Big Spring native Austin Cox and his band Desert Folk released their new single today, titled “Howard County.” It’s a love song in its own way—about missing home, written by Austin nearly a decade ago while he was living in Tennessee and feeling the pull of West Texas.
The song carries a certain irony: Austin spent over 19 years in Howard County counting down the days until he could leave. But once he left, he realized just how much the place—and the people—meant to him. “Howard County” is a reflection of that feeling, that sense of identity rooted in the desert landscape, in small-town life, and in the unique pride of being a West Texan.
As Austin puts it, there’s a grit and perspective that comes with being raised in the Permian Basin. West Texans are tough, proud, and unshakably grounded. What some might see as “simple living,” we know as a life built through hard work, resilience, and deep community.
From the beauty of a West Texas sunset to the familiar sound of Jody Nix playing at The Stampede, to the cactus that thrives in harsh soil—this song captures the soul of a region that shapes its people in unforgettable ways.
“Howard County” is streaming now. Give it a listen—you might just be reminded of all the little things that make West Texas, and towns like Big Spring, so special.
Yoki News 
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