Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Martin. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Born in Billings, MT, Austin spent half his life living on a ranch outside of Billings in the small town of Ryegate, where he learned to ride horses and work cattle after his parents’ divorce. Following his graduation from Billings Central Catholic High School, he attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Upper West Side Manhattan, where he honed in his songwriting and acting skills. Austin has recorded pop music, rap music and has recently gone back to his roots, recording country songs in Los Angeles with world-renowned guitarist and engineer Michael “Fish” Herring. Austin Martin has recently charted with his latest EP, “Smells Like Bad News” with Who TF Is Justin Time, and is looking to chart again with his upcoming album, Small Town Nights. Fellow musician, mentor, and friend, Overtime, has taken Austin under his wing and is showing him the ropes on how to be a successful independent artist; you can expect to see them on a stage near you.
Austin is the oldest of 6 children and grew up with a two-family life after the divorce of his parents when he was 8 months old. He was lucky enough to then have four loving parents after both Wendi and Kelly remarried when he was just 2 years old. Wendi married Dale and Kelly remarrying to Tanya. From there Austin would travel back and forth every other week from Billings to Ryegate where he learned hard work both in the cattle business and the music industry. Austin’s dad, Kelly, is a DJ and taught Austin a love for music at a very early age, studying all genres and styles. Austin’s step dad, Dale, is a cattle rancher and taught him hard work and the ins and outs of cattle. Both instilled in him the value of hard work and dedication in polar opposite fields, making Austin who he is today.
As Austin grew, sports became a major part of his life. He was a two-sport athlete playing baseball and football– which would become his primary sport. At the age of 16, Austin picked up a guitar and started becoming obsessed with playing, songwriting, and singing. He wrote and recorded his first real album by the age of 20 and continues to write and record today. At the age of 17 Austin was in a group called Cowboy Click where he and a group of other artists would record in his dad’s basement, print CDs, and sell them around the other high schools in Billings. After Austin graduated high school he had some tough decisions to make as far as work and school. Like any kid, he knew what his passions were but had to decide if he was going to continue to pursue his dream of becoming a professional musician or taking the safe route of working for his dad’s company. Austin worked for a couple of years, still playing music and writing until he decided to take the leap and audition for the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NY. After being accepted, he attended AMDA for two years until auditioning and breaking into the top 35 of 100,000 singers on the “Oxygen Network’s”, The Glee Project. That is where he met Michael “Fish” Herring who has worked with artists such as Prince, Tupac, Christina Aguilera, Frank Ocean, and many more. Austin and Fish continue to work together today and will soon release Austin’s debut country album titled Small Town Nights.
In 2016 Austin met another great producer, Jon Barnea (sixpointpros) where they wrote and recorded many pop albums together. Together they are best known for their song “These Eyes”. In 2017 Austin and Jon opened up for a big act, Overtime, in Miles City. It is here Austin would catch the ear of Overtime and begin touring with him. Shortly after that, Austin started featuring on Overtime’s songs and still does to this day.
Austin has found a group of hard working and dedicated fans across the U.S. who simply want something to relate to. His music has transformed from a pop/hip-hop sound to a more country/rock hip-hop style. If you have never seen Austin perform on stage, you are missing out! He brings an energy and style that is hard to match.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth ride but I think that’s what it is with this industry. A lot of lows with very few highs, but when there is a high there is no other feeling like it. I have struggled with alcohol in my past and made some decisions I’m not particularly proud of. I’m happy to say I’m living sober these days and not looking back. It’ also was a struggle at first to get my music out there. I have been recording and writing music for 9 years now and am just starting to make a career out of it. It takes persistence which luckily, I have.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer-songwriter out of Billings, Montana. I write country music and tour across the country. My last album was called “Small Town Nights” and I just finished recording my newest album (Name TBD). I am known for my “Elvis like” dance moves when I perform. I think this is one of the things that set me apart from others in my genre. I also add a touch of hip-hop to my country songs which sets me apart. I am most proud of my ep “Smells Like Bad News” which reached number one on the blues/country iTunes Charts for a couple of weeks. That was a cool accomplishment. Also I am proud of making the top 35 out of 100,000 on “The Glee Project”.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
It’s not what you know. It’s who you know. You will meet the right people over time. Also, persistence is key, you can’t go into this business halfway. Be professional and don’t party like a rockstar. That life is a slippery slope.
Contact Info:
- Website: Austinmartinmusic.com
- Instagram: Austinmartinradio
- Facebook: Austinmartinradio
- Youtube: AustinmartinTV
Image Credits
Selective Interest Group
Michael “Fish” Herring
