Reviving Treaty Oak's Music for Fans of Rowdy Fun with New Album 'West Texas Degenerate'

People from West Texas speak their mind without hesitation, says Sam Canty, lead singer and main songwriter of Treaty Oak Revival. Theyll tell you exactly how they feel, even if it comes out harsh. This bluntness carries over into the bands music, which is unfiltered, intense, and authentic, particularly on their new self-released album, West Texas Degenerate, released on November 28.

The band, formed in Odessa, Texas, includes electric guitarists Lance Vanley and his uncle Jeremiah Vanley, drummer Cody Holloway, and bassist Dakota Hernandez, who recently joined replacing Andrew Carey. Their music blends country and rock, reflecting the grit and raw experiences of life in oil-rich West Texas, where challenges and rough living are commonplace.

Life here isnt easy. The environment is tough, and the people work hard, Canty explains. When the weekend comes, they love to unwind and let loose. The albums title was inspired by a comment from a writer who labeled the bands fans as degenerate alcoholics. Instead of taking offense, Canty embraced the term, turning it into the name of a track he had been planning to write.

Recorded over four days, West Texas Degenerate captures the energy of the bands live performances while revealing more depth and maturity. Tracks like the title song, Sh-t Hill, Withdrawals, and Dosin explore themes of hardship, overindulgence, and survival, while songs such as Sunflowers and Misery, a catchy collaboration with Muscadine Bloodline, address love in both its joys and struggles. Sunflowers was written as a personal wedding gift for Cantys wife, but she encouraged him to release it to the public.

Now in their 30s and with familiesincluding Canty, who has a 20-month-old sonthe band felt ready to broaden their lyrical themes. We needed to write about love at some point, Canty says. Sunflowers isnt about perfect love. Its about embracing someone fully, even their flaws. Canty also notes that his sobriety over the past three years has made both his life and his music better, enhancing performances and personal relationships.

Fans have consistently responded to the honesty in TORs music. Their platinum single Ode to Bourbon, from their 2021 debut No Vacancy, began as a song about enjoying drinking but transformed into a tribute after a friends passing. Canty recalls hearing that the song helped people quit drinking or reconsider their choices, highlighting the meaningful connection between the band and its listeners.

Since forming in 2019, Treaty Oak Revival has steadily grown their fan base, amassing over 2.24 billion on-demand streams in the U.S. and earning spots as arena headliners. A 25-city tour kicks off February 5 at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, including a headlining show at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Their music has also featured on Taylor Sheridans Paramount+ series Landman, aligning naturally with the shows West Texas oil-drilling backdrop.

While the band briefly collaborated with Interscope Records for the distribution of The Talco Tapes and the single Bad State of Mind, they ultimately returned to independence. Canty emphasizes a positive relationship with the label but notes that self-management better suits their style and goals.

Looking ahead, the band aims to grow internationally, already playing in Australia and selling over 10,000 tickets. Were just some guys from West Texas, Canty reflects. Its surreal to see how far weve come and to connect with fans around the world.

Author: Olivia Parker