UK alt-indie artist Austel aka Annie Rew Shaw has released her new track, Beds Of Stone. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Influenced by artists such as Bon Iver, Thom Yorke, Cocteau Twins, Jon Hopkins, Nick Cave and Lykke Li, Austel has a background in classical music.
Having cut her teeth as a session musician performing at the Glastonbury Festival, supporting Fleet Foxes, and touring the UK with multiple bands, she began collaborating with guitarist, producer and music technologist Adam Stark (MiMU Gloves, Rumour Cubes), developing her own songs with a fresh lens.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I grew up in Devon and have been living in London for about 10 years, working as a freelance session musician, piano teacher and sound engineer. I recently completed a Masters in Creative Music Production. I have a really great cat called Carey (named after the Joni song, of course).
How would you describe your music?
Moody, ethereal, cinematic… but also intimate and reflective.
Who are your musical inspirations?
So many… I'd say I always return to Bon Iver, Eva Cassidy, Jon Hopkins, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, The National, Daughter, Cocteau Twins, Thom Yorke, Nils Frahm, Joni Mitchell, Elliott Smith.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I think my first big one was Foo Fighters at Wembley Stadium in 2008.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Probably something like S Club 7! I also treasured my Avril Lavigne Let Go CD.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Bug Like An Angel - Mitski.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Never have I been a blue calm sea, I have always been a storm" - Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Song To The Siren - This Mortal Coil.
Where can people find your music/more information?
@austelmusic on all socials. Music available on Bandcamp and all streaming platforms and my website.
Alan Corr
