South Carolina native, Austin Webb, offers us a smooth sultry voice in his country soul sound and it is very evident that Austin’s influence of Motown, R & B, Rock, and Retro Country from the 50s, 60s, and 70s play a role in the development of that sound.
Austin’s beginnings started at 9 yrs old, when he first started writing poetry. His love of writing was clear, and Austin knew that he would be writing in some capacity as a career someday. When asked, “Besides being drawn to wanting to write from a young age, when did you realize that music was your calling, not only wanting to express you emotions through the lyrics but also through performing?”
“I started performing in public when I was around 15 years old. I instantly fell in love with the stage. I was always drawn to the theatrics of Joe Cocker, James Brown and Elvis. I love entertaining, I love a big production. I’m here to make magic!”
Actually its a bit of magic that got the ball rolling on this journey for Austin. Austin had played gigs up and down the east coast while working 25 different odd jobs, one including working on the BMV vehicle line, but it was a spur of the moment trip to Nashville after a bad break up that he turned his car around and headed for his moviesque beginning. He drove all night to Music City, making his first stop at 4 am to the resting place of country legend Johnny Cash to pay his respects. It was on his way home from the trip that he stopped at a Waffle House, played a little Patsy Cline on the jukebox, sat down, and met a lovely older couple. Who knew that when he met them that he would be talking to none other than Charlie Louvin? After quickly becoming friends Charlie asked Austin to play at the Smokehouse in Monteagle, TN with him later that night.
We asked Austin, “Who out of your family or friends has been your biggest supporter and encouraged you to keep pursuing your dream?
“My Mom, Dad, Grandpa Joe and Grandma Nan have always been supportive. I’ve been very fortunate in that aspect.”
“What are your plans and hopes for the rest of 2014 for your musical career?”
“I hope to continue growing as an artist. I plan on keeping my eyes and ears open and meeting more country music fans. I love meeting new people all the time.”
“Which type of song is your favorite to write or sing- a power ballad, catchy tune, or party anthem?”
“I love songs that evoke real emotion, whether you’re crying, dancing, or laughing. As long as the listener feels something real, I’m satisfied.”
And evoking emotion is what Austin has achieved. In his song “Slip On By” Austin conveys a beautiful story of an older man reminiscing about his past life, the first fight with his wife, the day his mother died, his baby boy asking for time with him, and the day he lost his son to war. You can’t help but feel your heartstrings pull on the lyrics in that song. And as for his latest single, “Raise ‘Em Up” well he’s sure captured a great song that you can’t help but want to dance to the rhythm of the music.
“How are you balancing your career with your personal life at this point?
“It’s not easy. I’m always working on it. It’s hard to differentiate because my job is “being me” for a living. I’m working on being more present and mindful. A lot of my heroes have found that balance, so I’m hopeful.”
“What is something that most wouldn’t know about you that is very much a part of who you are and how it portrays in your music?”
“I wouldn’t be doing my job right as an artist if I didn’t put my whole self into my music. You get what you see, and hopefully you see what you want.”
I look forward to seeing the future of this soulful country songster. You can buy Austin’s music HERE via Amazon and iTunes. For more information on this bright star visit HERE.
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