Growing up in a musically-inclined family in south Texas, Austin Gilliam was probably exposed to every genre and sub-genre of music that falls under the Americana umbrella. It wasn’t until he moved to New Braunfels and fell in with a singer-songwriter crowd that he found his voice and style. That voice is perfect for heartfelt expressions of blue-collar perspectives on life, set to original yet familiar country guitar riffs. He has a new EP out shortly really showcasing that sound.
The record’s title, I’m Sorry, I’m Fine is a conflation of two separate songs. I’m Sorry is a slower, pleading ballad for when your best just isn’t enough. I’m Fine is more angst ridden, with a hint of Morrissey to smooth out a grittier guitar. For my money, though, the song that really ties everything together is the opener, A Little Dirt. It’s a honky-tonk, red dirt number about an everyman with coarse manners, but a heart of gold. When Gilliam sings, “a little dirt never hurt no one”, you realize it’s also a metaphor for not sweating the unimportant stuff. We’re so pleased to be able to premiere A Little Dirt, so listen and enjoy.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.