Although Austin was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, United States, he grew up in Elk Grove Village, Illinois and attended Rolling Meadows High School. Austin attended the University of Cincinnati, but soon made his way to Urbana, Illinois, where he met future banjoist Dave Johnston. Receiving a request from Johnston to perform in his band The Bluegrassholes, Austin picked up the mandolin for the first time. After some time, Austin moved to Nederland, Colorado; Johnston, after seeking improvement in his playing ability, also moved to Nederland. While attending a club called the Verve, Austin met Adam Aijala and Ben Kaufmann, with whom he and Johnston would form the Yonder Mountain String Band.\n', '

In late 2013, Austin announced that he would be taking a leave of absence from Yonder due to the pending birth of his child. As of April 23, 2014, Austin was no longer a member of Yonder Mountain String Band. Citing creative differences and conflicting career goals, the band announced an amicable parting of ways.\n', '

Austin released his solo debut album on Yep Roc Records on February 10, 2015. The project, titled The Simple Truth, features the likes of Cody Dickinson, the Royal Horns, Todd Snider, Jennifer Hartswick, Brendan Bayliss and Sarah Siskind, as well as Jeff\'s touring band — Danny Barnes, Ross Martin, and Eric Thorin.\n', '

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