Gritty hard country singer Chad Austin hails from Andice, TX, a town that, according to Austin, "had a general store in the 1880's with a sign that said 'Beer and Ice.' It was on a wooden plank and it weathered off until it just said, 'And Ice,' so that's how the community got its name." This kind of small town straightforward simplicity has transferred itself into his earthy persona and vocal style. Influenced by Marty Robbins, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, and other classic country stylists, Austin began playing piano and guitar at age 12. By the time he was in his teens, he was joining his father and uncles in the family band that played the Texas club circuit. In 1999, he signed with Asylum Records who released his debut album All My Dreams. His self-titled follow-up arrived in late 2000. ~ Zac Johnson