The music surrounds me. The lights flash. There’s a haze thick with tobacco smoke and beer in the air, an unfiltered energy pulsing through the crowd. I stand there, dazed and grinning, surrounded by the roaring voices of a thousand strangers who, for one day, have found their place in Buda, Texas. How did I get here? Let’s rewind. photos by jacobperoyea and graysen miller
A week before, I shot an email to Railcar Revival’s team, hoping to be able to get three media passes for Ponder. They threw back a storm of questions but eventually hooked us up with two passes. Flash forward to Saturday the 9th, me and my friend Graysen Miller are standing at the Ticketing and Will Call center. The ladies at the desk find our names on the list, put media bands on our wrists, and send us into the festival.
The setup is surprisingly well-crafted, given this is Railcar Revival’s first time. Vendor tents line the outskirts, with everything from local eats to places that look like they’ve been handpicked from Austin’s best. Big neon signs spelling out “RAILCAR” make for perfect Instagram pics, and the food trucks bring the flavor: tacos, hibachi, and oddly enough, a coffee bar.
When the first act, Cody Canada, hits the stage, we get into the photo pit. Canada’s ripping solos and cutting remarks match his look, which is as menacing as his lyrics. He sneers, “I’ve been doing this fucking show since the ’90s. So to those here for the headliner and not me—well, enjoy my set, because it’s gonna be a long-ass time.” I chuckle and continue taking photos.
The crowd swells, a mix of high school and college kids, wide-eyed and buzzing for their next act. Enter Ty Myers. In the photo pit, I catch Graysen’s eye. We go see Ty Myers, mid-guitar tune, looks up as I approach.
Now, here’s my shtick; for every show I cover, I snap a Polaroid of the artist and have them sign it. I bring out my original Polaroid from the 90s, “Hey, Ty! Mind if I grab a quick Polaroid?” He grins, posing with his guitar in a look that’s all rock-star intensity. “How old are you?” I ask as he signs. “Seventeen, man!” he says, beaming. I laugh, “Guess how old we are?” He raises an eyebrow, “16, 17??” and we all crack up. As he walks out on stage, I settle back into the pit, where his dedicated fans are holding signs and screaming his name. Girls go wild with every smile he throws their way.
Next up, Reckless Kelly. Oddly, given Myers’ rising star status, you’d think he’d be right before the headliner. But it’s Kelly instead, playing for what feels like hours. The audience, now visibly restless, is waiting for Treaty Oak Revival to take the stage. Graysen and I take the chance to explore, taking in the festival in full. Voices, laughter, and the occasional beer blend into a soundtrack that’s pure Texas country.
Finally, Reckless Kelly’s set ends. We run into Ty again backstage and chat a bit before we’re drawn to the crowd as Treaty Oak Revival’s personal photographer, Paige, fills us in on the life of touring. The lights dim. The crowd is electric, ready for the main event.
Treaty Oak Revival hits the stage with a fury that feels more like an ’80s rock show than a country-rock performance. They’re throwing beers into the crowd, flipping off fans, and charging straight into the pit. It’s madness—a wild, rowdy, Texas-style concert in the best sense. When their set ends with a spray of beer showering the audience, the crowd, drained and thrilled, starts to pour out.
For a one-day festival, Railcar Revival brought an undeniable energy to Buda. Sure, the lighting and visual graphics were outdated, and there was an unfortunate whiff from the nearby sewage plant. But the crowd, mostly young and eager, was perfect for a festival on the come up. Talking with the organizers, they hinted at big plans: they’re eyeing a two-day format to reel in more out-of-town fans.
My advice? Railcar Revival has the bones of something big. They need to focus on keeping the crowd engaged, and bring in more modern acts with some serious followings—acts like Shane Smith & the Saints or Turnpike Troubadours would bring a perfect range and help balance the old-school and new-school vibes.
Here’s to Railcar Revival’s next round—may it be louder, wilder, longer and ready to rock even harder.
