Bio
Blending alternative writing roots with spacious synths, Austen's hook-laden art pop creates a sonic atmosphere housing a writing style that plays between introspective and surreal. Her first two independent single releases saw her take to the stage in support of electro pop mainstays Nicole Millar, KLP, Running Touch, Just A Gent, featuring with collaborator Kuren at 2017’s Splendour in the Grass, and most recently joining The Kite String Tangle as support on his national album tour.
Earning herself a place in various "Artists To Watch" lists (inthemix, Pilerats, Purple Sneakers) and a premiere on Red Bull Music, her Spotify discography has amassed well over half a million plays and seen the young artist work with some of Australia’s biggest names in electronic pop. With two acclaimed singles, multiple collaborations, and a national tour under her belt already, Austen is one of the most promising rising voices of her kind.
Get to know this week's Feature Artist and BIGSOUND winner, Austen! She's been making big, bright and bold electronic pop and we're excited to bring it to you all this week on Unearthed radio.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I was classically trained from the age of 5 which is how I developed my musicality in general, and I started singing and writing songs really young. I have a bit of an obsessive personality so I’ve always liked listening to music as a whole. E.g. an entire album or sometimes discography, delving really deep into what it is that makes me like it and figuring out what parts of that I could take inspiration from. My sound is still developing and will always be evolving, but I want my music to always have a certain space and texture.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
My main inspiration is the feeling you get when a song finally falls into place and you figure out how to say or play what you’ve been trying to. It’s totally euphoric. The feeling you get when you listen to a really good song, also, and the possibility that one day I could give that feeling to someone.
What can punters expect from an Austen live show?
If one end of the spectrum is sad-girl, and the other is fun pop, I'm right in the middle. I don’t think any two of my songs sound/feel the same so you can expect to get taken through all your moods in the space of half an hour.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
“Being artsy is just doing something shit, but doing it well” - my old roommate. Or “Everything is a simulation anyway” - (probably Elon Musk?) - not quite advice but it really chills me out when I’m stressed.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Downtown Shutdown' by The Presets. Can’t cry as much when you’re dancing.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
I would take them for a drive so they can stare out the window like they’re in a 90’s teen drama while 'Confess' by Jack river blasts out of the speakers.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Losing It' by Fisher.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Expo Liaison! It was weird as hell and amazing. Everyone really committed to the 80’s dress code and it felt like stepping back in time. There was ice sculpting and wood chopping and Luke Million, KLP, Alice Ivy, and god damn JOHN FARNHAM. Dude. So good.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane music community that inspire you.
I could sit here and list incredible Brisbane artists all day, but right now I’m inspired more than anything by the people who work behind the scenes to help us artists/bands make things happen. There are so many hours of work and guts and passion that goes into one song or one show that would just be completely impossible without an awesome team. People in the music industry are some of the most driven and genuinely great humans I’ve ever met.
What are your plans for 2018?
Release my next single, travel overseas and do some writing, another tour, finish my EP and anything & everything else I can fit in.
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Review
Absolutely love the journey this track takes you on. You are slowly but consistently introducing new elements throughout the 3.5min runtime. It's dreamy, it's gorgeous, and it's got a BIG catchy pop hook to top it all off!
Absolutely love the journey this track takes you on. You are slowly but consistently introducing new elements throughout the 3.5min runtime. It's dreamy, it's gorgeous, and it's got a BIG catchy pop hook to top it all off!
Review
Austen unleashing another EPIC banger here. I loved 'Storm' and this is the perfect follow up. I love how it surges. It's bright, bold and BIG! and yeah, it definitely has that huge Chvrched vibe to it.
Austen unleashing another EPIC banger here. I loved 'Storm' and this is the perfect follow up. I love how it surges. It's bright, bold and BIG! and yeah, it definitely has that huge Chvrched vibe to it.
Review
around the world in 80 days? more like 3.5 mins. this soars high and then sends you spinning around the globe with ease. channelling the chvrches sound which will please a lot of 'umans.
around the world in 80 days? more like 3.5 mins. this soars high and then sends you spinning around the globe with ease. channelling the chvrches sound which will please a lot of 'umans.
