“Just can’t see eye to eye with you/You’re not hearing my perspective through; Snuck up and hiding in plain sight/Communication’s dead and locked up tight,”Austin Marsh sings on the title track of Austin & The Avenue’s upcoming album, Rough Translation, set for an Aug. 4 release.

“It’s more or less about the breakdown of communication,” Marsh said. “I’m sure you know the feeling where you’re having a conversation with someone, but there’s that invisible barrier that prevents both sides from understanding the other. Forget the idea of ‘not being on the same page.’ It feels more like we’re reading from two completely separate books.” 

In honor of the new release, the band will host a party at The Garden, 3308 N. Anthony Blvd., on Friday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m.

Learning from the best

Rough or not, Marsh and Co. have been translating quite well since their formation in 2020, putting out 2022’s Waiting on the Flood and 2021’s Bohemians. 

Add that to Marsh’s constant solo gigging around the region and beyond, and he may be one of the busiest guys on the scene. After all, he’s been doing this for quite some time, taking to the guitar at the age of 11. 

“That’s around the time I started to take the guitar seriously,” Marsh said. “I picked up vocal abilities as I went along and spent more time listening to records and playing with various musical outfits in my teens. Early on, I was listening to Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Jimmy Page, which opened doors to a lot of other players like Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy, and more. 

“These days I’m taking in acts like Big Star, Jon Brion, Archer Prewitt, Madison Cunningham, etc.” 

There’s no doubt the man has good taste, and it’s a big part of the artist he has become today. 

Hitting the studio

In his latest effort, Marsh touches on a variety of different elements — moments of personal revelations, heartbreak, reflecting back on the places that formed him and what lies ahead for him as a person. He’s even delving deeper into the idea of choosing more moments of disengagement for the purpose of rest, which he shares on the track “A Place Where No One Can Find Me.” 

When pressed on how the album came to fruition, Marsh said, “Most of 2022 I spent writing, mediating over ideas, and taking my time instead of jumping right into it.” 

The plan of action eventually led him and bandmates drummer/percussionist Colin Boyd and bassist Lance Roberts into True Blue Studios, owned and operated by Christian Bear, with engineering and recording by Jordan Stoffel, two of Marsh’s Saint Francis buddies. 

Together, they kept the process short and organic, not doing any more than two takes per song. 

“We got together a couple of times beforehand, then went into the studio and really knocked it out,” Roberts said of Rough Translation. “Definitely one of the quickest albums I’ve been a part of.”

“Recording this album was a blast,” Boyd said. “I remember core-tracking day as feeling so natural and seemingly effortless, certainly due to the incredibly high level of musicianship of both Austin and Lance as well as the skilled engineering by Jordan and Christian for a truly pleasant experience.”

For release

The result is an album that sounds beautiful from start to finish, a 10-track package of folk/rock numbers with flavors of blues, singer-songwriter, and power pop sure to satisfy all. For a sneak peek of what lies ahead, you can check out the first single on the album, “If I’m Lucky,” which was released on streaming services on July 21. The coming-of-age tune about being foolish back in the day and growing up a little has gained positive reviews. 

“I really can’t wait for people to hear it,” Roberts said of the album. “Austin has come a long way and this is some of his strongest stuff to date.” 

As an added bonus, McKayla Nevers’ awesome photography can be seen on the cover. 

Marsh has cemented himself as one of the elites in our local scene, and Rough Translation is a push forward for him and his plans to expand his regional reach, both solo and with The Avenue. 

Meeting fans and gaining friends along the way is something he looks forward to. 

“I’ve wanted to make music for a long time, and I’m lucky to be able to do it in the capacity I am,” Marsh said. “I caught the bug early, and hasn’t shaken me yet.” 

You’re on the right path my friend. Keep grinding!