It’s Homegrown Music Month, and every day, we’re tipping our hat to a different artist or act with North Texas ties. Listen to hear the day’s artist on KXT 91.7 FM and check back tomorrow to see who we shout out next.
Ottoman Turks
From: Dallas
Sounds like: A wheels-off night at Adair’s Saloon with rowdy troubadours
Goes good with: Tom Waits, Hank Williams, the Clash
Origin story: Originally founded by singer-songwriter Nathan Mongol Wells while in high school, the band initially included Billy Law, Joshua Ray Walker and Paul Hinojo. (Walker has since left the band.) Ottoman Turks quickly built a name for itself with kinetic live shows and sturdy songs, which didn’t actually make it to record until years after the band formed.
Quotable: “I wouldn’t still be playing music without the people in Turks, and I imagine they probably feel similarly. … It’s so grounding to have someone you can complain [to] and bounce ideas off of — I think that’s what makes you last, or as least, that’s the case for me.” – Law to KXT in 2024
Fun fact: Each member of the Turks has a thriving solo career, in addition to writing, playing and touring with the band.
Why we picked them: An explosively talented group full of sharp singer-songwriters and dynamic performers
Where to hear: You can find Ottoman Turks on most digital music providers
