Singer/songwriter Austin Lucas' unique, lush voice and DIY ethics have earned him tours with a vast array of artists -- ranging from Frank Turner to Willie Nelson -- and rave reviews from well-known music publications like Q Magazine and No Depression. Today, Austin chats about the influence of fellow Indiana native John Mellencamp, his early attraction to "We Are The World" and the La Bamba soundtrack, having an album rejected by his previous record label, how his background in opera and choir as a child helps him today, why women are too often the villain in country songs, the songwriting career and massive record collection of his father, and much more. You can help Austin fund the recording of his next album, Immortal Americans, by purchasing tickets to his house-show tour, which begins March 10th and goes through May. Those who purchase tickets can also get a download of the specific show they attended! All the details are at austinlucas.com.

 

Recorded in front of a live audience at Pinwheel Records in Chicago, we celebrate Vinyl Emergency's first birthday with vocalists/guitarists Chris Broach and Bob Nanna of influential emo quartet Braid! On top of performing three rare acoustic songs, the guys also chat about working with J. Robbins on Braid's iconic 1997 album "Frame & Canvas," what they currently have been purchasing on vinyl, hilarious tour stories, their first introduction to vinyl as kids, the differences in writing and releasing albums now versus during their original tenure in the 90's, their upcoming side projects, and so much more! Check out some photos from this special evening over at facebook.com/vinylemergency and keep up on Braid news on Twitter or Facebook, @BraidCentral. Also, visit our social media this week to enter to win a rare copy of "Frame & Canvas" on picture disc, limited to 330 copies, courtesy of Polyvinyl Records!