Patrick Buchta is a prominent Austin-based musician, composer, and influential advocate for local artists, currently serving as the Executive Director/CEO of Austin Texas Musicians Fund. Patrick also serves on the City of Austin Downtown Commission and the Texas Music Museum Board of Directors, continuing his lifelong mission to amplify creative voices and champion meaningful civic engagement.
Condition(s) & Date(s) of Treatment:
Fractured wrist in January 2026, surgery in January 2026
What inspired you to start playing music?
My Czech grandfather, who spoke very little English, was a farmer and a polka musician and taught me the basics of guitar at the ripe age of 11 when my mother spent the summer learning the fine art of Kolache baking from my grandmother. When Grandpa passed away just a few years later, his love of music had taken hold of me, and I began playing in high school bands and writing my own songs
Who are some of your musical inspirations?
I’m a sucker for songwriting … Nick Drake, Paul Simon, Sandy Denny, Billy Joel, Elvis Costello, McCartney, Van Morrison, Marvin Gaye, Jobim, Jacques Brel, and Michel Legrand are just a few of my favorites. Of course, here in Austin we enjoy a wealth of great songwriters, and while it’s hard to pick just a few, I am currently obsessed with my friends Jo Alice, Serena Guthrie, Tje Austin, Nakia, Scott Strickland, Poet Hawkins, Somebody Someone, McKenna Michels, Jon Muq, and Datura, just to name a few. Within my own band Trick Rider I’m always blown away by the talent of my longtime musical partner Tommy Siragusa, who is arguably one of the best ever.
What was the injury that brought you to MTF, and how did the injury affect your music?
At the end of January I had the bright idea to go hiking in the ice and snow out at Wild Basin Preserve in Austin. I slipped on a steep hill and tried to brace the fall with my hand when I heard a loud crunch. The next thing I knew my hand was hanging off to one side, separated from my wrist. I only had to hike a mile out and then stop for gas on my way to the ER!
What was your experience with receiving care through MTF and your recovery afterward?
I have had quite a lengthy history of medical care, as I was born with a rare liver disease, spent most of my childhood in a hospital bed, and finally received the gift of life through liver transplant fourteen years ago. I must’ve had over a hundred surgeries and procedures during that time, which is why it’s crazy to say that this was by far my most seamless experience ever. Dr. Barron was fantastic from start to finish. The surgery was simple and quick despite adding some new metal plates and screws to my wrist, and in just three weeks, I was able to pick up the guitar again.
Since surgery, I seem to see the MTF team out and about at every music industry event in Austin, reminding me of what an integral part of our wonderful community they are.
What’s coming up for you?
I’m so grateful for this surgery, as I recently received a City of Austin Live Music Fund grant (our first Austin Texas Musicians lobbying effort in 2019) and am recording two original jazz singles this summer, and a full-length album with my cosmic cowboy band Trick Rider. Per Austin Texas Musicians, I’m working with City Council to push through our Downtown Commission Budget Recommendation, including a plan I’ve been working on for years: free parking for musicians and service industry, free safe escort until 3 am through Downtown Austin Alliance, and a free creative hub “Green Room” for musicians to have a safe, sober place to chill before and after gigs. We’re expanding our new educational partnership with St. Edwards University, and an exciting new partnership with the City is coming soon!
Where can people find out more about you and your music?
You can find my music on all major platforms under “Buchta”. I tend to blend different elements into my songwriting, including French and Brazilian jazz, 60’s Britfolk, 70’s R&B, and Cosmic Cowboy country filtered through dream David Lynch-inspired desert landscapes. As a singer/songwriter, guitarist, and bassist, I’m happy to report that my craft continues to get better with the passage of time and experience!
My story and work are certainly all over the internet, but I’m proud to announce that soon my first book, “How To Live After You Die,” will be finished, in hopes of inspiring others to find strength during their darkest days.