August Ponthier on Coming Out as Non-Binary and Exploring the Tension Between Home and Freedom With a Remarkable Debut Album, ‘Everywhere Isn’t Texas’

It’s early in 2026, but August Ponthier’s full-length debut album, “Everywhere Isn’t Texas,” should still be remembered 11 or 12 months from now as one of the year’s best fresh starts. There are a number of ways in which the slightly country-tinged pop album does or doesn’t count as a beginning for Ponthier. It’s a […] Home Music News Feb 15, 2026 4:27pm PT August Ponthier on Coming Out as Non-Binary and Exploring the Tension Between Home and Freedom With a Remarkable Debut Album, ‘Everywhere Isn’t Texas’ By Chris Willman Plus Icon Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic ChrisWillman Latest J. Cole Debuts at No. 1 With Best First Week for an R&B/Hip-Hop Album in Nearly a Year; Bad Bunny Hits a New Sales Peak After Super Bowl 4 hours ago Poll Surprise: Bad Bunny Comes Out Ahead of Trump When U.S. Adults Are Asked, ‘Who Better Represents America?’ 20 hours ago Foo Fighters Use Website to Release 10 New… Riffs 2 days ago See All Tanner Abel It’s early in 2026, but August Ponthier‘s full-length debut album, “Everywhere Isn’t Texas,” should still be remembered 11 or 12 months from now as one of the year’s best fresh starts. There are a number of ways in which the slightly country-tinged pop album does or doesn’t count as a beginning for Ponthier. It’s a coming-of-age record, but, at 29, Ponthier points out that it’s a queer coming-of-age record, reflecting the kind of experience that may come later for those who take some turns before fully finding themselves, as they did. Related Stories Berlinale Issues Statement Following Political Backlash at Festival, Says Artists Should Not Be 'Expected to Speak on Every Political Issue'