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Weekly, millions sink into big couches in front of flat screens and travel to a West Texas boomtown filled with drama and Southern charm. Landman, penned by Fort Worth-native-turned-Hollywood-mogul Taylor Sheridan, has garnered the approval of critics and Western revivalists alike. The show, shot primarily in North Texas and occasionally in downtown Dallas, often feels like a love letter to the area and its people from the man who decided to bring show business back to his hometown.
Sheridan doesn’t just take viewers to Texas through drawls and wide-brims, but through the sounds and strums of artists who love the Lone Star State just as much as he does. The show’s soundtrack is chock-full of North Texas artists, from Billboard chart toppers to the local gig economy.
The latest episode streamed on Peacock on Dec. 28, and while most people were talking about a scene with 70-year-old star Billy Bob Thornton’s pharmaceutical-assisted erection, Denton resident Isaac Hoskins was talking about how cool it is to have his music featured in Sheridan’s work.
His 2022 country song, “Panhandle Wind,” which played in this week’s episode, isn’t the local artist’s only song to make it into one of the award-winning writer’s series. His song “H-Town Turnaround” appeared in an episode of Yellowstone.
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“Nobody knows who I am, that’s true,” he said. “But I had a song featured in that show that I think is one of my better songs; it’s at a little over 2 million streams. I would never have had those types of numbers without [the show].”
Lightning struck when Sheridan once coincidentally walked into Magnolia Motor Lounge in Fort Worth, where Hoskins was playing in 2019.
“It was pretty wild,” Hoskins said. “It continues to make my life more interesting, to say the least. I’ve gotten to meet a ton of really great folks, some really successful, down-to-earth people. And I’ve learned a lot about the business and about myself, too. It’s been a fantastic experience, for sure.”
Sheridan’s love for Texas extends beyond promoting local artists. After years of cutting his teeth and riding off major success with his debut television series “Yellowstone”, Sheridan traded tinsel for cows and opened a production studio, SGS Studios, in Fort Worth. It is the largest film studio in the state, and a key puzzle piece in the state’s ongoing initiative to rival California’s film industry dominance.
“It’s remarkable that somebody would find success and then bring all of that and have the juice, if you will, to pull all of that industry back to his home,” said Hoskins. “He doesn’t play games, but he also rewards people for being honest and on time and working hard, and all the things that go along with what most people would probably say are Texan values.”
The Landman soundtrack is full of the kind of heartfelt songs that make you want to drive fast down a dirt road, and a lot of them are from our very own. Here’s a definitive list for your next road trip playlist:
“Debtor’s Blues” by Vincent Neal Emerson
Season one, episode one: “Landman”
Vincent Neal Emerson was born in Van Zandt County and cut his teeth busking in Fort Worth. The folk artist is currently touring the country, but has no dates scheduled for North Texas at this time.
“Take Me Home” by Tanner Usrey
Season one, episode one: “Landman”
Tanner Usrey is another local best-kept-secret. The Americana singer from Prosper has a show at Billy Bob’s Texas in March to celebrate his birthday. Tickets start at $20.
“Change the Game” by Cody Jinks
Season one, episode eight: “Clumsy, This Life”
Cody Jinks is where country meets heavy metal. The rocker who grew up in Haltom City on the fringes of Fort Worth has a show next week at The Studio at The Bomb Factory. Tickets are $82, resale.
“Ain’t Done Losing Yet” by Charley Crockett
Season one, episode nine: “Wolf Camp”
Charley Crockett is one of our favorite musicians, whom we get to claim as our own. The country breakout spent a lot of time in Dallas and was a regular in Deep Ellum venues before making it big.
“9 Lives (Black Cat)” by Koe Wetzel
Season one, Episode 10: “The Crumbs of Hope”
Wetzel, one of the biggest names in country-grunge, grew up in an East Texas town called Pittsburg. They’re technically our neighbors, so we’re happy to claim East Texas as well. Wetzel is set to play the upcoming Lone Star Smokeout in Arlington this April.
“I Found Blue” by The Reverend Horton Heat
Season two, episode four: “The String of Second Chances”
This boisterous trio formed in the ‘80s and became a Deep Ellum swing staple at the height of the neighborhood’s golden era. If you want to see them soon, the band has a show at Dan’s Silverleaf in Denton on Jan. 23
“Panhandle Wind” by Isaac Hoskins
Season two, episode seven: “Forever is An Instant”
Hoskins is playing a show at Dan’s Silverleaf in Denton in April.
“Drink Don’t Need No Mix” by Shaboozey ft. BigXThaPlug
Season two, episode seven: “Forever is an Instant”
Arguably one of Dallas’ most prominent artists right now, BigXThaPlug hasn’t come home for a show since he was arrested in Dallas the night before his I Hope You’re Happy album release party. The party, hosted by a local Wingstop, was understandably canceled. Earlier this year, the rapper dropped out as the opener for Lil Baby’s WHAM World Tour, which included a Dallas concert, leaving us to wonder if he’ll ever come back. Maybe if Sheridan asks nicely.
