From Napkins to Notoriety: Lockhart musician strikes a chord with passion and purpose

By Anthony Collins, LPR Editor                             

     Recently Lockhart Texas was designated a “Music Friendly Texas Certified Community” and rightfully so. The city is home to great musicians who love the opportunity to play at our local events and venues. So many times, out of town artists are invited to perform where we have roots to local talent. Remember Willie Nelson was a local musician until someone gave him a chance.

     For one local artist, music has never been just a hobby—it’s been a lifelong companion, starting with a violin at age six and evolving into a vibrant career marked by heartfelt performances, emotional songwriting, and community advocacy.

Homeschooled and raised in a musical household in College Station Texas, Mandy Rowden was first inspired by her mother’s piano playing. But it was a Tom Petty album, brought home by her brother, that lit the creative spark. Citing influences as diverse as Vivaldi, Chopin, and Tom Petty, her journey has been a blend of classical roots and Americana soul.

     Now, with 35 years of musicianship under her belt and 20 years of paid gigs, Rowden continues to captivate audiences across the country. Some of her fondest memories come from touring the rustic beauty of Montana and Wyoming—just before the pandemic reshaped the rhythm of live music. “COVID ruined a lot of rhythm for people,” Rowden reflects.

     Her creative process is anything but conventional. “Sometimes it’s a napkin, sometimes it’s my phone,” she laughs. “I draw off of what I’m listening to at the moment.” Inspiration strikes her like lightning, whether from personal feelings or a sudden burst of clarity—what she calls a gift from the Heavens.

     For this artist, music is about connection. “I hope people feel that I’m sharing an experience with them when I perform,” she says.

Collaboration is another passion, particularly her work with Songs for the Soul, a project where oncology nurses write their thoughts and emotions down, so musicians like her transform those feelings into music. “It’s deeply moving work. Sometimes I cry while writing,” she admits.

     When it comes to her favorite place to performance, there’s no hesitation, “The Saxon Pub in Austin,” she says, praising its stage and acoustics. And as for nerves, “I realized that being nervous is right next to being excited. So, I choose to be excited.”

     Though she finds great joy in creating music and setting her own schedule, she’s candid about the industry’s shortcomings. “People undervalue musicians,” she states. “Social media helps get music out, but streaming services are hurting us.”

     Her current favorite songs to perform—Sing Hallelujah and Peace Where I Used to Have None—highlight her deep emotional range and spiritual strength. And when asked who she’d love to open for, the answer is a swift: “Lucinda Williams.”

     For those just starting out in music, her advice is a blend of humor and heart, “Try to start with unlimited money. And make sure you love—and keep loving—what you do.” Outside the studio, she’s a runner, having competed in marathons and half-marathons. “It’s free therapy,” she says with a smile.

    One of her proudest achievements was founding and running Austin’s Girl Guitar School for the past 18 years the school empowered women through music education and learning to play the guitar.

   She also advocates for fair pay and overhauling the streaming model. “If I could change one thing about the music industry, it would be that” she says without hesitation. According to Rowden the criteria for streaming revenue is very daunting and sometimes difficult to navigate.

Whether it’s through song, teaching, or advocacy, her story is a reminder that music isn’t just sound—it’s a lifeline. Looking ahead, she’s focused on the 2025 Texas Women Songwriters Festival, set to take place in Lockhart this September. The full list of performers will be out in June, but the venues have been set. The complete list of venues and festival information can be found at twsfest.com. You can catch Rowden on Sunday morning May 18 as she will be performing the special music at the Little Green Church located at 308 Bowie St. at Jennings St in Martindale Texas.