Mark Austin, singer songwriter, studied for a PhD in Cultural Studies at Oxford Brookes, and has previously lectured in music and culture.  His music interests are very eclectic ranging from Philip Glass through to Joni Mitchel.  His playing however, is firmly rooted in the influences of John Martyn, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and Nick Drake.  He is currently working on a follow-up album to “Tales of a Black Rat” which was released in 2001 in aid of music therapy.