Austin Moody swoons country-loving crowd at UPC Live

By AERIEL MERILLAT

Country music fans at the University of Mary Washington gathered at the Underground Wednesday night for UPC Live’s latest acoustic act, Austin Moody.

Moody is a self-taught songwriter from Tennessee who plays at colleges and universities across the country. He arrived Wednesday night with two members of his band, one on drums and the other on guitar. The band played several country tunes for a full and enthusiastic audience.

His hit song, “Number One,” had the crowd singing and swaying along to its upbeat melody and love-struck lyrics. Moody’s energy on stage was contagious, as students danced and clapped along to the music.

Moody grew up around music and started playing in a bluegrass band by the time he was 14. He soon discovered that he had a passion for music and began writing songs at the age of 15.

Originally from Kingsport, Tennessee, Moody moved to Nashville when he was 21 to pursue his dreams. His songs are all written with an authenticity often found in country music.

According to his website, Moody likes to write about things that go on in his life.

“When I make music I just write about what I know – real life experiences,” said Moody.

He also brings his personal beliefs and strong Christian background into the songs he writes, as well as his performances, claiming that his faith led him to want to “touch lives and inspire others through his music.”

Moody is known for his soulful, low voice that sets him apart from most popular country singers today. His music can be described as a love child between George Strait and John Mayer, with the combination of a classic country sound and a stripped down, vulnerable acoustic act.

Moody has released three singles and is currently recording his new LP, which is to be released later this year. He already put out his debut EP, with hit songs such as “Be Ready,” “I Wanna” and “Plant the Seed,” all of which incorporate his signature sultry country twain, acoustic guitar and relatable lyrics.

Admirers of Moody have called his deep vocals timeless and soothing, and according to the crowd’s reaction on Wednesday night, UMW country music fans seemed to agree.

Rachael Sturgis, a junior sociology major, came to the event with a couple of her friends. She claims to be a country music fan and was thrilled to hear that UPC Live was bringing a country musician to campus.

“I think it’s really cool that UPC is providing country music for the students,” said Sturgis. “They don’t normally have this genre on campus, and he has a really good voice.”

UPC Live replaced the usual Acoustic Night this year as the weekly event on Wednesdays in the Underground. UPC Live hosts a myriad of performances ranging from karaoke to a variety of musicians that are all available to students free of charge every Wednesday evening.