Local Artist Review: Austin Plaine
Sartell alum Austin Plaine released his self-titled debut album on Friday, September 11, quickly cementing his place as one of the most noteworthy SHS graduates.
The 24-year old singer/songwriter labels himself a folk/Americana musician with a taste of country. His songs feature meaningful lyrics with catchy, genre-defying melodies. The debut album packs a major punch and suggests a very bright future for the young musician.
I’ve always just loved music and poetry and the idea of creating something original from my own thoughts.
— Austin Plaine
Austin Plaine started playing music when he was a teen and used song writing as an outlet in high school and college. He said: “I can’t read music so I just sort of stumbled up on it and taught myself how to play”. He was never in band or choir in school, and said he “never thought I would pursue music as a career back then.”
Although the self-titled album is his first, his music has been featured on TV and in commercials. MasterCard licensed his song “Beautiful” (click the link to go to the song on Spotify) for a touching ad at the end of 2014. “Hard Days” and “Houston” have been featured in the CW show Hart of Dixie. His song “Wait” was used at the end of Hart of Dixie’s season four premiere.
When asked about hearing his songs on television, Austin told me: “it’s weird hearing yourself on a show that is super popular and you know that a million other people are listening to your song at the same time. It’s a bizarre feeling!” With anything in life, I think it’s important to follow your heart, and I began to have this gut feeling that maybe this is something I should do. A year later I signed a record deal in New York and now I’m here doing this full-time. — Austin Plaine
Austin Plaine’s debut album on the Washington Square Music label has hit number 48 on Billboard’s Heatseeker’s Album chart and has promise to keep climbing.
Fans of all genres will be able to find at least one of Plaine’s songs to fall in love with. Those looking for more upbeat numbers should check out “Never Come Back Again”, “Houston”, “Your Love”, and “Beautiful”. It would not be surprising to hear the upbeat, positive “Beautiful” on the radio one day. Mumford and Sons fans will swoon over “Only Human.” “Hard Days” will appeal to anyone seeking honest, reflective lyrics commenting on the way our world is today.
Austin finds “a lot of inspiration in the little things in life that people often overlook because they are too busy playing on their phone”. His advice for aspiring musicians and people in general is to “never quit learning . . . be original and don’t let others get you down”.
When I asked how it felt now that the album is out, Austin said: “it just feels good to finally be at the point where people can hear what I’ve been working on the past 5/6 years”. When I asked if the experience felt surreal, Austin replied: “I think once I get on the road it will feel more surreal, but right now I’m just happy that it’s available for people to listen to”.
Now that his first album is out, Austin and the band are getting ready for a national tour in the next few months. On his schedule he said: “it’s tough to tell what is next far in advance so I try and keep it month to month. A new album is on the horizon for sure”.
Never quit learning. Always keep reading and writing. Sing whenever your can. Hone your craft and be open to the world around you.Be original and don’t let others get you down. Lastly, believe in yourself.
— Austin Plaine
According to Austin, the most surprising fact about the music business is how small it really is. He said: “everyone is kind of connected in a way. I’ve been able to meet a lot of my influences and people I look up to through mutual friends in Nashville and New York. It’s weird to be part of that circle and knowing people that I grew up listening to”.
The self-titled album is available to listen to on Spotify, and available for purchase online on iTunes and Amazon.
Austin Plaine’s debut album packs a major punch and suggests a very bright future for the young musician.
