Strange Brew

“I WANT PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO HEAR ME THROUGH A WALL AND KNOW IT’S ME PLAYING”

JACKIE VENSON ISN’T afraid of technology. On Joy (Systematic), the Austin guitarist’s new album, she combines tones from a Moog synth and an Electro-Harmonix Synth9 pedal to create funky, futuristic-sounding songs with overdubbed guitars. When it comes to performing those tracks live, she’s happy to bring the tech, including a looper, to the fans. “I perform with samplers now,” Venson explains. “I load the samples and the stems from the actual record onto the sampler and use them live.”

Venson belongs to a new generation of artists who take a fearless attitude to songwriting and arranging. Her winning approach has connected with audiences at some of the most celebrated venues across the country and seen her open on tour for fellow Austin native Gary Clark Jr. She recently earned the title of Best Guitarist