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1.) We’re super-excited to be speaking today with country-pop artist extraordinaire, Austin; greetings and salutations, Austin! How have the dog days of the summer of ‘23 and this year been treating you?
Thank you for taking the time to chat with me! This summer, aside from some weekend lake days here in Nashville, I spent the majority of my time in the studio. It’s been an exciting process creating my sound and I can’t wait for people to hear it.
2.) Major congratulations on the upcoming release of your debut single, Way Too Much! Can you talk a little about what served as the inspiration for this remarkable gem of a tune?
I appreciate the kind words. Pop/punk music heavily influenced me growing up and I still find myself going back and listening to these bands to this day. I wanted to find ways to incorporate those elements into my music while still staying true to my country roots and I think we did that with Way Too Much. Who doesn’t love a good rocking heartbreak song?
3.) Who was your producer on Way Too Much, and what was the collaboration between artist and producer like in the studio?Matt Geroux has been my long time producer and good friend since I moved to Nashville in 2017. He’s also a writer on Way Too Much. When I came to him and explained the vision, he was all in and couldn’t wait to get started. He’s the best when it comes to pushing me vocally in the booth, always pulling the best out of me. He can drink anyone under the table too. Trust me, I’ve tried.
4.) How would you say Way Too Much differentiates from other music in the genre?
Way Too Much dives headfirst into the pop/punk feel while staying true to the country style lyrics unlike anything else in the country music scene I’ve heard. This song will cater to anyone who still has that inner emo in them, just like me.
5.) Who inspires you musically?
I fell in love with music after hearing ‘I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing’ by Aerosmith for the first time as a kid. I was hooked from that point on. But, Machine Gun Kelly is who showed me that regardless of what genre you start in, you can switch things up and still be authentically you. I take a lot of inspiration from that because while I have no plans of branching out genre wise, my sound is not the traditional country people might expect but this is who I am.
6.) You hail from the beautiful state of Kentucky! How do those roots inform you as an artist and as a person?
I take a lot of pride in coming from Western Kentucky. I grew up living that small town lifestyle you always think of with country music. I spent my time playing baseball, basketball, and riding four wheelers in the backyard with my brother. But my hometown is only an hour away from Nashville so I also made plenty of trips to Music City with my family and friends. I always knew I would call Nashville home, I just didn’t know when or how until I found music. I think being exposed to Nashville from such a young age because of where I’m from has helped me tremendously as an artist and staying true to myself.
7.) Can you give fans a hint or three as to what they can expect and look forward to next? Any larger projects in the works?Let’s just say this won’t be a one and done single from me. I might have another coming top of 2024. Oh, and maybe a handful more early spring?? Be on the lookout.
8.) As a respected singer and songwriter, which generally comes first for you – The lyrics or the music?
I’ve always been a melody guy. Singing is my first love so I tend to lean into the melodic side of songwriting more often than lyrics. But over the past few years I’ve made it a point to challenge myself on the lyrical side so I can be a more well rounded artist and writer. I believe my co-writer circle is some of the best lyricists in Nashville and we have similar musical tastes, so we compliment each other in writing rooms. We never write a bad song when we get together.
9.) At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a spin to your freshly-minted debut single Way Too Much?
I want listeners to hear Way Too Much and get a glimpse of where I’m at in this chapter of my career. I want people to hear the authenticity in the music because I have been envisioning this sound for my music for a while now and I can’t be more excited to finally show listeners what that vision is.
10.) Final question, a fun one: Favorite movie about the music scene – This Is Spinal Tap, Almost Famous, La Bamba, Walk the Line or That Thing You Do?
These are all classics, it’s hard to choose just one! But, I’d have to go with Almost Famous. I love being on the road and playing shows so this movie fits me. I still feel like I’m the kid just tagging along with the big dogs but every time I get a taste of the big stage, I’m always trying to get back to it. Regardless, I have the best job in the world and wouldn’t give it up for anything.
Pre-save “Way Too Much” here: https://cmdshft.ffm.to/waytoomuch
