In the heart of Austin, Texas, a city pulsing with creative energy, musician Somebody Someone (they/them) is carving out a unique space in the music world. Since dropping their debut single “Better” last year, they’ve been on a meteoric rise, earning praise from outlets like American Songwriter, who called the track “riveting and spellbinding.” This momentum has propelled them into some of the industry’s most exciting opportunities, from NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest to a feature on the Telepathy Tapes podcast and an invitation to Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz’s Underwater Sunshine Festival in New York City.
Somebody Someone’s inclusion in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest On The Road Tour is a dream come true, especially since the tour stops in their hometown of Austin on June 27th. Performing at a sold-out show sponsored by KUTX at Mohawk, they’re thrilled to finally see their persistence pay off. “I submit every year not expecting much, but after nine years of entry, an official recognition in my home city is pretty damn cool,” they say with infectious enthusiasm.
Their connection to Tiny Desk runs deep. Former Tiny Desk chief Bob Boilen once raved about their earlier “Top Shelf” performance, saying, “This is a song I wish I wrote.” For Somebody Someone, Austin has been a musical proving ground. “It’s been like my own piecemealed grad school for music,” they reflect. “I’ve cut my teeth here, and I’m confident enough to say they’re razor sharp and ready to go! Everything feels like it’s lining up like a planetary event.”
As a neurodivergent artist, Somebody Someone is passionate about challenging stereotypes, especially in today’s fraught social and political climate where autism is often misunderstood or unfairly demonized. Their feature on Telepathy Tapes, a podcast exploring telepathic communication and autism, was a deeply validating experience. “I’m neurodivergent with several things in the mix,” they share. “This podcast has been so validating for so many reasons.”
They’re determined to shine a light on the contributions of autistic individuals, citing figures like Greta Thunberg, Temple Grandin, Satoshi Tajiri, and Naoki Higashida as examples of autistic excellence. “Most people presume incompetence when folks are labeled as such, but really autistic people are responsible for some massive social and artistic movements,” they assert. Through their music and platform, they’re pushing back against harmful myths with unapologetic pride.
The stars continue to align for Somebody Someone with an invitation to perform at Adam Duritz’s Underwater Sunshine Festival in New York City on November 21-22, 2025. Known for showcasing the brightest independent artists, the festival is a songwriter’s paradise, perfectly suited to Somebody Someone’s craft. “It’s a music lover’s festival with an emphasis on songwriting, which is exactly the kind of room I like being in,” they say.
Past festival performers include heavyweights like Fantastic Cat, Red Wanting Blue, and Stephen Kellogg, making this a significant milestone for the Austin artist. Duritz’s personal endorsement underscores the raw talent and emotional depth Somebody Someone brings to their work.
Hailing from Gulfport, Mississippi, Somebody Someone grew up in a music-loving household, soaking in their father’s record collection of The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and The Mamas & The Papas. They blended these classic harmonies with modern influences like Fiona Apple and Brandi Carlile, creating a sound that echoes the haunting lyricism of Marianne Faithfull, Aldous Harding, and Nick Drake.
Their musical journey began early, performing at weddings and local events by age 10 and even opening for Blake Shelton at the Crawfish Music Festival in 2007. After relocating to Austin, they dove headfirst into the city’s vibrant music scene, finding a home to hone their craft. The past year, however, marked a turning point. Navigating challenges with health, gender identity, and a deeper embrace of their neurodivergence—“I’m neuro-spicy,” they say with a grin—they rediscovered music as a true expression of their identity, not just a coping mechanism.
Amid this whirlwind of activity, Somebody Someone is hard at work on new music, channeling their experiences into songs that promise to resonate deeply. “I know we’re all feeling exhausted at the gestures broadly once again,” they say, acknowledging the collective weariness of our times. “I’ve got a new salve cooking up for the existential malaise we’re all feeling.”
With their razor-sharp talent, unapologetic authenticity, and a cosmic sense of timing, Somebody Someone is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music world. Keep an eye on this Austin star—they’re just getting started.
