Inspiration strikes people in different ways. For Austin Veldman, this came in the form of a video. Ever since watching John Mayer perform “In Your Atmosphere” on YouTube, Austin has known what he wants to do with his life. He was captivated by the story that a single person and a guitar could tell and the ability of that story to make people feel, to connect with complete strangers. At the young age of thirteen, Austin acquired his first guitar and began writing.
As a freshman in college, Austin release a collection of four songs written in high school to the public, marking the start of Austin’s music career. The work, a self-titled EP, was recorded, mixed, and produced by Austin in his own home built studio. The release showed immediate feedback, his Facebook profile jumping to nearly 700 likes in a few months.
Success also came in the live scene, Austin’s band winning a hometown Battle of the Bands hosted by a local radio station, U93. Peak Audio, who awarded the winner with hours of studio time, sponsored the battle. This marked Austin’s largest performance to date, as several hundred people were in attendance.
With the success of his first release, Austin began putting together what would become his full-length album. Over the summer of 2011, Austin worked out a list of twelve songs that would make the final cut. Many of them were newer songs written in college as well as several refined ones from high school. Working with Matt McCarthy, a multi-instrumentalist who attended the same high school and college as Austin, the album began to take form. Matt wrote out new bass guitar and drum parts for the songs, adding his own personal touch. Austin headed into his sophomore year of college and began recording.
Led by his cousin Steve Veldman, a senior in the Recording Arts Program at the Jacobs School of Music, recording began at Farm Fresh Studios in Bloomington, IN. Steve worked as an engineer for the tracking of the album. Thus Austin’s first professional studio recording took shape.
While tracking the album, Austin was contacted by an independent record company in Los Angeles. GoDIY Records had heard Austin’s music on ReverbNation, and was interested in signing. Austin signed with GoDIY, his song “Breathe Easy” from the new album to be on their compilation CD.
After several months and many hours spent in the studio, the album tracking was finished. Austin then began working with Jake Belser, owner of Farm Fresh Studios, to mix and master the album. After a few short weeks, Jake finished, and the audio for the full-length album was complete. The songs reflect Austin’s unique sound: instrument driven pop music that is reminiscent of Jack Johnson or John Mayer.
Austin is currently working with Ian Sienicki to develop the album’s artwork. The album is set to release in early 2012. Austin is also working to put together a summer tour to promote the album. It’s hard to tell where Austin is headed; yet it is certain that he is just getting started.
hide text
Austen
Amsterdam