Rising R&B sensation Austin Brown talks about the pressure that comes along with being a part of music's royal family, the Jacksons, in the latest issue of Vogue Italia.

The singer/songwriter, who is still basking in the success of his acclaimed debut album, Highway 85, shows off his cutting-edge style in the photos and then opens up about why he elected to keep "Brown" in lieu of adopting the most famous surname in music.

"I chose to keep the surname of my father, instead of take possession of my mother's because I wanted to make clear from the outset the originality of my path," he said. "[When I was younger] I wanted to wear jackets with sequins and white gloves, but that was Michael, and there will never be another like him."

The BET Music Matters standout also spoke about how his musical style is different than anything out right now.

"My sound is soul, and R&B and '90s hip hop, but I'm also influenced by the Beach Boys, the Beatles and Miles Davis," he noted. I go from a piece influenced by hip hop pre-A Tribe Called Quest to the reflections on guitars inspired by the Beatles ("Highway to the Sky") and even disco music and jazz. My goal as a musician is to convey serenity," he added.

Austin has clearly come into his own, sound-wise, and as for the critics that think he's just living off of his heritage, the "Menage a Trois" singer has some words of advice.

"Listen to (my music), come and see me in concert with my band. Feel our funk and soul. Then decide."

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(Photo: Italian Vogue Magazine, October 2013)