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What we're thankful for in Dallas-Fort Worth's 2018 music scene

Go to a local concert and your efforts are bound to be rewarded by the performer at the final bow: "Thank you, Dallas!" "Thank you, Fort Worth!" and "Thank you, Denton!"

This time of year, though, it's music lovers' turn to offer gratitude. We asked GuideLive's music writers to reflect on the year and spotlight one thing each is unquestionably grateful for.

Local hip-hop's heyday

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Dallas-formed hip-hop is in the national conversation in a big way. Bobby Sessions signed a deal with legendary record label Def Jam. Post Malone's radio play is off the charts. And independent -- yes, independent -- rapper Yella Beezy turned "That's on Me" into a summer smash and got a record deal out of it. If future rap documentaries that look at the national scene don't spotlight Dallas along with Houston, don't blame 2018 or the local hip-hop scene that's constantly putting out music and videos. Dallas artists have gotten a taste of rarefied air, and there's no turning back. -- Dawn M. Burkes

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Living in the moment, not a phone

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In the digital age, I'm thankful for musicians who remind us to live in the moment and put away our confounded smartphones at concerts. Some, like Jack White, use the phone-locking service Yondr to get rid of the distracting cell glow. Others offer gentle reminders to turn off, tune in, and drop the phones in our pockets, where they belong. It may be an uphill battle, but let's hear it for musicians who fight for their right to perform for fans who are actually paying attention. -- Thor Christensen

Excellent local music festival

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Dallas-Fort Worth's music festival scene has never been dull or stagnant. Although some festivals have slipped into the ether (RIP Untapped and Edgefest), North Texas is still blessed with an abundance of excellent fests to plan the weekends around. Local country star Cody Jinks hosted the triumphant, inaugural Loud and Heavy Fest in Fort Worth, and though we almost lost Homegrown Fest to low ticket sales, it not only survived but also provided a dramatic spring event. Stalwarts such as the Texas Music Revolution, JMBLYA and Old 97's County Fair along with the second year of Fortress Festival proved the best weekends are fest weekends. -- Kelly Dearmore

And national fests for that matter

Even though my festival-going days started long before 2018, this year's selection of eclectic lineups stole my heart. Both national and Texas-based festivals such as Hangout Music Festival and Austin City Limits exceeded expectations by featuring legends like Paul McCartney, Metallica, Big Boi and David Byrne. Then they shook up the dynamic with Millennial groundbreakers such as Odesza, Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott for a freshness you could feel. -- Brenna Rushing