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Broadcast live from the stage at World Cafe Live

Texas songwriter, Hayes Carll is a dry-witted folk musician whose humble music is poised but infused with humorous anecdotes. He first picked up a guitar at the age of 15, played during college, moved around Texas, eventually returning to Houston, his hometown,and started to develop a following. That's where he released his first album, 2002's Flowers Liquor. which became an immediate hit with critics and fans alike.

Almost a decade later, Carll has racked up a list of achievements, written three more full-lengths, and spent a good deal of time on the road, honing his craft and receiving inspiration. First off, his second release, though courted by record companies, was on his own label, and became the first self-released Americana album to top the charts. Carll has been named best folk and best new artist by the Houston Press, he's written music with Guy Clark and Ray Wylie Hubbard, and he's largely recognized as a lead man in a resurgence of Texas artists greatly influenced by Townes Van Zandt and Bob Dylan.

Carll's latest release is the miliatry acronymic KMAG YOYO, standing for Kiss My A** Guys, You're on Your Own. It's storied by personal, full of songs with rich military characters and influences. The album was largely inspired and created on the road, using riffs created on stage. As Carll puts it on his website, "I wanted to challenge myself musically, and see if I could capture that live dynamic. A lot of the songs came with the music first, with the music calling the lyrics."

The resulting album has been described as full of "fiery rock, twangy country, pensive folk and even a touch of gospel." If there really is as close a connection between Carll's performances and his music, he's got to have really energetic, exciting shows.

Hayes Carll will be here for a Free At Noon show from World Cafe Live on Friday, February 11, playing songs from his brand new album KMAG YOYO. RSVP by clicking on the link above, or hear it on your radio, or online at XPN.org/listen.