Houston, Texas has a rich and diverse music culture with a history that spans over a century. The city has produced some of the biggest names in the music industry and has played host to many iconic events and venues.
The early 20th century saw the rise of blues and jazz in Houston, with many talented musicians making their way to the city to perform in its numerous clubs and bars. One of the most notable figures of this era was Lightnin’ Hopkins, a blues guitarist and singer who was born and raised in Houston.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Houston became a hotbed for psychedelic rock and funk, with bands like the 13th Floor Elevators and the Zakary Thaks leading the way. This period also saw the emergence of several legendary concert venues, including the Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine and the Music Hall, which hosted many of the biggest acts of the time.
Rap and Hip Hop
In the 1980s and 1990s, Houston was at the forefront of the rap and hip hop scene, with artists like the Geto Boys and Scarface paving the way for the city’s thriving rap and hip hop culture. This era also saw the rise of DJ Screw, who popularized the slowed-down, bass-heavy sound known as “screw music,” which has had a major influence on Houston’s music scene to this day.
Swisha House Records is a record label based in Houston, Texas that has played a significant role in the city’s hip hop and rap music scenes.
Founded by DJ Michael “5000” Watts and his business partner Paul Wall in 1998, Swisha House has released a number of successful albums and singles over the years. The label’s first release was the compilation album “Chopped and Screwed,” which featured tracks by various artists and helped to popularize the “chopped and screwed” style of hip hop production.
Throughout the 2000s, Swisha House continued to release a steady stream of albums and singles, many of which became popular in the southern United States and beyond. Some of the label’s most successful releases included the album “The Day Hell Broke Loose 2” by Slim Thug and the single “Still Tippin'” by Mike Jones, Paul Wall, and Slim Thug.
In addition to releasing music, Swisha House has also been involved in various other ventures, including the production of mixtapes, hosting events and concerts, and collaborating with other artists and labels. The label has worked with a number of prominent artists over the years, including Chamillionaire, Lil’ Keke, and Z-Ro.
Today, Swisha House Records is still going strong and is considered one of the most influential record labels in the southern United States. The label continues to release new music and support up-and-coming artists, helping to shape the sound and direction of the region’s hip hop and rap music scenes.
Punk Scene
The punk music scene in Houston, Texas has a rich and diverse history that has had a significant impact on the local music culture.
The early punk scene in Houston was characterized by a DIY (do-it-yourself) ethos, as there were few venues that were willing to host punk bands. This led to punk shows taking place in warehouses, basements, and other unconventional spaces.
One of the first and most influential punk bands to emerge from Houston was The Hates, who formed in 1979. The Hates were known for their high-energy live performances and catchy, catchy songs. They released a number of singles and albums throughout the 1980s and remained an important part of the Houston punk scene until they disbanded in 1991.
Another influential punk band that emerged from Houston in the 1980s was The Nervebreakers. The Nervebreakers were known for their fast, aggressive sound and politically charged lyrics. They released a number of singles and albums and were a popular live act in the Houston area.
In the 1990s, the punk scene in Houston continued to thrive, with bands like Born Liars, Dead Horse, and The Pain Teens gaining a significant following. These bands were known for their diverse sounds, which ranged from fast and aggressive to more experimental and avant-garde.
Today, the punk scene in Houston is still going strong, with a new generation of bands carrying on the DIY spirit of the early punk pioneers. Some notable punk bands from Houston that are currently active include The Suspects, Really Red, and 30 Foot Fall.
Overall, the punk music scene in Houston has played a significant role in the city’s music culture and has influenced countless other musicians and bands. It continues to thrive and evolve, with new bands and artists emerging all the time.
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