Culture

Hear and Now

The H-Town music scene, Third Coast hotbed of hip-hop and longtime outpost of outlaw country cool, is increasingly influential and, like the city itself, diverse. Meet the rising stars of the most fascinating tune town in America today.

Julie Soefer
Portrait

Editors’ Note: CityBook’s fourth annual musicians portfolio hits next week! This is how the tradition began, at White Oak Music Hall, back in 2017.

Shot on location at White Oak Music Hall in the Heights

Text by Evan W. Black and Daniel Renfrow, with Chris Becker

Styling Support by Molly Jodeit

Makeup by Jennifer Aronson

Women’s Hair by Travis Player and Brandy Perez for Tease Color & Style Bar

Men’s Hair by Destiny Sebreth for Estilo Salon and Spa

Photography Assistance by Dylan Aguilar

Listen to the artists featured in the May issue:

Even after a busy few months, The Suffers frontwoman KAM FRANKLIN, 29, says the famous Houston soul act is not slowing down anytime soon. The 10-piece band, which releaes a new album this fall, returned from their first European tour this spring only to quickly repack their bags and head to Australia for a series of shows at the Byron Bay Blues Festival. “It was very exhausting,” says Franklin of their time in Europe, “but at the same time, it was the time of my life. All of the crowds were super responsive.” The Suffers’ new album is, appropriately, about what its many members have learned during the transitions from corporate jobs to the life of full-time, touring musicians. “It’s a lot about living your life off the clock,” she says, “and just living your life the way you want to live it.”
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