Central Valley’s Leaving Austin is a modern-country group that is consistently drawing crowds and building a huge fanbase. The band’s March 7th Visalia Cellar Door performance is expected to be packed-house, especially with the addition of opening Bakersfield band Truxton Mile.
We had the opportunity to ask Leaving Austin guitar player Davis Forney a few questions.
Leaving Austin has been steadily gaining momentum at Cellar Door. When and how did the band begin?
“The band was formed in November of 2012. Leaving Austin consists of members: Austin Machado on lead vocals, Davis Forney on guitar and harmonies, Michael Stevens on bass, Terry Ashford on keys and mandolin, and Ryan Chin on drums. We were all raised in the Central Valley of California, growing up on country, pop and rock n’ roll. After pursuing many different types of bands we decided it was time to get back to our roots and sing some country our way, ‘Cali Style.’”
You guys seem to have a refreshing new take on country music. What artists have influenced the band’s sound?
“We all listen to and have played many different genres of music over the years so we try to pull pieces from all of those whether it be pop, country, rock n roll, pop punk, alternative, etc. A majority of our style and sound influence for Leaving Austin comes from artists and bands like Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, The Fray, The Script, Hunter Hayes, One Republic, Colby Wedgeworth, The Maine, David Nail, Florida Georgia Line, Taylor Swift.”
What can we expect from a live Leaving Austin show?
“You can expect one heck of a good time! We love having fun and giving our fans as much as we can. Expect to have t-shirts and cds thrown into the crowd, expect to dance your butt off, and most important to us, for you to leave with a smile on your face.”
What is the main goal for Leaving Austin?
“Our goal is to connect with our fans and their friends. We want to produce music and a lifestyle that provides optimism in each and every fan’s life. We want to really know our fans because without them we will never succeed. We want our music to change lives for the better.”
Tickets for the 21+ 9:30pm show are $7 and available at www.ticketweb.com.