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.