You Were Always

Citing influences such as Mark Kozelek, The Clientele, and Nick Drake, Austin-based You Were Always plays quiet, aching rock songs dripping with memorable hooks and melodic turns-of-phrase. Singer/guitarist Cam Houser, who got his start playing with Michael Kingcaid (What Made Milwaukee Famous), connected with vocalist/keyboardist Aubri Hughes in 2006 and built the songs around the pairing of their voices.

Houser, originally from North Carolina, and Hughes, with deep roots in Alabama, emphasize subtlety and restraint in a style befitting two indie rock-lovers from below the Mason-Dixon: the close harmonies lean towards the "high and lonesome", most of the guitar parts are finger-picked, and there are almost no instrument solos. Later on, the rhythm section of Topher Hyink (drums) and Tim Faehnle (bass) was added, complementing the other elements of dual-lead vocals, barely-distorted guitars, warm analog keyboards, and understated ambient noise. You Were Always has played several Austin venues including Emo's and Stubb's, and a short East Coast tour is planned for '08. The band released the "Since You've Been Gone" EP in September of '07, and is currently in the studio working on the next release.