Creekbed Carter Hogan - “Apiary”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 1

Pairs Well With…S.G. Goodman, Erin Rae, Kacey Musgraves

The authenticity of Creekbed Carter Hogan’s rich, Americana performance is immediate on two early songs from their upcoming sophomore record Creekbed Carter, haunting bluegrass and country tones resonating across an otherwise empty space. A trans artist from Austin, Carter’s music gives fresh perspective on old songwriting and they perform with raw passion and soul. Each note they sing rings with texture and meaning, taking thoughtfully small moments and just leaning in to the point where the melodies themselves are either crying with hurt or standing a firm ground. While these are the only two songs released from Creekbed Carter, both are stunning without any extra decoration. Largely unknown, this is a great artist to pick for a breakout off the potential strength of this new record and more ears join along to these pitch-perfect country reinventions. (Kevin McStravick)