Originals vs. Covers: What Should Blakgraz Do? | One Year on the Road

Over the past year, Blakgraz has toured across the country, performing only original music—and we've heard a lot of love along the way. From fans and fellow musicians to venue owners, people have told us:

"Y’all sound great... you should throw in some covers!"

So, in this video, we’re digging into the big question so many independent artists face: Should we add cover songs to the set?

We’re sharing our honest thoughts after a full year of playing nothing but originals in rooms that usually expect cover bands. PLUS—we’re reading through a list of the pros and cons of performing original music vs. cover music, straight from the road, with no sugarcoating.

Whether you're an artist navigating the same space or a music lover curious about how this world works, we hope this gives you some perspective on what it really means to stay true to your sound—and what the tradeoffs are.

💭 Topics Covered:
What it’s like touring as an original band
Why some venues push for cover music
The benefits and challenges of both paths
Our current mindset and future plans

The guitar featured in this video is Betty. She was designed by Custom Build Guitars (https://www.thintheherdguitars.com/) based out of Austin, Texas. You can buy direct from their website or see/play them in person at JD's Southside Music in San Antonio, Texas.

👉🏻Connect with Blakgraz:👈🏻
site: https://www.blakgraz.com
Stream: https://www.blakgraz.com/stream
Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/store/blakgraz
CDs: https://www.elasticstage.com/blakgraz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/blakgraz
IG: https://www.instagram.com/blakgraz
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@blakgraz
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@blakgraz
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/68be143919e0/blakgrazemaillist
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/blakgraz

#blakgraz #coversongs #originalmusic

Genre-Crossing Music. Unforgettable Live Shows. A Sound You Can’t Shake. 🎶
Blakgraz is an unstoppable force on the American music scene — a band that blends raw talent, fearless genre-bending, and over 110 original songs into one powerful musical experience. From heart-pounding rock anthems to boot-stomping country ballads and soulful funk grooves, Blakgraz spans 11 genres including rock, blues, country, bluegrass, folk, jazz, Latin, rap, pop, electronic, and more — creating a truly unique sound that hits every listener in a different way.

Since kicking off their national tour in 2024, Blakgraz has been lighting up stages across the U.S., earning rave reviews from venues and audiences alike. Bookers and club owners consistently say the same thing: “We can’t wait to have them back!” — thanks to the band's high-energy shows, passionate performances, and deep connection with the crowd.
With a sonic palette that echoes the best of Eagles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Journey, Hank Williams Sr., ZZ Top, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Wonder — and then flips it on its head — Blakgraz delivers something classic and totally new at the same time.

🎵 Blakgraz Discography Highlights:
* Lust (2010)
* Messages in Numbers (2012)
* Fire (2019)
* Chaotic (2021)
* Trust (2022)
* Soveran (2023)
* Rufus : ongoing single releases throughout 2024 and 2025

At the core of the band is Tom, a seasoned songwriter and performer with decades of experience, including co-writing the viral hit “Now Is So Beautiful” (which topped MP3.com, outranking Alanis Morissette and Blink-182), and working with Shoot the Moon, a regional favorite that charted Top 10 on ReverbNation. Tom has performed on stages across the country and collaborated with artists like Angelo Maruzzelli of Cold and University Drive.
In 2024, “What If I Told You” by Blakgraz soared past 2+ million streams in just a few months — a milestone that signals the band’s rising momentum in both the live scene and digital space.

🔥 Whether you're dancing at a packed venue, driving under open skies, or discovering new music that actually says something, Blakgraz delivers an unforgettable ride. With powerful lyrics, genre-fusing grooves, and a relentless commitment to craft, this band doesn't just play music — they live it.

On tour now. Catch the show. Feel the energy. Be part of the story.

Blakgraz has a NEW SPONSOR, The Healthy Protocol!
I've been using their Royal Velvet for over 15 years and I'm proud to spread the word about this AMAZING supplement. Use the code: Blakgraz for 25% ANY ORDER, even AUTOSHIP. The code IS NOT an affiliate code. I hope y'all experience the same POWERFUL results as I have.
www.royalvelvetnow.com
use code: BLAKGRAZ