2024 Projects: Celebrating Innovation and Artistry
Junior Vasquez - Lubbock, TX Born and raised in the heart of West Texas, Junior Vasquez infuses his songs "with a unique blend of folk, soft rock, and Americana influences.” The melodies, accompanied by poignant storytelling, paint a vivid picture of the landscapes and emotions that define his Texan heritage. This project is looking to create some new material/recording that is a true example of my live shows. Truly authentic, minimal overdubs, and putting it down on vinyl.
Erin Ivey, Austin, TX - This project will be a collection of original songs and co-writes celebrating the many musical influences of Austin and the southwest. First-time producer Brennen Leigh has signed on to bring her country stylings to the project and I could not be more excited to work with her. The project will support women throughout our creative community, featuring an all-women band and a focused intention to hire women at all stages of production and delivery. Follow Erin at instagram.com/erinivey, facebook.com/ErinIveyMusicPage/, and youtube.com/eriniveymusic.
Jana Pochop, Albuquerque, NM - Jana is set to release her first self-produced album, Powerlines, in Spring of 2024. Produced mainly in her Brooklyn room while studying at Berklee, Jana was also able to incorporate Impulse Response Collection into her thesis along with songwriting and production. This focus resulted in Jana spending a day at Georgia O'Keeffe's Home and Studio in Abiquiu, NM in early 2023. Jana captured the distinctive reverberations of O'Keeffe's painting studio, living room, and bedroom, infusing them into the sonic tapestry of her upcoming album. Follow Jana at facebook.com/janapochop
Lisa Kori, Santa Fe, NM - I spent time in the New Mexican Americana scene, singing country and folk covers in bars and coffee shops. As I learned to perform this music and reconnect with folk songs I sang as a child, I started to trace the roots of different types of music that make up the melting pot of what we think of as the canon of American music. My great-great-great grandparents left Southern China and arrived in America during the gold rush. They were here while the railroads were being built, and I wanted to know what the work songs of the Chinese immigrants were, and why they didn't become one of the threads that made up part of the canon of American folk music. My album, Daughter of the West, is based on imagining if the music of Chinese and Japanese workers naturally became part of the mix of influences of American music. Follow Lisa at facebook.com/lisakori
Meghan Clarisse Cave, Denver, CO - Music has been the glue that has held me together in my toughest times and I want to make music that other people hear and maybe think to themselves "Wow, I’m not the only one who has felt that way." I have a phenomenal band and we have recorded an EP and would love to record more. We play all around the Denver area. We are a mix of country, rock and Americana and play covers and originals. We all have a blast playing together and would love to record more. Follow Meghan at facebook.com/MeghanClarisse
Michael O’Connor, Austin, TX - I've been a professional musician from nineteen years of age, my only job for 38 years. I have over 50 album credits to my name and have successfully released seven albums of my original material. I've played guitar and toured as a lead guitarist with Ray Wylie Hubbard, Slaid Cleaves, Susan Gibson and dozens more. I show up on time, in tune. I love making music. Follow Michael at facebook.com.
Nicole Haworth, Taos, NM - I was born, raised and still reside in Taos, New Mexico. I live nestled among the old growth trees, 8,000ft above the seas. An earthen ship is where I dwell, with solar sails, and tales to tell… I drink my water straight from the source of the depths of earth as it springs forth. Enchanted in this land I live. Inspired by what and all it gives…
Shake Russell, Spring, TX - Came to Texas in 1972 as a bass player for John Vandiver of Ewing Street Times. I've never left Texas except for short trips and have been playing and writing music in Texas as a left-handed upside down guitar player ever since with many different artists. I've produced 30+ records in those 50 years. Follow Shake at facebook.com/shakerussell
Join Us in Supporting our Music Community
At Howlin' Dog Music Group, we believe in the power of music to inspire, unite, and transform lives. By supporting these exceptional projects, we're not only championing the artists behind them but also fostering a thriving community of creativity and mutual support. Join us in celebrating these fantastic artists by following them on social media, attending their live shows, and stay tuned for more on their projects.
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Thank you for joining us on this first year of our journey. Here's to 2024 filled with inspiration, community, and unforgettable melodies.
