Austin-based Americana band The Traveling Ones delivers soulful harmonies and sentimental blues-rock in its debut album, Meet Me There. For release February 3, 2017, the all-original project is a collaborative effort from two solo artists who – more than capable apart – come together to create something truly special.

Raised on opposite coasts, artists Justin Ahmanson and Emily Villareal met in December 2014 at an Austin open mic event. They hit it off instantly and soon began sharing gigs around town. In January 2016, they officially became The Traveling Ones, adding Reed Jones on bass and Greg Henny on drums.

With shared influences that span decades and genres (Aretha Franklin, Norah Jones, The Black Crowes, The Beatles) the duo’s music is more about heart than labels or boundaries. Even so, it exhibits a consistently laid-back pattern of soulful blues-rock. “Like the sentimental ballads from Jason Isbell and Ryan Adams, the Traveling One’s style of Americana is rich in harmony and full of character,” wrote Tour Worthy of the couple’s unique, earthy sound.

A metaphor for the two artists’ meeting and subsequent partnership, Meet Me There is reflective of the “unexpected nature of life and how we adapt to it,” according to Justin. Highlights of the heavily co-written album include “You Only Have to Break My Heart,” “Yours Tonight,” and the poignant “Red Lights.”