Texas Music News — August 30, 2026
Austin songwriter Jake Busby finally won his Gold Patch at The Hook. It took him seven tries to get there. The Hook is an Austin songwriter showcase built for anyone who wants a shot. Performers get a random draw, a supportive crowd, and a panel of judges. Episode 12 packed in a record 14 performances at Sagebrush.
Songwriter Sterling Cabbiness summed up the show’s spirit after playing “Give Me A Reason.” “I really challenge myself to reach down as far as I can and say stuff that was really uncomfortable to say, because as songwriters, I think what makes our job so interesting is that we’re the people who really try to force a connection with people,” he said. “If you’re not giving everything, what are you doing?”
Jake Busby’s Murder Ballad Finally Wins the Gold
Jake Busby has been the show’s most frequent performer. He’s played seven songs on The Hook stage, always coming up short of the Gold Patch. This time he brought a murder ballad with a late plot twist. The judges gave him the award on the spot.
Rising Texas country star Matt Castillo closed out the night. His new single, “Dontcha,” is already climbing Saving Country Music’s Top 25 chart. Newcomer Spencer Elijah also made his Hook debut, traveling in from Kerrville, Texas. He’s been mentored by Austin underground legend Possessed by Paul James. Kerrville has a long history of launching new songwriting talent. A young Robert Earl Keen once won the town’s Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk competition. Now he’s one of Texas’s most beloved storytellers.
The Hook keeps proving Austin’s next great songwriter could be anyone in the room.
Details at Saving Country Music
More Texas Music News
Silverada wrapped a three-night homecoming celebration for its new album, Living Proof. The Austin band played Waterloo Records, the Austin Motel rooftop, and closed things out at Antone’s. Living Proof marks the band’s first album with keyboardist Parker Twomey replacing longtime pedal steel player Zachary Moulton. Details at CultureMap Austin