flying Nun Records, especially Denise Roughan’s stuff, but with a Texas Americana angle. Man, this band is so good.

Getdown Services – “The Radiator”

Dove Ellis – “Love Is”

Flea & Nick Cave – “Wichita Lineman”