In a South Austin house, five musicians live, create, and dream together, forging a sound that’s as raw as the Texas Hill Country and as expansive as the open road. The Droptines, an alternative country band born in Concan, Texas, are making waves with their genre-blending melodies and vivid storytelling. Led by frontman Conner Arthur, known as “The King of Concan,” this band is capturing hearts with their authentic sound and electrifying live shows. Fresh off a standout performance at the 2025 Laurel Cove Music Festival, a new deal with Miranda Lambert’s Big Loud Texas label, and a nod from SPIN Magazine as an artist to watch, The Droptines are poised for greatness. Here’s their story.
Roots in the Texas Hill Country
Founded in 2019, The Droptines emerged from the small town of Concan, Texas, where frontman Conner Arthur began crafting songs that weave together country grit, folk introspection, and rock energy. His lyrics, rich with the vernacular of the Texas Hill Country, tackle everything from biblical themes to raw, existential questions. As David Beck praises, “Conner is the new gold standard of songwriting. He’s witty, visceral, and ties it all up with an unshakable knack for melody”. William Beckmann adds, “Conner’s ability to write songs that meld raw emotion with detailed imagery is something I feel only few songwriters have”
The band—Conner Arthur (vocals), Dillon Sampson (bass), Donny Parkinson (lead guitar), Johnny Sheets (drums), and Tony Rincon (pedal steel)—creates music that’s both versatile and deeply rooted. Tracks like the hard-hitting “New Girl,” the heart-wrenching “As Your Heart Breaks,” and the lush “Raining Where You Are” showcase their range, blending authenticity with a captivating stage presence. Their name, inspired by the rare downward-pointing antler of a whitetail deer, reflects their unique perspective and connection to their Texas upbringing.
Shining at Laurel Cove
The Droptines’ performance at the 2025 Laurel Cove Music Festival in Eastern Kentucky was a defining moment. Held at Pine Mountain State Resort Park, the festival offered a near-Woodstock experience, with fans braving rain to dance in the mud. The band’s set, featuring tracks from their 2024 self-titled debut like “Raining Where You Are,” “Snowed In,” and “New Girl,” left a lasting impression. As festival organizer Jon Grace told People, “When it rains here, we dance in the mud. That’s why I say… there’s not a better festival family out there” [People, 2025]. The Droptines’ ability to connect with the crowd in such a raw setting solidified their reputation as a must-see live act.
A Big Loud Texas Break
In early 2025, The Droptines signed with Big Loud Texas, a new Austin-based label led by Miranda Lambert. This partnership marks a pivotal step, amplifying their reach while preserving their independent spirit. The announcement, covered by industry outlet Rostrum, highlights their growing influence in the alt-country scene [Rostrum, 2025]. Living together in a South Austin house and touring in a converted school bus they built in under a week, The Droptines embody a DIY ethos that resonates with fans and industry insiders alike.
SPIN’s Seal of Approval
SPIN Magazine named The Droptines one of “4 Independent Artists to Watch in 2025,” praising their seamless genre-blending and Conner Arthur’s standout songwriting. “Their music feels like a conversation with an old friend,” the article notes, capturing the band’s ability to craft relatable yet profound stories [SPIN, 2025]. This recognition underscores their potential to break out beyond the Texas music scene, with their authentic sound and magnetic live performances leading the charge.
New Music and a Bright Future
Fans won’t have to wait long for new material. The Droptines are gearing up to release their new single, “Take Too Much,” on July 25, 2025, recorded at Austin’s legendary Arlyn Studios. A full album is slated for fall, promising more of their signature emotional depth and melodic hooks. With each release, they continue to push the boundaries of alt-country, crafting songs that linger long after the music stops.
Upcoming Tour Dates
The Droptines are hitting the road, bringing their unforgettable live show to fans nationwide. Here are their confirmed 2025 tour dates, sourced from their official website:
- June 26, 2025 – Austin, TX – East End Ballroom @ 6PM
- June 27, 2025 – Concan, TX – House Pasture Cattle Co
- June 28, 2025 – San Antonio, TX – Sam’s Burger Joint
- July 3, 2025 – Canyon, TX — The Lumberyard
- July 5, 2025 – Kerrville, TX — The Arcadia Live
- July 9, 2025 — Omaha, NE — Barnato
- July 10, 2025 — Des Moines, IA — Wooly’s
- July 12, 2025 — Milwaukee, WI — Harley Davidson Homecoming Festival
- July 17, 2025 — Macon GA — Macon Amphitheater
- July 18, 2025 — Birmingham, AL — Coca Cola Amphitheater
- July 19, 2025 — Nashville, TN — Ascend Amphitheater
Many more dates and cities scheduled. Visit thedroptines.com for tickets and updates.
A Band That’s Here to Stay
The Droptines’ success so far speaks strongly to the power of authentic storytelling. From their Concan roots to their rain-soaked triumph at Laurel Cove, they’re redefining alt-country with every chord and lyric. With a new single, an upcoming album, and a tour that’s already generating buzz, The Droptines are becoming a force to be reckoned with. Catch them tonight in Austin’s East End Ballroom!
