Texas Is the Reason

Texas Is the Reason
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1994 in New York City, United States
Founder	Norman Brannon, Chris Daly
Defunct	1997 (first disbandment)
Fate	Disbanded, reunited multiple times (2006, 2012–2013, 2016, 2025–present)
Headquarters	New York City, United States
Area served	United States, Europe
Key people	Garrett Klahn, Scott Winegard, Chris Daly, Norman Brannon, John Herguth
Products	Music albums and EPs

Texas Is the Reason is a post-hardcore band from the United States, established in 1994 by Norman Brannon, formerly the guitarist for Shelter, and Chris Daly, ex-drummer of 108. The group disbanded in 1997 but reunited briefly in 2006 and again between 2012 and 2013.

Origins, Do You Know Who You Are?, and dissolution (1994–97)

Norman Brannon, who played guitar in the Krishnacore band Shelter, teamed up with his friend and fellow Krishna devotee Chris Daly (previously with 108) to form Texas Is the Reason in New York City. Both musicians aimed to distance themselves from the aggressive posturing and religious messaging that characterized their former bands. Scott Winegard, formerly of Fountainhead, joined on bass, followed by Garrett Klahn—guitarist and vocalist formerly involved with Buffalo-based groups Copper and Support—completing the lineup.

The band's name derives from the Misfits track "Bullet" and alludes to a conspiracy theory concerning President John F. Kennedy's assassination, implicating Texas Democrats.

Although major labels showed early interest, Texas Is the Reason opted to sign a two-album contract with independent hardcore label Revelation Records. Their 1995 self-titled debut EP quickly established a strong underground following and influenced many contemporaries. That same year, they released a split single with Samuel on the UK’s Simba label. In 1996, they unveiled their first full-length album, Do You Know Who You Are?, produced by J. Robbins of Jawbox fame and issued through Revelation Records. The album garnered attention from major labels amid the surge of punk on MTV. Tracks such as "The Magic Bullet Theory" and "Back and to the Left" referenced JFK assassination conspiracies.

After releasing a split single with The Promise Ring on Jade Tree, the band prepared to sign with Capitol Records in 1997. However, internal disagreements about moving to a major label escalated during their European tour. Prior to their final performance in Bielefeld, Germany, Daly and Brannon agreed that if the show was exceptional, it would mark the band’s end. Opening with "Antique" to an audience of 800 enthusiastic German fans singing along convinced Brannon that it was time to conclude their journey.

Aftermath and reunions (1998–present)

Following the breakup, members engaged in various musical endeavors: Klahn created New Rising Sons in 1998 and later Solea in 2001 alongside Serge Lobokoff from Samiam. Daly founded indie outfit Jets to Brazil with Blake Schwarzenbach of Jawbreaker. Winegard performed with Americans and co-managed the GrapeOS label. Meanwhile, Norman Brannon spent nearly three years working as a DJ in Chicago.

Winegard and Brannon collaborated with Charlie Walker (Chamberlain) and Jonah Matranga (Far, Onelinedrawing) to form New End Original between 2000 and 2003. Klahn’s New Rising Sons released two EPs via GrapeOS, secured a deal with Virgin Records, but disbanded after being dropped; they later reunited in 2008. Klahn currently plays in Atlantic/Pacific alongside John Herguth of House & Parish. Daly departed Jets to Brazil following their 2002 release Perfecting Loneliness.

To commemorate the tenth anniversary of Do You Know Who You Are?, Texas Is the Reason reunited for two sold-out performances at New York City's Irving Plaza in November 2006. They stressed this was a one-off event without plans for further touring or reformation. In June 2007, Winegard formed House & Parish with members from other emo acts.

In 2012, Revelation Records marked its 25th anniversary with a celebration at The Glass House in Pomona, California. Although invited to reunite for this event, the band declined; Daly attended independently and later expressed openness toward another reunion. The band headlined Revelation’s east coast anniversary event in October 2012 at Irving Plaza, selling out quickly and adding a second night at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Daly compared the band to “a really cool old car... good to take out and drive around the neighborhood.”

After completing a European tour, Texas Is the Reason performed their final reunion show at London's Electric Ballroom on August 4, 2013. Subsequent appearances included a 20th anniversary concert for Do You Know Who You Are? on March 15, 2016, as well as a memorial event honoring Jon Bunch.

In 2025, Texas Is the Reason reunited once more; however, guitarist Norman Brannon chose not to participate due to negative personal associations linked to the band's earlier period.

Members

Present lineup

Garrett Klahn – lead vocals, guitar (1994–1997, 2006, 2012–2013, 2016, 2025–present)
Scott Winegard – bass guitar (1994–1997, 2006, 2012–2013, 2016, 2025–present)
Chris Daly – drums (1994–1997, 2006, 2012–2013, 2016, 2025–present)
John Herguth – guitar (2025–present)

Past members

Norman Brannon – guitar (1994–1997, 2006, 2012–2013, 2016)

Studio albums

Do You Know Who You Are? (1996, Revelation Records)
Your Choice Live Series 037 – Live split album with Samiam (1999, Your Choice Records)

Extended plays

Texas Is the Reason (also known as If It's Here When We Get Back It's Ours) (1995, Revelation)
Split 7" with Samuel (1995, Simba Recordings and Art Monk Construction)
Split 7" with The Promise Ring (1996, Jade Tree)

External links