What is your name?
Austin Markham
What is your genre of music?
Pop/R&B
Give us a little bio about you.
Nashville-based 21-year-old pop/R&B artist Austin Markham has set out to become a role model of confidence, perseverance, and motivation through his debut in music this year. Markham is passionately and unapologetically himself; he crafts his music with the intention of empowering listeners to embrace their own identities and find strength after hardship. This intention translates into anthemic songs that make you want to sing, dance, and cry all at once. His music is a beacon of hope for anyone going through a hard time, and serves as a reminder that better times are ahead. Markham knows quite well how tough life can be, and he wants to help his listeners heal from their pain. He cares deeply for people and strives to leave a positive impact on those around him through his music. Alongside using his platform for music releases, Markham is actively involved with personal and community-driven efforts to better the world. For the last five years, Markham has participated in mission trips to Puerto Rico to aid underserved communities. Racial injustice has been an issue that has motivated Markham to support marginalized communities in any way he can – faith and equality are at the forefront of his values. Markham is fascinated by other cultures and loves traveling. Whether it’s a mission trip or just for leisure, exploring different cultures has enriched Markham’s life and allowed him to expand his world view, which is reflected in his lyricism and influential platform.
What made you go into music?
I have always had a love for music since I was 7 years old. I love how music makes us feel, it evokes so much emotion and that is exactly what inspired me to do music.
Who are your influences?
Justin Bieber, Chris Stapleton, PJ Morton, and Aretha Franklin are some of my favorite artists that I look to for inspiration. There isn’t a genre that I don’t find myself pulling from, I listen to everything and I can find inspiration in between multiple genres. But to be honest it is those around me that inspire me the most, those that aren’t on billboards or magazine covers, they inspire me.
Are you signed?
No, I am an independent artist working on my first project. I don’t have any released music prior to this project.
You released your single ‘Look At Me Now’, tell us more about the single.
This song really birthed out of nowhere, not knowing it was in me, we sat down and wrote it in two hours. Of course we had to finish the song but we made this song in such a short time because we grabbed onto something and it just worked. “Look At Me Now”, such a powerful statement, one I really wouldn’t say…and I think that is why this song means so much to me. It gives the listener the ability to say things they normally wouldn’t say.
What is the meaning behind the single?
To reflect on all you have persevered through, and celebrate the person you are today.
What was the writing and recording process like?
Very hard, before creating this new music I wouldn’t consider myself a songwriter. When I moved to Nashville back in January I hit the ground running and found myself in love with writing music.
Describe the track in two words.
Authentic. Bold.
Who did you work with on the single?
Producer- Sam Hart
Songwriter- Abby Malloy
Will we see a Music Video for the single and if so what can we expect from it?
Not planning on a music video for this first single, but maybe for another release soon!
Will we see an EP or Album and if so what can we expect?
Yes, my EP ‘Me’ will premiere on Friday, August 13th.
What else can we expect in 2021?
I will continue to introduce myself to the world, in whatever ways possible.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Touring and collaborating with my favorite creatives.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“If you aren’t yourself, you’ll always be second best.” -Wade Markham, my grandfather.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Bottled water
Ricola
Hot tea
My phone
Some candy for the sound engineer (I’ve quickly learned to make friends with your sound man)
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Michelle Markham
July 14, 2021 at 1:54 am
I love this artist!! I cant wait to hear more of his music!