The Raised Rowdy Podcast has always been about showcasing the raw, the real, and the artists that make you feel something. This time around, I (Nicky T) had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the fastest-rising names in the Texas rock and alt-country scene, Cole Barnhill, alongside my co-host for this episode Matt Burrill. We caught up before his show at The Basement, and let me tell you, this dude is the real deal.
The Rock Invasion of Country Music
Cole Barnhill isn’t just dipping his toes into country music—he’s throwing a full-blown rock show in the middle of it. If you’ve seen him live, you know exactly what I mean. The first time we had him at The Basement, the booking agent immediately wanted him back. That’s the kind of impact he makes. It’s loud, it’s electric, and it’s undeniable.
“Every show, we come out swinging,” Cole told us. “Gotta give it to ‘em how you can.”
And it’s working. Texas music has always had an alternative edge, but lately, that rock influence is kicking the door wide open. With artists like Koe Wetzel, Kolby Cooper, and Pecos & The Rooftops leading the charge, Cole Barnhill and his crew are right behind them, bringing that same untamed energy to new audiences.
Bridging the Texas-Nashville Divide
There’s always been a weird tension between Texas music and Nashville. If you grew up in Texas, you probably heard it: “Don’t go to Nashville.” But the gap is closing, and Cole is part of that movement.
“We were always bred to hate Nashville,” he laughed. “But as long as people embrace what we’re doing, I’ve got no problem with it.”
The truth is, social media and streaming have made the music world a lot smaller. Fans from all over can find an artist like Cole, even if they’ve never set foot in Texas. His ticketed shows outside of his home state are starting to gain traction, with unexpected hotspots like Kansas City packing in nearly 200 fans.
From Lubbock to the Road
Cole’s story starts in Lubbock, Texas—a town with one of the most underrated music scenes in the country. The Blue Light, a legendary songwriter’s haven, was where he got his start at just 17 years old, following in the footsteps of acts like Flatland Cavalry, William Clark Green, and Josh Abbott. But it didn’t take long for him to outgrow just playing locally. Now, he’s gearing up for his first major tour with Austin Meade, a 15-date run that’ll take him all over the East Coast.
“We’ve done a couple shows together before, so I already know these are gonna be good,” Cole said. “But 15 in a row? That’s the longest we’ve ever been out.”
Finding His Sound
Cole didn’t always lean this heavy into rock. Early on, his music was a little more country to the bone. But as his guitar skills grew, so did his ambition. He started incorporating more of the sounds he loved—grunge, alternative, even some 80s rock flair.
“I feel like the music we’re making now is what I always wanted to make,” he said. “I grew up on 80s rock and 90s country, but I didn’t really get into grunge until later because my dad hated it. He said it ruined 80s metal.”
Now, Cole’s sound is as much Audioslave and Nirvana as it is Red Dirt country. And he’s not afraid to mix those worlds. His single, Daydreams, features Treaty Oak Revival, another Texas-based band pushing boundaries.
“We met playing a New Year’s show together, and Sam from Treaty mentioned doing a song,” he said. “I sent him Daydreams, and 15 minutes later, he had a verse back. That’s just how he works.”
The Road Ahead
Touring with Austin Meade is just the start. Cole’s also teaming up with Matt James from Blacktop Mojo for a cover of Puddle of Mudd’s Psycho—dropping soon. And beyond that, he’s got a steady stream of singles lined up throughout the year. The goal? Keep dropping music, keep growing, and keep rocking faces off.
And if you’ve ever been to a Cole Barnhill show, you know—eventually, the shirt’s coming off. It’s part of the experience.
“The timing depends, but if I’m sweating through it, I’d rather just be half-naked than look like I just came out of the shower,” he joked.
What’s Next?
Cole is still chasing that one moment where it all clicks, but he knows it’s coming. And in the meantime, he’s surrounding himself with the right people and learning all he can from the road.
“If you want to do this, don’t listen to everybody,” he advised. “Figure out who actually knows what they’re talking about. Everyone’s got advice, but it’s usually the people who haven’t done what you’re trying to do that are the loudest.”
Cole Barnhill is just getting started, but if you ask me, the next wave of Texas rock is already here. And Cole? He’s riding it straight to the top.
Be sure to follow Cole on Instagram (@ColeBarnhill_) and TikTok (@ColeBarnhill) to keep up with his journey. And if you haven’t seen him live yet—fix that. You won’t regret it.