Austin Brown interviewed by By Ian Drew for UsMagazine.com.
Y’all remember “Centipede,” right? That jittery, 1984 hit by Rebbie Jackson was the jam in 1984 — and then the eldest sibling of the famed Jackson clan tucked herself away to focus on raising her own brood. Now, the next generation is ready to make their mark. Namely, Rebbie’s youngest son, Austin Brown, 24, who is entering the family business with his own album, 85 (set to arrive early next year) and his song, “Target Practice,” debuting now at austinbrown.com. Plus, his first video off the album was helmed by X-Men and Transformers co-mastermind Tom DeSanto!
I decided to get in on this early by chatting with the single scion about the project, auntie Janet’s influence and the rumored age-old feud between his uncle Michael and Prince.
UsMagazine.com: What made you want to enter the music business?
Austin Brown: I always wanted to do things independently, and I was too stubborn for my own good. Music meant so much to me that I wanted to know that I could do it myself without having to go through any connections. I went through the regular struggles like anybody else, going through deals and things not going well with your sound. I’m happy for everything that I went through because it makes me appreciate everything that’s going on now much more. The same things that got you there are the same things that will hopefully keep you there if you really stay focused and stay humble.
US: Exactly. Tell me about growing up in your family. Was there pressure to go into the business or was it the opposite?
AB: No, not at all. My mother in particular is such a wonderful loving woman and always made it a point to let me know that I am no different than anybody else. I had a normal upbringing — I went to school, had my friends, I played sports, she put me in my piano lessons, I was in band. There wasn’t really any pressure. The only difference was people saw my family do their job, but I loved my upbringing.
US: Did you grow up listening to “Centipede?”
AB: (Laughs) Of course! You grow up watching your mom do what she does and lovin’ the song, and I was a proud kid.
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REMOVE THAT SCARF! YOUR HANDSOME!
Awww…
