Mark Austin

Artist Information

Biography

Mark Austin’s six-string beginnings in a sleepy Idaho town are quite a contrast to the urban chaos he now calls home in the DC metro area. But it’s that broad spectrum of experience and diverse environment he’s been exposed to that has shaped the artist and his music today.

His love for guitar began at age 11, but it wasn't until much later, during Mark’s graduate studies in Boston, where that love turned to passion. There, his songwriting began to take shape under the influences of legendary guitarists and songwriters such as Richard Thompson, Janis Ian, Bruce Cockburn, and Leo Kottke. With the encouragement of friends and other local musicians, he began to cut his teeth performing in the subways and on the famed street corners of Harvard Square. His years of guitar training combined with lessons from the streets of Boston soon paid off. Mark was being invited to play in local clubs, legendary music rooms, and on live radio programs, honing his skills on stage.

A year later, with a Harvard degree in one hand and a guitar in the other, he made his way from Boston to DC, where he put his degree to use in the field of international health. Where most jobs would have dampened his musical drive, this job fueled it. With opportunities to see the world, Mark's songwriting flourished, leading to the 2005 release of his powerful debut CD “Cool Water,” which should turn more than a few heads in the industry.

Mark’s debut CD "Cool Water" (produced by Marco Delmar, Recording Arts, Fairfax VA) includes a refreshing arrangement of original songs highlighting a clean blend of acoustic guitar, upright bass, and percussion. But don't let the lean lineup fool you. This CD is packed with an ultraclean punch. And thanks to Mark's tightly-woven lyrics and skillful guitar work, that musical punch is full of substance. “Cool Water” is sure to capture the attention and imagination of any listener.

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Mark has shared stages with Janis Ian, Peter Mulvey, Brooks Williams, Daniel Lee, Susan Greenbaum and has performed at well-known venues such as...

The Birchmere: Alexandria, VA
Ram's Head Tavern: Annapolis, MD
The Burren: Somerville, MA
Club Passim: Cambridge, MA
Jammin Java: Vienna, VA
Westside Cafe: Frederick, MD
Washington DC Folk Festival
Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival

Instrumentation

Solo: Mark Austin - vocals & acoustic guitar

Mark Austin Trio (inquire for availability)
Mark Austin: vocals & acoustic guitar
Jon Nazdin: double bass
Charles Gluck: percussion

Discography

"Cool Water." Produced by Marco Delmar. Published by Wandering Man Records (ASCAP)

Audio

• Cool Water
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• Jacques Mathurin
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• Texas Summertime
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Lyrics

• Cool Water
• Jacques Mathurin
• Texas Summertime

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Janis Ian [+ Show ]
  

  "I've worked with Mark enough times to know that audiences like him; you can't learn that. I'd work ..."I've worked with Mark enough times to know that audiences like him; you can't learn that. I'd work with him again any time."

• Melissa Morris
  

  “Definitely one of the up-and-coming artists from the Boston scene. Watch this guy!”

• Steve Key
  

  “Mark brings a bit of Texas songwriting style right here to the DC area!"

Setlist

Typical set lists vary based on the type of venue and include songs from his CD "Cool Water" and other originals (over 2 hours worth of original music). Sets may also include covers from influential artists such as Lyle Lovett, Janis Ian, Leo Kottke, Bruce Cockburn, David Wilcox, and Jeff Buckley.

Basic Requirements

Calendar