Hitching his gritty vocals to the power of poetry forged from the fire of countless performances and song swaps, Hobbs, New Mexico singer/songwriter Jim Dixon has recorded a runaway train of emotion that thrums with a neon, electric vibe. The EP is called “Broken Marquee” and it is Dixon’s introduction to Americana fans who are brim full of want for a fresh take on love, life and passion. It is a sound born in the backrooms and dancehalls of the Southwest, a task taken on by Dixon at the age of 14 when the budding performer signed up for his first bar gig at the Caprock Lounge in Hobbs. Dixon glowed bright under the smoky stage lights on Sunday nights and eventually grabbed the attention of his older brother who took him in and got Dixon a spot performing in the Black Label Band. Dixon honed his chops and sharpened his licks to the point where recognition wasn’t far from fruition. While performing as a member of the Black Label Band, Dixon garnered the FFA highest honors for original composition and was awarded a one-song recording deal. Dixon again grabbed the spotlight, this time performing at the Kanas City Memorial Auditorium for 20,000 people. After high school, Dixon began hitting the Caravan East circuit where he slung a bass guitar over his shoulder and faced the beginning of his journey into what has become a lifelong career. But Dixon’s passion for penning powerful tunes was growing white hot and he began cooling that fever by pouring lyrics from his pen and the study of music. Endless writing sessions began giving life to songs such as “The Ride,” which reflects the hues and tones of the vast New Mexico desert. Timeless lyrics were born as were other songs including “Blood of Earth,” “We Dream” and “Strawberry Lemonade.” But as Dixon began gearing up for “Broken Marquee,” he turned to the footlights of Lubbock’s iconic Depot District venue, The Blue Light where he began performing his songs for the Hub City crowds and countless local songwriters. Each week Dixon would drive the long distance between Hobbs and Lubbock to showcase his music and get feedback from his fans. “I started getting gigs around Lubbock and it has been nice,” Dixon said in an interview with the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. “I love Lubbock and the music scene and it has been incredibly gentle and awesome to me.” To get the best at the mixing board, Dixon turned to Scott Faris and the Amusement Park Recording Studio. He also spent countless hours recording “Broken Marquee” at Lubbock’s Mount Vernon Studios as well. The songs etched out during those recording sessions were “Broken Marquee,” “Tonto,” “We Dream” and “Blood of the Earth.” Now bask in the light that is the “Broken Marquee” and wish Dixon had recorded it sooner.