MOCO Muscians Vie for Top Texas Country Music Honors

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- The Montgomery County music scene is vibrant, with live music across The County at restaurants and bars, whether it’s a player at a piano, or a string quartet, to a singer doing a solo gig with a guitar, or a full fledged band in action. There is nothing wrong with being entertained while eating or taking a sip of an adult beverage and/or chatting with friends is fun, entertaining, and memorable. Several musicians from Montgomery County, who routinely have local shows, or travel to play or record out of state, or even tour Europe, have been making strides in getting noticed in the Texas Country Music scene. Three MOCO Musicians, Payton Howie, Payton Riley, and Kale Murray, have each been nominated as finalists to the Texas Country Music Association (TCMA) Awards later this year, which attests to their continued excellence in their performances in The County and beyond. Each year the TMCA opens voting in July to mid-August to public fans in making their choices for the best that Texas has to offer in regards to Country Music in its many categories, with the awards ceremony to be held at Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s Texas in November.

Willis phenom Payton Howie has fast become one of country music’s fastest rising independent music artists, she still strives to connect with Montgomery County, making music that matches her wild and spirited attitude that her fans love in her music. On the road to five million streams of her songs, along with a social media following closing in on 200,000 followers, Howie commands the stage with her powerhouse voice that claims her fans. She has an impressive resume of touring alongside some of very impressive names in country music such as Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood.

Howie has toured with her single, “Ramblin’ Woman,” which is a Top Ten hit on the Irish iTunes Download Chart, and her success has earned her a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year from both the Texas Regional Radio Awards and the Texas Country Music Association.

Montgomery’s Payton Riley is no stranger to awards having received state and national accolades in the past few years, as well a national television appearance. Riley’s ability to write, whether by her own or by others first hand experience, gives her music that’s personally touching and makes her songs well loved. Still only 17, she continually releases new material every few months, just recently debuting her latest song ‘Rainmaker,’ a piece about a disappointing relationship, at Frank Jackson’s The Table at Madeley in downtown Conroe.

“I’m incredibly honored to be a finalist for the Texas Country Music Association’s Young Artist of the Year,” said Riley. “I’d appreciate your support in voting for me in this honor.”

Winning awards since 2023, Riley’s style has evolved into her own signature sound, ‘Punktry,’ which she calls “a blend of country storytelling, punk attitude, and rock energy.” It’s her way of setting herself apart from the large pool of traditional country music artists.

Both Payton’s are friends of The Almighty, and are willing to give back to their community. They have teamed with local promoter Charlie Diggs, in the recent launch of ‘Jesus in the Neon Worship Group,’ a weekly gathering in which Riley and Howie lead the worship session, share their testimonies, and teach Bible lessons in encouraging attendees in person and on-line in their faith. Riley also volunteers with Love Heals Youth Ministry, an organization dedicated to supporting foster youth, where Payton serves the local youth through music, mentorship, and outreach.

Also receiving statewide recognition is Riley’s bassist, Kale Murray, who has been named a finalist for Bassist of the Year. The winners of the Texas Country Music Association Awards are determined by fan voting, and Montgomery County is encouraged to get online and support our outstanding local musicians. Only one vote is allowed per email address, but everyone is encouraged to vote, so spread the word.

To vote: texascountrymusicassociation.org/2026vote

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