With three decades of beloved music and a famous mural on the Drag, songwriter and artist Daniel Johnston’s influence on Austin and beyond is undeniable. After his sudden passing in September, a dozen musicians joined at the Mohawk to celebrate his life and remind everyone that “Some Things Last A Long Time.” 

In September 2019, Austin lost it’s very own Daniel Johnston, a singer-songwriter and visual artist behind the iconic “Hi, How Are You” mural. At the age of 58, Johnston passed away in his sleep while dealing with health issues close family said.

This is an enchanted place. No, I don’t mean really cool or fun or eclectic - it’s literally enchanted. Things happen here that don’t happen in the real world. Each member of the ORANGE Music Staff has experienced that pivotal moment that changed their lives forever. It’s a blessing and a curse, really. No matter how mind-bogglingly awesome our celebrity run-ins or community festival experiences may have been, we are now forever spoiled, fully aware of the depressing fact that no other city will ever match the serendipitous beauty of Austin.