Local band Texas Major gets Rock The Lake invite

Local Kelowna band, Texas Major, has just been confirmed for a gig of a lifetime!

They will be an opening act for some serious rock legends at next month’s Rock the Lake: Tom Cochrane, 54-40, and Wide Mouth Mason.

Texas Major will hit the stage in the Sunday lineup of Rock the Lake, scheduled to take place at Prospera Place from July 12-14.

To celebrate their addition to the legendary lineup, Texas Major will be performing live this Saturday, June 22nd, at Red Bird Brewing, Rock the Lake is taking over the Red Bird patio to host a massive party, complete with ticket giveaways and exclusive prizes.

The event will feature a special RTL putting green, where attendees can enter to win three-day weekend passes, Red Bird swag, GC’s, and festival gear, including hats, crop tops, and tees, will also be up for grabs before they are available at the merchandise stands.

They will also set the stage with a playlist takeover featuring hits from Our Lady Peace, Theory of a Deadman, Daughtry, Tom Cochrane, 54-40, Wide Mouth Mason, Hoobastank, and more.

Original story

A duo named Texas Major is carving out a unique niche in Kelowna.

Composed of Paul Minor on drums and Austen Sawchuk on guitar, the band is making waves with their unique sound and creative approach to music.

The origin of their name is as intriguing as their music - a blend of Austen's Texan namesake and a playful inversion of Paul’s last name, Minor.

Both Minor and Sawchuk are seasoned musicians, having worked as 'hired guns' for various groups in Kelowna and beyond the province.

Their extensive experience laid the groundwork for Texas Major, a project born out of their shared desire for artistic freedom and a space to explore their own creativity.

"We just wanted a space to actually write, because a lot of the time we are learning other people’s music," Sawchuk said.

Texas Major’s sound is a diverse mix of rock & roll, southern rock, and country, inspired by duo rock bands like Royal Blood, Black Keys, and Cleopatrick.

"It forces us to be more creative with the sound," Minor said, adding they've managed to create a full-bodied sound that rivals larger ensembles.

It's fuelled by Sawchuk's ability to blend bass tones with a pedal click and Minor's aspiration to emulate the legendary John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, they say.

"There is something about a duo that just sounds unique. You think it would sound half as good as four people. But if you do it right ... it is fun," Sawchuk added.

Looking ahead, Texas Major plans to release singles, book more shows, and record new music. They're eager to hit the road, taking advantage of the logistical ease of being a duo.

With their gear all fitting into a single SUV, they're ready to bring their unique sound to audiences far and wide.