It’s sometimes hard to imagine how the spirit of a soulful song crafter and the energy of a compelling concert artist can coexist in the same person, but Austin Renfroe brings both to the page and stage. With a steadily expanding, committed fan base and shows at venues nationwide ranging from college campuses and theaters to Philips Arena, the Atlanta native is quickly making his mark as one to watch.
We caught up with Austin before his show, tomorrow night, at Eddie’s Attic!
What is the strangest thing a fan has done for you? or at your show?
Someone lost their wallet on the way to one of my shows, and didn’t have money to pay for a cd, so they knit me a flower…. Yeah, I said knit. I gave them the CD and I take that knit flower with me to every show.
What is the funniest moment you have had as an artist/band so far?
We were on tour in the mid west, making our way through Iowa, and my guitar player was driving. He woke me up from my nap saying “GET READY TO PUSH !!” He thought the gas light was something other than the gas light and we had run out of gas. We had to push the car 2 miles on a flat road through the heart of a sleepy little town. We were laughing and waving to people saying “This is our float for the parade.” My keys player was in the backseat filming and laughing while we struggled with every step. We have a new rule. If you’re driving and the car runs out of gas, you pay for that tank.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I lay on the floor, put my legs up on a chair and rest… Every. Show.
If you could describe your music in one word, what would it be?
Love
How do you connect with a crowd?
I try to keep engaged with them through conversation, stories, and just having fun WITH them.
What is the best way to write music?
My favorite quote about songwriting comes from one of my greatest influences, Jimmy Webb. “Writing is hell on earth, and if it’s not, you’re doing it wrong.” You should struggle for greatness in a song. Never settle for ok. That’s how you write a song.
See Austin Renfroe Friday, February 1st at Eddie’s Attic!
