When it comes to modern-day singer-songwriters, Justin Osborne is becoming a fast-rising face in the musical realms of Americana, alt-country and indie-rock, his poignant words cutting through the white noise and endless distraction of a chaotic, digital world. 

Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Osborne is the founder and lead singer of Susto, a popular wild-n-out rock outfit whose core values remain quality songwriting, soaring vocals and a staggering stage presence. Though nowadays Osborne resides in Austin, Texas, Osborne finds his true home being onstage night after night, this sacred space of sound and scope — gratitude radiating in this shared interaction between a musician and their audience.

Catching up with The Smoky Mountain News while currently on tour, Osborne spoke at-length about his creative process, takeaways from his unrelenting musical journey thus far, and the power of what it means to step up to microphone and sing your truth with songs immortal.

The Smoky Mountain News: What do you see when you look in the rearview mirror at the road to the “here and now?”

Justin Osborne: I got into songwriting about age 12. Even though neither of my parents really played, we had a guitar that had belonged to my grandparents. And I started attempting to learn chords on it, mostly with the intent of writing songs. I learned a few cover songs, too. But, from the start, my main motivation was writing songs.

Since the self-titled Susto album was released [in 2014], I’ve been all in on making records and touring for a living. Luckily, I’ve had some really wonderful help along the way from folks around me, and folks who believe in me.

All this, plus stubbornness probably, has allowed me to keep doing it and create a living out of it. It’s a miracle when I think back on everything that got me to where I am today. I’m really grateful to be able to have this life, and to be able to perform and connect with people through songs so regularly.

My songs have taken me more places than I could’ve ever hoped or imagined, and they’ve given me a really special life. It’s hard to separate my life and experience from the act of writing songs, because it’s really all been tied into that for a long time and continues to be.

SMN: In the live realm, what does that space mean to you?

JO: Performing is like a ceremony. I don’t know how else to describe it. Especially after you’ve been on the road for a little bit and you’re in a rhythm. A lot of times it feels like an emotional and spiritual connection between a bunch of people. And even when it doesn’t quite get there, I think that’s always ultimately what you’re going for.

Over time, [live performance has] revealed itself to me as an important place for self-expression and connection. The traveling involved with performing can be a lot on me and my family, and that can make the whole thing seem like the wheels are going to fall off sometimes. But, once the performance begins, it’s possible to transcend and really get a lot out, through the songs. 

Sharing creative space with the folks I’m playing with, as well as the audience, is something I’m always looking for. It’s sacred to me, and I think it always has been. I’ve really come to appreciate it and trust it more as I’ve gotten older and my career has developed.

It’s also a space of self-discovery and growth, so that part of it keeps every performance feeling alive and unique.

SMN: What are the structures and templates you meander through in conjuring and cultivating a melody?

JO: There is no absolute formula for me. There are no rules. And I don’t ever try to force it. I mostly write when I’m feeling personally compelled to or when I’m asked to by someone I know.

When I engage in songwriting, I try to view it as a sacred ritual or practice, while also not taking it too seriously. I write some things alone, and some things with other people. I’ve pretty much tried every approach in the book that I know of. And I love all the different methods, because, ultimately, you’re writing a song.

Inspiration comes from everywhere. There’s nothing really off the table for songwriting in my opinion. In our house, we write a song about everything, from silly stuff with the kids, to making sense of the world’s chaos, to mourning the deaths of family members. Songwriting allows you to use any moment, any situation, to be creative and leave an artistic monument to what you witnessed, felt or thought.

When I’m really feeling inspired by something, sometimes a song will literally just fall out of me, like it’s pulled from thin air. I’ll just pick up a guitar, start to play and sing whatever comes to me, and like magic it’s there. The ability to do this, I’m sure is the result of many years honing my skills as a writer. And I haven’t always been able to do it, but it’s my favorite way of writing. Because, when it happens, it feels like I was “supposed” to write that song.

It’s like the song was just right there floating through time and space, and I just reached out and grabbed it. In those moments, I feel like the story was meant to be told, and I was meant to tell it — and that’s a powerful feeling.

Want to go?

As part of the “Salon Series,” singer-songwriter Justin Osborne will perform an intimate showcase at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at the Highlander Mountain House in downtown Highlands.

Admission is $39.19 per person. Other upcoming acts for the “Salon Series” will also include rising Americana/country act Holly Williams Aug. 28.

To note, there’s also live music by singer-songwriter Zorki from 1-3 p.m. every Saturday and a “Bluegrass Brunch” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Sunday.

For more information and/or to purchase a ticket, visit highlandermountainhouse.com or call 828.526.2590.