SIMPLY SIX: Lauren Austin

 I haven't heard a lot of Lauren Austin yet, but what I've heard I am enjoying greatly.  She is a singer/songwriter from Nashville.


1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

Music has always played a major role in my life, but it wasn’t until I was about 14 that the idea of making a career of it entered my mind.  I grew up a band and choir geek, so one day when my friend and I were singing along to the radio in the car, I thought, “hmm… why not do that for a living?”  

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

Everything.  I’m really inspired by the diversity and creativity in music.  I grew up in really small town, so for a long time I thought the only kind of music made was the country and top 40 I heard on the town’s two radio stations.  When I moved out to Los Angeles, the variety blew my mind.  One of my favorite radio programs became “Altville” which is a blend of Americana/Roots music.  That turned me on to people like Patty Griffin, Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen, and Lucinda Williams, and I thought it was about the coolest thing I’ve ever heard!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I would have to say experiencing that moment that every artist dreams of and hearing a song of mine on the radio for the first time.  In the beginning of 2009 one of my goals was to have a song played on radio, and I just barely made the cutoff airing on December 31, 2009!  

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

Absolutely.  I think music isn’t something we do or listen to; it’s a part of who we are as human beings.  The state of music and the world are reflections of each other.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology has turned the industry upside down, and overnight.  There are arguments on both sides as to whether that’s a good or bad thing, but that doesn’t change where we’re at.  I see it as the new Wild West, and to me that’s an exciting advent with lots of opportunities. 

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Come on! I’m a girl and you want to limit me to one pair of shoes?? Well then, probably my boots.  They’re made for work, but you can dress them up; they’re durable, versatile, and not a come-and-go trend, and as I face the long haul ahead of me in the industry, I hope to think that’s a lot like me.