Sometimes it can be difficult to follow in the family business.
But for the son of maverick Texas songwriter Steve Earle, Justin Townes Earle, the road has been one paved with five albums and critical acclaim.
Like his father before him, he writes his own songs, but that's where the comparisons stop; there are far more differences in their musical approaches than there are similarities.
Often mentioned as the forefather of contemporary Americana, The Nashville-based country star will play his latest album throughout Australia next month. "Southern music, jazz, blues, rock and roll — all are at the bones of all American music,” enthuses Justin about the style of music he plays. “They came from the south east of the United States, and Nashville was the centre of it all."
Justin has mastered his own writing and playing style, a hybrid mixing folk and blues with strong early country leanings. His fifth studio album, 'Single Mothers', has been described as his most raw and honest release since his acclaimed debut EP, the six-track ‘Yuma’. "The process was very similar to my other records, but I had less people on this record though — it was a little less thought out and less people meant less feelings to have to manage," he explains. "My favourite track on the record is 'White Gardenias', I wrote it for Billie Holiday. She has always been one of my favourite musicians. I believe in the Tom Petty way of writing music; keeping the track down to two and a half minutes and to the point."
As a recently married, sober man he now writes his music from a point of maturity. “One day I just realised it’s not cool to die young, and it’s even less cool to die after 30,” Justin laughs. "It's amazing to have a partner who supports me and my music."
Earle is no stranger to Australia. Set to visit our shores for a seventh time, this time he will be bringing his full band, presenting his new album. "I find there is a large similarity between the American and Australian cultures, people who enjoy the outdoors, who work hard, so they can play hard!"
Supporting him will be Canadian Lindi Ortega who returns to Australia for the second time in 2014 after appearing at the Boogie and National Folk Festivals as well as sold out shows in Sydney and Melbourne in April.
Written by Ted Tabet
Justin Townes Earle Tour Dates
11th Oct – Astor Theatre (Mount Lawley)12th Oct – The Gov (Adelaide)
15th Oct – Metro (Sydney)
16th Oct – The Corner Hotel (Melbourne)
18th Oct – Out On The Weekend Festivel (Melbourne)
19th Oct – Meeniyan Town Hall (Meeniyan)
22nd Oct – The Tivoli (Brisbane)
