Micah Edwards, ubiquitously known as "Mr. Texas Soul", is bringing his retro-pop-soul soundscape to SXSW with an artist showcase at Cooper's BBQ on March 15th from 9:20 PM - 10:10 PM. Having recently reached over 1 million monthly Spotify listeners, Edwards will be performing with his full band (including a rhythm and horn section) to showcase his golden-toned, fresh take on soul music that has been described as a "Willie Nelson meets Leon Bridges" style.
Planning to perform tracks from his most recent debut full-length album, Jean Leon, Edwards exemplifies a unique 21st-century retro-pop eruption fit with buttery vocals, gut-wrenching melodies, and tender lyrics that follow the themes of faith and family. Bitter, yet uplifting, Jean Leon draws inspiration from retro soul and classic country - giving a nod to the artists before him, as a young virtuoso who understands not just the heart, but the musical precision of retro-soul and country music. Someone who pays homage to Curtis Mayfield’s brilliance of guitar in early Impressions records and Etta James’ almost conversational vocal expression, while embracing his classic country songwriting influence through calculated storytelling employing the fiddle and steel guitar. Someone who respects and honors Leon Bridges, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Marcus King, Durand Jones & The Indications, Aaron Frazer, Michael Kiwanuka—but leans heavily into the sounds of this particular moment. This is a daring explorer who has created a unique fusion of retro and contemporary elements to defy what has been done before and craft a new genre: Texas soul.
Recently featured on Tiny Desk Contest’s 2022 Top Shelf and as an opener for duo The War and Treaty, the Houston, Texas artist has more to come in 2023 including upcoming performance dates as an opener for Madeline Edwards in both Dallas and Houston (April 2023) and as an opener for Kam Franklin and David Michael Wyatt (May 2023).
