WE CRUISE ALONG AUSTIN SANDS

Photos by Mika Boorem

With a man like Austin Sands, it's difficult to choose where to begin describing him, but his debut single is what we're talking about today and that's probably as good a place to start as any.

"Cruise" is -unsurprisingly- a song about driving. Not merely the action itself, but the contemplative exercise that it invites -when done correctly that is- on a long stretch of scenic road where the mind can peacefully wander into positive places. Such was the drive that gave Austin this song. The Pacific Coast Highway in California set the stage, and the thoughts came to Austin as he contemplated life as a road that connects one life with many across its length. "Cruise Cruise, I got you" is repeated throughout the song, and it exemplifies one of life's most beautiful things: Being there for someone in any capacity.

"Cruise" uses a recurring acoustic guitar chord that pays homage to his classical guitar training at the hands of renowned musician and educator, Gregory Coleman. Austin's professional background comes to shine all through the song's composition by never being shy with flourishes and fills. Though the guitar is very ear-catching, the instrumental protagonist is in fact the synth, in fact, Sands leans very heavily on the synthesizer to the point where he's labeled the song as  "Synth-Heavy Singer-Songwriter”.

Though "Cruise" is Austin's solo debut, this is not his first foray into music. Austin has been playing live and even touring since the age of 11. By the time he was 19, Austin had taken the stage at legendary venues such as the Troubadour, Roxy, and Whisky a go-go. His long list of collaborations include legendary songwriter Diane Warren, and for a time he was a member of legendary Rock/Electronica band Metro Station. Besides music, Austin is also a designer, for instance he is a partner in the eyewear division of luxury/lifestyle fashion brand Hoorsenbuhs.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Samuel Aponte is Venezuelan-born raised and based. 

I joined Rival Magazine after a few years of doing PR work for independent musicians of all stripes; understanding their struggles to be heard in a sea of constant  ADHD noise and paywalled access to platforms, I now bring a willingness to always appreciate and encourage the effort and creativity that artists put into their work . Can also find some of my writings on LADYGUNN and We Found New Music.