Heartland -- UPI Arts & Entertainment

NASHVILLE, March 14 (UPI) -- If Texans need another reason to party, "Brewed In Texas," the latest release from Compadre Records, gives them one.

With an assortment of Lone Star state-based singers lending their talents, "Brewed In Texas" combines country, rock, Americana, swing, Western and any type of music that might be considered "roots" for a sometimes rowdy, but always authentic, 20-song collection.

"Texas music is not state-specific," said Brad Turquotte, president of Compadre Records and executive producer of "Brewed In Texas."

"I consider it more of a genre."

Indeed, Texas music is the music du jour of many who hail from neighboring Oklahoma and Louisiana, as well.

In a nod to the growing popularity of the genre, a new Texas music chart has been established. Featured in the Best of Texas magazine, the Web site texasmusicchart.com recognizes those songs receiving the most airplay on the 85 reporting stations in the tri-state area each week.

The chart gives the artists the opportunity to compete with the likes of Lyle Lovett, Hank Williams Jr., and Willie Nelson -- who sits at the top of this week's chart. Cory Morrow and Cooder Graw, who are featured on "Brewed In Texas," are in the Top 10 of the chart this week. "One Bud Wiser" by John Rich, the first cut on the Compadre project, is at No. 10 on the Texas chart.

"Brewed In Texas" features a who's who of Texas artists, including nationally known musicians, such as Jerry Jeff Walker and Todd Snider, as well as regional celebrities, such as Wayne Hancock, Beaver Nelson and Cross Canadian Ragweed.

The song titles give no pretense of deep and meaningful lyrics. "Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound," "The Everclear Song," and "Quervo's Gold" are a sampling of the common theme of "Brewed In Texas."

"Brewed In Texas" is the second Compadre Records project. The first CD, "Road Trip," sold 8,000 units.

"I'm looking at selling 20,000 the first year of 'Brewed In Texas,'" Turquotte said.

The substantial increase in sales may be due to the genre's popularity, as well as to the Turquotte's promotion.

Rather than put together a tour to promote the album, Turquotte has planned in-store appearances by a number of the artists on the project, along with an adult beverage enticement, in keeping with the theme, of course.

"A lot of these people tour together anyway," Turquotte said, so he can get them together without too much complication.

"We're doing an in-store 'Brewed In Texas' happy hour with free beer in the record store," he said. "Drink with your favorite artists and they'll play some songs."