In a surprising turn of events at their recent Atlanta concert, independent music artists Waxahatchee, known as Katie Crutchfield, and MJ Lenderman delighted their audience with an unexpected acoustic rendition of Ella Langley’s popular country track, “Choosin’ Texas.” This performance stood out as a highlight of their tour opener, illustrating a dynamic blend of their distinctive styles with a contemporary country hit. The collaboration highlighted both artists’ adaptability and their willingness to venture beyond their established genres, offering fans a unique musical experience.
The duo’s performance of “Choosin’ Texas” was rendered acoustically, with Katie Crutchfield taking the lead vocals and MJ Lenderman contributing harmonies. The song, which has seen immense popularity and topped charts for an extended period this spring, is noted for its traditional structure, making it a distinctive choice for a crossover by artists typically associated with alternative music. Langley herself revealed that the song, co-written with Miranda Lambert, was inspired by a whimsical anecdote involving Lambert and an unusual encounter with law enforcement while traveling with animals.
This particular cover was integrated into an encore set predominantly featuring alt-country tributes, including pieces by Lucinda Williams, the Jayhawks, and Kathleen Edwards. The seamless inclusion of a mainstream country song like “Choosin’ Texas” alongside these alternative classics underscored the artists' eclectic tastes and their ability to bridge different musical landscapes effectively.
During their main performance, Lenderman and Crutchfield exchanged songs, with Waxahatchee performing tracks from her 2020 catalog and Lenderman drawing from his albums, Manning Fireworks and Boat Songs. A special moment during the show also featured a performance of “Angel Wings,” a collaboration from their joint project, Snocaps, released in 2025.
Waxahatchee’s musical journey has seen her transition from a prominent figure in the DIY indie rock scene of the 2010s to embracing a more relaxed, country-infused sound. Her recent successful albums, Saint Cloud and Tiger’s Blood, reflect a growing influence from artists like Lucinda Williams. This shift further solidified with her 2022 album, Plains, where she notably covered songs by country legends such as the Chicks, Terry Allen, and Loretta Lynn during her tour, demonstrating her deep appreciation for the genre.
The collaborative concert not only showcased the individual talents of Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman but also their shared musical interests and innovative approach to live performances. By incorporating a chart-topping country song into their set, they created a memorable event that transcended genre boundaries and captivated the audience with its unique charm and unexpected musical synergy.