Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Austin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started writing songs in college while studying air traffic control. I put a couple of covers on YouTube and someone made a comment that I was good enough for Nashville….that was the spark and eventually I knew I had to move to Nashville and pursue music full-time!
When I got here I did odd jobs…spraying spiders for Martina McBride and Rhett Akins…building fences and hanging Christmas lights. One of my customers happened to be my now producer and co-writer – Jimmy Robbins and his wife. They heard some of my songs and offered me a pub deal. Crazy how things work sometimes! Sarah is my manager now and I continue to work with Jimmy producing and writing
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?
It hasn’t been easy that’s for sure. It took me 3 years of networking, playing writers’ rounds….working all day in a crawl space or attic…grabbing dinner, and then writing with a couple of buddies 7-midnight. That was just the tip of the iceberg though. Once I signed my deal it’s been just as hard to stay mentally in the game, stay motivated, come up with ideas, etc.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Country Singer/Songwriter. I have my own projects I’ve been putting out as an artist and then also writing songs for big artists…Tim McGraw has one of my songs that I’m really stoked for the world to hear! I’m proud my first cut is that song with Tim…he was a massive influence and the reason for my moving to town. I’m also really proud to have Josh Thompson featured on one of my songs!
I think my artistry really sets me apart. I just sound different than anyone in a country.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the energy the music brings to the city. Broadway, CMA fest, live music, sports, pedal taverns…we got it all. It’s really the one city in America that all my friends visit. I really can’t think of another city that we all have in common.
I’m not crazy about all the new buildings and traffic but it’s to be expected in a growing city.
Image Credits
Annie Loughead and Wales Toney
