First Year On Earth is a 4-piece from Austin Texas that combine elements of indie folk, rock, and Americana. The band has formed a reputation for their eclectic live shows.
What started as an ambition for front man and Australian native Ryan Murphy, has quickly evolved into a musical journey. While living back in his homeland of Australia Murphy had become witness to the tragic death of a friend whilst on vacation, this having a huge influence on his life and what was to eventuate next.
Murphy sold what he had and hit the road with nothing but a backpack and a bucket list. He blogged about this experience and has since gained attention across the globe. His story landed him interviews on national morning television programs in Australia and a stack of online buzz. “I still can’t believe the impact the blog has had,” says Murphy. “It’s been great sharing my story.”
The top of Ryan’s bucket list was to become a recording artist in New York, but after moving there in mid-2012, he found the big city lifestyle didn’t suit his nature. He now calls Austin home, and it’s here that Murphy met his fellow musicians who would together become First Year On Earth.
Ryan Murphy (acoustic guitar/lead vocals) is joined by Kris Afftlerbaugh (upright bass/vocals), Matthew Read (lead guitar) and Jimmy Milner (drums), to form this collaboration.
The bands debut self-titled EP was released in June of 2015 to widespread critical acclaim. Taking them on their first US tour through the Midwest, which included an invitation to perform to a sell out crowd at the famed Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tennessee.
First Year On Earth’s sound spawns from Afftlerbaugh, Read and Milner’s backgrounds in Jazz and Country and Murphy’s love of organic songwriting.
In this interview, we discuss the band’s newest project, Worn Road, as well as influences, struggles and more.
Full Q&A, links, and streams below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I’ve always loved singer/songwriters. Something about the vulnerability of lyric driven music always drew me in. Once I started studying music my musical taste evolved but my love for the raw elements still remains.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
Wrote my first song with my brother when I was in grade 7. It was titled “school sucks”… I’m totally serious.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
Lyrically I tend to feel most inspiration from the harder times in life. Which is odd because I would consider myself a pretty positive and grateful person. I’d like to be able to write from a happier place sometimes.. Maybe that’s something I can work on. What keeps me motivated? Well, song writing is my release. When I go too long without writing I feel emotionally cluttered.
How has recently becoming a father altered or changed the way you go about your music?
One of my favorite musician/friends in Austin told me it would make me a better singer. I was skeptical at first but I think it has. I definitely feel and express things differently. It’s a wonderful AND terrifying world we live in.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new album? Creatively or otherwise?
We were trying to capture our music as effective and organic as possible (if that makes sense). We put a lot of effort into the songwriting, it was very important to us to not over produce anything. We tracked most the instruments live, which I hope created the vibe we were after.
What was the last song you listened to?
The Killers “when we were young”
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I wish I was cool enough to have a vinyl collection but unfortunately I’m a Spotify man. I love the sound of vinyl and have dreams of a collection someday. $40 Beatles records just aren’t in the budget unfortunately. Diapers and baby clothes come first these days.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
As mentioned above I do Spotify. It’s depressing what they pay the artists but you can’t beat the convenience. I guess that makes me part of the problem. I think my last check from them was around the $23 mark… Not exactly killing it.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
Hmmm, I don’t know where to start.. This might sound like the complaints of an unaccomplished songwriter but I believe we’re in the worst era to be a music creator ever. Few are making money. Music is considered free. You have to find a way to get people to shows. Which has it’s own challenges! Maybe the answer is to just write and create great music for yourself then hope it takes off!
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
Touring has taken a backseat with the baby at home. We perform around Austin, Texas. Hoping to get to Nashville in November.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
www.firstyearonearth.com or Facebook or instgram @firstyearonearth
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Thanks for taking the time to listen to First Year On Earth 🙂 we appreciate!
