Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Austin Gatus

Austin Gatus grew up surrounded by music and felt an indescribable connection after playing his first notes on the saxophone; he knew in that moment that music was his future. But life threw him an unexpected curveball shortly after, and he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He would spend the next three years in and out of chemotherapy, battling for his life. During those dark times, his passion for his craft deepened and brought him much needed light. Pop Culturalist caught up with Austin about his journey and new single, “U.”

PC: You discovered your passion for music at a young age, but that relationship was further deepened after you were diagnosed with Leukemia. Tell us a bit about your back story and what you learned about yourself as a person and as an artist as you battled cancer.
Austin: I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that exposed me to a wide variety of music; my parents liked to play jazz and ’70s R&B around the house. In addition, I loved listening to film soundtracks and classic Broadway musicals. After annoying my parents by playing the recorder non-stop, they decided to get me a saxophone. I remember blowing that first note on the sax and feeling an instant connection with it. I was nine-years-old at the time when I discovered my affinity for playing music.

A few months later, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The treatment would be three and a half years with constant chemotherapy and living in the hospital for long periods of time. I knew I had to stay strong and find an outlet that allowed me to escape from my current reality. Music allowed me to express myself and keep my mind off the treatment. I would always keep the saxophone by my hospital bedside and occasionally play for the staff and friends I made in the Oncology unit.

Today, I’m very grateful to be ten years cancer free—approaching eleven in July! I think one of the most valuable things I’ve learned from this experience, both as a person and an artist, is how precious life is. I believe that it’s important to live life to the fullest and not take things for granted, whether it be the daily activities I enjoy doing, or even having the opportunity to get to play my music and share it with others.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Austin: I’ve been blessed to have some amazing musical opportunities and meet many skilled artists who have inspired me. As a saxophonist, one of the most influential artists to me is Dave Koz, who I’m very grateful to have as a mentor and friend. Ever since I heard his music at a young age, I’ve strived to play the saxophone like him, aiming to get that silky tone and expressive phrasing that he’s notable for. In addition, his songs have very memorable melodies that grab the listener’s attention right away, which is something I always look to have when I’m writing my music.

PC: What message do you hope to convey through your music?
Austin: I hope to convey honesty in my music. A large amount of the music I have written has been influenced by my own personal experiences. Being a singer-songwriter, a lot of us wear our hearts on our sleeves; I think that’s really cool and brings authenticity to our words. When I write my songs, I like to view the story I’m narrating from a mirrored perspective and not only convey my take on that story, but also consider what others might’ve been thinking about in the situation as well.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Austin: Yes. When I was fifteen-years-old, Dave Koz messaged me asking if I would like to join him on stage to perform his song “Faces of the Heart” with him. On the day of the performance, I remember stepping out on that stage to a full crowd and hearing their support during our duet. That adrenaline rush I felt is something I’ll never forget.

Being a teenager at the time, I was still on the edge of deciding if I wanted to commit to a career in music. After the show, I remember Dave coming up to me and asking, “So, is this what you want to do now?” I haven’t thought about a career in anything else but music since.

PC: You have a new single out now. Tell us about “U” and the inspiration behind the song.
Austin: “U” is a track that had been in the works for over a year before it got released. This is also one of the first collaborative tracks that I got to do with my close friends, Ryan Glatt and Nick Henry.

The track originally started out as an instrumental background that Ryan produced back in November 2018. We got together to put a melody and lyrics to it but couldn’t come up with something we liked, so we decided to archive the track and focus on other projects.

Flash forward to January 2020: I was listening to some old song ideas and came across the original demo. I decided to give it another go and was able to write a song that I liked. When producing the new version, I began by adding my own sound into the mix, recording some saxophone and flute lines to compliment the array of keyboards and synths Ryan had tracked. We then got Nick on the project, who helped flesh out the arrangement and finalize the instrumentation.

The goal for writing “U” was to come up with a catchy and simple hook for the chorus, then let the bridge speak out melodically. Lyric wise, I wanted to tell a relatable story in the shoes of someone who is dealing with young love and overcoming the fear of taking a chance on that special someone—a situation that a lot of us have experienced. I’m happy with how the final product turned out. It’s available on all streaming platforms now, so give it a listen!

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the year hold for you?
Austin: Right now, I am working on a new EP that I’m hoping to release in the fall. I feel that I have grown both musically and as a person since my last EP in 2018, so I can’t wait to share the new music that I have to offer! In addition to being a performing artist, I’ve been pursuing work as a film composer and am currently writing music for an animated short that should be finishing production by summer.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Austin: Jon McLaughlin and Rico Loma

PC: First album you bought?
Austin: The Music of John Williams: 40 Years of Film Music

PC: First concert you attended?
Austin: Billy Gilman

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Austin: I can’t really think of a specific album, but I love Green Day’s “21 Guns.” I remember hearing that song on the radio for the first time and being awestruck. I believe that was the song that got me into picking up other instruments such as the guitar and keyboard, and ultimately inspired me to write my own songs.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Austin: Troubadour

PC: A must-have on the road?
Austin: Earbuds

To keep up with Austin, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “U” today.