Willie Canseco

Willie Canseco grew up in Del Rio, Texas, a border town in the southwestern part of the state. Living a life between the U.S. and Mexico in a semi-arid region had a profound impact on Willie, and his music often reflects the landscape of his home.

Willie Canseco began his musical career as the lead guitarist and vocalist in the Del Rio, Texas rock band, Pilson, in early 2011. Over the next year, Pilson continued to play in Del Rio, but the band went dormant shortly after Willie left to New England for a wilderness semester. After spending five months in the woods and rivers of Vermont and New Hampshire, Willie came back profoundly moved and proceeded to incorporate his experience into his music. After returning to Texas and its own unique scenery, Willie wrote new songs, tying together the many locations and feelings experienced and began performing as a solo artist in Austin. In addition to his ongoing solo project, Willie was the drummer, vocalist, and chief songwriter in Austin-based rock band Teacup Dingo, whose songs were largely humorous and light-hearted compared to Canseco's solo work.

Willie Canseco currently resides in Austin and has been highly influenced by Townes Van Zandt, Slaid Cleaves, Joe Ely, Steve Earle, Warren Zevon, Neil Young, and many others.