Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Andrews.
Hi Austin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started playing guitar when I was twelve or so, I was given lessons for Christmas one year and the guy giving the lessons was Jody Payne, who was Willie Nelson’s guitar player for a long long time. When he passed away I put it down for a while, but picked it back up towards the end of high school. I didn’t tell anybody though and just played for myself. I was terrified to play in front of anybody, but had some buddies make me do an open mic at the Flora Bama one night on vacation and I picked up a gig from that which slowly turned into more gigs. I lived in Memphis at the time and would travel to Orange Beach, where I’m from, to play some gigs. Then, eventually I started playing more in Tennessee and started writing more songs as well. I’ve also been lucky to have developed a few relationships with some older songwriters who have been an incredible help to pick their brain and get some guidance from time to time.
I eventually picked up some gigs in Nashville though and then made that move last summer! I love that there is always someone to write with over here!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say smooth necessarily, but I enjoy most aspects of traveling around, singing, playing, and talking to different kinds of folks. I think you have to really enjoy it to do it though, cause some parts are annoying such as getting double booked at a place, car trouble, voice being worn out when you have to sing/ singing when you’re worn out in general. For me though, the pros far outweigh the cons! Plus I can’t sit still for very long, so it’s good for me to have something different every day.
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 love writing country story songs. I tell people all the time that I’m not a sad person, but I love sad songs and writing them. They take a little longer to write, and I love writing a good sing along or feel good song too, but a story song that punches ya in the gut is what I feel most when I write and sing.
I don’t have any of them on streaming platforms yet, but I’m currently working on that so stay tuned!
What matters most to you? Why?
As far as what matters most to me in the music space I think staying true to what I like and feel, cause anything else feels a little inauthentic.
As far as outside of that, is friends and family. Which I know is a basic answer, but I’m very close with my family and I have real solid friends. I feel like we’re all good at supporting each other too, which is super helpful and keeps us pointed in mostly the right direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Austingraymusic.com
- Instagram: Austin_gray_music
- Facebook: Austin Gray
- Youtube: Austin Gray
