January 2026
There is so much good music being made in Austin that it can be hard to keep up. To help you stay on top of it, we’ve pulled together some of the best new releases from local artists. Here is the new Austin music you need to know from The Animeros, Grace Sornesen, Two Legged Dog, and more. Hear all of these songs on-air at KUTX 98.9 or online at KUTX.org.
The Animeros – “Danza de Los Saguaros”
Released via Easy Eye Sound
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The Animeros’ upcoming debut album might be the most hotly anticipated release from an Austin artist in 2026, thanks to a handful of absolutely sizzling singles, like this month’s “Danza de Los Saguaros.” Comprised of Superfonícos veterans Nick Tozzo (percussionist), Nicolas Sanchez (bassist), and Mauro Lopez (guitarist), The Animeros pull from all corners of the Latin music world to create songs that defy easy classification, inviting repeated listens for new and exciting sonic textures.
Like their other releases, “Danza” crackles with energy from the first notes of the organ before sending the listener through a kaleidoscope of sounds, giving the sensation of a swirling dance floor after a few pitchers of chicha with friends. Produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and set to be released on his Easy Eye Sound label, the band heads into the new year with a growing list of admirers; they’ve appeared on several KUTX staffers’ end-of-year lists, and are in the running for “Best New Artist” and “Best Latin Act” in the Austin Chronicle Music Awards.
The Animeros play C-Boy’s Heart & Soul every Thursday this February.
Grace Sorensen – “Shirt”
Self-Released
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An Austin native, Grace Sorensen first landed in heavy rotation at KUTX with her single ‘Digits,’ a slow-burning 2022 collaboration with fellow Austinites Magna Carda. Since then, Grace has seemingly perfected the art of simmering R&B pop songs. Her newest, ‘Shirt,’ sees her teamed up with Brooklyn-based producer Elie Bashkow for a synth-drenched exploration of what it means to return an ex’s favorite shirt. It’s a simple enough premise for a song, but it’s turned into an emotional rollercoaster by Grace’s innate ability to sing from the heart. Every line conveys shades of longing, despair, and a burning love that can’t be extinguished. Pairs well with a comfy sweatshirt and a glass of red wine.
Keepsake – “Battlebots”
Self-Released
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First-timers to the KUTX airwaves, keepsake keeps the dream of the 90s alive and well in Austin, TX, with an earnest yet whimsical spin on the dream pop that defined the decade’s early years. On the lead track of their recent self-titled EP, the quartet stirs swirling guitar melodies into complex vocal harmonies that ebb and flow before soaring to a crescendo, only to crash back down in an utterly dreamy, discordant sonic mess. It gives the effect of floating along on a wave that becomes increasingly turbulent as it nears the shore—a juxtaposition to the song’s lyrics about the ideal, cozy relationship that includes watching Battlebots, a long running TV program about fighting robots. Silliness aside, it doesn’t feel like a band’s first attempt at writing and recording; the song is perfectly polished, quirky, and impressive in equal measure. Can’t wait to hear more!
Melissa Carper & Theo Lawrence – “Good Luck To Ya”
Released via Bee & El
FOLLOW MELISSA CARPER & THEO LAWRENCE
KUTX listeners are probably already familiar with the singer-songwriters in our next add. Melissa Carper has been a fixture in Austin’s country scene for more than a decade, both as a solo artist and as part of numerous ensembles, including the recent Wonder Women of Country. A new addition to the Austin music scene, Theo Lawrence is a French artist who recently found his way to Texas to continue his lifelong study of classic Americana. On ‘Good Luck To Ya,’ the duo plays the part of rival lovers trading increasingly comical barbs over a shared love interest for a rambunctious Western Swing number in the vein of John Prine and Iris DeMent’s iconic duet, ‘In Spite of Ourselves.’
Their full album of duets, “Havin’ A Talk,” hits streaming services Friday, February 6th.
Two Legged Dog – “Far Away”
Self-Released
Sounding like it was pulled straight off a Nuggets-era garage rock compilation, KUTX newcomer Two Legged Dog’s new single, “Far Away,” goes full throttle right out of the gate and keeps it up for an intensely rewarding three minutes. Lyrics depicting burned-out bridges, bombings, The Heart of Darkness, and an overwhelming desire to escape one’s circumstances help complete the late-1960s vibe, where art and international conflict collided into a heady mixture of creation and destruction. If that sounds too esoteric for a hard-charging young band out of Austin, TX, you might be right—but we’re willing to bet those sentiments come from a very real awareness of the scary times we’re currently living in.
With only a few songs available to stream, we’re eager to hear more and recommend checking Two Legged Dog out at one of their many shows around town, including a twofer on February 7th at 29th Street Ballroom and Crowbar Austin.
