Whipsmart Dentonite turning heads on road to Austin City Limits stage

by Sarah Crisman

With a voice that echoes Zooey Deschanel and Eisley, and a faithful band of jazzers lending grit to the earthy Americana-undertones of OK Sweetheart, Erin Austin plays music for the joy of it -- and it comes across in her playful, yet substantial tunes.

What possessed you to become a musician?

It's what really makes me happy. There are lots of other things I enjoy doing, but nothing as much as making music.

How long have you been playing?

I've been singing as long as I can remember. I started formal classical voice lessons when I was 12. I started piano when I was 4 years old but am admittedly not an amazing player. Working on it.

Do you write music as well?

Yes, I write music.

Who are your top five musical influences?

Depending on what day you ask me, this answer changes. As for the answer today, Rob Gungor, Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, The Beatles, and The Zombies.

What's your secret to kicking ass in the Boys Club?

I prefer Guinness and play a mean game of poker.

Favorite local bands?

Denton: Midlake, Matthew and the Arrogant Sea, Sarah Jaffe, and Doug Burr.

Brooklyn: Elizabeth and the Catapult, The Fieros, HYMNS, Via Audio, The Prigs, Jeff Taylor, Dirty Projectors and The Spring Standards

San Francisco: John Vanderslice and Sean Barnett

There are a few musicians (yourself included) who split their time between San Francisco and Denton. What's the biggest difference between the two scenes, and conversely, how are they alike?

In Denton, I hang out with a lot of old jazzers gone rock or pop. At UNT, a number of them discovered Radiohead and then let the flood gates open. In San Francisco, I didn't find this to be the case. There was a big divide between the jazzers/heavier theory and more accessible music. It's hard to compare these cities as being similar because they are really not a like at all.

San Francisco is a very hard place to live as a musician. It's very expensive, and unless you do something else to supplement your income, you can't afford to pay rent. Even practice spaces are expensive. Denton, on the other hand, is a perfect place for a thriving music community because most places to live are still at what I call "college" prices. In Denton, I rented a room in a house for $300 a month ... in a HOUSE. In San Francisco, I paid $300 to share a 15x15 foot practice space with 2 other bands. Wildly different. Also, cities are easy to get lost in.

If there is good music happening in Denton, sure enough, people are going to know about it and be unquestionably supportive. The enthusiasm, talent, and generosity here is what is so alluring. I have not played one show in Texas, ever. I don't think that half of the people that I'm friends with here have ever even heard me sing or play or anything, but they are supportive and encouraging. I'm not sure if it's a southern thing or what ... but I like it. The community here is unlike most places I've been. The caliber of musicianship here is unlike most places I've been. I came to Denton as a pop artist and was welcomed with open arms. Some people talk about there being this great divide in Denton. I don't know about this. I haven't experienced it. All I've seen is an outpouring of support, and I am extremely grateful for it.

Who's on your dream jam roster?

Oh my, I have no idea. I love the people that I play music with now! There are so many great players out there, it's hard to pick. I guess I have a profile I look for in someone that I want in the band. Most things are obvious, but more important than their musicianship is their kindness. I had a bass player that once told off a sound man with no real reason. That was the last time he played bass for me. Attitude is key. Now that doesn't mean that someone can't have a bad day, but if there is one difficult person in the band, it makes it difficult for the whole band. It's unnecessary when there are so many wonderful players that are also wonderful people.