Cynthia Anderson: Empowering Texas Music and Community Through Texas Brew Radio

Cynthia Anderson launched Texas Brew Radio in January 2023 with one clear mission: to support Texas music. Her approach was simple at first—she accepted every submission she received. “I just threw on every song that I got,” Anderson recalls. "These stories need to be heard.” For Anderson, the local artists' music was more than just entertainment—it was storytelling that deserved a platform.

However, as the months went on, she recognized that to truly amplify these voices, her station needed to evolve. She decided to refine the format to attract a wider audience. "You have to be able to cater to the crowd," she explains. “When I changed the format to cater to listeners, I put top artists in a main category and sprinkled in upcoming and new artists a few times an hour so their stories still get heard, but people want to stay and listen. We also sprinkle in worship music because we know that, whether you believe or not, it elevates your mood. We know everyone could use a little positivity.”

At its core, Texas Brew Radio remains a free speech platform "by the people, for the people," as Anderson puts it. She sees her role as more than just a station owner; she believes the entertainment industry is essential in helping people cope with the chaos of everyday life. “Music and movies keep us sane,” she says. Through Texas Brew Radio, Anderson is not just sharing songs—she’s aiming to inspire change.

Beyond broadcasting music, she has broadened the station’s offerings to help artists promote themselves in innovative ways. Anderson assists musicians with services like creating electronic press kits (EPKs), developing websites, and even collaborating on merchandise. One of her unique offerings is the custom “Texas Brew” shirts, where artists can showcase both her brand and their own. This concept, Anderson believes, removes the stigma of self-promotion, allowing artists to promote themselves with confidence.

A Decade of Celebrating Texas Songwriters

Photo by Texas Brew Radio

One of Anderson’s long-standing contributions to the Texas music scene is her work with the Texas State Songwriters Championship, founded by Ninja Cowboys in 2015. It will celebrate it’s 10th anniversary this December at Pearl’s Saloon in Fort Worth. Last year, over 20 talented artists competed, with Clayton Chapin taking home the top honor. This year, local country artist Katie Beth & Coyote Rose is slated to be part of the competition, further highlighting Anderson's commitment to elevating local talent.

The third-place artist from last year’s competition, Bad Boy Leroy, will receive an elevation boost as an honorary guest, helping to announce awards and kick off the awards celebration. After the winners perform their winning songs, the performances will be broadcast to the streets of the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards and featured live on Texas Brew Radio’s sister station, Fishbowl Radio Network. Anderson’s commitment to networking and collaboration is evident, with the Born & Bred Radio Show and Outlaw Television Network also joining as judges for the competition.

The video above features 1st runner up, Shelby Rae Marshall at Texas State Songwriters Championship 2023. 

Anderson’s work has gained recognition from notable figures, including Uncle Ryano, an accomplished artist who co-wrote and performed the title track for the movie Cowboy Up. “I had two songs in the movie,” Uncle Ryano shares. “I wrote the title track for the PRCA Rodeo Album Cowboy Up, which also featured Toby Keith, Vince Gill, Johnny Cash, Chris LeDoux, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, and Kathy Mattea.” His music has also been showcased on NCIS, Grey’s Anatomy, and Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Committed to supporting Anderson’s vision, Uncle Ryano is volunteering his time and covering his own expenses to attend the event. He will film a segment for his documentary during the event, using his platform to further highlight the talented artists in Anderson’s showcase.

Supporting Veterans Through Laughter and Art

In addition to her radio work and songwriting championship, Anderson stays busy by organizing Jokes and Strokes for Folks, a monthly networking event held every second Saturday. The event features an open mic and supports the North Texas Warrior Golf Association,a nonprofit established in 2011 that offers rehabilitative golf experiences to veterans. They have maintained their mission of zero veteran suicides, a statistic that is improbable but possible through the work they do with social integration. Anderson’s passion for community building shines through as she combines entertainment and philanthropy to make a difference. She believes in the power of communication and keeps her line open for anyone in need. 

Through Texas Brew Radio and her many community-driven initiatives, Cynthia Anderson is not just a voice for Texas music—she’s a dynamic force for change. Her passion for supporting local artists, celebrating songwriters, and giving back to veterans exemplifies her belief in the power of entertainment to heal, inspire, and connect people. With her mission to elevate others and foster meaningful collaborations, Anderson is building a lasting legacy that reaches far beyond the radio waves, proving that music and community can create real, positive impact.