Quality Americana

One of the longest running songwriters in the Live Music Capital of the World released a traditional honky tonk number that’s perfect for an evening two-step.

New York

Craig Marshall started out in Syracuse, New York, and has been a figurehead and cheerleader in the songwriter, country and jazz scene in Austin, Texas since the early 1990s. 

“My cousin played rock and roll and guitar,” Marshall said. “When I was a kid we would hang out with his band and go to his shows… we were not really old enough to get into bars.”

His mother studied violin while also working in real estate, and his father practiced as a lawyer. There were garage bands practicing often on his street and everyone wanted to be the next John Lennon. 

“There was always music around,” Marshall said, who played with his brothers at the time. “We were always messing around with music.” 

Marshall was in several bands as a teenager that played new wave and Beatles songs. His brother still plays in the Minneapolis area, and his oldest brother keeps his drum skills up at home.

The Lone Star State

Marshall estimates he’s played thousands of gigs in the Texas Hill Country since moving down here.

“I may have played more gigs than anybody in the history of Austin,” Marshall said. “There’s artists that play more gigs a week, but not for thirty years.”

He may not have broken out into the giant theaters and arenas in town, but he’s certainly well known by every working musician in these parts. 

“I’m the most successful artist in the history of Austin, and the least,” Marshall joked.

Over the years, Marshall has played nearly every stage including the iconic Broken Spoke. 

“He remembered me,“ Marshall said about late owner James White who used to book the Delta Rays back in the early days. He still currently plays the front room for the diners. It’s a one of a kind dancehall experience with all the chicken fried steak you can eat.

Rock and Roll

The EP also includes the rock and roll inspired “Nothing But The Truth,” that was written while fellow musician Tucker Livingston was living in India and had started a digital meeting space for songwriters across the world.

“That song was part of a songwriter challenge,” Marshall said about the rock and roll opening track. “I don’t usually work that way.” 

The digital meet-up gave Marshall a chance to step away from the influences locally, and find the rebellious moments from those teenage years again.

“Tucker is going to be opening up my release show,” Marshall said.

Smart Play

Smart Play was produced, mixed, and mastered by Lars Göransson at Sounds Outrageous Studio in Austin, Texas. It’s the second batch of songs that was recorded at the same session as Marshall’s last EP Break Some Rules. 

Marshall described “Play Smart” as a classic country song. It’s seen support over in Europe as well as the Lone Star State. He’s currently hoping to tour in Switzerland.

“I like classic phrases like that for titles,” Marshall said. “I just like little slice of life momentary themes.”

The EP includes Betty Soo and Jeremy Fowler on harmony vocals, Kevin Lovejoy on keys, Grahame O’Shea on drums, Brad Fordham on bass, Roger Sollenberger on guitar and Patterson Barrett on pedal steel.

Support the Artist

Marshall will be performing at the upcoming Boone Songwriters Festival in North Carolina in September, and his album release show is scheduled for May 11th at the legendary Hole in the Wall in Austin.

Support the artists by streaming and purchasing Smart Play on Bandcamp.

More information about Craig Marshall can be found here.

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