Texas Sounds Festival Celebrates Global Talent, Honors Artists
UPDATE: The Texas Sounds International Music Awards wrapped up this past weekend in Marshall, Texas, celebrating extraordinary global talent and honoring outstanding artists from around the world. The festival, now in its 12th year, showcased musicians from 15 nations from Thursday to Saturday at the Memorial City Hall Performance Center.
Just announced! The awards ceremony on Sunday recognized winners in several categories, spotlighting the vibrant spirit of country music that unites diverse cultures. East Texas Performing Arts President Sara Whitaker delivered heartfelt tributes during the event, highlighting the dedication of her parents, Ellen and Preston Taylor, who received an award for their selfless service since the festival’s inception in 2011.
“Now’s the time where we celebrate you and your hard work,” Whitaker said, expressing gratitude to the festival’s contributors.
The festival’s atmosphere resonated with excitement as winners were unveiled. The coveted title of 2025 Female Rising Star of the Year went to Caitlin Mae, a Nashville-based artist hailing from South Wales. “It is an honor to be here with all of you,” she exclaimed, emphasizing the unifying power of country music.
Larry Peninsula from Finland was honored as Male Rising Star of the Year, while Shota Adamashvili from the Republic of Georgia took home the award for Original Song of the Year for “My Name Doesn’t Ring a Bell.” Adamashvili expressed his gratitude, calling the moment the highlight of his career.
“Thank you, Texas. Thank the United States of America. This is my biggest moment,” he said.
The festival also recognized the Duo of the Year as Billy and Bray Band from the Netherlands and named Riverside Soul from Hungary as Band of the Year. The Producer’s Choice of the Year went to Hilde Vos, also from the Netherlands.
Emotional moments defined the event, particularly when Pamela Rooney from Canada was awarded Female Vocalist of the Year. Tears streamed down her face as she shared her journey, urging fellow artists to never give up on their dreams.
“I come from a place where they told me I could never do it. And here I am today,” Rooney said.
The ceremony concluded with Lucy and Hangover Band from the Czech Republic being named Entertainers of the Year. Preston Taylor, Vice President of East Texas Performing Arts, expressed pride in the festival’s unique contribution to the arts.
“We honestly believe there is nothing like it in the world. Thank you for being here,” he declared.
This year’s festival not only showcased incredible talent but also reinforced the commitment to promoting independent artists on a global platform. The successes celebrated at the Texas Sounds International Music Awards highlight the festival’s significance in fostering cultural exchange through music.
As the festival wraps up, the community of Marshall looks forward to continuing this tradition of unity and celebration of talent on an international scale.
