If Texas were a person, it would be a virtuoso. The state can’t be defined by one genre, one instrument, or one song. Not only is it the birthplace of legends like Willie Nelson, Selena, and George Strait, but it continues to produce high wattage stars like Kacey Musgraves, Megan Thee Stallion, and Leon Bridges. The September 2025 issue celebrates the state’s legendary contributions to American music while focusing on the local spots that make Texas sing. In our cover story, “Somewhere Down in Texas,” writer Bryan C. Parker and photographer Jeff Wilson team up to highlight 14 vaunted venues across the state, including The Stampede in Big Spring and John T. Floore Country Store in Helotes. In “Miles and Miles of Music,” a handful of writers from all over the state explore the sounds that define the different regions of Texas, from the blues of the Piney Woods to Tejano on the South Texas border. They offer guides on museums, historic spots, and which artists to queue up to learn more about the state’s musical past. Throughout the rest of the issue, we delve into the history of the state’s recording industry; offer a guide to San Marcos, one of Texas’ Music Friendly towns; and visit San Antonio’s most unique concert venue, Echo Bridge.