GRAMMYs On The Road At Austin City Limits With Theophilus London And Hayes Carll

The Recording Academy Texas Chapter played host for GRAMMYs On The Road At Austin City Limits Music Festival during the festival's 10th anniversary from Sept. 16–18 at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. The Chapter conducted exclusive backstage interviews with artists performing at the festival, including rap/R&B artist/MC Theophilus London and Americana singer/songwriter Hayes Carll.

London discussed his songwriting process, social media, recording his new album, Timez Are Weird These Days, and advice for aspiring artists.

"I start working on the music first, and then build the melody around [it]," said London on songwriting. "A lot of it [is] from my point of view of fantasy."

Hailing from Brooklyn, N.Y., London's music combines elements ranging from soul, pop and new wave, to electro and R&B, and he cites artists such as Michael Jackson, Kraftwerk, Prince, and the Smiths as influences. London debuted with several mixtapes released online, 2008's Jam! and 2009's This Charming Mixtape, and subsequently released his full-length debut, This Charming Man. His follow-up album, 2011's Timez Are Weird These Days, was released on Reprise Records and peaked at No. 30 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. London is currently on tour throughout the United States.

Carll discussed musical influences, his biggest career moment, songwriting, and advice for aspiring musicians.

"Just get out and do it," said Carll regarding his advice for aspiring musicians. "Almost everything good that's come in my career has been a result of going out and playing."

Born Joshua Hayes Carll in Houston, Carll received his first guitar and began writing songs at age 15, inspired by artists such as Bob Dylan and Kris Kristofferson. His debut album, 2002's Flowers And Liquor, was released on Texas indie label Compadre Records. His sophomore album, 2005's Little Rock, was released on his own label, Highway 87. In 2006 he signed with Lost Highway Records, subsequently releasing 2008's Trouble In Mind and 2011's KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories), the latter peaking at No. 17 on Billboard's Rock Albums chart. Carll was named the New/Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2010 Americana Music Awards.

Come back to GRAMMY.com tomorrow for more exclusive backstage interviews from GRAMMYs On The Road At Austin City Limits.

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