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For Austin Van, there was never a defining moment where music shifted from hobby to calling it was simply always there.
“That never happened to me,” he says. “I just know that’s what I was always gonna do.” That quiet certainty has shaped not only his path but the authenticity that runs through his work today.
Growing up and playing in New Mexico played a significant role in forming his musical identity. The state’s rich cultural diversity and deeply rooted appreciation for music gave him a unique advantage. “New Mexico is so cultured and diverse and sincere about what they like,” he explains. That environment taught him how to connect with different audiences early on, making it easier to adapt and perform anywhere.
Van’s sound draws from a deep well of classic influences. Artists like Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard, The Beatles, Buddy Holly, Ray Price, and Marty Robbins have all left their mark on his songwriting. While these legends influence his writing, his performances are far more fluid. Van does not confine himself to one genre; instead, he reads the room and adapts in real time, delivering whatever the moment calls for.
When it comes to dream conversations, Van admits there are many legends he would love to sit down with, including Jerry Lee Lewis and Paul McCartney. But one name stands out, Brian Wilson. “I would just like to be in his presence,” Van says, drawn to the idea of witnessing creative genius up close.
Challenges, however, have never deterred him. “I was born with this drive; there is nothing that can discourage me,” he says. Starting young in music helped him develop resilience, teaching him to accept rejection as part of the journey. For Van, persistence is not a choice; it is instinct.
His latest EP, Six Ways to Say Goodbye, was not initially conceived as a unified concept. Instead, it came together organically. After writing dozens of songs over the past year, Van selected the ones he felt most connected to. Only later did he notice a common thread. “They were all leaving songs,” he says, which ultimately inspired the project’s title.
Among the tracks, “Answer Him Once More” holds the deepest personal significance. The song began during a difficult chapter in his life when he was struggling with addiction. He finished it years later after finding sobriety. While it may not be his favorite track, it represents a turning point. “It really ignited the fire in me,” he reflects, especially after the song earned him recognition and an award.
Though some songs on the EP, like “Circles” and “How Can I Miss You?” explore complicated relationships, Van emphasizes that much of his writing blends storytelling with fragments of real life. “You can take little experiences, twist them up, and someone will relate,” he explains.
That approach reflects his evolving songwriting process. Instead of trying to craft a country song, Van now focuses on honesty. He writes whatever he is feeling in the moment, letting the music take shape naturally. It is a shift he wishes he had embraced earlier, but one that has brought a new level of authenticity to his work.
At the heart of it all, Van keeps his expectations simple. “I want people to know that that’s me,” he says. “I wrote it. I played it. I sang it. I just hope they enjoy it.”
Looking ahead, he shows no signs of slowing down. Performing remains a constant, but with dozens of unreleased songs ready to go, fans can expect a steady stream of new music. For Austin Van, the journey is not about chasing a moment; it is about continuing to move forward one song at a time.
Check out Austin’s Musical Journey – https://www.instagram.com/austinvanmusic1/
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