Austin Brown is a Los Angeles based singer, song-writer, musician and producer who has spent his life surrounded by music. The son of Nathaniel Brown and Rebbie Jackson, sister of Michael Jackson, Austin is part of one of music’s most enduring and significant musical dynasties- The Jacksons. However, Brown has already begun to cultivate his own musical success outside of his family by working with industry heavy hitters including Pharrell, Rodney Jerkins and Jermaine Dupri. In his first ever Irish interview, Austin speaks to entertainment.ie about finding his own musical voice, avoiding the media madness, his memories of “uncle Michael” and his plans for industry success on his own terms.
Interview by Karen Lawler
Your first release was ‘Highway 85′ in 2012. Can you describe your sound and what inspires it?
The sound of the album was inspired by everything I grew up listening to, real life stories of love and heartbreak- sonically we just kind of went there, we just tried to use natural, pure sounds as much as we could while creating something fresh and fun.
There is a follow up album in the works too, right?
I’m actually in the studio as we speak, literally. I’m making new music so there will be a follow up, yes.
Your sound has a more retro, authentic soul feel than the dance orientated R&B of the moment. Do you feel R&B has lost its focus on song-writing and musicianship?
Yeah, but we’re young so we didn’t want to categorise ourselves as being old heads but at the same time I try to pay homage to the greats that made me want to create music. With our sound hopefully it’s reflecting all those times, while at the same time It’s giving you a new opinion of it and a new twist. Sometimes I think with music nowadays whenever a sound becomes hot, people stop, drop and start chasing that sound and I didn’t want to become a victim of that. As important as it is to stay with the times you still have to be an individual and find your own identity through the vibes that you’re creating.
You are also co-founder of your own label South Five Records. Did stories from your family make you cautious of major record labels, like Michael’s very public dispute with Sony?
I think a lot of it was that, mixed with really wanting to be free to experiment with the music that I really wanted to create and form my identity and personality musically outside of what everyone else may think, or of other people’s conclusions of how they think I am. That was more so the reason behind it. When you get to the level of Michael and what he was going through, he was dealing with issues far beyond what normal artists deal with, with their record company, him being such an icon and such a legend at what he did. More so it was the musical freedom but at the same time having something cohesive and fun to listen to. The internet too makes it possible to create something and put it out and get the opinion of the people. I can’t dispute any of that, the internet is really where’s it’s at in that sense, but the radio is also still the main factor in getting your music out there. I definitely feel it’s a hybrid. The internet helps you build your base.
It’s very true, it can help people discover your music.
How did you find out about us?
I saw your video for Ménage A Trois on You Tube and I also saw you on E News awhile back.
That’s so cool. I haven’t done any other Irish interviews. To tell you the truth, my favourite place I have ever been in the world is Ireland. I went with Michael when I was a kid, he was on the ‘History’tour. I went to the Irish dates.
I went to that gig, it was amazing.
I was there, it was awesome. I was at that show. I’ll never forget landing in Ireland and thinking it was the most beautiful place I’d ever seen and I remember thinking one day I’d come back here touring myself, I’m still waiting for that day. I love Ireland, I love the pubs, I love the people, you guys are awesome.
READ FULL INTERVIEW: http://entertainment.ie/music/news/Exclusive-Austin-Brown-talks-music-career-and-his-uncle-Michael-Jackson/210119.htm
Source: entertainment.ie/music/news / Karen Lawler / MJ-Upbeat.com
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