It's entirely appropriate that much of America was introduced to Tje Austin on the first season of NBC's The Voice because very few voices stand out like his. There are a lot of things that good vocalist do well, Tje does so many of them, in a natural, seemingly effortless way. Tje has a beautiful range. No super deep tones but deep enough to make your heart sink a little when he hits them, and he can stretch the high end to places that are almost celestial. His voice can get soft but it's never thin, in fact it's one of the clearest voices I've heard in a long time. At time's there's just enough vibrato to make you notice but never enough to turn you off. If he throws in a run, it's not for the sake of showy vocal acrobatics. It comes from a place of real emotion that fits that place in that song exactly. He can feel it and he makes sure you do too. Comments on Tje Austin videos online read like a mantra; "your voice!" "what a voice!" "I'm in love with your voice!" Smooth as velvet, clear as glass. It's a voice that you're not only drawn to, but you want to wrap it around you. Tje gives us a lot of what's been "produced" out of music today… best of all, that voice is just as impressive live as it is recorded. But he's not a throw back. He's not yesterday. He's tomorrow, and aren't we lucky we have him here today, and I was lucky to ask him a few questions.
You once tweeted "Tomorrow isn't promised. Live for the day! No regrets!" Do you truly live by those words and if so, how has that helped you in this business?
I try to live by those words. I do regret decisions I have made in the past, but everything is a learning experience, and those experiences help shape my music. I try to seize any opportunity, make new friends and enjoy life as much as possible. Because nothing is guaranteed.
You claim to have a wide range of things you listen to and enjoy; a. what/who among all of it influences you the most? b. is there anything in your mp3 player that you don't usually admit to having?
I love harmonies and melodies in songs so I have a lot more favorite songs than favorite artists, but I love listening to Coldplay, fun., Phillip Phillips, Tweet, Anthony Hamilton, Rihanna, Brandy and so many more. I don't mind telling folks I listen to Ke$ha or Britney Spears sometimes. They have good songs.
I know you come from a big family and you started singing shortly after you started walking. How supportive were your siblings and are any of them also musicians?
My family is very supportive. My dad actually is in Afghanistan right now and he and his buddies started a band. He plays the bass. I haven't seen any video yet but he sends tons of pictures. My little brother writes and raps, my sister sings, my mom sings, and all of my siblings love music. There was a wide variety of music in the house growing up: The Beatles, Willie Nelson, Aerosmith, Green Day, Nirvana, NIN, The Cranberries, Destiny's Child, etc.
Do you miss the fro? (I know I bat for the other team, but I think you're hot either way.)
I was so sick inside when I cut my hair. I kept telling myself its just hair and hair grows back, but it was a big change from what I used to have. It still looks good. :)
Why OUTlander?
Why not OUTlander? Its another chance to introduce my music to new ears while. Its right in the heart of SXSW, I get the chance to hear, Sarah Golden, one of my fb friends (we havent met yet), who will also be playing. And I love all opportunities to play music.
You can catch Tje Austin at The OUTlander Spring Fest Kickoff Party March 12th
at Rusty's 405 E. 7th Street
RSVP on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/events/348306321949930/
and at OUTlander Spring Fest Day 3
at Oilcan Harry's 211 W. 4th Street
RSVP on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/events/505751122804618/
You can find Tje Austin online at:
www.facebook.com/mynameistje












