In the vast landscape of Texas Country Music, few bands have made a splash as quickly and decisively as Kin Faux. Formed in San Antonio, Texas, this four-piece group has become a fixture on the Texas Country and Red Dirt Music scenes, blending traditional country roots with a modern, crowd energizing sound. Their journey from local gigs to chart-topping singles reflects a hard-earned rise to fame, with their unique blend of influences and powerful performances captivating fans across the state and beyond.
Humble Beginnings and a Meteoric Rise
Kin Faux was founded with a shared passion for country music and a relentless drive to perform. Early on, they garnered attention for their dynamic stage presence and skillful musicianship, influenced by icons like Charlie Daniels, Alabama, and Restless Heart. After releasing their debut self-titled EP Kin Faux in 2018, the band began to carve out a name for themselves, playing renowned Texas venues such as Gruene Hall and Luckenbach, and sharing stages with established artists like Kevin Fowler and Trace Adkins. By 2021, their hit single Honky Tonk in Heaven(2021) climbed to the top of the Texas Country Music Chart, marking their first #1 hit.
The release of their second album, Honky Tonk in Heaven (2021), signaled a turning point for the band. The album’s title track secured the #1 spot for two consecutive weeks, followed by another chart-topping single, Wild Horses(2021), which also dominated the charts for two weeks. Their growing popularity didn’t go unnoticed—Kin Faux won Band of the Year at the 2021 Texas Country Music Awards and Single of the Year for Wild Horses(2021) at the
2022 Texas Country Music Awards. At the Texas Regional Radio Music Awards (T3R) in 2022, they earned the title of New Band of the Year.
Chart-Topping Success Continues
Their success wasn’t limited to these early hits.
In 2023, Kin Faux released Cheaper Than the Truth, an album that saw them reach new heights with its standout singles. Honky Tonk Honey, one of the leading tracks, reached #1 on the Texas Country Music Chart, staying at the top for several weeks. The song’s infectious honky-tonk energy, combined with its clever lyrics, made it a favorite among fans and cemented Kin Faux’s status as a dominant force in Texas Country Music.
However, it was the release of My Kind of Weathered that truly marked a milestone for the band. The single, praised for its relatable themes of resilience and finding strength through adversity, hit #1 on the Official Texas Music Chart, where it remained for a total of five weeks. Though its reign at the top wasn’t consecutive, the song’s lasting power on the charts spoke volumes about its popularity and the strong connection Kin Faux had forged with their audience. This achievement underscored their ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners, blending traditional country storytelling with a modern twist.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
As their music climbed the charts, so did their recognition within the industry. Along with their accolades at the Texas Country Music Awards and the Texas Regional Radio Music Awards, Kin Faux received multiple nominations in 2023, including nods for Entertainer of the Year at the Texas Country Music Awards. Their live shows, known for their high-energy performances and engaging stage presence, have become one of their hallmarks, drawing fans from across the state to see them perform at top venues and festivals.
Collaborations that Cross Borders and expand Boundaries
In addition to their solo work, Kin Faux has continued to expand their musical influence through notable collaborations. One of their most recent and exciting partnerships has been with Sunny Sauceda, a three-time Grammy winner and renowned accordion player. Sauceda, who is best known for his work in
Tejano and Texas Country, teamed up with Kin Faux on multiple occasions, adding his signature accordion sound to their live shows and recordings. One of the most notable collaborations was the reimagining of the classic anthem God Blessed Texas (Dios Bendijo Tejas) (2024), a Texican version blending Country and Tejano influences.
Another notable collaboration has been with Mark Powell on the song In-Law Familia (2024), a lighthearted and spirited track that brings together family and tradition through music. The song originated at Mark Powell’s Outlaw and Legends Music Festival, where Rico Gonzalez of Kin Faux and Clinton Pickens connected over their shared love for music. Together, they created a fun and infectious anthem that celebrates unity, despite cultural differences. As Rico Gonzalez said, “The purpose of this song is to bring people together and to have fun and just have a good laugh doing it.” In-Law Familia (2024) has quickly become a fan favorite, inviting listeners to gather their loved ones and enjoy the upbeat, feel-good energy that the track exudes
A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD
Kin Faux’s rise to prominence in the Texas country music scene is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and ability to craft songs that connect with a wide range of listeners. With chart-topping hits like My Kind of Weathered and Honky Tonk Honey, the band has proven that they are not just a flash in the pan but a lasting force in the genre. As they continue to release new music and dominate at Texas Country Music Awards, fans and industry insiders alike are excited to see what the future holds for this powerhouse group.
Whether it is through their chart-topping singles, award-winning albums, or unforgettable live shows, Kin Faux has solidified themselves as one of the most exciting bands in Texas Country Music today. Their journey is a story of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for the music that keeps them at the top of the charts and in the hearts of fans across the Lone Star State.
By: Brian Sprague – Owner/Editor in Chief- Texas Music Chart
