New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Singer songwriter Austin Plaine's self-titled debut album is now streaming via The Wall Street Journal who said It's a collection of meditative folk-pop tunes that Plaine, 23, has written over the past six years. (Its' tracks feature) banjo over a propulsive beat... fingerpicked acoustic guitar... and handclaps and catchy vocal harmonies."
The album was produced byJordan Schmidt (Motion City Soundtrack, Quietdrive, All Time Low) andwill be released on Friday, September 11th via Washington Square, the alternative leaning imprint formed by Razor & Tie.
Plaine's first single "Never Come Back Again" impacted Triple A radio last week and a video for the song will premiere next ThursdaySeptember 10th.
On his debut album, you can hear whyMinneapolis-based Plaine's plaintive lyrics and calming rasp have earned early praise. His music, at times both unsettling and a comfort, has been hailed as "the soundtrack for nostalgia-drunk road trips." And his voice: "Like worn flannel and faded jeans."
Plaine's journey from unknown to rising talent started innocuously. He was invited down to Nashville to record a few tunes. He went into the studio with Schmidt with no pressure and no expectations and something clicked. Before long Mastercard starting featuring his track "Your Love" in a national commercial. Song appearances on the CW shows Hart of Dixie and NBC's The Biggest Loser followed. Remembers Plaine: "It's about that time I was like, hey, maybe this is something I should pursue."
When Plaine tours later this year, expect a more stripped-down affair, just a man, his guitar and some stories. "It's definitely more folky, more Dylan-esque," he explains. "Sometimes there's a band, but sometimes it's just me, my guitar and my harmonica." In the end, Plaine is happy with his unexpected new path.
"This album is my real start in life," he says. "My beginning. I want to make music and hope people connect with it. And then make more music from there."
Press Raves:
"The lyrics … echo daydreams - dreams of disconnecting from attachments and voiding ourselves of responsibilities... his music is relatable, sweet, catchy and easy."-Wild Honey Pie
"Powerful simplicity… Paradoxically assured and definitive." - Baeble
"Plaine's debut is certainly diverse: the thumping "Hard Days" is an uptempo, handclapping anthem, while "The Hell If I Go Home" and "Never Come Back Again" embrace beautiful pop harmonies. "Houston" has the breadth of an Arcade Fire song, while "Your Love" is a folksy foot-stomper."- We Heart Music
"An approachable, country-tinged style." - Billboard
"Upbeat and emotional anthems that are both immediate and infectious….heck of a songwriter." - Artist Direct
"Houston" is a folk-rock track that takes influence from music legends like Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, and Bright Eyes with finely tuned production and a modern twist."- Baeble
