Austin, Texas – Where the Music Plays. Everywhere

Music is everywhere in Austin. That’s not an exaggeration, I promise. There’s a good chance your trip will start off with a live concert at the airport. Waiting for your bags while listening to an up-and-coming band – now that’s a warm welcome. The capital of the US state of Texas is also known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” It is home to some 250 venues and legendary festivals such as South by Southwest (SXSW). “Austin has a special vibe,” says R & B musician Daniel Fears in an interview with Lufthansa Insights. “Also because musicians here are very supportive of each other and encourage each other to try new things.” 

Fears came to town in 2008 to study classical music at the University of Texas. He moved to New Haven for two years to attend Yale for his MFA, then returned to Austin right after graduation. “There is hardly any other city in the US where so many different people can express themselves through different styles of music. Be it country, punk rock, hip hop, R&B, or soul,” says Fears. “There is music for every taste in Austin.” 

This was not the case decades ago. Back then, Austin meant blues-rock and country. One person who represents the Austin music scene like no other is Willie Nelson, born in 1933 (!). He came to Austin in the early seventies to reinvent himself. The city shaped him. And he still shapes the city today. And not just in the form of a bronze statue on a boulevard that bears his name. “Willie is simply an icon. A man who brings young and old artists together,” enthuses Fears. Nelson occasionally hosts music events at his estate in the Austin area and at other venues. For example, a musical picnic on the 4th of July, the US Independence Day. An event that has been taken place repeatedly since 1973. 

If you want to delve deeper into Austin’s musical history, book one of the live music tours on offer every night of the week. These take you to 6th Street, the center of Austin’s musical nightlife. Here, you can move from one live music club to the next and get to know a wide variety of artists until the wee hours of the morning.  

Fears is a regular performer in Austin’s clubs, preferring the more intimate venues. One of his favorites is the 04 Centre. “It’s a place for live music from Wednesday to Saturday, mostly Americana, funk, and R & B,” says Fears, “but on Sundays it's a church. Playing there is always an extraordinary experience.” 

Fears, who has a gentle R & B voice, is well-connected in town, and many of his friends are also in the music business. They meet regularly, work on songs together, and attend each other’s concerts. “Life here is very interesting and varied, you always meet people with whom you can start a new project,” says Fears. For him, this is something that makes Austin so special. This energy that comes from the community. 

It seems impossible to escape music in the city. But are there alternatives? “The music is very present,” says Fears with a laugh. Still, there is plenty to discover. “Austin is also about the outdoors, arts, culture, food, and tech. You’re not going to get bored here.”  

For Fears, the perfect day in the Texas capital starts downtown with breakfast tacos at Veracruz. Supposedly the best in town. Then it’s time to cool off at Barton Springs. The huge natural pool is centrally located in Zilker Metropolitan Park. Actor Robert Redford is said to have learned to swim here. For lunch, Fears suggests stopping at Terry Black’s near the park. “A brisket is essential when visiting Austin,” says the musician. And, naturally, one can’t go too long in Austin without music. Fears loves the city’s record stores. He recommends checking out BLK Vinyl at 2505 East 6th Street. “By the way, a thriving DJ scene has been expanding in Austin over the last few years,” says Fears. Of course, the best way to see for yourself is to hit the clubs. Like the Coconut Club in the historic Warehouse District. It’s all perfect for exploring on foot. And when you get tired, just look for a band on the next street corner, listen to them, and enjoy the sound of Austin.