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As we’ve all learned from these past couple of weeks, breaking out of time-tested routines and formulas can be sometimes a necessity. Take native Austinite Jackie Venson, who switched from piano to guitar after a dissatisfaction with the overly competitive and formalized environment while receiving her degree at Berklee. Since then she’s taken her composition and studio production skills and re-created herself as one of Austin’s most talented solo acts.
Last year Venson’s sophomore album Joy helped earn her Best Guitarist at Austin Music Awards, proving a milestone as the first African American woman to do so in the program’s multi-decade history. Now Venson’s rolling with the momentum and trying out some new stuff on her next project, Vintage Machine, out in September. You can expect even more explorations into the electronic realm alongside Venson’s signature guitar virtuosity, as heard on Vintage Machine‘s recently released lead single, one that finds Venson in a higher vocal register than we’re accustomed to. And while Jackie Venson might not have been a Prince protégé, we have a feeling she’ll be giving Miss Monae a run for her money in a matter of time. Hear for yourself on “Make Me Feel”!
