Starting at 6 years of age, Austin Van began showing a serious interest in music. Coming from a musical family, it came to no surprise to those that knew young Austin he would exhibit such an interest. Austin’s Uncle Fred started teaching him guitar at 6 and by the time he thirteen he was playing weekly solo gigs. Austin eventually went on to take over his father Eddie’s band, The Vanliners, and Austin Van and the Vanliners was born.
Every week from the age of thirteen until he turned twenty-one, Austin played Los Ojos Restaurant and Saloon in Jemez Springs, N.M. With his unique voice and range of musical stylings, it was not long before Austin’s fan base started growing. His entertaining stage presence coupled with his unique ability to connect with his audience started to gain the attention of larger venues and before long Austin was entertaining new crowds across New Mexico. He also caught the attention of the New Mexico Western Music Association, and they were instrumental in presenting Austin for audiences across the state.
It seemed just as Austin’s career was starting to take off, the world was hit with a pandemic. As businesses and venues were forced to shut down, so were the careers of countless other musicians. Austin met this challenge head on and fought for what he knew he was put here to do, entertain. As restrictions slowly began lifting Austin found a weekly residency at a local K-Bob’s. It was there that Coyote Store supporters and annual table holders Bobby Jack and Tanny Angeley heard Austin perform. They were so blown away with this young man’s talents that they phoned Coyote Store owner Becky Justice -Ford and told her all about Austin. It was not long before Austin became a regular performer at the Coyote. From the intimate patio performances to opening for the major headliners, Austin was soon making quite a mark on the Texas music scene.
In February of 2021 Austin made the journey to Bulverde, Tx to record his new album with the legendary Bobby Flores. Bobby is a Grammy Award winning instrumentalist, composer, vocalist, producer and first call session musician. Austin was deeply honored to have a chance to record with this amazing artist. It was there at Bobby’s B.A.M Recording Studio that Austin first album, Music Road, was made. Bobby also played fiddle, lead, steel, and acoustic guitar for Austin on Music Road.
Austin credits a wide range of artists for being his inspiration, but he says Elvis Presley is the biggest reason he plays music. He also credits legends like Buddy Holly, Marty Robbins, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Roy Orbison as others who have influenced him to perform. Austin credits The Gentle Giant Don Williams as his reason for starting his acoustic shows. He definitely understands who the greats are, that is for certain.
Along with all his success at the young age of 24, Austin will also be awarded the Coyote Country Rising Star Award at the venue’s year end performance in October 2022. Coyote Country store owner Becky Justice-Ford told Texas Life Magazine that “the Rising Star award is something awarded annually to a young artist that exhibits not only exceptional musical talent, but also the ability to connect with customer and fans.” She added that “it highlights the artists professionalism as well as their ability to interact with the public and build good business relationships.” For receiving this honor Austin will be receive a guitar signed by all the venues 2022 headline performers, as well as additional promotional packages. The ceremony will take place on October 29 when Gene Watson, The Bellamy Brothers and David Frizzell headline the year end celebration.
Having spent some time getting to know this talented artist we are certain that even greater successes are in his future. His dedication to his family, girlfriend Dayna, and their two children Dryfter and Gypsy are the driving forces behind his passion. He is a family man first and foremost and loves being able to pursue his dreams. Austin absolutely loves being on stage. He said, “you can feel down, bad all day, all week even, but those hours on stage make you feel on top of the world.”
