MEREDITH HUMPHREY/Special to Bootleg Essential Culture
Though growing up wanting to a professional skateboarder, Webb devoted himself to music when he picked up the guitar in 2006.
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Austin Webb has so much to say that he can’t even put it into words. Though the 18 years of his life don’t seem like enough to preach about, Webb is filled with a passion that he feels a need to convey.
“The bottom line I guess is there’s just so much stuff going on in the world and you can’t let it overpower you,” Webb said. “I’m still confused about what I’m going to say.”
Though he dreamed of becoming a professional skateboarder for years, Webb picked up a guitar in 2006 and has yet to look back. Focusing on the guitar and his poetry throughout high school, he recently created a polished album, along with bassist Will Clardy and drummer Davin Schrader. The record, “Written Photography,” showcases Webb’s continuing search for his own unique style.
“It’s not like anything else—I mean I guess it could be. It’s got a lot of imagery in it. It’s kind of crazy to put in all one album,” said Webb. “Usually I get related to Dylan or Springsteen or Bright Eyes but like I said I’ve got my own stories to tell.”
Webb’s bluegrass guitar sound in ‘Take Me Home’is not dynamic enough to drown out his voice — which is nearly identical to that of Scottish heartthrob Paolo Nutini. The chorus of “In the City” suggests the influence of John Mayer’s poppy “Room for Squares” album.
On “Freedom That’s Peace,” Webb picks up the tempo (and a harmonica) as he croons about war and reloading rifles. Political issues arise often in Webb’s music but they don’t dominate his album. The young songwriter made a conscious effort not to sound too preachy.
Though his sound and message seem mature beyond his years, Webb is accustomed to having skeptical audiences due to his age.
“Usually they expect another emo-kid singing about all the same stuff and that ain’t me,” said Webb. “What I try to do is bring the audience into what I’m saying and know exactly what’s going on so they can feel it. I want them to be like ‘Whoa- oh my God—how old is this kid?’”
