Twenty-four year-old Austin Brown describes his debut single, the Rodney Jerkins-produced 'Target Practice,' as having a "Gloria Gaynor-inspired melody, kind of disco-y, but new age." He also says the track was influenced by the Daft Punk, Ed Banger sound, "and the energy that those songs bring."
That diversity is normal for Brown, who cites influences such as the Beach Boys, Eddie Kendricks, Frankie Lymon, George Michael, Prince and many more. So, where does a 24-year-old develop that sense of music history?
"My mom really would always sit with me and show me what inspired her, so if it was watching 'That's Entertainment' and watching Cyd Charisse, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, that's what she grew up on and that's what she showed me, early Elvis videos," Brown tells PopEater. "My mom always knew and always made sure to make it very important that I had a knowledge of where things came from. That's where my whole interest in music really started from -- my mom really schooling me on the basics."
Brown's mom is Rebbie Jackson, eldest sister of the legendary Jackson clan, so he had some of the best teachers in music. "When I was 12 years old my uncle Michael bought me a portable DVD player when they just came out and bought me 'Purple Rain,'" Brown recalls. "That's how much of a Prince fan I was. The DVD player, I thought that was cool, but when I saw 'Purple Rain' I freaked out and screamed."
As Brown steps into the spotlight, he knows he'll be closely watched by Jackson's fervent fans. "They're amazing. They're loving, heartfelt, loyal and they just support anything and everything that's his. It's one of the most amazing, loving things and he was so devoted to his fans," Brown says. "It's something I grew up seeing my whole life, so it's just how it's been."
"My uncle's the greatest to ever do it, period, and he did it for everyone who's in music," Brown adds. "He's influenced everyone, including myself, and I'm just a new artist who loves making songs and is stepping into this like anybody else."
Love it Auggie,got the sound also loved 1st sight, I know 85 will be a winner.I am hearing mj's voice and some of Janets style,love it. You are your own person, you are the music, thats the way that you will go along way. Thank you so much foryour creativity. Kathryn
Austin Brown is the next HUGE artist of our generation! Wow, what a fresh sound and such a great talent. The Jackson legend continues... i can't wait to hear the rest of the album. I cant stop listing to this track! AMAZING!!!!!
I`m so happy to hear Austin saying those things about Michael and all his fans ... and I know he really means what he says ! I love Michael and all the Jackson family so so much ! I wish all the best for Austin ,he just started walking on that road we all know that only the true and good artists can walk on ! He`s one of them ... Maybe one day I will have a chance to meet this wonderful man and express my feelings for him and his dear,sweet family .. who knows .. Good luck Austin and God Bless you my friend !
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Congrats Austin, love the track!
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Wow this is hot definitely buy this album and he has that great jackson falsetto.
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I freaking love this song! :)
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hello dear... everything good in your life ;)
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Love it Auggie,got the sound also loved 1st sight, I know 85 will be a winner.I am hearing mj's voice and some of Janets style,love it. You are your own person, you are the music, thats the way that you will go along way. Thank you so much foryour creativity. Kathryn
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Hey we "" could dance to that :)hope many more GREAT:")!!good job realaustinbrown:))
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Rodney Jenkins produced! Jackson bloodline! Now, if Interscope does their part it's Gonna be BIG!!! Good Luck Austin, make the family proud! Peace! Cj
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Sound awesome, Congrats.
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WOW this record is amazing!
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Lovet his track! This is going to be huge!!!
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Austin Brown is the next HUGE artist of our generation! Wow, what a fresh sound and such a great talent. The Jackson legend continues... i can't wait to hear the rest of the album. I cant stop listing to this track! AMAZING!!!!!
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omg i am such a fan
always loved u Austin and now the wait is finally over its worth it
love the track cant wait for more
love u loads =)
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I`m so happy to hear Austin saying those things about Michael and all his fans ... and I know he really means what he says ! I love Michael and all the Jackson family so so much ! I wish all the best for Austin ,he just started walking on that road we all know that only the true and good artists can walk on ! He`s one of them ... Maybe one day I will have a chance to meet this wonderful man and express my feelings for him and his dear,sweet family .. who knows .. Good luck Austin and God Bless you my friend !
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Congrats Austin this is a good song, i'm so happy for you!
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Great song Austin. Its about time somebody makes something different than what im hearing on the radio all day! Keep up the good work bro.
Ivano
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great song austin i like this song very much you are wonderful singer and very talent kep good work sweetie much love to you and support
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woooooohoooooooooooooooo
im so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!
sounds amazing wait till u see this fool dance
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Absolutely Love, love, love it. He sounds so much like Mike.
Way to go Austin, that's how you do it boy!
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Absolutely love, love, love it. Austin, you sound so much like Mike. That's how you do it boy!!!
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Nice, I like it! It's a catchy song!
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