feature

Robert Dean is sober, home by eleven most nights, and still writes about the years he wasn’t. The author, reporter, and jack-of-all-trades commentator arrived in Austin after a lengthy stint in the gnarliest place in the United States – New Orleans. A place like Austin, despite its lingering issues, doesn’t even come close. Born in Chicago, Dean’s interests revolve around social issues, transgressive humorism, and an undying loyalty to the greats of hardcore punk and heavy metal. With roots in the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, and Jack Kerouac, the Midwestern raconteur immersed himself in a hard-living lifestyle to channel the antics of his literary heroes. Now, Dean has surrendered the bottle for the better part of two years. In his latest book, “Red Eye,” a collection of stories recounting world travels, drunken mistakes, and commentary about the best, and worst, parts of Austin, leads to a fulfilling life that leaves the barfly regrets behind – for good. We sat down with Robert Dean on 7th Street in downtown Austin to discuss his writing career, posting up in Austin, and the vices that come with them.