The “Live Music Capital of the World” can boast many legendary and promising new musicians. But one of the city’s brightest gems is Latin roots rocker and troubadour Patricia Vonne, a soulful Texas musician with “a talent to melt the coldest heart,” according to The Sun. And that’s just one of many glowing reviews to her credit.

Since Vonne “started with three chords and took it from there,” she has released four stunning and critically acclaimed albums (a self-titled debut, “Guitars and Castanets,” “Firebird” and “Worth It”), and taken a number of successful tours – all the while building a huge following that expands well outside of Austin.

The 5’10” San Antonio native has also proven she’s a woman of many talents by successfully pursuing a modeling career in New York City prior to setting up shop in Austin, and dabbling in acting, with hits such as “Desperado,” “Spy Kids” and “Sin City” adding to her lengthening résumé.

And in a bit of a departure from the arts, she recently joined musician/realtor Don Harvey at his realty firm, Austin Music Realty, a division of Stanberry & Associates that’s geared toward music fans. Having known Harvey for more than 10 years, Vonne “jumped on board because I knew it was a terrific idea, and I know it’s a perfect fit. I am able to give back to the community.”

In other words, if you’re not already watching the sister of acclaimed director Robert Rodriguez, she’s one to add to your list. Whether you are just getting to know her or simply looking to catch up, here’s a little bit about Patricia Vonne in her own words:

Who are your primary influences, what made you decide to go into music and how did you select your genre?

I was greatly influenced by my brother’s record collection. My favorites were Johnny Reno and the Sax Maniacs, Cruzados and Lone Justice ... Maria McKee was the lead singer/songwriter of the cow-punk band Lone Justice, and when I saw her open for Tom Petty in my hometown of San Antonio, I freaked out. That moment was when I thought, “I want to rock out just like her!” She owned the stage and was wielding the guitar around like nobody’s business. Johnny Reno also lit the stage on fire, and his live shows always left an indelible mark. I wrote a song for him called “Sax Maniac” on my second album, “Guitars and Castanets,” paying homage to his music and inspiration. The Cruzados were from East LA – now known as Tito and Tarantula. Tito scored many of my brother’s films (“Desperado,” “From Dusk Till Dawn”), and I was fortunate to join him on a European tour as a member of his band. On my debut CD, I wrote a song called “El Cruzado,” also paying homage to his music. Tito was very influential to me when I decided to write my music because his music was bilingual, and I wanted mine to be, as well. What better way to preserve my heritage as a Mexican American than through music? My ancestors are from Mexico and Spain, so it’s very important to me to keep [my heritage] alive through my music.

What have your tours been like? 

Europe has been really good to us. We have toured Europe 19 times in eight years. We started going over three times a year, and the audiences are just so receptive to Texas music. They are fascinated by the musical legacy our state brings. They especially like the rock songs and the Spanish music, and they always take me up on my offer for free castanet lessons after the show. I always like to write while on the road, so I find it to be very inspirational. 

I know you released “Worth It” not too long ago, but do you have anything else in the works?

I have three new music videos available on my website – an animated music video and tribute to Joe Ely titled “Joe’s Gone Ridin.’” It took 17,000 drawings by artist Mike Shapiro to complete this masterpiece. “Cut From the Same Cloth” was filmed on location in Hamburg, Germany, while I was on tour [last] year, and the title track, “Worth It,” is my first big production where I had the pleasure of writing the storyline. My brother, Marcel Rodriguez, directed it, and we hired local actors, stuntmen and vampires! I also co-directed a music video for Rosie Flores for a song we wrote together called “This Cat’s in the Doghouse.”

Your brother, Robert, has directed several of your music videos, correct? 

Robert has directed three of my videos: “Sax Maniac” [and] “Won’t Fade Away,” and he co-directed “Traeme Paz” with my brother, Marcel. He has also co-written a few songs with me: “Severina” and “Guitarras y Castanuelas.”

Of all the places you could’ve gone after you decided to leave New York City, what attracted you to Austin?

I am a native Texan, and what better city to come to after New York City than Austin? It’s eclectic, bohemian, artsy, it’s a maverick town … and I was ready to come home. I wrote a song about Austin with Rosie Flores called “Austin Rocks.” It’s straight from the heart and all the reasons that make Austin a great place to live.

Vonne’s “Worth It” music video was accepted by this year’s SXSW Film Festival, and Vonne is scheduled to play the part of Sarah Fisher (the wife of John King Fisher) in “Gentlemen Gunfighters,” an upcoming film set to be directed by R. Christian Anderson.

When the New York Times describes Vonne as “much more than just a sweet face,” it’s no joke. With soul, passion and talent to match, as well as a genuine desire to keep her heritage alive through her music, this “beguiling storyteller” (as described by Harp) shows no signs of slowing down.

For more information about Vonne and her music, visit her online at www.patriciavonne.com. To learn more about Austin Music Realty, visit www.austinmusicrealty.com, and to learn more about “Gentlemen Gunfighters, visit www.ggunfighterfilm.com.