Rising stars rock Austin Music Awards

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Wednesday night more than four thousand people packed in the Austin Music Hall for the unofficial kick-off of the SXSW music festival -- the Austin Music Awards. Among the local list of favorites performing, was a new band called the “Fireants” who are not even old enough to get into the bars yet. They took the stage alongside Bob Scheider.

The five-members have a bluegrass-rock vibe, and were out on Spring Break. Three of the members attend Westlake High School. The band has opened for Schneider before, but backstage before the show they were trying to remain calm.

“I'm trying not to think about it so that it's not nerve racking,” said guitarist Zeke Jarmon. He is the oldest of the group at 18. The only female of the group had her cowboy boots on and was ready to rock.

“It's incredible to be playing with someone that I used to sit there and listen to in my car,” said bass guitarist Rebecca Pledger.

Country music legend Dale Watson who was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame Wednesday night spoke highly of the teens' talent.

“It's not surprising to me to see young kids on stage putting out great music,” said Watson. “This town is used to it.”

Watson said he was reminded of the Los Lonely Boys getting their start at a young age in Austin. The Fireants have been together a year and a half. They can hardly believe the attention they have been getting, and hope their performance at the Austin Music Awards will help launch their budding music career.

Keyboard played Steven Campbell said, “Everyone who is in the music business is going to be here which will be exciting."