Life & Work with Austin Burke of Nashville, Tennessee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Burke

Hi Austin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and country music was always a big part of my life. My parents raised me on artists like George Strait and Garth Brooks, and at age nine, I had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at a Diamondbacks game. That opportunity opened a lot of doors for me and I knew from a young age that music was what I wanted to do

It wasn’t until after college that I really decided to go all in. I moved to Nashville, waited tables at The Palm, and wrote songs every chance I got. In 2017, I released Whole Lot in Love, and that song changed everything — all because of a playlist. It took off on streaming, and suddenly, I had millions of people listening. That moment proved to me that this was possible.

Since then, I’ve been building this thing brick by brick—playing shows, connecting with fans, and writing songs that tell my story. I’m still just as hungry as I was when I started, and I’m grateful every day that I get to do what I love.

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?
Like any artist trying to make it in country music, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges and roadblocks. This industry isn’t easy, and there were plenty of times I questioned whether I was on the right path.

When I finally made the move back to Nashville, I had to start from scratch. I was waiting tables, grinding every day, and writing songs whenever I had the chance. There were a lot of late nights and times when it felt like nothing was working. Getting people to listen to my music, let alone take me seriously, was tough. I don’t have a record deal or a big team behind me—I was and still am just a guy with a guitar and a dream.

There are always hurdles—whether it’s the pressure to keep putting out hit songs, the ups and downs of the industry, or just the mental side of chasing something that’s never guaranteed. But at the end of the day, I remind myself why I started. The road hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has made me stronger and more determined to keep going.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m known for songs that connect with people in a real way. Whole Lot in Love was my breakout hit, and from there, I’ve continued to build a career through streaming, social media, and independent hustle. What sets me apart is that I’ve been able to grow this thing from the ground up without following the traditional route.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my family. My wife Lexy and our children are the center of everything I do and at the end of the day, that’s who I do it for.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this industry is that relationships are everything. Finding a mentor or building a strong network isn’t just about meeting the right people—it’s about building real connections and proving that you’re willing to put in the work.

For me, the best way to network has always been showing up. Whether that was going to writers’ rounds, playing any gig I could, or just being in the right rooms, I made sure I was around people who were doing what I wanted to do. Nashville is full of incredibly talented people, and the more you surround yourself with them, the more you learn.

That’s such a big reason why I wanted to create “Playlisted.” My life changed when John Marks added me to a playlist on Spotify and he truly became a mentor in my life — he even officiated my wedding! I hope that Playlist can help curate the next generation of talent and I can in turn become that mentor for someone else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.austinburkemusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playlistedpod/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlaylistedPod