Last month we introduced you to our new series, Stage to Studio, where a few select artists who have played the monthly Open Mic at the Cactus Cafe are chosen to come by the KUTX studio and record some of their original songs.

Now here’s where YOU come in: Check out the songs below and let us know what you think by voting for which artist you like best. Then, once all the votes are in, the winner will have their song played right here on KUTX!

This month we were thrilled to record five more exceptional artists:

Shane Cooley serves up his songs as slices of life, inspired by his own experiences but immediately relevant for his listeners. Shane pioneers the road as much as he does the modern folk scene, booking his own tours throughout the United States and Europe, and that wanderlust is neatly reflected in his songs.

Blues man Ben Stevens is the winner of the 2011-2012 Heart Of The Blues Challenge and has proudly represented Austin in the 2012 International Blues Competition. Ben’s music echoes with decades of blues inspiration while still approaching the genre with fresh, groovy ideas. Keep an eye out for his new CD due out 2014, consisting of all original material!

Justin Soileau is a Texas native and currently resides right here in Austin. His approach to songwriting and life has been called “earnest, kind, and deeply personal”. Although his music centers itself on stripped-down folk, his studio recordings reveal lush full-band arrangements that highlight his individual style.

Tricia Mitchell writes country-folk that echoes with rock and “Texas-flavored twang” influence. Her piercing lyrics can’t be summarized into any individual genre, but all tend to touch a unique spot in the emotional spectrum. Tricia may be kept busy as a wife and mother, but her songs don’t lack in attention for detail in their exemplary storytelling.

The music of Austinite Gary Graves has been called “a slow burning love letter to the human condition”. Having performed in Austin for more than ten years, Gary has opened for artists such as Alejandro Escovedo, Ruthie Foster, and Eliza Gilkyson. His music is deeply searching and introspective, as reflected in his new album Till the End of Time.

Listen to the product of their studio sessions and then vote below!