Songwriter makes Austin his home, Cory Branan wants to get a feel for the citys "anything goes" music scene

Singer/Songwriter Cory Branan just moved to Austin after completing his two month tour, hitting the southern, mid-west, and east coast states playing songs from his two previously celebrated albums, "The Hell You Say" and "12 Songs."

Both of his previous albums were recorded in Memphis, and he plans to record his third, "Midtown," in Feb. in Memphis as well.

It would be easy to criticize someone who Rolling Stone magazine has compared to Ryan Adams, and Bright Eyes, but Cory Branan has carved his own niche and attracted a loyal following.

There is definitely a Buddy Holly influence present in the songs "I Met a Girl Named GO" and "She's My Rock' n' Roll", but mostly the songs on both albums are modern, southern anthems birthed from mid-life angst.

Branan is notorious for his songwriting, and his lyrics are smart. His writing is sincere and straight to the point, with a dark sense of humor.

"Need her like a crack-baby/ I can see her in the dark/ Came together so hard we broke each other's hearts," these are lyrics from "Love Song #8" off his album "The Hell You Say."

Branan was born in Southaven, Mississippi, but is well-traveled and he is anxious to get a feel for, in his words, the "anything goes" Austin music scene.

He cited Tom Waits and Robert Blye as writing influences but said, "really my influences change daily."

The singer/songwriter is charming, talkative, and carries his stage confidence with him, but he is still quite modest.

"Playing alone is easier to pay the bills. It's a weird time for music, everyone's touring and it's really competitive, but I love to play with other musicians. I get carried away," according to Branan when we spoke at Bouldin Creek coffee-shop.